Today was better than yesterday. Forrest is still recovering from his surgery, but his head wrap was removed, his swelling has subsided slightly, and he’s in less pain than yesterday and far less than Monday. He did say his head hurts all over, but with time he will heal. Tomorrow Mom, one of his therapists, and I will take him to Panera for lunch, his second outing since his accident! Then on Friday, he has a graduation ceremony before he is discharged from Shepherd’s inpatient program on Saturday! He will then start at Shepherd’s Pathways outpatient program on Monday, located a few miles east of the Shepherd Center.
We are also currently looking for housing. We’ve graciously been provided housing through several friends during our stay at Shepherd Center, but we are now looking for housing closer to his outpatient facility for the next 6-10 weeks, starting this Saturday. We are evaluating some local apartments, extended stay hotels, and other options. If anyone has any suggestions please let us know, email me at asalle@email.wm.edu. The criteria we’re looking for in a housing option: Near Emory/Decatur or the Midtown/Buckhead areas of Atlanta, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, elevator/ramp access, walk-in or a safety rail in shower, fully furnished, wi-fi or highspeed cable internet, parking for 2 cars, full kitchen, pet friendly(if possible), in a safe area, and month to month rent.
Thanks for the loving thoughts, we definitely feel it! Forrest’s bionic skull looks great and he will feel better every day.
All the best,
Austin and Team Forrest
Forrest's surgeon takes off the head bandage...
And is pleased with the result!
Forrest gets a visit from therapy dog Rommel
Mom and 44
Looking all kinds of tough with the shaved head, Forrest. Glad the pain is getting better with each day - we're thankful that the worst is behind you now. Congrats on the upcoming graduation... a week of huge milestones. Celebrate each one! Love you!
ReplyDeleteLookin sooo good!
ReplyDeleteLooking so great! It's you again....well, with a summer haircut. Hope the pain fades quickly. Hang in there Champ! And congratulations on the moving on to the next stage!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI'm an old friend of Jimmy and Gail's, and have been following Forrest's blog. Years ago, Dr. Allen was very kind to me, but even kinder to my horses. You are a remarkable family.
I have had great success with Marriott's Residence Inns. There's one in Buckhead. They have 2-room suites, handicapped access, and are very pet-friendly. The rates are quite reasonable, especially for long-term stays.
There is a large cheering section for you all in Napa, CA. And Forrest, when you're a bit older, there is a bottle (or two) of Shramsberg champagne to celebrate your FULL recovery.
Best wishes, and much aloha,
Alden
The nurse in me notes the drainage tube, the swollen bruised eyes, and Forrest's post surgical fragility, but I also marvel that he is only THREE DAYS post op. What a miracle of healing you depict for us in these photos!
ReplyDeleteI see a gorgeous, smooth, beautifully proportioned skull and a healing, healthy, straight incision. God bless Forrest's surgeon and his skillful mind and hands.
Please be assured of the speed your grateful friends see in Forrest's recovery. This may be hard to see day to day when you are so intimately involved.
I pray that you find comfortable housing with ease, and that this next phase of moving onward quickly becomes familiar and welcoming to Forrest and his incredible Mum, Dad and big bro. :)
I see that beautiful head covered with hair by late spring!
Love to all of you incredible people.
Shannon
PS- Just calculated that ten weeks puts you back in Virginia before Memorial Day.
ReplyDeleteIt's gonna be s great summer!
What a wonderful sight to see, my friend... and hopefully one of the last major physical hurdles you will face in this journey back. From the first picture of you with your eyes open to the first pictures of that smile... the videos of you walking, better with each day that has gone by... and now your beautiful self, whole and complete... you continue to amaze me with your strength and determination, your bravery in the face of such an incredible challenge. Love you lots and am so, so proud of you.
ReplyDeleteLooking good Forrest! Hope the swelling and pain will subside soon. Hugs to you and your amazing family :) Keep up all your hard work and try not to be too hard on yourself. Your smile and kindness towards everyone is truly inspirational to me. xoxo Mary and the rest of the Looney family
ReplyDeleteForrest
ReplyDeleteThe new lid looks great!! I am glad to hear you are having less pain each day and can't wait until it is gone!!
Congratulations on your graduation! I know it will great for you to be spending your nights/weekends with you family.
Keep hanging in there all of you, this has been a extremely stressful, but successful, week for Forrest and team 44!
Love from all of us,
The Selfes
Dear Forrest and Team 44,
ReplyDeleteI haven't written lately, but still read each morning and remain in awe of the magnificant progress you make on a daily basis. God is truly protecting and guiding you through this very difficult journey. So much navigating to do and we all watch with wonder and are truly blessed by your willingness to let us into your world in such an intimate way. Thank you. You are loved in a very special way by so many. I pray that you find the perfect housing as you move into the next phase of rehabilitation.
Rest and heal.
love,
Donna and Owen and the rest of our family...
p.s. the new lid looks marvelous!!!
Hi Forrest and Team, I've been keeping up with your blog while I'm in Az. Sure glad your surgery is over with now, and you can start the healing process with your new "lid" in place. Your scar sure looks GOOD for the surgery to have been so recent! Unbelievable! We're all rooting for you Forrest--keep up the good work. So glad Rommel got to visit with you again!! Beautiful dog! Love, Joyce & Wilbur
ReplyDeleteDear Allen's,
ReplyDeleteWe think of you every day. This post just brings us to tears of relief and thanks that Forrest has yet again launched over this enormous hurdle! God bless you all!
The Parrys