Monday, August 30, 2010
Life can change in an instant
We are having a family emergency as I type. I don't want to get into details yet because it is still fresh and new and our family is still processing what happened and coping with what is going down. I flew home immediately on Thursday to be there and it absolutely broke my heart and hurt me to the core to get back on that plane to come home. I wish I was still there. I wish I could take all the pain away and all the confusion, hurt, and anger. This has been a long time coming and I am glad that now it is getting taken care of. It will be a long rode to recovery and mental health but I am proud of my family for taking the right steps even if they second guessed what they did to help my family member in need. I am glad I got to visit my family member before I left which helped. I'm glad that she is on the right path now and hope that one day she will know this is what is best for her and this is the sign of ultimate love. Life can change so fast. I don't ever want to take it for granted. And I do, we all do until something like this happens to give you a slap in the face. Hug your loved ones a little closer today and remember to tell them how much they mean to you and how much you love them....
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Life Choices
Are hard to make! For the past two weeks I have been researching Master's programs. I know, I know...way ahead of myself since I don't even have my BA yet, but I like to plan and have direction. I go back and forth on what I want to do. I've been researching colleges like crazy and also going back and forth to the APA (American Psychological Association) and NASP (national association of school psychologists) to see what colleges are accredited through each association. Well the APA only accredits doctorate programs since really, that is all that counts in the psych field. And the NASP accredits both master's and doctorate.
What I want to do is be a school psychologist as I have stated before. When I get my PhD or PsyD, is where I get confused on what I want. Eventually, yes I would want to get my license as a clinical or counseling psychologist and be able to have my own practice. Of course that is the ultimate dream for a psychologist. But I also would love to get my PhD in school psychology and work at that level. I would love to be in the school setting working with kids (particularly high school kids) and help them make life decisions to achieve their goals and also help them with the issues teenagers face in their personal lives. That is what I would love.
As I get older, yes...I will be 30 very shortly..sigh. I eventually want to get my PhD or PsyD like I stated. But that will come much later as I won't do that to my kids until they are older. The program is offered at Auburn University and that is a good 45 minutes away from Columbus. That is my dream eventually and I hope to make that happen. It is extremely competitive though, which is another thing I have to take into account. I'll be getting my masters from either Columbus State or Capella online, both accredited through NASP of course. With my masters (in school psych) I will be working in Columbus somewhere at a school. So when I do start my doctorate I will have to put that on the back burner since it is a 5-6 year degree plan. Like I said it is also competitive. Extremely. As in 160 applicants at Auburn last year and only 8 were excepted into the program! Yup...odds are slim. But you have to fight for what you want. And as long as I continue to push for it, I will get there, even if it takes me years to get in! :)
I'm finding school right now to be boring. It's not stimulating enough for me. I want MORE. I'm bored in my classes. I'm getting all A's which is awesome of course, but I feel like I'm not doing enough. Even this math class I was so worried about. I only have problems with fractions. For some reason fractions and me don't get along. I just don't get it. I can practice and practice but I can't get fractions. Other than that it's easy. I can do algebraic expressions and polynomials, and equations no problem! I'm gonna take on more classes starting next month. I think I need a bigger work load. This two classes at a time is not enough. So I'm taking three or four at a time.
Which also has me worried because I'm scared I'll take on too much, then we have school starting for kaylie and girl scouts AND we'll be moving in Dec or Jan. I think sometimes I just like stress and the more on my plate I have the better I do. I don't know. I'm weird I guess!
Other than me making my life decisions its boring around here. No updates on anything! :)
What I want to do is be a school psychologist as I have stated before. When I get my PhD or PsyD, is where I get confused on what I want. Eventually, yes I would want to get my license as a clinical or counseling psychologist and be able to have my own practice. Of course that is the ultimate dream for a psychologist. But I also would love to get my PhD in school psychology and work at that level. I would love to be in the school setting working with kids (particularly high school kids) and help them make life decisions to achieve their goals and also help them with the issues teenagers face in their personal lives. That is what I would love.
As I get older, yes...I will be 30 very shortly..sigh. I eventually want to get my PhD or PsyD like I stated. But that will come much later as I won't do that to my kids until they are older. The program is offered at Auburn University and that is a good 45 minutes away from Columbus. That is my dream eventually and I hope to make that happen. It is extremely competitive though, which is another thing I have to take into account. I'll be getting my masters from either Columbus State or Capella online, both accredited through NASP of course. With my masters (in school psych) I will be working in Columbus somewhere at a school. So when I do start my doctorate I will have to put that on the back burner since it is a 5-6 year degree plan. Like I said it is also competitive. Extremely. As in 160 applicants at Auburn last year and only 8 were excepted into the program! Yup...odds are slim. But you have to fight for what you want. And as long as I continue to push for it, I will get there, even if it takes me years to get in! :)
I'm finding school right now to be boring. It's not stimulating enough for me. I want MORE. I'm bored in my classes. I'm getting all A's which is awesome of course, but I feel like I'm not doing enough. Even this math class I was so worried about. I only have problems with fractions. For some reason fractions and me don't get along. I just don't get it. I can practice and practice but I can't get fractions. Other than that it's easy. I can do algebraic expressions and polynomials, and equations no problem! I'm gonna take on more classes starting next month. I think I need a bigger work load. This two classes at a time is not enough. So I'm taking three or four at a time.
Which also has me worried because I'm scared I'll take on too much, then we have school starting for kaylie and girl scouts AND we'll be moving in Dec or Jan. I think sometimes I just like stress and the more on my plate I have the better I do. I don't know. I'm weird I guess!
Other than me making my life decisions its boring around here. No updates on anything! :)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Moving along!!!!
Yep! Like the title states! Curt's physical results are back here on Belvoir now in the PEBLO's office. Yay!!!!! Now the results are forwarded to Curt's PCM and she finishes up writing the NARSUM (narrative summery)and Curt gets the commanders letter. Then all that is sent in a packet along with his medical records to the board and they reach the decision if he meets medical standards or not. His PEBLO said his case is going faster than he anticipated so we should hear something in 35 days. 35 days!!!!!!! That is NEXT MONTH. whoo-hooo!!!!
Of course I will keep you updated as we are updated. :) :) :)
Of course I will keep you updated as we are updated. :) :) :)
Monday, August 16, 2010
OFFENDED!!!
I get really upset when I hear people say that wounded soldiers should not be allowed to continue to serve. They should be cut out with a disability package and a wave goodbye. This really upsets me. One my husband almost died for this country, he didn't ASK to be blown up by a bomb. He didn't ask for all the things he has gone through to happen. Why shouldn't a combat wounded soldier be allowed to continue to serve??? There are plenty of positions they can hold that do not require deployment. There is instructors, cadre, career counselors, recruiting, branch managers, wounded warrior project mentors, positions at the Pentagon, White House...The list could go on! Not every job has to deploy. Why should they be cut loose just because of their disabilities? I just don't see the reasoning behind this! It baffles me. It hurts me that people can go so low as to say, alright your hurt, peace out dude! Your services are no longer needed since you CAN'T DEPLOY! Ugh..makes me sooooo mad!!
Yes I understand the purpose of the military is to defend our country. I get it. BUT not everyone serves the purpose to actually FIGHT the actual war. My husband did that, been there done that. 3 times! First for the invasion of Iraq in march of 2003, then again in 2005, then again in 2007 when the odds finally came against him and he was injured by an IED. People are still needed on the homefront. If the need arose he could still fire a weapon. He has two hands. He just can't carry a combat load and that makes him non-deployable. Could he still fight for our country if he was allowed to. You bet! Just like every other seriously wounded solider would!!!
I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I respect that, but I would seriously like to know WHY they should not be allowed to continue to service our country in other jobs that fit their limitations?? Please...explain..
So disheartening to hear people talk the way they do about the wounded.
Yes I understand the purpose of the military is to defend our country. I get it. BUT not everyone serves the purpose to actually FIGHT the actual war. My husband did that, been there done that. 3 times! First for the invasion of Iraq in march of 2003, then again in 2005, then again in 2007 when the odds finally came against him and he was injured by an IED. People are still needed on the homefront. If the need arose he could still fire a weapon. He has two hands. He just can't carry a combat load and that makes him non-deployable. Could he still fight for our country if he was allowed to. You bet! Just like every other seriously wounded solider would!!!
I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I respect that, but I would seriously like to know WHY they should not be allowed to continue to service our country in other jobs that fit their limitations?? Please...explain..
So disheartening to hear people talk the way they do about the wounded.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Bored, so blogging :)
So let me tell you how Curt's physical went yesterday. He said the doctor was very nice and when he walked in the room she had literally boxes of his records. She was trying to go through them before his appointment and was still going through them when she called him back. She spent about 30 minutes inputting all the info into the computer then started his head to toe physical. The main issue is, of course, his leg. She measured his scars. His longest one on the outside of his leg is 18 inches. The scar down the middle from his total knee replacement is 12 inches. And the inside scar on his leg is 14 1/2 inches. Some big ass scars! The scar on his hand is only 5 inches. She did say that Curt has flat feet. Which he has never been told before. Interesting to hear I guess. And also Curt talked to her about his "bathroom issues". She suggested he should try a gluten-free diet. Which I have been researching and omg, that would be so hard for him. No bread, no cereal really, no cakes, no pies, no BEER. He's not sure if he wants to try it yet. I told him he should try it and see if it helps his issues. We shall see I guess!!
Today was his DTAP. He thought it was boring of course and wanted to leave. Tomorrow he is heading up to Walter Reed to visit a wounded soldier. Someone who has no family or anybody really. He's doing it as a favor to a friend. He wants me to go with, but I really don't want to drag Brandon into a hospital setting like that. Kaylie either. I think going up to Ward 57 would definitely not help me either. It would bring back memories and probably..well it definitely would...shoot my anxiety way up. So I probably won't go.
I have my first appointment with my therapist September 1st. Yeah, of course I'm anxious about it. Helloooo...anxiety city right here! I'll probably want to bolt right out the door as soon as I walk in. I'll be a sweaty mess for sure and extremely nervous and emotional.
Ummm...what else??? Where having a yard sale this weekend. Hopefully we'll sell a lot of the things were trying to get rid of. It's mostly baby things. Stuff we wasted money on and NEVER used. The bottle warmer, yeah never used it, boppy, yeah, never used it, bumbo seat, yeah, rarely used it!! I could go on. We so overspent and bought way to much for Brandon. But I was so excited of course I wanted it all. :)
His swing he barely used. It's brand new! Bouncer, barely used. Ugh..what a waste!
Oh well. No more kids so no more baby stuff I guess!
That's about all :)
Today was his DTAP. He thought it was boring of course and wanted to leave. Tomorrow he is heading up to Walter Reed to visit a wounded soldier. Someone who has no family or anybody really. He's doing it as a favor to a friend. He wants me to go with, but I really don't want to drag Brandon into a hospital setting like that. Kaylie either. I think going up to Ward 57 would definitely not help me either. It would bring back memories and probably..well it definitely would...shoot my anxiety way up. So I probably won't go.
I have my first appointment with my therapist September 1st. Yeah, of course I'm anxious about it. Helloooo...anxiety city right here! I'll probably want to bolt right out the door as soon as I walk in. I'll be a sweaty mess for sure and extremely nervous and emotional.
Ummm...what else??? Where having a yard sale this weekend. Hopefully we'll sell a lot of the things were trying to get rid of. It's mostly baby things. Stuff we wasted money on and NEVER used. The bottle warmer, yeah never used it, boppy, yeah, never used it, bumbo seat, yeah, rarely used it!! I could go on. We so overspent and bought way to much for Brandon. But I was so excited of course I wanted it all. :)
His swing he barely used. It's brand new! Bouncer, barely used. Ugh..what a waste!
Oh well. No more kids so no more baby stuff I guess!
That's about all :)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Huge Step!!...and other thoughts of mine
So today was Curt's VA physical for his med board. Finally!!!! You have no idea how long we have waited for this day. He was injured 3 years and 2 months ago. What a relief it was to know this day had finally arrived. His appointment was at 830 this morning, so of course, being here in DC he had to leave at 630 for the 15 mile drive to make sure he got there in time. Annddd he got there a little after 8! haha Gotta love DC :)
He said it was a very thorough exam. He was quite impressed by how much in detail they went through everything. He didn't get home until a little after two this afternoon so it was a good five hour appointment! Now we just wait!! Tomorrow he has the DTAP briefing and he sees his PCM who is writing up his NARSUM. After that we wait for the med boards decision. Up to 35 days. It is exciting to know we will know our future in a months time. It is a huge step we have been waiting months for. To move on, past this. Sigh..it will be like a huge weight off of our shoulders. So exciting!!!
I will of course keep you updated on this process and journey as it continues. :)
Anyway! I've been doing some heavy thinking the past couple of days. Mostly about my past. On facebook I ran across one of my ex's. Actually my first love. I have always wondered about him and what he had done with his life. Where he was, etc. So it was shocking to see him pop up one day. I dated him my whole sophomore year of high school and beginning of my junior year. He was the first guy I ever loved. I also lost my virginity to him. Anyway, he was a bad boy, a gang banger, and also smoked weed. We used to always hang out at Anna's house and a couple times I saved his butt when he got in a car accident in my car and also when he used my car to burglarize someones house. I defied my mom over him, I got in trouble all the time over him, lost friends over him... I even got jumped because of him. Sigh...so anyway he came up on facebook and I clicked on his profile to see what the hell he ever did with himself. mmm..not much. It looks like he lives in a trailer, has five kids, just looks GROSS.
It made me think of how different my life would have been if I didn't get out of that ghetto stage. If I had stayed with him and never moved away from Zion. OMG.
It made me grateful for being smart enough to 180 myself. To get out of "Zompton" to choose Curt as my husband, to have Curt as my soul mate, to have my true love. It made me see how GOOD my life is. How much we HAVE. We have a lot. More than a lot of people do. It made me grateful I have been given the opportunities I have and am pursuing my degrees and plan on making something of MYSELF.
When I sit back and think of "what could of been" I am eternally gratefully that its not!! I can't believe I was like that. I can't believe I was a bad girl. I can't believe I have been arrested and fingerprinted and a mug shot taken of me all for nothing. I can't believe I was THAT girl. It is definitely not something I am proud of and I don't know if I would take it back, because the experiences I had with not only him but that whole projects crowd shaped me and made me know the dirty life. By dirty I mean drugs, guns, whores, alcohol, burglaries, jail, brawls. The life of the ghetto. I lived that. I have been through it. I have witnessed drive bys, people being stabbed and have been around drugs since I was 14. Even after I was jumped I, myself started carrying a blade around. For protection. I needed it. Like I said I am not proud of those years of my life. But I am thankful to not be so ignorant to the projects and what that life is like. And I see him now and see he still lives that life, still probably a drug dealer, still a gang banger, who knows. Frankly it makes me sad to see it.
I am thankful I grew out of that. Thankful I turned my life around. Thankful I did not become some white trash wigger girl. I am thankful that I got out of that environment, made great friends, met a fabulous soul mate and got my life on a better track. When I think of how my life could have turned out..it disgusts me.
So that's my insight of the day. A little piece of my twisted life.
I don't like to talk about those years of my life in high school. It was an absolutely crazy part of my life. I'm glad I am with Curt, I am glad I have two amazing children who I hope never see that kind of life or witness any of the things I have witnessed or hang out with that type of crowd. I guess...yeah, I do consider myself to be a snob now. I'm better than that old Dacia. Frankly, I like the new Dacia... Thank GOD!! :)
He said it was a very thorough exam. He was quite impressed by how much in detail they went through everything. He didn't get home until a little after two this afternoon so it was a good five hour appointment! Now we just wait!! Tomorrow he has the DTAP briefing and he sees his PCM who is writing up his NARSUM. After that we wait for the med boards decision. Up to 35 days. It is exciting to know we will know our future in a months time. It is a huge step we have been waiting months for. To move on, past this. Sigh..it will be like a huge weight off of our shoulders. So exciting!!!
I will of course keep you updated on this process and journey as it continues. :)
Anyway! I've been doing some heavy thinking the past couple of days. Mostly about my past. On facebook I ran across one of my ex's. Actually my first love. I have always wondered about him and what he had done with his life. Where he was, etc. So it was shocking to see him pop up one day. I dated him my whole sophomore year of high school and beginning of my junior year. He was the first guy I ever loved. I also lost my virginity to him. Anyway, he was a bad boy, a gang banger, and also smoked weed. We used to always hang out at Anna's house and a couple times I saved his butt when he got in a car accident in my car and also when he used my car to burglarize someones house. I defied my mom over him, I got in trouble all the time over him, lost friends over him... I even got jumped because of him. Sigh...so anyway he came up on facebook and I clicked on his profile to see what the hell he ever did with himself. mmm..not much. It looks like he lives in a trailer, has five kids, just looks GROSS.
It made me think of how different my life would have been if I didn't get out of that ghetto stage. If I had stayed with him and never moved away from Zion. OMG.
It made me grateful for being smart enough to 180 myself. To get out of "Zompton" to choose Curt as my husband, to have Curt as my soul mate, to have my true love. It made me see how GOOD my life is. How much we HAVE. We have a lot. More than a lot of people do. It made me grateful I have been given the opportunities I have and am pursuing my degrees and plan on making something of MYSELF.
When I sit back and think of "what could of been" I am eternally gratefully that its not!! I can't believe I was like that. I can't believe I was a bad girl. I can't believe I have been arrested and fingerprinted and a mug shot taken of me all for nothing. I can't believe I was THAT girl. It is definitely not something I am proud of and I don't know if I would take it back, because the experiences I had with not only him but that whole projects crowd shaped me and made me know the dirty life. By dirty I mean drugs, guns, whores, alcohol, burglaries, jail, brawls. The life of the ghetto. I lived that. I have been through it. I have witnessed drive bys, people being stabbed and have been around drugs since I was 14. Even after I was jumped I, myself started carrying a blade around. For protection. I needed it. Like I said I am not proud of those years of my life. But I am thankful to not be so ignorant to the projects and what that life is like. And I see him now and see he still lives that life, still probably a drug dealer, still a gang banger, who knows. Frankly it makes me sad to see it.
I am thankful I grew out of that. Thankful I turned my life around. Thankful I did not become some white trash wigger girl. I am thankful that I got out of that environment, made great friends, met a fabulous soul mate and got my life on a better track. When I think of how my life could have turned out..it disgusts me.
So that's my insight of the day. A little piece of my twisted life.
I don't like to talk about those years of my life in high school. It was an absolutely crazy part of my life. I'm glad I am with Curt, I am glad I have two amazing children who I hope never see that kind of life or witness any of the things I have witnessed or hang out with that type of crowd. I guess...yeah, I do consider myself to be a snob now. I'm better than that old Dacia. Frankly, I like the new Dacia... Thank GOD!! :)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
My old Journal!! And so many memories of Curt's injury
Sigh....Should've never opened that folder up...
Truck hit again, June 1, 2007
My hubby called this morning at 4 from baghdad hospital his truck was hit again and this time he is going to Germany then he thinks back home here. I don't know what is exactly wrong i have yet to be notified by the army and he was pretty much incoherent and I coudn't undestand what he was saying to me so I wll give an update as soon as I call rear d here...
....I am sooo exhausted going on three and a half hours sleep! The Dept of the Army informed me this morning at exactly 8:00...she didn't tell me much just that "she is calling to inform me my soldier was involved in a roadside bomb attack and he suffered shrapnel wounds to his right leg, he is being evaluated at the EMT clinic in Baghdad and it is a non-life threatening injury." That was all I got from her. I said my husband told me he had surgery and was needing at least a couple more so he was going to Germany. She said Well this is all the information I have at the moment.If he goes to Germany he will probably call you before we do to update you.
This is so frustrating! I don't know how bad he is or what exactly is going to happen next! Now we play the waiting game I guess.....
....Update--he is on his way to Germany as we speak...um I was told to allow maybe two days for the doctors to evaluate him and decide whether or not I need to come there...he will probably call me before I get another update from the DOA...that is all I know at this point...I am staying strong because I know he is alive and for that I am thankful...the full extent of his injuries I do not know yet...haven't heard a peep since yesterday afternoon...so getting kinda antsy for some info I know they said it would be a couple days....I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a busy day!
June2nd
I still don't know how bad he is, what the extent of his injuries are, how long he could be in the hospital, anything!! I thought Curt would try to contact me again last night but the phone never rang...I was told by the DOA yesterday that once he was in Germany they (the DOA) would call me with a 1800 number so I could call him there...still nothing! So frustrating!
June 3rd
Update--he just called again he is still in Baghdad, his flight to Germany was cancelled...hoping to go in the next day or two for another surgery...his whole right leg is broken, his arm, his index finger and shrapnel wounds on his left leg. He will be going to Walter Reed from Germany. He said he is out of commission for a LOONNGG time...and is tired of laying in bed!! HaHa...he sounded the same...he just said this was the worst experience of his life and I asked him if there was a lot of blood and he said yes...I think he is still out of it, doped up on some drugs
I told him to call me again when he can...and that all of his soldiers are worried about him
thats my update
June 4th
Curt is now in Germany, having one more surgery tomorrow before sending him to Walter Reed on Friday. Sounded much better! Still in pain of course and we have a long recovery road ahead of us, but all in all he seemed in pretty good spirits! Can't wait to see him! I will be going to WR to be with him expenses paid by the army...((sigh))
I am exhausted....but I am still so thankful and so overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and sympathy...but we will get thru this because we are Army Strong!!
June6th
nothing yet, he had another surgery today and will be at WR on friday...thats it for now...the DOA took all my travel info from me...thats it...he will be flyinginto WR on friday as long as nothing is postponed..the DOA just took all my info so I'll be ready to go when the docs give the ok.
He had surgery this morning just to clean out the wounds (3rd one) the shrapnel is still in his leg-lower left-he says he can see it. His right leg is shattered pins are basically holding it together from his hip to his ankle. His right arm and hand is broke and his pinky finger on his left hand.
Today he was kinda in a bad mood which is probably to be expected! I can't wait to see him probably next week-just gonna give him a big ol kiss!
June 11th
disgusted
with the army right now! still at home! they have me on a flight tomorrow at 630am...BUT they did not include Kaylie!!! so now I am waiting for them to call back to see if they can get her on the plane! I am appalled and so disappointed in the army! I mean I could have driven and been there by now if I had the money!! This is absolutely ridiculous! my husband was hurt 10 days ago now and I am STILL in georgia!!! I finally broke down today...this is just enough...I am very very disappointed in the way this whole thing has been handled...they promise me I would go today but no lets wait until 130pm to call me and tell me the only flight out of columbus was leaving at 136 so now I have to wait another day...if this would have been taken care of three days ago like it was SUPPOSED to I would not be in this situation...okay sorry done venting!! just had to get that out, i have been crying since I got off the phone with them...what else can go wrong??
okay, just got my call, now I AM leaving again tomorrow at 630am!! I feel so much better! I even got my tickets in hand!! That is such a relief to me you have no idea.
June 13th
Finally made it to WAlter reed yesterday...what a journey!! My first plane out of columbus was delayed because they could not fuel the plane because of the lightening. then my plane in atlanta was delayed because of a mechanical malfunction with the plane and sat on the tarmac for one hour!! made it here though with a HUGE headache LOL...got to my hotel dropped my bags and said take me to the hospital!! I got there and he was still in recovery from surgery.sat in his room for about two hours before he made itback up. Talked to his roomate who was also injured by an IED...nice family going thru basically the same type of injury. Even though his roomate might lose his foot. Curt looks really good. on a scale of 1-10 I'll say 7. He has surgery tomorrow to remove the rods bascially holding his leg together and they will put in pins to start putting his leg back together. We got him in a weelchair today and we walked all around the hospital...and I have to say Curt is so lucky compared to some of these injured soldiers here! My heart goes out to them but they are all in good spirits it seems which is wonderful. the emotions here and evrything there are no words to describe. We've already met the NFL team washington redskins and a retired brig. general! who almost made me cry...fought in every war since WW2!! sweet old guy...thats my update for now!
Well, things are going as good as they can right now! Curt had surgery a few days ago and another one yesterday but it was only minor yesterday to replace his splint on his leg. They cannot put any casts on him until his open wounds heal. They seem to be healing nicely though. His major surgery they removed the rods and put pins in his leg, too many to count which he will have for the rest of his life unfortunately...His leg is broke in two places, above his knee and below his knee. He has pins from about five inches above his knee to about six inches from his ankle. My poor baby! He will probably get arthritis in his knee later in life. Also, he did suffer bone loss and cartilage from his knee, and he has two wound vacs coming from his knee which is gross! just machines sucking out all that icky stuff from his knee.
My room does suck, it is sooo tiny with a slanted floor and a leaky ceiling, but there is nothing else available right now so I will live, I spend most of my time at the hospital anyway! I am supposed to be at teh Mologne house but there is no room of course, but I do call everyday to check to get the hell out of this room!
Kaylie is going to stay with my sister in Chicago next week..that will be good for her she's pretty bored! We got to meet a Nascar driver today last name was Martin he drives the army car...pretty cool...
June 20th
We got to meet Regis Philbin today and had our pics done with him, will be shown on tomorrow mornings show!! I was almost crying but Curt couldn't stop cheesin' LOL
June 29th
well, we should be discharged next week as an outpatient probably for the next month at least! that is good news!! he got most of his stitches taken out today, some still in. We are going to the big fireworks display at the capital on the 4th with our roomate who also happens to be in 3rd Brigade!! He's in 2-69 though. thats just funny, out of all the injured soldiers we end up roomates!! We also have a very, very big VIP coming next week (he lives here in DC hint hint) they won't say for sure who it is, but the address on the paperwork we had to fill out said the address! (duh) like we won't figure it out, so everyone is all in a tizzy scrubbing the place down! we had to fill out so many papers and social security no's. if curt didn't put me down I could not get in the hospital that day! Then they came around tonight and asked what curt wanted "him" to call him. Curt or Curtis. He said Curtis! LOL...this should be interesting....
July 3rd
got to meet the big Mr. President Bush today! It was absolutely crazy in the hospital!! We were not allowed to leave the room and they had I swear 20 SS guys walking in and out of our rooms and two dogs sniffing around our stuff! He got to our room about 11 this morning, said hello gave me a hug asked Curt about his injuries told him he looked good and is proud of him for serving blah blah blah, asked how they were treating us here and how they were serving me, then we took pics and that was it! We should get the pics in about two months they said...I was kinda disappointed he seemed very impersonal and nonchalant, almost like he really didn't care, I mean I know he's a busy man and all but come on, show some emotion and at least sound like you mean what you say! But all in all it was a once in a lifetime experience...and that is all I can say about it LOL
4th of July D.C. style!!
So we had an AWESOME 4th of July. We got bused over to the Capitol lawn where we got to watch the concert from the first row!! Hosted by Tony Danza, it was awesome, we got to see Yolanda Adams, Eliot Yamin, Little Richard, Hayden from the NBC show Heroes, and Dirk (country music guy) anyway, I was up and dancing during Little richard's performance he was great!! My favorite performance. Also I teared up when Yolanda Adams sang God Bless America. Then we watched the fireworks then went into the Capitol Building for a reception with the celebrities and crew from the concert. Awesome once again!! We got a tour of the building and got to go into Nancy Pelosi (speaker of the house) office and private balcony which overlooks penn anvenue. Great view my mouth dropped open and the guy took of pic of me and curt on the balcony with the washington monument lit up in the background. Beautiful view. then we went into the reception hall, and mingled with the performers from the show, (eliot is really cute by the way as is the country guy Dirks) We got back to the hospital about 12:30 in the morning!! Curt was exhausted! But what an experience to be VIP's for a night!!
Most touching was the marine who was sitting at our table with us with his wife and beautiful daughter!! He was injured back in 03 during the invasion. He is or was I should say (he is retired now) an EOD tech, and a bomb blew up in his hands! He is the most amazing guy! His story was so touching and my heart ached for him. He lost his left arm, leg and eye and his thumb and index finger on his right hand. What a true Marine he is!! I will forever remember him and all the other soldiers we have met while here, each with a story to tell...
if we only knew what our troops have gone thru....they have been to hell and back and survived! for that they are grateful and they are the true heroes of this war to go thru what they have gone thru we will never know or truley understand the not only physical sacrifices but mental as well...I respect them all! Their outlook on life is absolutely amazing! And I am humbled by that...
God Bless Our Troops-those in the past, present, and future
Especiallly those who have paid the ultimate price for our country!!
July 10th
got discharged from the hospital on friday!! now staying at the mologne house for an estimated 45 days!! whoo-hoo!! It was such a great feeling to leave that hospital behind and now just deal with doctors apts. and physcial therapy apts. we are halfway there!!
he is doing good, pain is in control and will hopefully the doctor said today be able to remove the pins from his hand next week!! thats another step...then as soon as they can remove the two holding his knee together we will be able to start weight bearing and learning to walk again, (which we will be able to do the majority at at Benning! (thank God) thats still at least three weeks away... and he does have a nasty scar on his leg for life along with his 23 pins and two plates in his leg for the rest of his life...no more road marches with a 60 lb. ruck sack for him...
July 19th
so had our big doctors appt. today. Curt is getting his berry pins taken out next week! yay!! It was kind of good news bad news though. Good news is the work on his leg looks good, all the pins that will be in his leg looked good and the work putting his knee back together looked good. The bad news is he has a lot of bone pieces floating around in his knee, which concerns the doc. Curt does not have good range of motion with his knee yet (it barely bends) so the pain starts next week once they remove those two big pins from his knee and the physical therapy actually starts!! bring on the meds!! Another concern was the healing process. Doc said it could never fully recover and if it does it won't fully and it will take up to 2-3 yrs. and looking at another couple surgeries down the road in a yr or so to relieve some of the pressure and floaties from his knee.
As soon as these pins come out next week-two in his knee two in his hand-hopefully we will only be here for another couple weeks or so...I hope so. I am ready to be home. We're hoping the flight works out to bring Kaylie back since we won't find out mom's and tylers flight until monday they said-then I still have to get kaylie's ticket to marry to theirs! pray that it works out and I can get her back here!! I miss her horribly!!
Anyway-that is the update-tomorrow we are taking a tour of the white house whoo-hoo should be interesting!!
Aug 13th
Doc said we can go home if we want a week after Curt's eye surgery!!!! They would LIKE him to stay until he is weight bearing and leave at the end of september, but we said uh-uh we want to go home!!! So after his PRK surgery we can go, I am so excited!! Even though that means he won't get his full CON leave (30 days) he will only get 2 weeks. Because he needs to start weight bearing mid september and work on that in physcial therapy hard core! But I am so excited!!!! three more weeks!!!!!!!!!!
Oct 5th
So the doc told Curt probably next year he will get a whole knee replacement. They want to wait as long as possible before doing it, since their only good for about 20 yrs. then he will need another one. In the next few months or so Curt will have a surgery to take out the "floating" bone in his knee. The doc said he is amazed that Curt is even able to bend his knee to what he can and that he is walking. So basically his knee will not get any better than it is right now until we have this surgery....
We will more than likely go back to Walter Reed to have the knee replacement done next year, since we are not so sure we trust MACH!! lol
On the scale of care WR gets a 9 and MACH gets a 4!!!!!!
And Curt is no longer part of 3rd ID as of Oct 10...The armor center called him and offered him a Cadre position with the WTU here at Benning, which is a two year commitment. He took it after debating. He feels like he is abdoning his guys, but this will do him good and let him have a desk job for the next two years while he heals.
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Truck hit again, June 1, 2007
My hubby called this morning at 4 from baghdad hospital his truck was hit again and this time he is going to Germany then he thinks back home here. I don't know what is exactly wrong i have yet to be notified by the army and he was pretty much incoherent and I coudn't undestand what he was saying to me so I wll give an update as soon as I call rear d here...
....I am sooo exhausted going on three and a half hours sleep! The Dept of the Army informed me this morning at exactly 8:00...she didn't tell me much just that "she is calling to inform me my soldier was involved in a roadside bomb attack and he suffered shrapnel wounds to his right leg, he is being evaluated at the EMT clinic in Baghdad and it is a non-life threatening injury." That was all I got from her. I said my husband told me he had surgery and was needing at least a couple more so he was going to Germany. She said Well this is all the information I have at the moment.If he goes to Germany he will probably call you before we do to update you.
This is so frustrating! I don't know how bad he is or what exactly is going to happen next! Now we play the waiting game I guess.....
....Update--he is on his way to Germany as we speak...um I was told to allow maybe two days for the doctors to evaluate him and decide whether or not I need to come there...he will probably call me before I get another update from the DOA...that is all I know at this point...I am staying strong because I know he is alive and for that I am thankful...the full extent of his injuries I do not know yet...haven't heard a peep since yesterday afternoon...so getting kinda antsy for some info I know they said it would be a couple days....I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a busy day!
June2nd
I still don't know how bad he is, what the extent of his injuries are, how long he could be in the hospital, anything!! I thought Curt would try to contact me again last night but the phone never rang...I was told by the DOA yesterday that once he was in Germany they (the DOA) would call me with a 1800 number so I could call him there...still nothing! So frustrating!
June 3rd
Update--he just called again he is still in Baghdad, his flight to Germany was cancelled...hoping to go in the next day or two for another surgery...his whole right leg is broken, his arm, his index finger and shrapnel wounds on his left leg. He will be going to Walter Reed from Germany. He said he is out of commission for a LOONNGG time...and is tired of laying in bed!! HaHa...he sounded the same...he just said this was the worst experience of his life and I asked him if there was a lot of blood and he said yes...I think he is still out of it, doped up on some drugs
I told him to call me again when he can...and that all of his soldiers are worried about him
thats my update
June 4th
Curt is now in Germany, having one more surgery tomorrow before sending him to Walter Reed on Friday. Sounded much better! Still in pain of course and we have a long recovery road ahead of us, but all in all he seemed in pretty good spirits! Can't wait to see him! I will be going to WR to be with him expenses paid by the army...((sigh))
I am exhausted....but I am still so thankful and so overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and sympathy...but we will get thru this because we are Army Strong!!
June6th
nothing yet, he had another surgery today and will be at WR on friday...thats it for now...the DOA took all my travel info from me...thats it...he will be flyinginto WR on friday as long as nothing is postponed..the DOA just took all my info so I'll be ready to go when the docs give the ok.
He had surgery this morning just to clean out the wounds (3rd one) the shrapnel is still in his leg-lower left-he says he can see it. His right leg is shattered pins are basically holding it together from his hip to his ankle. His right arm and hand is broke and his pinky finger on his left hand.
Today he was kinda in a bad mood which is probably to be expected! I can't wait to see him probably next week-just gonna give him a big ol kiss!
June 11th
disgusted
with the army right now! still at home! they have me on a flight tomorrow at 630am...BUT they did not include Kaylie!!! so now I am waiting for them to call back to see if they can get her on the plane! I am appalled and so disappointed in the army! I mean I could have driven and been there by now if I had the money!! This is absolutely ridiculous! my husband was hurt 10 days ago now and I am STILL in georgia!!! I finally broke down today...this is just enough...I am very very disappointed in the way this whole thing has been handled...they promise me I would go today but no lets wait until 130pm to call me and tell me the only flight out of columbus was leaving at 136 so now I have to wait another day...if this would have been taken care of three days ago like it was SUPPOSED to I would not be in this situation...okay sorry done venting!! just had to get that out, i have been crying since I got off the phone with them...what else can go wrong??
okay, just got my call, now I AM leaving again tomorrow at 630am!! I feel so much better! I even got my tickets in hand!! That is such a relief to me you have no idea.
June 13th
Finally made it to WAlter reed yesterday...what a journey!! My first plane out of columbus was delayed because they could not fuel the plane because of the lightening. then my plane in atlanta was delayed because of a mechanical malfunction with the plane and sat on the tarmac for one hour!! made it here though with a HUGE headache LOL...got to my hotel dropped my bags and said take me to the hospital!! I got there and he was still in recovery from surgery.sat in his room for about two hours before he made itback up. Talked to his roomate who was also injured by an IED...nice family going thru basically the same type of injury. Even though his roomate might lose his foot. Curt looks really good. on a scale of 1-10 I'll say 7. He has surgery tomorrow to remove the rods bascially holding his leg together and they will put in pins to start putting his leg back together. We got him in a weelchair today and we walked all around the hospital...and I have to say Curt is so lucky compared to some of these injured soldiers here! My heart goes out to them but they are all in good spirits it seems which is wonderful. the emotions here and evrything there are no words to describe. We've already met the NFL team washington redskins and a retired brig. general! who almost made me cry...fought in every war since WW2!! sweet old guy...thats my update for now!
Well, things are going as good as they can right now! Curt had surgery a few days ago and another one yesterday but it was only minor yesterday to replace his splint on his leg. They cannot put any casts on him until his open wounds heal. They seem to be healing nicely though. His major surgery they removed the rods and put pins in his leg, too many to count which he will have for the rest of his life unfortunately...His leg is broke in two places, above his knee and below his knee. He has pins from about five inches above his knee to about six inches from his ankle. My poor baby! He will probably get arthritis in his knee later in life. Also, he did suffer bone loss and cartilage from his knee, and he has two wound vacs coming from his knee which is gross! just machines sucking out all that icky stuff from his knee.
My room does suck, it is sooo tiny with a slanted floor and a leaky ceiling, but there is nothing else available right now so I will live, I spend most of my time at the hospital anyway! I am supposed to be at teh Mologne house but there is no room of course, but I do call everyday to check to get the hell out of this room!
Kaylie is going to stay with my sister in Chicago next week..that will be good for her she's pretty bored! We got to meet a Nascar driver today last name was Martin he drives the army car...pretty cool...
June 20th
We got to meet Regis Philbin today and had our pics done with him, will be shown on tomorrow mornings show!! I was almost crying but Curt couldn't stop cheesin' LOL
June 29th
well, we should be discharged next week as an outpatient probably for the next month at least! that is good news!! he got most of his stitches taken out today, some still in. We are going to the big fireworks display at the capital on the 4th with our roomate who also happens to be in 3rd Brigade!! He's in 2-69 though. thats just funny, out of all the injured soldiers we end up roomates!! We also have a very, very big VIP coming next week (he lives here in DC hint hint) they won't say for sure who it is, but the address on the paperwork we had to fill out said the address! (duh) like we won't figure it out, so everyone is all in a tizzy scrubbing the place down! we had to fill out so many papers and social security no's. if curt didn't put me down I could not get in the hospital that day! Then they came around tonight and asked what curt wanted "him" to call him. Curt or Curtis. He said Curtis! LOL...this should be interesting....
July 3rd
got to meet the big Mr. President Bush today! It was absolutely crazy in the hospital!! We were not allowed to leave the room and they had I swear 20 SS guys walking in and out of our rooms and two dogs sniffing around our stuff! He got to our room about 11 this morning, said hello gave me a hug asked Curt about his injuries told him he looked good and is proud of him for serving blah blah blah, asked how they were treating us here and how they were serving me, then we took pics and that was it! We should get the pics in about two months they said...I was kinda disappointed he seemed very impersonal and nonchalant, almost like he really didn't care, I mean I know he's a busy man and all but come on, show some emotion and at least sound like you mean what you say! But all in all it was a once in a lifetime experience...and that is all I can say about it LOL
4th of July D.C. style!!
So we had an AWESOME 4th of July. We got bused over to the Capitol lawn where we got to watch the concert from the first row!! Hosted by Tony Danza, it was awesome, we got to see Yolanda Adams, Eliot Yamin, Little Richard, Hayden from the NBC show Heroes, and Dirk (country music guy) anyway, I was up and dancing during Little richard's performance he was great!! My favorite performance. Also I teared up when Yolanda Adams sang God Bless America. Then we watched the fireworks then went into the Capitol Building for a reception with the celebrities and crew from the concert. Awesome once again!! We got a tour of the building and got to go into Nancy Pelosi (speaker of the house) office and private balcony which overlooks penn anvenue. Great view my mouth dropped open and the guy took of pic of me and curt on the balcony with the washington monument lit up in the background. Beautiful view. then we went into the reception hall, and mingled with the performers from the show, (eliot is really cute by the way as is the country guy Dirks) We got back to the hospital about 12:30 in the morning!! Curt was exhausted! But what an experience to be VIP's for a night!!
Most touching was the marine who was sitting at our table with us with his wife and beautiful daughter!! He was injured back in 03 during the invasion. He is or was I should say (he is retired now) an EOD tech, and a bomb blew up in his hands! He is the most amazing guy! His story was so touching and my heart ached for him. He lost his left arm, leg and eye and his thumb and index finger on his right hand. What a true Marine he is!! I will forever remember him and all the other soldiers we have met while here, each with a story to tell...
if we only knew what our troops have gone thru....they have been to hell and back and survived! for that they are grateful and they are the true heroes of this war to go thru what they have gone thru we will never know or truley understand the not only physical sacrifices but mental as well...I respect them all! Their outlook on life is absolutely amazing! And I am humbled by that...
God Bless Our Troops-those in the past, present, and future
Especiallly those who have paid the ultimate price for our country!!
July 10th
got discharged from the hospital on friday!! now staying at the mologne house for an estimated 45 days!! whoo-hoo!! It was such a great feeling to leave that hospital behind and now just deal with doctors apts. and physcial therapy apts. we are halfway there!!
he is doing good, pain is in control and will hopefully the doctor said today be able to remove the pins from his hand next week!! thats another step...then as soon as they can remove the two holding his knee together we will be able to start weight bearing and learning to walk again, (which we will be able to do the majority at at Benning! (thank God) thats still at least three weeks away... and he does have a nasty scar on his leg for life along with his 23 pins and two plates in his leg for the rest of his life...no more road marches with a 60 lb. ruck sack for him...
July 19th
so had our big doctors appt. today. Curt is getting his berry pins taken out next week! yay!! It was kind of good news bad news though. Good news is the work on his leg looks good, all the pins that will be in his leg looked good and the work putting his knee back together looked good. The bad news is he has a lot of bone pieces floating around in his knee, which concerns the doc. Curt does not have good range of motion with his knee yet (it barely bends) so the pain starts next week once they remove those two big pins from his knee and the physical therapy actually starts!! bring on the meds!! Another concern was the healing process. Doc said it could never fully recover and if it does it won't fully and it will take up to 2-3 yrs. and looking at another couple surgeries down the road in a yr or so to relieve some of the pressure and floaties from his knee.
As soon as these pins come out next week-two in his knee two in his hand-hopefully we will only be here for another couple weeks or so...I hope so. I am ready to be home. We're hoping the flight works out to bring Kaylie back since we won't find out mom's and tylers flight until monday they said-then I still have to get kaylie's ticket to marry to theirs! pray that it works out and I can get her back here!! I miss her horribly!!
Anyway-that is the update-tomorrow we are taking a tour of the white house whoo-hoo should be interesting!!
Aug 13th
Doc said we can go home if we want a week after Curt's eye surgery!!!! They would LIKE him to stay until he is weight bearing and leave at the end of september, but we said uh-uh we want to go home!!! So after his PRK surgery we can go, I am so excited!! Even though that means he won't get his full CON leave (30 days) he will only get 2 weeks. Because he needs to start weight bearing mid september and work on that in physcial therapy hard core! But I am so excited!!!! three more weeks!!!!!!!!!!
Oct 5th
So the doc told Curt probably next year he will get a whole knee replacement. They want to wait as long as possible before doing it, since their only good for about 20 yrs. then he will need another one. In the next few months or so Curt will have a surgery to take out the "floating" bone in his knee. The doc said he is amazed that Curt is even able to bend his knee to what he can and that he is walking. So basically his knee will not get any better than it is right now until we have this surgery....
We will more than likely go back to Walter Reed to have the knee replacement done next year, since we are not so sure we trust MACH!! lol
On the scale of care WR gets a 9 and MACH gets a 4!!!!!!
And Curt is no longer part of 3rd ID as of Oct 10...The armor center called him and offered him a Cadre position with the WTU here at Benning, which is a two year commitment. He took it after debating. He feels like he is abdoning his guys, but this will do him good and let him have a desk job for the next two years while he heals.
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Sunday, August 1, 2010
So happy its August!!!!
You have no idea how happy I am with today being August 1st. Next Wednesday is Curt's VA physcial...FINALLY!!!! The heart and soul of the med board. We have been waiting for this for months now. After this things should start moving along at a better rate. I am ready for the future! Ready to put this damn thing behind us!
I am so excited to get this show on the road! Hurry up next week and lets get this thing up and moving!!!
Last week we had a few eventful days. We went to an invatation only screening of the show "Army Wives" with VP and Mrs. Biden and Gen and Mrs. Casey and also a couple actors from the show. It was a lot of fun. First time I left Brandon with a sitter and I didn't like it! haha
It takes a lot for me to trust people and thankfully the event provided daycare so we just dropped the kids off at the center. The screeing of the show was boring itself but it was cool to get to see the VIP's that were there. But I couldn't wait to get my baby back and I was anxious to see how he did so we didn't stay and mingle long. Thankfully I had taken one of my anxiety pills beforehand so I wasn't on edge like I normally am. It calmed me down a bit but not quite as much as I would have liked. When we got back to the daycare and picked up the kids, Brandon was so happy to see me! Kaylie said he cried almost the entire time. :( My poor baby!!!!
On Friday we went to the Shenandoah Caverns and that was really nice. We had a great family time! We went on a tour of the Caverns which was awesome. I even have a picture of a ghost I think. It's a pretty scary looking picture! Then we walked down and fed the goats and ate at a 1950s themed restaurant. I always love those types of places! Then we went on a tour of parade floats that have been in the rose parade and inaugural parades. They were huge and probably cost a lot of money to build. The drive home was awful of course. Brandon hadn't napped since that morning so he was cranky and fought sleep and of course...as usual...screamed and screamed his headoff. It was beyond stressful. At one point we had to pull over and take a break because his crying was unmanagable. Ugh...Kaylie never ever cried like he does in the car. They are total night and day from each other! Kaylie was the easiest baby ever. Brandon is too...most of the time. Except when we travel!!
This week nothing much going on. Classes start tomorrow, yay! I am sooo ready to get back at the grind of things! Still been researching schools for my masters. Curt says get through my BA first before worrying about that, but I'm a planner and like to explore options and ideas. It's never to early to start in my opinion! Having a degree doesn't automatically qualify a person for a job, so I'm going straight into my Master's and getting more into volunteer work. Especially with Girl Scouts of course, and I also want to start looking into co-op programs to give me career field experience. That always helps! Need experience to get a job too! Degree won't get you that!
We might go to the beach this week. Still working on that. We'll see if we're up for the drive with Brandon haha. :)
I am so excited to get this show on the road! Hurry up next week and lets get this thing up and moving!!!
Last week we had a few eventful days. We went to an invatation only screening of the show "Army Wives" with VP and Mrs. Biden and Gen and Mrs. Casey and also a couple actors from the show. It was a lot of fun. First time I left Brandon with a sitter and I didn't like it! haha
It takes a lot for me to trust people and thankfully the event provided daycare so we just dropped the kids off at the center. The screeing of the show was boring itself but it was cool to get to see the VIP's that were there. But I couldn't wait to get my baby back and I was anxious to see how he did so we didn't stay and mingle long. Thankfully I had taken one of my anxiety pills beforehand so I wasn't on edge like I normally am. It calmed me down a bit but not quite as much as I would have liked. When we got back to the daycare and picked up the kids, Brandon was so happy to see me! Kaylie said he cried almost the entire time. :( My poor baby!!!!
On Friday we went to the Shenandoah Caverns and that was really nice. We had a great family time! We went on a tour of the Caverns which was awesome. I even have a picture of a ghost I think. It's a pretty scary looking picture! Then we walked down and fed the goats and ate at a 1950s themed restaurant. I always love those types of places! Then we went on a tour of parade floats that have been in the rose parade and inaugural parades. They were huge and probably cost a lot of money to build. The drive home was awful of course. Brandon hadn't napped since that morning so he was cranky and fought sleep and of course...as usual...screamed and screamed his headoff. It was beyond stressful. At one point we had to pull over and take a break because his crying was unmanagable. Ugh...Kaylie never ever cried like he does in the car. They are total night and day from each other! Kaylie was the easiest baby ever. Brandon is too...most of the time. Except when we travel!!
This week nothing much going on. Classes start tomorrow, yay! I am sooo ready to get back at the grind of things! Still been researching schools for my masters. Curt says get through my BA first before worrying about that, but I'm a planner and like to explore options and ideas. It's never to early to start in my opinion! Having a degree doesn't automatically qualify a person for a job, so I'm going straight into my Master's and getting more into volunteer work. Especially with Girl Scouts of course, and I also want to start looking into co-op programs to give me career field experience. That always helps! Need experience to get a job too! Degree won't get you that!
We might go to the beach this week. Still working on that. We'll see if we're up for the drive with Brandon haha. :)
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