Lots of air...on his own!!

I had a wonderful week with Dustin. He still has some ups and downs (but don't we all) but we went outside everyday for an hour and kept busy with therapy. His wound has really healed and they put a piece of pig intestine (they were trying to think of a better way to tell me) in the wound as a matrix. I called it "swinal tissue which if you werent' suspecting pig, you probably would not notice.It is mostly collagen ,which I learned in my continuing education course I am taking in the motel when I visit for the past 5 months, is stronger than steel!! The new cells form and grow on top of the matix to become a strong skin for him to sit on.

He was placed on the "gent??" which is forced air and no mechanical vent to help him breath. When he talked he sounded a little raspy and gaspy. That lasted one day and today I called him and he is really talking well and I am thinking ,OK, he is getting used to talking with the "gent". Well no, it is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better that that! He says "mom, I have had the red cap on since 9am and been talking all day. Now you have to understand, the red cap is basically totally normal breathing. They take a red cap and stick it over the trach opening in his neck. Normally weaning from the vent is very difficult but here at 8pm he had had it on all day and had 2 sets of visitors to boot, thus much talking as well. Now this is the day of victory and celebration.

He also will get a temporary wheelchair tomorrow since he has been cleared to sit up for an hour a day. It will have a chin joy stick to manuever around and will soon get to go to the gym. They will continue to assess him for pressure areas and abilities before customizing him a wheelchair.

Today my friend from Naples came to visit him. We always called her the "Naples mom". Later , Nerina and her whole family came to visit and took him outside. He is still a little lightheaded sitting up but he said he did a lot better. It is like when he sat really straight up when he got his his first haircut in 6 months a few days ago and he said "I'm blacking out , but it is worth it!" That's Dustin for you. Once he makes up his mind for something, nothing will stop him. Somtimes it takes him a while to make up his mind but now it is full force ahead. The other day he said "I'm gonna walk". Now, both of my boys stubborn as they are/were, when they make up their mind you might as well throw in the towel if you have different thoughts because they are going to get there no matter what.

Dustin was also excited about his Walmart clothes and we have to admit he did look really good after VA hospital gowns for 5 months. He was a bit funny to bring home your new clothes, cut out the tags and then take your scissors and cut straight up the back. This makes it much easier and less painful for him since he continue to have days of bad shoulder and neck and head pain. (please pray on this area).

We both are really blessed to have met a new guy on his wing and his mother and who has that same hilarious sense of humor. While one was saying "I miss my hands", the other is saying well "minimal traumatic brain injury can be fun". Watch out for your next TV series, it may sound vaguely familiar!!

I came home to see that my chickens doubled in size. I wondered if Rick slipped them some steriods, they had grown so fast. They eat out of my hand and a few of them like me to hold them. I will be getting 12 more baby chicks in a few weeks. Once the intense rain quits here, I will get busy in my garden. I have peas coming up, and kale and collards still growing from the winter. The onions, lettuce and radishes are already in as well. I am so excited for the time ahead. It will be like everytime we see Dustin, will be like seeing my chicks!! Oh my gosh, look how big, how much progress, how great!!!

I am very grateful to God for His faithfulness. Yes, I moved back and forth in a little fear, doubt and unbelief etc but He never moved. I am getting some real revelation on that. I believe He will make up for any time lost in Augusta.

Thanks to all of you who send birthday cards for Dustin's March 26 birthday. Even though he may not know you, he will be amazed at all those from so many places who actually have been there for him. Your support, encouragement and prayers are priceless to us all. God has heard every prayer and the answers are coming forth. Thank you for your faithfulness!!


love
mary pat