Mike's Birthday

Mike's birthday was August 26. On August 31, Mike's Mom, his brother's family (Mark, Jenney, Maggie, Sam), Keegan, Amy and I all met in Blacksburg at the municipal park (aka Caboose Park) to celebrate Mike. Two of the staff members at Neuro-Restorative brought Mike out to the park once we were all set up. At first Mike just walked around in the shelter not saying anything. I fixed him a plate of food and eventually he sat down, but the answer to every question was "no". He would push his plate away, but if we put food on his fork he would open his mouth and eat it. After eating, the group went over to the caboose and swings.  He enjoyed getting up on the caboose, turning the brake wheel, and saying "woo, woo". While cute, it is also heartbreaking because at 57 years old he is so child-like. Later he got on a large plastic chair swing and they said he had a huge smile on his face.  I had gone back to the pavilion so missed that. Even though he never called anyone by name, it was obvious that he enjoyed the day. Whether it was because we seemed familiar or just because it was outside with lots of people, we'll never know.

When asked if he was ready to open gifts, he said "no". We waited a while and then tried again - "no". So I opened them and gave them to him. Hugh and Tracey sent him a pair of shorts that are OSU colors and he wanted to immediately put them on, so we just pulled them up over his other shorts. Mom R. gave him an OSU t-shirt and socks and I threw in a VT football - I mean he is in Blacksburg after all! Mark & Jenney gave him a bag of paper, pens, markers, etc. and he received fun cards. Later, my cousin, Keleigh, who is a photographer on the side, came to take some pictures for us. About that time, it started to thunder and the clouds were rolling in. We were able to get some photos, but Mike was becoming increasingly concerned about the approaching storm and wanted to leave. So the staff and Mike headed back to NR, we took a few more pictures, and then packed up our picnic. Mark and family headed back to Ohio and the rest of us headed to our hotel. These are my amateur pics, will post the professional ones when I get them.

Mike really enjoyed the caboose at the park.
Woo! Woo!

Mom R. and Amy enjoying the day.

Mike with his new OSU-colors shorts on
and tossing his new VT football with Keegan.

A beautiful, hot day to celebrate Mike's birthday.

Mom R., Keegan, Amy and I had a light supper in downtown Blacksburg at The Cellar Restaurant. Was such a nice evening after the thunder storm and we enjoyed sitting outside watching all the Hokie fans go by. Amy is having to be a bit careful about what she eats now, since it doesn't all agree with the baby. That's right!  Mike and I are going to be grandparents in April 2014! So exciting! She is doing well, just keeps crackers or dry cereal handy. Please keep them in your prayers. Here is a link to Keegan's blog telling about all the changes in their lives.

http://youareyoutruerthantrue.blogspot.com/2013/09/changes.html

When I told Mike he was going to be a grandfather, it didn't seem to register. Then a few minutes later he said "I'm a proud parent." :-)

Keegan and Amy left early Sunday morning headed to Raleigh to their previous church and a wedding that afternoon. Mom and I had breakfast and then went to see Mike. It was not one of his good days. We had some chaos at the very start where Mike grabbed a staff member and would not let go. This caused two other residents to get upset, and Mike fell. He was OK. I'm sure the staff member probably still has a bruise. We finally got outside to take a walk with him repeating a strange phrase. I started to sing hymns and encouraged him to sing with me. Thankfully he did join in and we sang several hymns as we walked.  Such a precious time. It was lunchtime when we returned and Mom R and I wanted to get on the road headed to Ohio. Mike became very clinging with me. He pushed his Mom away and grabbed me. I stayed with him so he would eat. It's hard to know if he really knew who I was or if he was just clinging to me because I had been with him. One day when I was there he kept grabbing a staff member named Mike, and saying "I choose you." He has a very strong grip and we have to pry his fingers off. He had grabbed and squeezed my right hand so hard, that it ached for the rest of the day. I had to sneak away a while later and have no idea what the staff had to deal with once I was gone.  The other Mike was there with him so he probably settled on down. Mike is very good with him.

I am still in Ohio.  It has been a real blessing to meet some of the folks here who have been supporting Mom R. and us through prayers and encouragement. Always nice to put a face with a name. Is hard to believe it has been almost 2 years since I've been in Ohio. Mom R. has moved and now I can picture her in her new place also. We've taken care of some errands for her, enjoyed eating out, movies (at home), meals with Mark's family, watching Sam play football & Maggie play field hockey, and I'm getting some of my paperwork done, as well. As a family, we met concerning the next steps for Mike and it helps me so much to have their wisdom, support, ideas and encouragement. 

Here are some specific prayer points:

1.  It is currently 11:00 a.m. and the Guardian Ad Litem should be arriving in Blacksburg to speak with Mike and the staff there at any minute. The Guardianship hearing has been set for September 18 in Richmond Circuit Court. God's will be done.

2. Mike is scheduled for an MRI this Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Was supposed to be last week, but he was too agitated. They will give him a Xanax prior this time and hope that will be enough to calm him and help him be still. I'm trying not to doubt and be tossed like a wave on the sea. Pray he will be able to lie still and this MRI can be completed.  This is for prognosis, comparison, and the possibility that he has normal pressure hydrocephalus. We are praying that he does, because this is treatable and may help with his gait and incontinence. Please join us in this prayer.

3. I have appealed BCBS's decision to stop coverage when Mike was in Tucker Psych. Pavilion. They did not cover the last two weeks he was there.  Please pray we receive a favorable reply from the appeal.

4. I am starting the search for a long-term facility and need to start the process to get Mike on Medicaid. Please pray for God's leading in all of this and that it will go smoothly without too much frustration and phone tag. Pray the facility is close to home so I can be involved with him and his care more easily and regularly. Pray for God's timing regarding the eventual transition for Mike.

5. Continue to pray for a Miracle of healing in Mike! I pray for Mike's healing all the time and, to be honest, I ask God if that means here on this earth or perfect healing at home with the Lord, I leave that in His hands. It is so hard to think of Mike like this for years to come, but I pray for strength to accept that also, if it is God's will. Then there could be an in-between that many with brain injury live with every day. Only God knows and I will trust Him and believe that He will give us strength for whatever the future holds.