No change

There’s nothing new to report. Chad is still quiet, but he did say a few words to the girls last night.
He sleeps for a good part of the day, which is in part to the steroids and pain meds. He’s still complaining of a headache, which I would expect.

He is still having some memory issues. I made him lunch yesterday & shortly after he ate, he couldn’t remember if he had eaten anything at all. He sat down at the computer to check email last night, which is good. He hasn’t been interested in anything but sleeping since we got home. He couldn’t remember his email password, so he got a little aggravated — but heck, I can barely remember my email password!

The strangest thing is his laughter. While I prefer laughter to sadness any day, this laughter is different. It’s more like a subconscious effect of being aggravated or not knowing the answer to something I’ve asked of him. On the way home from Winston-Salem, we stopped at Steak&Shake for a bite to eat. I asked him if he meant to eat his french fries with a spoon and he just laughed at me. When he calmed down, he shook his head “no” and stared at his pile of fries, not sure what to do next. And he could not possibly decide on a flavor of milkshake – as if he didn’t know flavors existed.

I have to stay on top of his medications, or he just wouldn’t take them. He doesn’t remember what has happened to him, I think. He keeps touching his head, trying to understand what’s going on or why his head hurts. I think he has bits and pieces of his hospital stay, but not the whole picture.

I’ve really struggled whether or not I should tell you these things. But I decided it’s best to be honest. Very few people realized how sick Chad has been for the last year and a half. He put on a great face and had a great attitude. He didn’t talk about seizures at work. But he had them there. He probably didn’t tell anyone that I had to pick him up at a gas station because he had a complex seizure and pulled into the parking lot to call me just in time.
He just didn’t talk about it. And he’s probably going to get mad at me for telling you, now.
I know that he’s not going to remember everything in this journey, and at least my words are here as proof. Maybe they will help him remember little things that will be lost in his recovery period.

The recovery is not as quick or pleasant as I’d hoped; but he’s still here.
And I see glimpses of him.
He’ll come back.

This entry was posted in Chatter. Bookmark the permalink.

8 Responses to No change

  1. Aunt Carmen says:

    Ya’ll hang in there. Both of you have been through so much but your’e right Skye, Chad is still here and we all are praying that this recovery period will go well. Remember, baby steps.
    We love you both. Hugs and kisses!

  2. C.K. says:

    I just got back in town. I was glad to have a chnace to visit you guys at the hospital. I was amazed and happy when he called out the name, “Mike Smith”. I fully understand your feeling and anxiety. I will fast and pray for Chad one day next week. May God be with you and bless you with great strength, health and wisdom in the journey of Chad’s recovery.

  3. Carla says:

    Chad’s memory loss must be a struggle for both you and him. It’s too bad he couldn’t have “selective memory loss”

    There are some thinks in my past I would like to forget …:)

    Hang in there. We will visit once we get Faith better from this viris that won’t go away.

  4. Amy Wolfe says:

    My prayers are with you. My mother had a brain Anuerysm surgery 9 yrs ago and since it was so deep it caused a stroke. She is in a wheelchair but happy and fine. I know the different feelings you are going thru and the changes you see in him. God has placed his hands on your family and you all are miricles in survival. It will take time but things get better. I thank you for telling everyone the whole picture for it also helps you to discuss it. If there is anything I can do for your family please let me know. I worked with Chad in the Century Center location. I will continue to pray for your family.

  5. Candace says:

    Skye, I’m praying for you guys every single night. I’m sorry to say, I haven’t been visiting this blog as I should have been, so I didn’t even know Chad had had the surgery.

    I’ll continue praying for a complete healing and recovery for him.

  6. Sharon says:

    Skye, I cannot even imagine all that you guys have been through over the last year and a half. I only know that yours and Chad’s great attitude and perseverance despite all that you faced is an inspiration to everyone. I am keeping you in my prayers and asking God’s blessing on the family to keep providing strength and healing.

  7. Linda says:

    Hey girl. You know I continue to pray for you and Chad. Hang in there. Please make sure to take care of yourself too. Please let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do to help…

  8. Sherri Cabascango says:

    Hi Skye –

    I just read your update. I hope and pray each day will see improvement. My entire family thinks of your family often. I think my husband knows Carys quite well from all the animated stories of my most “spirited & PRECIOUS student”.
    I’ll call you Monday before I drop off the McCall’s Meal. It will probably be around noon. May God give you a restful – peaceful night – for all.
    Sherri Cabascango

Leave a Reply to Sharon Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *