Thanks for the wonderfully encouraging messages. Unfortunately, due to a snafu at Piedmont Hospital, the order for Forrest's prosthetic skull flap (his "lid") was cancelled 10 days ago and nobody was notified! We are all upset and disappointed (including his doctors at Shepherd). Shepherd is doing their best to rectify the situation, but the soonest we might be able to schedule the surgery now is Monday. Our main concern now is to keep Forrest safe until we can get the surgery rescheduled. As he gets stronger physically and becomes increasingly aware of his limitations he is feeling more frustrated...and perhaps a little fearful.
This morning he was asking his nurse for a shower and she tried to explain to him that he had already had a shower. In an effort to help him remember, she showed him the computer record which includes the times of all his activities. When he read the chart and saw he had indeed had a shower 2 hours earlier, his eyes filled up with tears and he whispered, "I'm sorry, I don't remember that." I felt his fear, crawled into bed next to him and tried to reassure him that realizing he doesn't remember is an important step to regaining his short term memory. That it will come back. It's still very early in his recovery. Together, we can do this. One day at a time.
Proud to be, Forrest's & Austin's Mum
Quote of the day: "If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again." Flavia Weedn
This morning he was asking his nurse for a shower and she tried to explain to him that he had already had a shower. In an effort to help him remember, she showed him the computer record which includes the times of all his activities. When he read the chart and saw he had indeed had a shower 2 hours earlier, his eyes filled up with tears and he whispered, "I'm sorry, I don't remember that." I felt his fear, crawled into bed next to him and tried to reassure him that realizing he doesn't remember is an important step to regaining his short term memory. That it will come back. It's still very early in his recovery. Together, we can do this. One day at a time.
Proud to be, Forrest's & Austin's Mum
Quote of the day: "If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again." Flavia Weedn
Hey, you-
ReplyDeleteWhile I totally understand why you would feel that way, my heart breaks at the thought of your being afraid. You are doing such a good job and working so, so hard- we can all see that, from the posts to the pictures and videos... you are making your way back, one day, one hour, one minute at a time, on a road that has no map, except your own. I know it's hard to be patient, especially as you are not one to hang out and wait for things to happen but rather the one to get things started- but I hope that the love and strength that surrounds you helps give you the faith that we all feel... and that you can find a way to trust that it WILL happen, one day, one hour, one minute at a time.
Love you, bud.
xx
No!! I'm so disappointed for you. Well, I think one of your quotes is perfect here: "If nothing goes right, go left."
ReplyDeleteI feel badly that Forrest was upset today. The good part, though, is that he is aware there are some things he doesn't remember. That awareness itself is miraculous considering where he was in his progress just three weeks ago.
Blessings, Kathy
Dear Team44
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to hear of the delays. It is hard to suffer setbacks when all are pushing forward so hard. I hope the delay will be short and that you will find that it has only helped make Forrest stronger. Keep the faith and know that all of us are still out here sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
Take Care, Spring is here and the time for rebirth is at hand. Seize the day!
Paula Horne DVM
Forrest you have such a kind heart. Hang in there as your short term memory isn't back yet. You are progressing in amazing ways and we are all soooo inspired by you and your wonderful family!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm saying a prayer for you and your lid going back on right now.
We love you!
Kelly and family:)
I am so sorry the procedure was delayed. I know you all had built yourselves up for the big day...but I am a strong believer that there are no accidents. For some reason, next week will be a better day for Forrest to get his "lid" back. Forrest, you have come so far, and perhaps there are moments that are tough or scary or whatever, but thinking about what you have already achieved I know there is only a need of time to come back and surpass where you started! Still praying for you and Team 44, daily. Love & Hugs, Viki Plowman
ReplyDeleteSo no new noggin today but by Monday you will be that much stronger and able to take it in stride.
ReplyDeleteJust think you are out of the wheel chair and able to walk around. it may seem a slow road back but it is absolutely amazing how far you have come. We have a walking and talking FOrrest what a gift that is. Hang in there take each day as it comes.
Spring is beginning to come to Virginia there are some buds on the trees and the daffodils are poking up through the torrential rain, by the timne you get home this lng winter will be over.
Love and prayers to you all
Sally OConnor
I'm so sorry that you are experiencing the surgery delay, but given that God has clearly has His hand all over Forrest's recovery, it must be so that some other critical task can be accomplished this week. I will pray that Forrest's surgeon's are focused and that God guides their hands to a perfect outcome next Monday.
ReplyDeleteYears ago when Charlotte had surgery she taped a quote on her mirror that said, "the bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you forget to make the turn."
Your loving support of Forrest seems like a gentle guide to help him see the road ahead continues on.
You are an AWESOME mother, Rae. An inspiration to us all.
Love and continued prayers+
Shannon
I too am sorry for the delay but also believe things happen for a reason - sometimes we understand why, sometimes we never know - but it's ok. Your quote of the day is powerful. I feel for all of you, especially you Forrest, as you encounter so many things on this so unexpected journey. It's hard not to want everything to happen quickly especially when so much has already, but healing just takes time.
ReplyDeletePerhaps like many of us who visit you via this blog every day, I recently went to the "donate to Shepherd site" and was in awe of the clips of young men and women who have recovered from ABI through their work at the Center - I sat and smiled as I watched, realizing how far you have already come and anticipating the day when a very handsome Forrest Allen will be telling his story to everyone! Hard to wait, but confident it will happen.
Saying extra prayers for healing and patience in the process, and sending lots of love from The Shermans to the Team, Lisa
I just signed off and signed into Pandora and the very first song that randomly played was "Everything in its Time" by Corrinne May - a beautiful song with lyrics worth remembering (its out there on YouTube)....a further reminder to me of how little is coincidental... LS :)
ReplyDelete“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.” (Unknown Author)
ReplyDeleteWe may not know what the bigger picture is in God's plan, but He definitely has a plan for you Forrest! You are amazing and you are all so strong. You will be stronger next week and every day of healing is one step closer to full recovery. My mom used to say to us when we wanted to rush something - "slow down, I am in a hurry". More gets accomplished taking your time and doing it right then rushing it and having to do it again.
Hang in there Forrest - patience will get you there.
Gaby (QGMCA)
Forrest
ReplyDeleteSorry about the delay on the new lid. We will all look forward to Monday!!
The memory will come. We cant believe how much progress you have made in the short time since we saw you. It is said that we would not know what success is without failure. If you go back through this blog there have been amazing leaps forward with occasional steps back. This is just another little step back to remind us all how giant the steps forward have been.
Keep the faith!!
The Selfes