Oh boy! I know it's been forever since I updated but it's been a whirlwind for the Van Deep in Troubles!
I have a lot to update so grab a drink.
Home Bound
After 14 days in ICU, 2 weeks in inpatient Rehab my sweet prince is now home. He came home on December 17th with plenty of time to be home for Christmas. This was a wish come true for Alexis. It was exactly one month of being in a hospital for Russ.
I believe I left off when Russ was being transferred to the rehabilitation hospital. The staff at the rehab are amazing but it's a ton of work for Russ. When he arrived he could barely move his right side. In just one week we could see a huge improvement and knew he was exactly where he needed to be. Each day he would have Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and then Speech Therapy. He had several types of Occupational therapy which would include learning how to dress and bath himself again. I was at the hospital everyday watching the progress. Some days were grueling to watch. You want to reach out and do it for him.
Overall I thought speech therapy was the toughest. Russ knows everything that is going on but his speech was affected and very slurred. Sometimes he would have a hard time finding the right words. I would sit during speech therapy and I could see the frustration on his face when going over words that normally would come so easy. For a man that is highly educated and very articulate it was hard to sit and listen to the therapist talk about stories with fluffy bunnies. Talk about planes, or how to fix a car and Russ would be all over it. Bunnies- not so much!
Both the physical and occupational therapists fell in love with Russ. He's had such a great attitude since the beginning and he is so motivated to get better. Everyday we could see progress. Just the slightest progress is something to celebrate. We are still doing that today.
Reality
That first day he came home was tough. Russ wants his independence and that is something he will not have for awhile. Walking in our home is a little harder than the rehab floors because our carpet is pretty thick. He doesn't have the ability to lift his toes up so this makes walking even harder when on our carpet. He always needs someone walking with him so he doesn't fall. He wants to get up and GO! I'm constantly in panic mode when we walk with the fear of him falling.
The big obstacle for Russ is his right arm. He has very little movement in the right arm currently. Being right handed makes this even harder. Actually Russ says, "this sucks!" The good news- he has movement in all of the muscle groups in that arm. Each day we see little improvements. We are waiting for his brain to reconnect with his right arm. Sounds so simple but watching him do his therapy is tough. Some days I have to walk away from therapy. I want it so bad for him I find myself crying and that is NOT helping.
Since being home we are trying to find a routine. We are very busy with Dr. appointments, outpatient therapy (at the same rehab institute) and then therapy at home. The kids join in to help Russ with his therapy at home. It's great for the kids because they can also see the progress. It's amazing how our time ZOOM's by each day. Once I would get the kids to school prior to Christmas break I would get Russ ready for the day and the rest was a blur.
The one thing about being home is being able to sit in his recliner and watch his fish tank. About 3 months ago he started a new hobby, a 150 gallon Saltwater tank. It's been awesome watching him build this tank. It's filled with all kinds of great fish, live rock and corals. It's now become my hobby and I had a quick crash course in Saltwater tanks. My brother has been a saint and also took a crash course and between the two of us we have maintained it. Now it's very therapeutic for Russ to sit and watch and I am glad it brings joy to his day regardless of the work involved.
Attitude:
When all of this first happened with Russ I titled that post, "Life Changes in an Instant…" and boy has our life changed. Although this event has been life changing, we have been so blessed from our family and friends. Honestly, it's overwhelming. He has an Army of prayer warriors and the best thing is watching the answers to all the prayers come true. We have faith Russ is going to recover. It's just going to take time. His road to recovery will be long but he is determined. He has the most positive attitude I've ever seen. It's inspiring not only to me but my kids as well.
Moving Forward:
I will tell you that I miss creating big time but I know I'm in the right place taking care of my family. I'm trying to figure out a way to get into my office a bit. Tonight I cleaned up the mess from the day all of this happened. It's sat just the way I left it 6 weeks ago. It's at least cleaned now but by the time I want to create I'm exhausted. Typically I create when everyone goes to bed. Lately I find myself in bed right with them. In fact, I started this blog entry last night and fell asleep at my desk. True story. The time will come when I can get back in the swing of things. Right now we're creating memories.
A Bit of Us:
One of the most memorable moments was on December 13th. My brother retired from the Navy. We've been planning for this big event for over a year. Earlier this year we were unsure we would make the event since the date was so close to Christmas and we had no idea we were moving. Once we found out we were moving to Pensacola there was no doubt we would make it. While Russ was in the hospital once again we didn't think Russ would make the retirement. It was devastating for both Russ and my brother. They have a fun relationship with their Navy careers. My brother is a chief in the Navy and had appointed Russ to salute him and his family out of the Navy. Since Russ was in the Rehab we begged the Dr to give him a pass that day. We had a friend come give him a haircut and got his uniform all spiffy for the event. He felt great and looked so handsome. Our dear friend Tami Muscha took pictures of the event. This is one of my favorite pictures because the big concern for Russ was not saluting with his right hand. It worked out perfect. He saluted with his left hand and so did my brother. Tears rolled down many faces that day.
Again, we thank you so much for all of your prayers.
XOXO
15 thoughts on “Overdue Update”
God Bless you and your family! We are praying for a speedy recovery for Russ and for comfort and patience for all of you!
I have been visiting your blog everyday to see if there was an update. Thank you for taking the time. God is good! Continued prayers for Russ' continued recovery and strength and patience for you and your family in his recovery.
Beautiful share from you today but a picture worth thousands of dollars; you sure can get a girl teary eyed, even in Canada! Best of 2014 for you & your family as new things will come to you
Thank you so much for taking the time to update everyone when there are so many other priorities in your life. I often think of your family and hope that things are improving for you and it appears as if there is slow and sure progress, which is great. Hugs.
This brings a tear to my eye. I can't tell you how worried I've been about you and your family. I've been checking your blog often, and I'm so very happy to hear from you and know that Russ is home. Also, I'm thrilled that he was able to make it home for Christmas. I will continue to pray for his recovery, and for all of you. Congratulations to your brother! Also, just want to let you know that I think you're amazing and have dealt with all this admirably!!!!
I just want to tell you how happy I am that you are all together and progress is being made. Your prince saluting your brother… man… I still have tears coming down my face. Beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. You are all an inspiration and I continue to pray for you all. God Bless you today and in the new year.
I have been visiting your blog for a few years now, and much so often recently to see if there was an update, thank you for taking the time. God works his wonders and is looking over you and your family!! Continued prayers for Russ for a speedy recovery and strength, courage and patience for you and your family in his recovery. Time is the essence, and I am sending you lots of positive energy to stay strong!! Hugs always! G
Just like the saying goes "a picture is worth a thousand words". What a beautiful, memorable photo of Russ saluting, with you right there to back him up. Congrats on ALL the progress that Russ has made; and all the help the family has and is providing to him. Keep up the GOOD (& hard) work!! So glad you posted; like others have said – I often check to see if you have updated. Welcome home Russ 😉
Amazing grace, amazing strength. Continued prayers.
Thank you so much for the update, Kimberly. I too have been watching your blog and am so happy to hear this good news! Thank you for the photo – so glad to see Russ standing, and you there by his side. Your are a wonderful wife, Kimberly. I continue to pray for all of you.
Thank you for the update. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers. So glad there is progress….one day at a time. Take time to enjoy those little moments. 🙂
Wishing all the Blessings of the New Year to be with you and your family. Thank you for all the sharing and updates on Russ… lets me know better how to pray…. much love to you all… Faith
Thanks for the update….been checking every day waiting patiently for one. Russ sure does clean up real nice in his uniform! I am SO glad that you guys got to do that with your brother. I know it meant the world to both of them and especially Russ as military life IS his life and being able to do something related is a blessing.
Make sure to take care of yourself so that you are able to be there for Russ and the kids….not easy to do, I know, but you gotta keep your strength up!
I have been praying for you and your family every day and am glad to hear that ALL the prayers you are getting are working.
Love to all,
Kathy in California
I know you all have been so busy, I've been checking your blog every day and was so happy to see this post and that everything is ok. WHEW 🙂 What a wonderful picture, that touched my heart reading that. That's so amazing that Russ is home and progressing. I'm sure he feels so much better being home. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to update us. 🙂
P.S. Congratulations to your brother. That is awesome. 🙂
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