Stryker Brigade News

After some freaky warm then suddenly cold weather that came through last Thursday, I finally made it to see Travis. My first plane was delayed by three hours due to severe thunderstorms up and down the east coast, causing me to miss my connecting flight from Atlanta to Augusta. Fortunately, I was able to get on a standby flight to Augusta first thing Friday morning but not before spending the night in a chair at Hartsfield airport in Atlanta....

When I finally made it to see Travis Friday morning, I found him in the gym having his PT. Somehow, Travis got his days mixed up and did not expect to see me until Saturday... I should have had my camera ready because I sure missed a Kodak moment when the smile on his face went from ear to ear. What a special moment! He told me I was getting too skinny (hum) and I was able to use a little "mother's guilt" by telling him I haven't been able to eat too much for worrying about him - lol.

I watched closely as the therapist moved one leg then the other and then proceeded to work on his arms. First working the right arm and then moving to his left arm. She stopped and told Travis it was about time for him to show me what he could do. Much to my surprise, Travis picked up his left arm and placed it on his chest - that's right!!! How awesome. Of course I stood there and cried like a baby and then I chastised him for not letting me in on the secret sooner... ( o : He cannot move the arm back down in one swift motion, but rather in a sequence of movements. But hey - that's progress... smile.

Later that morning we had to take a "sex class" and I think Travis and I both felt like we were back in grade school... blush...

Next we went to the dining hall and grabbed some fried chicken, hot sauce and potato wedges and went back to the day room to eat with everyone else. After lunch we participated in an exercise class that lasted for about a half an hour. Then finally had some quiet one on one time. Travis recently got a motorized wheelchair that has an odometer on it and in the course of the past week has logged over 13 miles on it by motoring around the hospital halls. We quickly added to that number.

Travis smokes, so we had to go outside to the courtyard in order for him to light up. As I said Augusta was having some freaky weather, because by this point it was freezing cold outside. So, when you see Travis all bundled up - that's the reason. Also, take note of the special little contraption in his left hand. This is where he puts his cigarette in to smoke, so he doesn't have to keep the cigarette in his mouth the whole time.

Later in the afternoon, I asked his therapist if she would have time to let Travis into the computer room so he could show me his skills on the 'voice activated' computer. Now, this is really neat. Guess what? Travis has access to his emails and checking account now. It was awesome watching him navigate around the computer. I see a whole new world opening up for him. ( o :

We had dinner and watched some movies and before you know it, visiting hours were over and I had to leave...boo

Saturday was not as busy, I guess with the holiday weekend, much of the normal days activities were cancelled until Monday. But, that was good because it gave Travis and I a lot more time to spend visiting. He wanted a few items from the hospital store and some things that they didn't carry, so I walked across the street to the CVS and got him a watch, some chocolate covered almonds, salt and vinegar chips and a few other items. Which reminds me, if anyone wants to send Travis anything, chocolate covered almonds, crunch and munch and DVD movies would be very much appreciated.

We talked about the possibility of a service dog and I think this is something that Travis would really like to explore... I know of a few people that might be helpful in this area as well as securing his own computer, but if there is anyone out there with ties to any, please let me know. I know Travis would feel a lot better sleeping at night with a loyal dog by his side.

After that, we went back to his room and read some letters he received from some Soldiers Angels. Thank you, Jill Cattani, Donna Moddy, Jessica Soisson, Amy Bean, Carolyn Connor and Traci Mayberry, your letters were very uplifting to Travis. Keep them coming!

After dinner we watched some more movies and then once again it was time to leave. I found leaving a lot harder this time and had a hard time being brave in front of Travis. I guess this is the point you have come to realize how sensitive I am. I did an OK job of fighting back the tears, but in truth, I think I failed miserably.

I wish Travis were closer to me here in Maryland, it sure would make visiting him a lot better and less uneventful (remember those airline delays). I could go on and on... I look forward to when I can go back and visit with Travis. Hopefully, that will be sooner rather than later.

God Bless you one and all ~

Cindy McGrew