In the days following Corey’s accident it was so hard for me to think beyond the present. When I was asked questions regarding things of the future, I would become so anxious. The situation we were walking through was so overwhelming in and of itself that to add other pressing issues on top of it would make me literally feel like a giant weight was on top of me. I can’t even explain it, but can remember it so clearly.
I knew two major life issues were looming over me. One: How I was going to educate my children since homeschooling was all we ever knew and the start of the school year was getting closer and closer. It was like a giant cloud hanging over me, not knowing what that was going to look like in the very foreseeable future.
And two: Our bills and future income. Fortunately, this was not an area I had to worry about for very long. Almost immediately after Corey’s accident, my dad pulled me aside and told me that 4 months ago, Corey had purchased disability insurance. It was a policy that would pay out, as needed, till he turned 65. WOW!!! What a God-thing!!! God knew. And God in his saving-grace protected me from one more thing to worry about. Of all my fears, worries, and what-ifs, financial burdens and uncertainties has been very short on the list. What a blessing!!
On top of that, my dad was absolutely amazing!! He stepped in for almost a year and took over our finances for me. He ran our household budget and kept us on top of all of our bills. It was an area I didn’t have to add to my list of things to do. And I was so very grateful.
July 20, 2011:
I got here today and your mom told me the good news. You had occupational therapy this morning and did great!! The OT ranked you at a 4.5 on the Ranchos Scale (Coma level). Which means…they are moving you to Rehab tomorrow!!! Such big news!! Yay! Another step forward!
Right now, as I sit here by your bedside, you are sleeping and moaning every now and then. The nurse gave you Tylenol, just in case you’re having pain. But she said it could be that you’re trying to talk!! It’s so good to hear some sound coming from you, other than coughing. I just keep praying God will help you speak soon.
You are very pleasant–as the nurses and therapists keep telling me. They all love you! You always have a smile for everyone. The PT yesterday said you were her most pleasant patient of the day. 🙂
My dad has been working out all of the disability insurance stuff. I guess it will take about 90 days to kick in. It would be great if we didn’t need it by then. But I am beyond thankful that we have it. Thank you for your love and dedication to our family!! God is so good!!!
The PT yesterday said that the last brain injury they had at your severity level was in Rehab for 2 months. We are very fortunate to have such a great rehab facility in our city. It’s rated in the top 3% and everyone keeps telling me they are amazing!!
My mom asked me about my homeschooling plans for this year and I started getting that nervous–my world is crashing in on me–feeling. I just want to curl up in a ball and hibernate until God brings this to completion. Because sometimes it’s just so overwhelming. I told my mom, I’ve thought about homeschooling and the question of, what am I going to do? But that’s as far as I’ve gotten with it at this point. It’s like it’s just too much for me to think about right now.
She said, I wouldn’t think too much about it and if they miss a couple months, they’ll be fine. We may just get a later start. She mentioned putting them in school for just this year. At this point, I don’t like that idea at all. I just can’t give it too much thought right now.
Kent gave you a stress ball yesterday. You’ve had a grip on it ever since. The nurse saw you working your right hand (the weak one).
I’m a little worried about this stage 4 on the Ranchos Scale. This is where TBI patients will likely become agitated and confused. Not in all cases, but in most. I’ve been praying for peace and no depression ever since I learned that is prevalent with traumatic brain injuries. God continues to be faithful. I’m believing He will get you through this stage surpassing the expectations of what is normal.
It has been a good day. 🙂
