It sounds like our patient has had an exciting day. Aaron said his nurses have already spread the word to the doctors and specialists that need to see him that they will have to initiate a hospital-wide hunt for him if they don't catch him before he gets in his wheelchair in the morning.
The best news from today is that Aaron has been told that he is definitely eligible to go to Walter Reed either Wednesday or Thursday, depending on when a spot can be found for him. The site of his amputation still needs to heal more, but apparently, there is preparatory work he can be doing at Walter Reed before rehab while he continues to heal. It is good to be one step closer to Aaron being able to walk again.
First thing this morning, Aaron went to see a specialist of some sort to do tests to determine if he has suffered any brain damage from the attack. He was given a wide range of cognitive tests, and he passed them with flying colors. It's good to know that his head will be alright. Or, at least, as close to being alright as it ever was.
He also saw an audiologist today. Aaron's ears have always been a source of difficulty for him, because since he was a small child, he has had recurring infections in his right ear. Because of all the tubes and infections, he has reduced hearing in that ear to start with. Because of the explosion, his hearing has been further reduced in his good ear. Aaron said he thinks that over the years, he has adapted to his reduced hearing, and he hadn't really noticed a difference, but he has been told that it's possible he could have a surgery while he's at Walter Reed to help improve his hearing. Pray for wisdom for Aaron and his doctors on this issue.
Aaron also said that he traveled with a walker today farther than he has yet ... all around the circumference of his hospital floor. We're thankful for his increasing strength and endurance, since they are a sign that he is continuing to improve in general.
Aaron said that today, he decided it's probably better for him to stay on a semi-regular dose of oral pain medication, instead of waiting for the pain to get bad before he takes anything. He said in the morning, he is usually not in pain, but by the time he moves around a bit, he is hurting pretty badly by early afternoon. So he has been put on a regular dose of something that doesn't make him lethargic or confused like the morphine did, and he is having less pain now. Aaron also saw a chiropractor today for pain he has been having in his back. He said he got a lot of relief from the treatment and plans to go back.
Aaron said he received a lot of mail today, including a very special pacakge from the Governor's Office of Mississippi. Aaron worked on Haley Barbour's gubernatioral campaign in 2004. Last week, Governor Barbour had a state flag flown over the capitol in Aaron's honor, and today a package with that flag and a proclamation honoring Aaron's service, signed by the govenor, arrived at the hospital. Aaron was thrilled and so honored, and he said as soon as he is home, he is going to have the whole thing framed. No doubt it will hang in a place of honor in all of he and Kelly's homes for the rest of his life. Many thanks to the Governor's Office for making the effort to recognize Aaron in this way ... he will remember it forever.
We have a few prayers requests for y'all tonight. Aaron spoke to a social worker today about his desire to attend Ryan's graduation. We don't have a firm answer on that yet, but they are going to start looking into it. We don't want Aaron to do anything bad for his medical condition, but if it's physically possible, it would be great for Aaron to go to Ryan's graduation. So just pray for wisdom for everyone involved.
We also have some prayer requests for other Marines. When Aaron was in ICU, one of the men there with him was a Marine who was run over by a 7-ton military vehicle in Iraq. It is really amazing that he survived it, but he is still essentially in the same place that Aaron was several days ago in the sense that he is in and out of consciousness and on a ventilator. Obviously, he is also facing much greater physical challenges than Aaron. Aaron has been visiting him in ICU for the last couple of days and trying to talk to him and encourage him, and he seems to respond well to Aaron as another Marine. But Aaron said that they have heard that this young man has some sort of lung infection which is very bad for him in his condition. Please pray for this Marine and his family, that he will improve and recover in spite of his desperate injuries. Aaron said visiting this young man has made him increasingly aware of how blessed he is to have only lost a leg and not be physically destroyed. We know that we have your prayers for Aaron and our family, so we ask that you please speak to God about this man as well.
In happier news, T.C., Aaron's friend from Starkville, is very close to going home. T.C. was injured when a Hummer flipped over. He was the gunner for the Humvee, and so was on top of the vehicle when it flipped. He was nearly crushed, and a weapon discharged in the crash, further injuring him. He has progressed well and if all goes well within the next few days, he should be allowed to go home. Based on our experience, we know how happy this will make him and his family, so please pray that he will continue to improve.
As soon as Aaron gets word on his transfer to Walter Reed, I will get a new address for mail. That's all for tonight. Aaron said he was going to get online and check out the site again tonight, so leave him some comments!
We love y'all.
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Comments (9)
Aaron
i hope you check this. man you inspire me. you really do i know for a fact i would not be in a disposition like yours if i was in your situation. i can see through your sisters updates and your letter that you r belief in God has really been a big factor. I have never really had that great of a relationship with God, sort of an off and on christian i guess. Just seeing prayers on such a large scale being answered, i.e. the potential rent free apt and your health and recovery, has changed my perspective on prayer. I never really pray unless it is to get me out of trouble or protect while i am doing something stupid, or to watch over friends. To be honest i probably could count on one hand the number of time i prayed in a year and still have fingers left over. That is until i heard about you. Your faith in God and your families has made me want to reevaluate mine, for the better. Aaron I love you man and I hold you close to my heart. Ga you just cant go without being #1 whether its in love, life, class politics. Love you man and I am praying you will be able to see Ryan.
Love,
MAtt
Posted by matt | March 29, 2005 8:04 PM
Posted on March 29, 2005 20:04
Aaron,
Been checking on you everyday. I am really inspired by your progress and attitude throughout this time in your life. I pray for you, your family, and kelly several times a day. Know that your friends here in Starkville are praying and awaiting anxiously your return. You are in our prayers and on our minds. Thanks for your service to your country... the service we often take for granted. You have attained a level of manhood children, and most men for that matter, only dream of. You are a role model for all of us. Stay strong, give kelly and your mom a hug for me, and get your ass back down to the southlands where you belong.
Camp
Posted by Camp | March 29, 2005 10:32 PM
Posted on March 29, 2005 22:32
Thanks for the pictures. Aaron, you are an inspiration to everyoe. I know you know how special your family is. Haley is like this angel providing us with updates on your progress. God works in wonderful ways. You have been truly blessed. Keep up the good work and the prayers. We all love you.
Posted by aunt Barb | March 30, 2005 6:49 AM
Posted on March 30, 2005 06:49
Aaron,
It appears that you are progressing much faster than anyone is expecting. No doubt, there is power in prayer. I am leading the Jr. High boys through Paul Little's book, Know Why You Believe. We have been going through this for the past few months. The day after I heard what happened to you, I pulled out the book to get ready for Wednesday nights lesson, and the chapter we were on was "Why Does God Allow Suffering and Evil". To close the chapter out, he writes that, "God never asks us to understand but just to trust him." Seeing you doing just that is a testament to you faith. We will continue to lift you and your family in our prayers, to keep you strong, and to continue to use you in every situation. We look forward to you coming home and seeing you again in the 'burg.
Jon Kane
Posted by Jon Kane | March 30, 2005 8:02 AM
Posted on March 30, 2005 08:02
Aaron & Kelly,
Your letters and Hailey's updates have brought me nearer to God. How awesome that you see God's provisions and blessings so clearly! I loved seeing the pictures of you both. I would love to see your apartment when we (the rushes) go up to Starkville for a football game in the fall. I am so proud of you two. You remind me of this verse:
"Surely God is my help;the Lord is the one who sustains me". Ps. 54:4
Posted by Deanna Rush | March 30, 2005 8:11 AM
Posted on March 30, 2005 08:11
Dear Aaron,
I just wanted you to know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many at Mississippi State, not only by those who know you personally; but also by those you have never met – like me. We are moved and touched by the heroism you have displayed to us here at MSU, and to those across our country. When I first heard about your situation from some SAE’s here at State, I immediately said, “Well, I know it is horrible to lose a leg, but thank God he’s not loosing his life, and God has a plan for him.” I know that your upcoming months will not be easy, and there will be many mountains to climb. However, I can see from reading your website and hearing about you that you are going to get through those times much easier than most would. I am so touched by your positive attitude and your faith in the Lord, not only do you have that; but you have the prayers and support of so many to help you get over those mountains to see what God has waiting for you.
Aaron, I will leave you with a scripture that came to mind when thinking of you and your situation. It’s one of my favorites and it is very visible to me in your life. Please know that many prayers and thoughts from Mississippi State are with you, Kelly and your family.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Love and Prayers,
Rachel McDonald
Posted by Rachel McDonald | March 30, 2005 9:36 AM
Posted on March 30, 2005 09:36
Aaron, I am still reading and checking on you daily. I have always thought you were special, but I am ashamed to realize that I never really looked for "the real you" until this accident. I am so honored to see this part of you, and to know that you are such a hero, both on the inside AND on the outside. Like someone said in another post, I have found myself doing more praying lately than I have in the past - so maybe God is answering more prayers than those to heal you. We ALL love you - teachers ask me daily what the new news of you is, and I am so glad to give them such great news.
Come back to us soon, and take care of that wonderful wife of yours.
Love Joyce Deer
Posted by Joyce Deer | March 30, 2005 6:48 PM
Posted on March 30, 2005 18:48
Dear Haley, can you please send me Aaron's hospital address, I can't seem to find it on the website. Thanks, Aunt Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte Lowry | April 1, 2005 6:18 PM
Posted on April 1, 2005 18:18
Aaron, Kelly, and Family;
Aaron, good to see some pictures of you getting up and around. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I am sure you've heard by now,but there was an article about you in the Reflector about a week ago. It was pretty much a documentary with quotes from Adam Griffin and Dean White. You can probably check it out if you want online.
Know that you are an inspiration and a hero to all of us. At our swap the other night, the band stopped in the middle of the performance and laid into the Hendrix version of the Star Spangled Banner as a tribute to the troops who so lovingly and faithfully fight for this country. I told them your story and thanked them for their tribute. The guitarists response was, "Thank us? Man, we thank him!" They all wore bands similar to the Livestrong ones that said, "Support our Troops." I have gotten myself one since that swap. It is desert camo and pretty bad ass. Everytime I look at it, I think of you all and pray for you all. Stay strong and keep the faith and humility that makes you the hero you are.
Camp
Posted by Camp | April 5, 2005 8:37 PM
Posted on April 5, 2005 20:37