Jason on CBS

As Lisa Noble-Rennick commented here you can view the CBS video Returning From A War Zone online. Jason was a major portion of the three minute video clip. I saved it (don't try this at home--it took me three hours and one of my consultants said it couldn't be done) on my website for archival purposes. That will be a bit slow so while it's available you should view the CBS version.

Getting Ready to Party on Capital Hill

Today was a very busy day as Jason was to attend the State of the Union speech this evening.
We both spent time on the phones, Jason with the staff at WR and Rep Jan Shakowsky coordinating his travel to and from Capital Hill and my calling the PX's to see if we could purchase a shirt and shoes if necessary. By noon the only thing we needed were black dress socks to complete the uniform. Thanks again to Dow in Chicago, Steve in HInesville, Ga. and Lisa in Florida in getting all the "puzzle pieces of Jason's uniform" to WR in time!! I headed to Silver Springs to purchase the socks and to get Jason a Jamba Juice "to see him through the day." Travel times were changed and Jason was to leave WR at 3 PM and return after 11 PM. A very long day it was to be, indeed.

In PT Kyla kindly cut the scab still caught in Jason's hair from his scalp and reduced the remaining scab to about an inch. Jason proposed to OT that they use the pinning of badges and decorations to his uniform as his OT this morning. John Veldoni helped with hand sewing and machine sewing. John said he "won a ribbon for volley ball" in ROTC as he busily sewed on patches. A number of the staff participated in the final preparations of Jason's full dress greens. (I took pictures and hopefully will be soon on the blog. You will see the number of items that had to placed on Jason's uniform.) Some of these decorations Jason will only wear tonight as he will be relieved of his command and will no longer have the right to wear them on the uniform. I would like to thank all the staff today, in OT and PT especially who helped Jason prepare for "night out at the capital" He couldn't have done it without you. Blessings to all of Jason's friends in the therapeutic community.

Prior to coming back to the room, Jason stopped for a haircut. He said he told the barber, " a fade" Jason says the result should have been much longer than what he got. Shaved all around with some hair at the top of his head. Jason was happy with the length of his hair and was a little put out by the barber. His only consolation is that it will grow back! But John Veldoni who had been after Jason to get his hair cut for some time was ecstatic when he saw it! I was thinking that John was getting rather neurotic on the length of Jason's hair, it in no way being long in my thinking. (I do remember the '60's when long hair was long hair.)

After lunch it was time for a shower for Jason and to get dressed. Jason did fit a little quiet time in to read some of his novel. I felt proud and humbled as I helped Jason dress for this special evening. I can never remember helping him put on a tie before. I wish each of you could have been there to see him. I told Jason "You are a very important guest this evening." I hope the people of America who see him tonight will honor his courage and sacrifice for this country. America owes our veterans everything, they have given so much for this country. For me, Jason is the most important man in the room as he listens to the President.

As Jason walked the halls of WR in his full dress uniform all the staff smiled, a couple of soldiers recognizing the "tanker" insignia stopped and introduced themselves to Jason. Tankers are a special group of soldiers and very much identify with their unit. My heart is so torn, to see Jason in uniform knowing he is proud to serve his country in the army and knowing Jason will never be able to serve again as he has done. Another loss for Jason. I walked Jason to the front door, first floor of WR to catch the bus and headed to the room to take on the chores of the afternoon.

Jason on TV
I did watch the CBS evening news and there was Jason in his interview. CBS did an excellent job of showing PT at WR and Jason working out in OT. Jason was using his right arm to unload the dishwasher. CBS ended the clip with Jason working out on a machine, exercising his upper body. "Very well done" to Mary Walsh, Producer of CBS news who wrote in her email to me, "Jason is an amazing young man." It was so good to see Jason working hard in his therapy. I Hope a number of you were able to see him also.

Let us see if a camera finds Jason during the State of the Union tonight . I watched the President and switched channels. However, I found the same photo coverage on almost all the channels, maybe few cameras permitted in the hall. Very limited views of the gallery attendees so I did not see Jason. I hope he enjoyed the evening and will let us know his experiences.

Surgery:
Please pray that the free floating bone in Jason's tissues stops forming and dissolves. The ortho MD's are talking of surgery to remove the excess bone from his buttock region. they are creating a model from the cat scan that was done. The surgery has risks as the sciatica nerve runs down the right side of the body and could be injured during the "all day surgery." In your good thoughts and prayers visualize this excess bone dissolving and the "bridging bone" in Jason's left arm dissolving also.

JASON ON TV TODAY--- Possibly TWICE

Dear friends and family,

Please pass the word by mouth, email, phone, carrier pigeon, etc.

You have two opportunities to see Jason today.
1. CBS will air their interview with Jason tonight during the evening news. Believe it is 5:30 Chicago time, 6:30 DC time.

2. Put Jason on the bus to the Capitol at 3PM. Hopefully some of you will catch him sitting in the gallery. He is in full uniform and very handsome. He will be wearing wire rim glasses. I feel like switching channels all night to see if I can catch him Give me a call or email and let me know Katyscott@rcn.com.

If you see him both venues check his hair. You will see it long on CBS and very short tonight. He went to the Post barber....he was upset, but it will grow back!

Jason and Mom Select a Book to Read

This was a perfect spring day in DC except it IS supposed to be January.
The sky was blue and near 60 degrees, I believe, with sunshine all around till late in the afternoon.
Today was a busy day for Jason and I.

Lisa was to leave at 11:30 so she spent her morning with Jason in PT and OT while I attended the mandatory family meeting here at Mologne for "role taking." The sergeant said he revoked twelve orders last week because persons did not come to the meeting and sign in the "role call sheet." I am paid $61 a day to cover food costs while at Jason's bedside. After Jason moves to the Mologne House this week, I will become the
"non medical attendant" because Jason needs help with the Activities of Daily Living and is facing more surgery.

OT was interesting and a challenge for Jason as John threw dried(not cooked) macaroni on the floor. Jason wearing his prosthetic arm had to sweep the mess up. Jason did a good job sweeping according to Lisa. John would like Jason to wear the prosthetic arm longer each day working up to 8 hours. In PT Kyla was off so Jason ran his own program of workout-bridges for his glutes, crunches, leg lifts, and oblique workout.

After Jason ate a little lunch and read his latest novel. We were both busy chasing items he needs to be in full dress uniform for the State of the Union message on Tuesday. Jason said, "This is an historical event as the Constitution requires the President to give this report each year and I would like to be there." Thanks to Rep. Jan Shakowsky from IL Jason will be able to attend. WR will provide the transportation for Jason and, I understand, a couple of more soldier patients to attend the President's speech. Look for Jason in the gallery of Congress. They have to leave WR at 4:30 and the speech doesn't start until 9 PM. Jason understands that he won't be back till around 11:30. (Makes for a long evening for a soldier patient with wounded buttocks. I hope he can do it, he doesn't have any bottom padding!) My understanding is Jason will go to Jan's office and wait there until 8PM when the doors open for seating. Each member of Congress is given only one ticket so Jason is very specially blessed to be chosen to attend. Today, Jason received his badges and insignia from Ft. Stewart sent by a soldier friend Spence Burnett. He also received his dress greens from Chicago from his dad. Tomorrow, Jason should get his shoes and dress shirt from FL so literally, the "pieces of his uniform are coming together." The paperwork has not been processed so Jason will not be able to wear his Purple heart as it has not yet been presented to him.

Jason decided to skip afternoon PT/OT and walk to Silver Spring of which he says "I like to walk." I marvel at Jason's being here and being able to walk; it feels so good to greet him as he comes N on Georgia Ave. I drove the van and parked in Silver Spring then walked S and met him. Jason timed himself and made the walk in 45 minutes and is thinking about how he can walk the "round trip." As we walked to SS we planned the outing, both Jason and I are MBTI Perceivers, that is we like to hang loose and just let it happen. But eventually, one does have to plan so:

1. We checked out the movies and Jason has seen almost all of them. Big Momma 2 fit our time schedule so in we went and both of us wound up laughing out loud. Jason liked the part where Big Momma gets the chiwouwa (sp) drunk on tequila. I liked the part where Big Momma was____in Ten on the beach. What a spoof.
2. Then it was into Borders to decide on a "joint book" to read. Lisa had been talking about Jason and I being roommates and how was that going to work? I thought a common activity could be to read a book and discuss it. We flipped a coin and Jason won with "See No Evil" the story of the agent, Robert Baer "which suggested the movie "Syriana" " As I always read the book ending first to see if I would like it; Baer ends his book with, "Shouldn't we be pulling from the roots the people who hit us on September 11 rather than going after the Gulf's bogeyman? It seems to me it's always the evil we refuse to see that does us the greatest harm." afterwards, September 10, 2002.
3. We ate at the Noodle Bowl, Jason says their portions are the right size. He had noodles and steak and a soda. Jason couldn't taste my root beer, but said he could smell the city smells as he walked up Georgia and they weren't pleasant. So I am not sure what that indicates for his nerves and senses.
4. Finally Jason couldn't resist a sale of movies at Hollywood, 3 for $25, sorry can't tell you the movies names. But one was about "Mr Smith"

We really had a nice time together this afternoon. Let us be thankful for walking, eating, laughing at a funny movie, reading good books and sharing the warm days together. Truly a blessing and may you be blessed this day.

Sunday in the City

We all slept in as Jason did not need to get up this morning. In fact as the morning worked out he skipped PT again... His choice. Lisa and I got there about 8:30 and it was time for Jason to take a shower while Lisa chased the Sunday Wash. Post, Jason enjoyed reading the Sunday comics. Jason began to read his latest Sci-fi novel and Lisa and I began to clean and pack his room. Not quite sure when he was going to Mologne, but we know it will be early this week. Lisa has been a Godsend as usual, the right woman to organize a move and with all the items Jason has received, it IS a move. We spent about 2 hours on the room and headed off to Liturgy in the WR chapel at 11.

After it was time to eat a quick lunch, Jason skipped his because he was talking to Jodi, and then discuss the rest of the day. Lisa was up for a trip to the Spy Museum, a video and having Jason go to Mologne to do a Pre-move sort of items there. She was to get one of the items. We headed off to the Spy Museum, only 4 years old and found that we were 0n a parking lot called Georgia Ave. Patrice called us on her cell to warn us because this is the start of the Chinese New Year and Georgia Ave. is at the Gate of Chinatown in DC. Plus we went by a DC center where we think the DC auto show was taking place. I think it took us close to an hour to go the five miles. Poor Jason was stiff by the time we got there. The museum held fascinating facts and history for Lisa and I but Jason has done so much reading in the area, he felt it didn't cover what he had learned about spying. Jason said it had good coverage of intelligence work, the kind Jodi and Dan do-that is look at gathered data and interpret/analyze what they see. I recommend it for the "spy buffs" out there, but definitely not for young children. It is historical and takes a lot of reading time. I learned George Washington "could not tell a lie," but ran a very excellent spy ring according to the British. Julia Child and Edgar Allen Poe were spies. Mata Hara was executed even though she was very incompetent as a spy! They have a very neat store but we had no time to shop as Jason needed to get back to the hospital for a check in.

Jason met a new patient via one of the RN's who asked if we wouldn't mind picking up steak dinners from the Outback Steakhouse about 10 miles N on Georgia Ave. He was injured in an Iraqi jail break a while back and came to WR because of nerve damage in his leg. We had never been to this restaurant and I was afraid that we would get lost as we went and went and went out of the city. Stopped twice to check directions, first time "no idea," but the second time at a 7-11 a customer, obviously a regular, at Outback knew exactly where it was.
We ordered our dinners; two steaks for Lisa and Jason and "two to go." It was so good to be with Jason and Lisa and we chatted about the day and what we had seen and Lisa's family. We dropped Jason off at the front door of WR with Lisa taking the dinners up to the sergeant and his wife.

My heart stopped:
When I was walking Jason back today; soldiers and gurneys were in the lobby. We asked what was happening and "we're expecting soldiers" was the answer. My heart clenched as the bus drove up and began to unload the soldiers, Lisa waiting in the car told us what she saw. Jason and I saw the last two soldiers come into the building. The scene brought the first moments of my arrival at Jason's bedside back into my feelings as I watched the family member meet her own soldier. Jason said, "This is what is was like for Dan when I arrived by ambulance." I was overwhelmed and later when alone I cried again asking God to bless these soldiers and their families. May God be with them all and hold them close in a holy healing embrace. May God hold Jason close in a holy, healing embrace.

Request for prayer:
My brother Chuck (69) is in Atlanta awaiting a possible angioplasty or surgery tomorrow. Please pray for his heart health and his health. He has never been married, no children so he is alone this evening and during this procedure.

From Lisa:

When the doctor came in for a check on how things were going, Jason said all was fine and made mention of how he was just waiting for the appointments to come that involve his future surgeries. In a week he will be meeting with the eye surgeon to reposition the eye for cosmetic purposes. And the end of the month will be with the arm surgeon to discuss the surgery for the left arm. Remember that the bones were healing together not allowing for full range of motion. He has about a month before they decide to do surgery to break apart these bones.

After Jason was turned down to attend the State of the Union Address, my mom contacted Rep. Jan Shakowsky and Sen. Dick Durban of Illinois. They are working together to get Jason a seat that night. So if you are watching, look for Jason in the gallery!

I asked Jason what he wants to do while he is here and he said he would see what comes up. So if anyone sees anything fun/interesting to do while in DC, send my mom an email or give Jason a call.

Jason Gets Sick

Addendum for Friday:
Talking to Jason today we found out that he and Gary and April and kids headed downtown. When they got in front of Aerospace museum, they found an open parking space-if you have been on the mall you know they are almost impossible to find. (I say an angel provided one) So Jason and friends got to go into the museum and headed for a IMAX movie called "Flight" Jason was most impressed with all the mechanics that are assigned to keep the planes flying. After they went out to eat at a new Brazilian restaurant in DC. The meals are served by men carrying skewers of cooked meat and for one price you can keep on eating and eating. Jason said the meat was flavorful.

Saturday:
I think that Jason wore himself out with his 12 hours off campus-to reception and out with friends. He thinks it was the new meds given to him to slow the bone growth in his left arm and muscle tissue (for next two weeks). Jason woke up with an upset stomach and super tired. Lisa and I arrived about 9 AM and Jason was looking punky. We talked for a while about the plans for the day with its absolutely beautiful weather of blue sky and 58 degrees. Jason admitted he didn't feel well and was very tired. He said, "Let me sleep and come back at 1 PM" So....Lisa and I headed for Mologne House and walked the wonderful exercise track of recycled tires. We met Pat and Carolyn who were with us in the VIP quarters shortly after their arrival. They are very concerned about the spouse of the patient now in our old apartment. She is 88 and is very disoriented. Carolyn reported the situation to the Commander and hopefully companionship will be provided for her. Sure would hate to have her wander out to Georgia Ave... We had good conversation while we hiked our 2 miles.

We returned to Jason's room at 1 and found him awake and ready to walk to Silver Spring to see a movie and eat. I drove the van and parked it in the Silver Spring garage while Jason and Lisa walked N on Georgia in the warm sun, second 2 miles for Lisa. Jason was ready to take off his coat and I found them drinking slurpees as they walked. Didn't time them today but Jason felt "We made good time." Then it was off to the movies-times, their times making the decision for us. The New World was showing so we watched the story of Pocahontas. Lisa and Jason said, "too slow" but I enjoyed the many minutes of the scenes of nature being in the hospital/city setting for the last 14 weeks. Music, green above and water and birds over head soothed my soul. After the movie, Patrice our friend from the Red Cross joined us for dinner at the Macaroni Grill in Silver Spring. Knowing Jason wanted to call Jodi at 9 we called it a day at 8:30 and dropped Jason off at the front of the hospital.


FROM LISA:

Hello all! Just wanted to let you know that we belive that the news Jason should be on next week is at 6:30 pm EST on CBS. I don't get that at my house so if anyone is taping - let me know. Thanks!

Since Jason took it easy this morning, one of the things my mom and I did was to go to the WR Health and Medicine museum. The newest exhibit is about the heart and veins and arteries. There was also pictures of putting in a stent. Having never seen that before, we found it interesting. There were pictures and medical items from the civil war, fetuses and an area that showed normal body parts as well as what happens when different diseases occur.

Jason looks better every time I visit! It has been three and a half months now and it's so good to see how far he has come and it's good to know that there is still progress to be made.

Martha Retires/Lisa arrives for a visit

Today was a big day for Col Martha Turner who retired after 30 years in the US Air Force.
I arrived at Jason's room at the regular time, 7:30 AM and found him awake and ready to start his very busy day. I needed to run to the dining hall, because for the first time, the kitchen gave Jason "strawberry cream cheese spread." "Mom, can you get me regular cream cheese?" I picked up a serving of bacon and cream cheese for the soldier patient. After breakfast it was time to get dressed in the army BDU's including tanker boots. RN Dana Brown and I, both non-military, had a dickens figuring out the long "belt" that is wrapped around the calf high boot. By 8:30 it was time to "hit the road" in the rented mini-van and head for Bethesda. Traffic was good and with Martha having taken us on a "dry run" we got to the University with no trouble. She had gotten us a special parking permit that parked us right by the door so Jason would not have to walk a great distance.

The cermony included speeches, presentation of awards, and the many highlights of Martha's long and distinquished career including her work internati0nally in India and Vietnam. Martha introduced Jason and had him stand for recognition from those in attendance. Martha will be continuing her involvement in international nursing affairs and training in her retirement. Many of the persons present introduced themselves to Jason after the ceremony. We met the retired general who is president of the Women in Military Service Memorial located at Arlington Cementary. (I was happy to be able to say that we have already entered Jason's grandmother Joybell Sims Scott and Jason's great aunt on my mother's side Irene Borkowski Harrington who both served honorably in WWII in the data base located in the memorial.) The general has been disappointed in the number of women who have served who have registered. She encouraged us to tell everyone to register family members who have served in the military. After we enjoyed a tasty luncheon of international foods and sat with friends from Quixote Center, Ken and Nancy. Martha had told us of the NEX on campus so Jason decided to stop and shop awhile after lunch. We spent an hour as Jason looked for clothes and came away with a new pair of levis, new wallet easy to open and display his ID, 3 long sleeve pullovers, a new pair of shorts for PT and work out top from UpperArmour. It was so good to be with Jason as he shopped and enjoyed the outing of being in a store on his own.

On the way back to WR we did get lost but quickly righted ourselves. We got a call from Gary and April and the kids who were waiting for Jason in his room. Gary served with Jason in Iraq. Jason arrived, changed clothes and headed out with the family for a car tour and dinner. I waited for Lisa to arrive which she promptly did at 5PM. Lisa went to Jason's room and of course--no one there. We connected at Mologne House, decided we didn't know when Jason would return so we headed out to Silver Springs. We ate at the Noodle Bowl and watched "The Last Holiday" with Queen Latifah whom I really enjoy. A very nice evening with my daughter, a blessing for me as we rarely get to go out, just the two of us. Blessings to each of you, hug your family and friends and celebrate their presence in your life. The circles of joy and hope we live in, let us remember and give thanks.

Jason in the News! See and Read Next Week!

Please let all your friends and family know! Spread the word to your prayer circles and groups as you have all been so wonderful in your support of Jason. Watch and read and "You can see Jason in action."

1. Jason will be in an article on shrapnel wounds in the Washington Post. Should be published next week and is written by Chris Davenport. (I do believe the reporter was after a picture of the shrapnel, an inch and half, which he called and asked me about because he thought I had it. :-)) The shrapnel shard came from the wound that broke Jason's left arm, now plated with extra bone "bridging" in it. Surgeons at WR found it.

2. Jason was interviewed by the CBS News for a series on "the state of the union" focusing on health care and costs for our veterans. He was with the camera crew for about 2 hours doing Activities of Daily Living-unloading a dish washer, making a bed, etc. and then moved to PT for the interview and shots with the MD in charge of Rehab. Kyla, his wonderful PT, refused to be interviewed "don't do interviews well." I thought she should have her "15 minutes of fame" that Andy Warhol talked about. :-) The producer for the segment is Mary E. Walsh. The program will be seen on the early evening news. I believe 5:30 EST, 6:30 CST on your local CBS affiliate.

Jason on the other hand told the WR public affairs officer that he "would do any and all interviews." Jason thought he did well, "Mom, I was in PR for 2 years." I think he did great. For those who want a look back Jason was interviewed in the San Francisco Chronicle in June 2005. A reporter was embedded with his platoon.

This afternoon, Jason's Dr. Aquila checked the final wound on his buttocks that was still being dressed. After 14 weeks it IS healed! no more dressing changes, even once a day! This was the wound with the Vac attached for so long. Thanks for your prayers for healing, remember the MD's talked of a skin graft for the area a while back.

Jason had another "drop in" celebrity visit. Patrice his friend from the Red Cross was also visiting. This time it was Brian Denahy who starred in "Death of Salesman" on Broadway in 1999. Jason and he immediately bonded because Jason and his dad had attended a performance of the play!! The USO sponsored the visit, so Jason has another Polaroid picture (to go with the USO Christmas trio and Fleetwood Mac) up on his bulletin board. Jason has really enjoyed all the visitors he has received. One of the women from USO was so very pleased with Jason's progress toward recovery. She had seen Jason shortly after his arrival, 14 weeks ago. I was bemoaning the fact that Jason would no longer get to meet the celebs as I am sure they don't make visits to Mologne where Jason moves early next week. I was thinking they should. Mologne has a schedule of activities...

Jason worked on finalizing his application to U of F then made plans to go out to dinner with Captain Jack and other soldiers from Ft. Stewart. I left him at 6 PM and headed to the room to "do laundry" and ponder how we would get everything in the room come Monday! I had taken over his uniform and boots to the hospital early in the day. We need to be up and about early on Friday to attend Col. Martha Turner's retirement ceremony at Bethesda after serving her country for 30 years. The medical university where she teaches ethics is located there. Patrice and I replaced the Lt bar with the Captain's bars on his baret. Jason is looking forward to going tomorrow, now I hope his evening outing...

Blessings everyone and please continue your prayers for healing for Jason; mind, body and spirit. Jason has stopped taking his dream suppressant drug and said, "My night was filled with dreams, so good, some not." Dream studies show that when we are dream deprived, we "make it up for lost dreaming time" when we are able to sleep. Jason has not had any dreams for three months.

Wednesday 1/25: Report on Thursday

Today I spent my first "all morning" with Jason for PT/OT, usually I am busy doing chores, etc.
I started out by helping Kyla with his leg exercises. We measured Jason's flexibility and Kyla was surprised with the degree of flexibility in his right leg. We decided an error had been made in earlier measurements as Jason can definitely move his right hip more than before, yet there was no measurable difference. Jason can now sit down and get up from a regular chair, without pad to raise the seat level, by himself. It is not graceful but very practical so we know Jason can move the right hip to that degree. He continues to participate in exercises to increase the flexibility and to strengthen his core muscles.

I spent some of PT watching demonstrations of a new machine "dance pad," computer controlled with biofeedback to the patient. It is used to increase balance and core strength. The pad "moves left right, up down, front back" demanding the patient balance to be upright. I think it will be a good exercise machine for the patients including Jason. He was part of the demonstration, I took pictures so you can see Jason and the "dance machine."

There was a promotion of a soldier to Sgt from Hawaii during PT. He is part of the Army Reserve (I believe) and 19 Generals were present. They were attending meetings here in DC and came to the ceremony. It was wonderful because there was only his wife present, as far as I could tell, as his family. They stayed and talked with many of the soldiers including Jason. I spoke with a general and offered to speak to Congress etc on behalf of disabled veterans, their families and needs. They were very supportive of families of the soldiers as they are on a Committee for Policy and the general is very close to the Senators from Hawaii.

When Jason returned to his room, three commanders from his unit just returned to US from Iraq came to visit; Lt. Col Wald, Col. McKnight and Master Sgt. Gallagher. Jason spent a long time talking to the men and sharing his experiences; injury, immediate care and care at Walter Reed. The officers were very supportive and talked to me also asking that I let them know "if Jason needs anything." Jason's men will be visiting in the coming week. Jason received a coin and a belt buckle from the company. Captain Jack Rowold, served with Jason in Iraq, stopped by later. Jason and he made plans to go out together on Thursday "for a beer."

The commanders met Jason again when he returned to OT at 2 PM. Lt. Col Wald stayed for the longest time watching Jason manipulate the prosthetic arm. Bronson and Green dropped by to visit with everyone. Jason returned to OT at 4 PM for "20 minutes" with visitors from the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, I think about 40 members, in two groups. I understand that the session of "show and tell" on prosthetics took over 2 hours! Civilian MDs do not have the opportunity to see such prosthetics in action. Most amputees are diabetic and older.

I left at 5, Thanks Nancy and Ken for the ride, to attend liturgy at the Quixote Center. It was wonderful to have liturgy amongst the beautiful artwork from Nicaragua in a small circle of friends and a meal together afterwards. We prayed for all soldiers and their families and prayed that all soldiers throughout the world might return to their homes in peace. Blessings everyone.

What a Week This Will End Being, I think

What a day!
The Box Springs arrived at Mologne. The bed is now at least 12 inches higher so Jason should have no problem setting down on it or getting out of it. (The springs came to MHH from their storage. Thanks Dr. Aquila and social worker Grizzell Blessing for your persistence). Sgt Brown the liaison from Ft. Stewart and
Jason had a long discussion about his Purple Heart and its presentation. Jason has not yet received it. Jason's men and commander of the battalion are scheduled to visit this week. So Jason may receive his Purple Heart this week at a ceremony here. (I don't understand why they will not present his Bronze Star at the same time, but it is considered differently by the military.) Jason and Sgt also discussed his attachment to Med Hold and what that means for Jason's therapy, accountability etc. (I am glad I began the process as Jason's discharge to outpatient status is looming large on his horizon.) So this week has ceremony, therapy, soldier friends from Ft. Stewart and sister Lisa visiting on the weekend, and (for a little added excitement)...a move to Mologne House. Jason's day is a marathon already; add these activities and events and I think I will soon be 5 pounds lighter. I don't know how we all will make it through but I have a strong feeling that I will be very glad to see next Monday come and a new routine begin!

The day started in PT where I again helped Kyla, holding Jason's leg and then holding his hips down in turn as Kyla continues to exert pressure, stretch and move the hip in order that it might loosen. She too looks back and says it may have helped Jason's hip to start therapy earlier. However, like PT Aunt Barbara Scott, she was concerned because of the wound vacs, the extended hip injuries, the continuing surgeries, etc. Jason was in too much pain and discomfort for the PT's to move forward with therapy. Jason continues to work hard during his therapy sessions and enjoys being with the PT's and other amputee patients he has come to know.

I missed morning OT as I was working on returning phone calls, letters etc. I did find Jason in OT afternoon session working with his prosthetic. John and Jason had returned to the prosthetic center, a doorway away and the tech had tinkered with the sizing (John didn't know either how they did it). After the sizing John said the arm was working the best it had in weeks for Jason! Jason can now put the prosthetic on his arm using his left hand to do it. No little feat of learning. I did not see the tasks Jason was working on but the cones and an arch with rings were present. I assume Jason moved the rings along the arch using his prosthetic. While we were in OT Jason's commander and his wife, Justin and Courtney Colbert arrived for a visit. Another patient from Ft. Stewart, Chad Bronson arrived to visit. Jason skipped afternoon PT and visited till about 4PM. He and I then headed upstairs to his room for a change of clothes and preparation for the Colberts to take him and Chad out to dinner in Silver Spring. We took pictures and discussed the missing personal items that were "lost" along the way from Iraq to Jason here at WR. The army will try to find where/who are connected to the loss and find or pay replacement cost.

Challenges:
Late last week a person stopped by Jason's room and invited Jason to attend the State of the Union message this week. Jason was really excited to go. It is my understanding that a wounded veteran from each of the branches were to attend, four in all. Jason was very excited to go, in fact this is the "first outing I wanted to go on" he told us. The next day the invitation was rescinded, Jason does not know why but was very hurt. So am I. I don't know who/what intervened but this is certainly no way to treat a man who will receive the Purple Heart this week for his service to the United States of America. It makes me grind and nash my teeth and "If I were queen..."

I have found it very, very strange that the powers to be in this institution do not offer any scripture study/sharing as support for the family members at Mologne House or visitors to the hospital. Many of the family members I have spoken with have a strong faith that gives them strength and courage during this time of challenge/struggle/chaos in their emotional and spiritual lives. I approached Dr. W, head of Family Assistance today and told him of my experiences with family members. I encouraged him to speak to the Pastoral Care department and to provide such spiritual support. I offered to work with Pastoral Care in developing such scripture reflection time for family members and patients too if they desire. Religious rituals do not provide such time, and a personal visit to a chaplain is one on one isolated from the community of believers. Our faith does not exist only within or for ourselves only, in crisis it is sustained by those who journey with us in faith. Especially here at Walter Reed where grief and loss are strong for family members and friends, to know again the Presence of the Spirit Sophia who resides within the faith community could be a very strong affirmation of who we are as parents standing with our children in their suffering as the women stood with Jesus at the foot of the cross.

Blessings to each of you as you stand with us and Jason in your good thoughts and prayers for our strength and hope in the daily challenges of his healing.