Haircut and Dog

The haircut and dog go together since in these pictures you can see it has been quite some time since Carson’s had a trim.  The official policy of the hospital is that people who cut hair professionally are, wait for it, not allowed…WTF?  So, we “have new a friend” coming tomorrow.  More pics to follow. 

The doggo in the pictures is Josie.  AKC name, Hudson’s Outlaw Josie Wales (Yes, that’s Barrie’s creativity).  She was Hannah’s Christmas present coming up on 11 years ago.  Carson’s Christmas present coming up on 9 years ago was Neo.  AKC name, Neo AKA Mr. Anderson AKA the One (Also my brilliant wife).  To understand, watch the Matrix, if you haven’t already.  And shame on you if you haven’t watched the Matrix!

Josie unfortunately only has a little time left with us as her cancer has come back.  The way she chases squirrels, barks at the neighbors, powers down breakfast and begs for Cheese Its (which is what she is doing in one of the pictures) or anything else remotely close to food, you wouldn’t know anything was wrong.  But, best estimates are a couple weeks to a month.  Hoping she makes it to Carson getting home. 

So, Carson wanted to see her.  The visit was quick but brought a big smile to Carson.  Amazing what happens when we feel compassion for someone or something other than ourselves.  Carson forgot completely about himself and just loved on Josie for a minute. 

We’ll bring her back, probably Neo too. 

Determination

After 5+ weeks in a hospital bed, the whole body is weak and stiff.  Muscles have atrophied and he’s dragging around a leg that can’t contribute.  So, yesterday we walked 70 feet with the walker, hopping on one leg with the wheelchair behind him in case he fell. 

The prior two days he was able to make it 30 and 40 feet.  Both days he fell.  The body is so weak and out of sorts.  There was someone to catch him.

That grit and resilience, determination we all know lives in us?  Yep.  The PT would ask, “need a break?”  “No, keep going.”  PT, “Is that enough?”  “No, a little further.”

70 feet.  Basically, from your bed to the toilet and back.  It was a lot.  And it made me appreciate what he’s had and what he is building toward. 

So, more PT today, OT today, haircut tomorrow. 

Gratitude

There are so many people who we have to thank, just for the last 40 days.  It’s hard to list one, as I might miss many.  So, most of this will be generic, some specific.  If I don’t remember here, we will remember all of you, forever.  We remember each phone call, text message, person who stopped by, sent an email, wrote a note, all of it.  Like an Elephant.

Our friends Brian and Leanna and their son Bodee, Carson’s friend.  They’ve been there from the beginning.  Strength when we weren’t sure we had it, guidance when we couldn’t see straight, research when we were tired, resources to help our direction and decisions. 

Carson’s sister, Hannah.  Talk about love, compassion and strength for someone else.  And Hannah's boyfriend Liam. He is strength for Hannah and was some inspiration for Carson. He's a good guy.

Hannah's friend Lexie and younger brother Eli, who along with Hannah, saved Carson's life on the boat.

All our past colleagues who are now, friends.  All your love, care, even from afar and those who have stopped by, reached out. 

Jash, who built www.huddystrong.com with Barrie. 

Wendy, a family friend in the medical industry (called in by Leanna) who called in some favors to talk to various experts around the country. 

My uncle, Tim.  Retired Cardiologist who flew to Denver to spend a couple nights with us and share some perspective. 

Carson’s friends who all showed up so much.  Sammy and Bodee, who showed up every day.  Nate who rallied Carson’s friends.  Toby who was at the lake somehow even before Carson was loaded in the ambulance.  And all of Carson’s close friends who came by so often before heading to school and a few who are still coming by while at school.  And all of those who remember to check in with Huddy, while you are getting used to your new life at college. 

All the parents of Carson’s friends who have reached out, sent notes and showed up at the hospital.

Our family. They’ve been there for us, for Carson every day.  Carson’s Grandma, Shirley, for flying to Colorado.   

My other “guy” friends and Barrie’s other “girlfriends” who have been there for conversation, processing, grieving, wondering and hoping.  Not only have they contributed up to this point, I know there are messages and wisdom to be shared with Carson as time progresses. 

To all those behind the scenes. I know there are hundreds, if not thousands who are thinking about and praying for Carson and his recovery.

To everyone who has contributed to the Go Fund Me.  We have a long way to go, but the consistent contributions have been remarkable. 

All those who have shared your comments of hope, strength and inspiration on Caring Bridge and other ways.  We read every single one. 

And of course all the amazing nurses, techs, physical therapists, occupational therapists and doctors who are for the most part so exceptional at what they do.  And once again the fire department, rangers and paramedic teams who saved Carson’s life. 

And all the professionals we are just now engaging for the next phase of this…”adventure.” 

The names of some medical staff off the top of my head (this is just Swedish Hospital):

• ·      Diana
• ·      Lindsey
• ·      Jacob
• ·      Dr. Mia
• ·      Dr. Bush
• ·      Dr. Quan
• ·      Dr. Banton
• ·      Dr. Desai
• ·      The staff in pre-op Carson has now met 12 times
• ·      The Anesthesia team-they’ve been incredible
• ·      The Residents, Dr. “Z” and Dr. “G”. 
• ·      Ross-PT
• ·      Erin-OT
• ·      Shaylee
• ·      Violet
• ·      Marie
• ·      Hayley
• ·      Gina
• ·      Rhianna
• ·      Marodi
• ·      Brittany
• ·      All the ER and Ortho Docs who put humpty dumpty back together on day one
• ·      Owen and Silas, techs on the Trauma floor.
• ·      So many names on the Trauma floor I cannot remember, but your faces, compassion and actions we’ll never forget. 
• ·      Abraham and the cleaning crew.  Abraham was in the Nigerian Army.  Told Carson, “I’ve seen worse. You’ll get through it.  Do the work, every day.  Do it for you, not anyone else.”   
• So many others.