There's nothing like the smiling faces of friends to brighten up your week-end! Yesterday's visit from the Selfes had all the makings of a family reunion, since our kids have grown up together and our two families have shared multiple dive vacations over the years. (Many thanks to our gifted guest editor, Brian Selfe!) Sunday afternoon David and Catherine Rochester drove all the way from Aiken, SC to visit which was another awesome pick-me-up for Mum. It was fun just running an errand to CVS and delightful to go out for lunch with friends from home.
And to add excitement to Forrest's day, Colleen Hayduck and Richard Roberts drove 3 1/2 hours to bring 2 of Colleen's service dogs in training to visit. They lit up Forrest and the whole hospital! There really is something magical about a yellow lab's loving eyes, silky ears and gentle touch. And nothing is quite as invigorating for a hospital bound youngster as a game of fetch with an enthusiastic Labrador. Colleen has such a way with these CCI puppies. They are so composed, willing, loving and just breathtakingly beautiful dogs. We don't think it is coincidental that after an afternoon shared with 2 great dogs, Forrest's appetite was, for the first time, strong enough to clean up all the mystery potions they pass off as "dinner." It’s a very good thing, because at 3:30 this morning, Houdini Forrest managed to slip out of his "mittens" and pull out the feeding tube that has been delivering his nutrition directly into his stomach for the past 4 weeks. Thankfully, no serious harm was done and hopefully his new found swallowing prowess & growing appetite will convince the doctors to remove it in the near future. The hole in his neck from the tracheostomy is healing quickly and though air still escapes from around the bandage, we expect that to resolve in a few days which will allow his speech therapy to progress.
The sadest part of the day was Dad's departure for home. Throughout this journey Kent has been Forrest's most devoted warrior and champion. Although a teenage son & his father don't always see eye to eye, Forrest & Austin have always known in their hearts, if they were ever in trouble, there is no one better to have at their side than Kent. We miss you already, Pops…
Love to all our wonderful friends and family,
One very blessed Mum
Forrest playing fetch
Colleen Hayduck, Richard Roberts, Mom, Austin, David and Catherine Rochester, Forrest, and the awesome labs
In case you're wondering, we're still keeping up with you at the University of Virginia, pulling for you every step of the way. Your progress sounds amazing, and we are thrilled for the whole Allen family. We continue to receive contributions in honor of Forrest's recovery, and every contribution is a welcome boost to our research effort to fight the effects of TBI.
ReplyDeleteOur great best wishes to all of Forrest's team.
We are so grateful that Forrest's friends and family are supporting UVA's efforts to help others with TBI! UVA's medical team saved his life and gave him and us the chance to start this journey home.
ReplyDelete44's Team
Forrest
ReplyDeleteIts good to see you have a qualified partner for your game of catch. Some of us with 2 hands are not as coordinated as those with 4 paws!!!
It is so wonderful to see that Colleen and Richard were able to come and visit you guys with her very special dogs!!! Nothing like a Lab to provide the best food for the soul!! I have one of Colleen's previous service dogs that was up for adoption and I have been trying to think of ways to have him be involved with Forrest's recovery as it is so meaningful and he is so special, but thrilled that it worked out for Colleen to bring hers down, and I know you have your own very special one in training, you know that will bring a full recovery!!! Love hearing about all the superb strides in getting better, brings a smile to everyone's faces. Keep up the great work, we are all behind all of you, SUe
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely incredible to read this amazing progress, and I got teary when I saw Colleen with her dogs!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm not sure of an email address, so I'll go ahead and post this as a comment, but wondering how Forrest's feeding tube site is doing. A lot of people have issues with the healing in the beginning, and although we were at one of the best feeding clinics in the country, for some reason it took months before we were told that a mild cortisone cream and Desitin (especially the Desitin) can make it so much less itchy and more comfortable. Just thought I'd mention in the event he has some discomfort. Every little bit helps! :)
Keeping your family in our prayers and we are continually inspired by you all, especially Forrest!