Sunday, September 9, 2007

Bittersweet Moments

You will all be glad to hear that Kent is still making some progress. Little baby steps that don't seem like much but mean the world to us.

After we left today he tried to get people in the room to take off all of his medical gear. It started with the oxygen meter on his finger. Typical Kent, once he got someone to take that off he tried to get them to take some of his other tubes out. Sorry Bud, not gonna happen.

Mom was cleaning some goop out of his eyes he pushed Mom's out of the way. He then proceeded to pick up the washrag and wipe his own eyes. He got really frustrated that he couldn't talk. Later, when he was tired of sitting in his chair/bed thingy, he started to move the pillows and tried to move over to his bed by himself. He's had a big day and was exhausted. He went straight to sleep.

I'm sure for those of you who haven't seen or been with Kent it is really hard to understand exactly what stage he is in. Even for the people that have spent time with him we only have an inkling of what is to come. I don't want to dash anyones hopes or trivialize the progress that he has made but you need to know that he isn't back just yet. The hardest part is that we can see Kent and aspects of his personality in his eyes and in his actions. It seems as if he knows who people are and he knows that he isn't well. The most frustrating part for him, and even us, is that his body isn't cooperating with his mind. This will be hard for him in the coming weeks. Anyone who has spent any time with Kent knows that he can do anything that he puts his mind to. While we don't think that this will be any different it is going to be a long hard haul and he is going to need everyone's love and encouragement. With all of the good news we don't want to lead you to the conclusion that he'll be up walking around and cracking jokes tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that. However, we do want you to know that there is hope and lots of it. He's a tough kid.

Kent we love you and know you can do this!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work Kent! We know it is going to be a long hard road ahead but as long as you keep fighting and working you will make it! We are all so proud of you and so grateful to everyone who has been helping care for you. The whole family is in our thoughts and prayers all the time. We also constantly check the website every few hours to get updates. Tony and Janet and their family send all their thoughts and love and prayers as well. They spent the weekend in Tucson with Janet's sister and brother-in-law. He is still struggling a lot and has a long road ahead as well but they want you to know how much they love and care for you and all the family! Keep it up Kent!
Paul and LeAnn we love you so much and can't even imagine how hard this week has been for both of you. We all want you to know how much we love you and how proud we are of you and that we are praying daily for you to have the strength you need to make it though!
All our Love,
Stephanie Burch and family.

Anonymous said...

Kent, I'm so proud of you and all of the progress you have made. You're an amazingly strong person and I know you will overcome this obstacle just like any other obstacle in your life. You have moved and touched my life like no other, and I'm so proud of you. Get well soon! Love you!
-Ashley Nicole Salvador

Anonymous said...

Kent, just keep being your stubborn, hard working, and fun self and we know you will get through this. We know chicks dig scars but this might have been a little over the top this time.

Tracey and Ben, thank you for the awesome job you are doing updating all of us that are concerned for Kent and the rest of the family. You are all in our thoughts continually. May the Lord continue to bless and comfort all of you.

Love, The Blacks