WAKE UP WOO!

I think I need to clarify on something. I'm afraid the term 'rodeo,' which I have used several times describe this current situation, has been a little misleading. You see, rodeos are generally dangerous and fun. Although the rodeo we are in right now is immensely dangerous, it is not even remotely fun. It is absolutely draining, both physically and emotionally.

The fear of not knowing what is going to happen or what the outcomes are going to be is treacherous. Looking into Trevor's eyes is painful. I couldn't have possibly been more excited when he first opened those big blue eyes, but now all I see is this vulnerability. A vulnerability with no way of expressing what he's feeling or what's going on in his head. No way of expressing pain, confusion, fear, anger, happiness, anything. I hate being in the hospital room seeing him like this, but I feel guilty being anywhere else. I would absolutely never wish this upon anyone.

OKAY, now that we're on the same page, here are the current updates...

YESTERDAY:

The neuro team came in and asked Trevor to hold up 1 finger; he did. They asked him to hold up 2 fingers; he did. They asked him to hold up 3 fingers; he did. My mom called him a showoff and he smiled. He is without a doubt able to decipher between nurses and doctors. How do I know this? Easy, he only responds to the doctors telling him what to do because he knows their evaluations are much more crucial to getting out of this place.

The speech therapists came in and gave Trevor a speech and swallow test. He got an A+. I don't know how he passed a speech test when he can't even talk but hey, what do I know? I'm no doctor.

The social worker informed us that we really need to start thinking about rehab. Most likely he will have to go by medical plane if it is not in Salt Lake City, which insurance may or may not cover. Now, we have to determine what is best for Trevor. Should we send him to Craig Hospital in Denver, which is a really well-ranked rehab hospital, should we send him back to Mary Freebed in Grand Rapids or should we send him to a rehab center in Salt Lake City which may not be as good, but will have the bonus of a huge support group? It is undoubtedly a difficult decision, but one that needs to be made soon.

TODAY:

Trevor can now feed himself ice chips by spoon. Problems with hand-eye coordination? Pfft, yeah right.

Speech therapists came in and told Trevor to point to the "yes" or "no." He couldn't. They wanted him to write yes or no. He put the pen in his teeth and wrote "E." Sometimes I feel like he's just trying to mess with us, and when we get out of this place he's going to look at us and say "gotcha!" On the other hand, maybe he actually thinks you're supposed to write with your teeth. Let's hope not.

Physical therapists came in and sat Trevor up. He is holding his head up more and more each day. They wanted him to pass a tennis ball back and forth. Although he was slow, hesitant and frustrated, he did it! He has a hard time looking at things to the right of him, which probably has a lot to do with this right-sided neglect that the nurse talked to us about.

Doctors decided they are going to put in the new, titanium, mesh plate, and determine from there whether or not Trevor needs a shunt. A shunt is a one-way valve used to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and carry it to other parts of the body (his abdomen in this case). This valve is usually placed outside the skull but beneath the skin, somewhere behind the ear. Hopefully this is not a brain surgery we have to add to his list.

The nurse asked if Trevor's little siblings drew all these pictures for him. Nope! They were all done by people above the age of 20.

I would like to once again thank all of our friends, family, friends of family and family of friends for the support during this time. You guys are all incredible and words cannot even describe how thankful we are for you!

Lastly, please note that we are now on the search for a wife for Trevor. If you think you're right for the job, please email my mother and me a resume, cover letter and 8x10 full body shot. Alcoholics, smokers and hoe-bags need not apply.