Filling in for Cathy....

I just re-read Cathy’s last post and can’t believe it’s been a whole week since Mike went home. Funny thing….it was raining the day he went home and it’s raining here in Mt. Pleasant right now. Cathy went to the beach for some much needed R&R the day after she got back to Fayetteville and has not had access to a computer. We’ve all talked everyday and have taken turns checking on Mike. We didn’t’ think it would be a good idea for each of us to call him everyday….he’d never get a chance to do anything but talk on the phone! I spoke with Mike a few moments ago and asked him what he would like me to tell everyone on his blog. He said, “I’m happy to be home and I’m doing a lot of activities. I’m working very hard, trusting in God and my faith to continue my healing. Everyday there are challenges and I work at passing those challenges. It’s a big change but I’m getting used to it all.” Then he told me he missed seeing me and I had to cut the call short so he would not hear how sad I was missing him too and not being able to see him as often either. He sounded just like my baby brother when he was a little boy. I immediately called Cathy because she always makes me feel better when I am worried about Mikey. She had to remind me that with a brain injury like Mike’s, they stay in what she is calling “a little boy mode” until that part of the brain heals and then he will come out of that mode. It is obvious to us that Mike is no where near ready to get on the computer and begin to communicate in that way. In fact, he told me that he wants to work on his physical challenges first because anything else is just too hard right now. He even likes for us to call him instead of him calling us because he has trouble dialing the phone. So….it is going to be awhile before Mike can write on the computer, but Cathy and I promise we will write what he tells us to write and keep everyone informed of his progress. Mike’s physical therapy at home consists of him going up and down the stairs, playing with his children, helping his wife, and, as he stated very proudly, walking on the treadmill at its slowest setting for up to 10 minutes at a time! He was very excited to tell me too that he starts out patient therapy next week. His first visit will be just before they leave for the Breeder’s Cup.

I guess what has surprised us the most is how difficult it would be to pick up our lives and try to continue as before after Mike left the hospital. Even though we had talked about how hard it was going to be, because we had all become so single-minded in our goals for Mikey, feeling closer than ever before, we still were not prepared for the emotions we have been experiencing. Especially our mother, who, in a way had to let go of her little boy again then endure the death of Dreyfuss, her beloved pet and companion for 13 years. Mom is here with me now, in SC. Dreyfuss began to founder a few days ago, not wanting to get up from lying down, or when out for a walk, just stopping and laying down and not being able to move. Mom was able to get him in her car and to the vet on Tuesday. The doctor told her Dreyfuss only had a couple of days left if that and that he had a tumor in his stomach and fluid in his lungs and around his heart. Mom is so incredibly strong. She made the decision right there that Dreyfuss was not going to suffer any longer. She called us after it was over. Cathy and I convinced her to come stay with me for awhile and we’re going to do girlie things all weekend together. As if she didn’t have enough to worry about. I found a poem for her though and thought I would share it here as well. The Rainbow Bridge

We can’t really put into words what we are feeling, but we all know and believe that everything happens for a reason. It has been over four months and we have experienced much fear, sadness, hope and joy as we have witnessed Mike’s miraculous journey towards recovery and healing. We all will continue to stand in faith, trusting in God, and take this journey one day at a time.

Cathy is trying to get internet access and hopes to be up and running and back in cyber space very soon!

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

God Bless Everyone…..