New room!

Jackson switched rooms today!  Since he is no longer in the "acute" phase, we moved a few doors down, a little further from all the noise and action of the main desk.  His new room is just a tiny bit bigger, too, which makes a big difference.  What this all means is that we have overcome some major hurdles and are moving into a new phase of treatment.  We are less worried about Jackson's survival and are now looking toward treatment and rehabilitation.  

Today Jackson had a feeding tube put in surgically.  Everything went well with the surgery and we are hoping he will be a little happier without the tube in his mouth that went to his stomach.  It annoyed him and made him gag and he was constantly chewing on it.  Hopefully the new tube will allow better feedings and we can put some weight back on him.

I had an interesting experience today.  I was having a really hard morning, feeling rather sorry for myself.  It seems unfair sometimes that we should have to keep living life, working, paying bills, etc. when there is a crisis in our lives, doesn't it?  But that's the way it is.  Life keeps going.  I'm stressed about what's next for Jackson.  The rehab center we are hoping to send him to won't accept SC medicaid and we're not sure where we are going yet.  I just want the best possible rehabilitative care we can get for him and it's another situation where I feel like I don't have much control over what happens.  All of these things, plus something Jake posted on FB this morning just had me wishing I could go have a good cry somewhere.  While Jackson was in surgery, I walked across the street to the RMcD house to eat some lunch.  I was hoping nobody would talk to me and I could eat quickly and go wallow in my room for a few minutes.  One of the "Dads" came in and started talking to me while I was fixing lunch.  He was asking about Jackson and then he told me about the terrible car accident he was in about 20 years ago.  He had the same type of brain injury Jackson has (only more severe and with other injuries) and told me all about his experience of being in a coma for 2 1/2 months, going through rehabilitation and all about his recovery.  He answered my questions and kept telling me that Jackson would be fine because he is young and healthy and he is already progressing so quickly.  By the time I finished talking to him and ate my lunch, I felt so much better.  I know that this was a little gift from Heavenly Father.  He seems to always know when I am struggling and just what I need.  And this was just what I needed today.  Our problems haven't all gone away, but I felt the peace and comfort that can only come from a loving Father in Heaven to a child in need.

If Jackson could tell all of you what's in his heart, I know he would tell you that he loves you and that he appreciates your prayers and all that you have done for him and his family.  And he would give everyone a big hug if he could.  I have faith that one day he will be able to say and do all of those things himself.

Love,

Heather