Steve continues to make progress by the minute. He seems to be doing really well and we are settling into our routine of medications, bandage changes and mouth and pin care. We do that four times a day and the nurse comes somewhere in between to draw blood and to make sure we are doing everything properly. Steve told me earlier this evening that daytime is easiest but as nightime nears, he starts getting anxious. Even with sleep medication, Steve can only sleep for about two hours at a time and then he wakes up. When he does sleep it is a restless sleep with night sweats and a general uncomfortable feeling. So he wakes up every two hours and everyone else in the house is asleep and he doesn't know what to do with himself. It's very lonely.
I'm starting to see that the psychological and emotional scars of this incident will far outlast the physical ones. Already, Steve has told me that he always thought that if he did everything right that he would never get hurt. Well he did do everything right and he still got hurt. That's a hard pill to swallow and it makes us all realize just how vulnerable we really are.
All in all, Steve is handling his recovery like a pro and he's taking it one day at a time. He has to get his strength back because I have a long list of things for him to do and he's gotta get working on it before summer!
10 comments:
hi guys! it makes sense that now that steve is home the impact of this whole situation would start to surface. this is, to say the least, a traumatic event and with trauma comes anxiety. i suffer from PTSD so i know this only too well. you just have to take a lot of deep breathes and try to wrap your head around the fact that you are home in a safe place with your family. the psychological part of the healing process is every bit as tough as the physical part. i hope that as the routine continues steve can finally start to sleep soundly. hang in there! joyce
The legal term for it is "Force Majeure (sp?)" meaning random unpredictable act, like a lightening bolt, earthquake, or an ambush. It's not logical, or fair, and you can't train for it. I'm on the scholarship committee for the Hydrocephalus Association, a patient advocacy organization for people/families living with the condition. It requires a neurosurgical procedure to place an implant to control it. I'm just getting starting going through all the applications and found this excerpt from 18 year old Mildred from WA: "Having Hydrocephalus has made me want to help everyone that is suffering...It really puts things in perspective for me...I'm so lucky to have a supporting family and when I go through rough times I can always count on them to be by my side. I've had 22 surgeries in the last 18 years and have had the courage to face it head on. God gave us this condition for a reason and knows that now we can handle anything that comes our way." Pretty powerful stuff and I'm humbled now, again, thinking of you. Get well soon, Mark
We are vulnerable.GOD protects us. Ask Steve if he wants to get on Facebook. Its fun and addicting. I will be his "friend" there...lol
Glad to hear your home now! Get rest and keep loving those kids!!
Sgt Andy Garcia
Hi guys,
So glad to hear Steve is healing quickly. I will continue to pray for the psychological healing as well. I also love the quote about clapping as our heroes are walking by. It paints such a clear picture of you both. Take care and thank you again for keeping us posted.
Love,
Michelle
Hi Beth, I'm so glad to hear Steve is home and doing better. You guys are my Heros and I would be honored to help Steve complete some of your chores before summer. Keep strong and in love.
Steve is used to protecting and taking care of all of us...must be very hard for him to feel so vulnerable now!
Steve, you are safe. And we are safer too because of you!
Love and prayers continue, Deb
Over the years I have watched Steve become and amazing police officer and in recent years and amazing handler. I have been on searches with him and have always been impressed with the way he conducts his searches and the way he treats his fellow officers with respect. L.A.P.D. is lucky to have him. Both of you are in my heart forever.
Peat
Hi Jenkins Family!
Beth, I just have to ask! Did Steve go to ROHS? I keep thinking he's my old old friend from the 80's! If it's him, please let him know that all his old friends from High School are on Facebook and he can see over 500+ of them on my Facebook page as I run the Reunion Get Togethers that we still have today! We've all been getting together for the past 10 years and all have established new bonds being that we're all older and wiser! :D Please let me know! We'll all give him something to do in the middle of the night and the day on Facebook :D Everyone would love to re-unite with him! Your Steve looks identical to the old Steve we knew...boy was he funny! Had a sense of humor that was unstoppable and hysterical! :D I do hope it's him! You can email me at alwaysjen7@msn.com and I'll give you more info! :D In the meantime, know Steve and your family have been in all of our prayers and will continue to be!Thank you Lord for a speedy recovery! P.S. My son is following in the same path as you and Steve! :D
Just found the blog. Glad to hear Steve is home and doing well. He is in my prayers and the prayers of my family. Stay strong and keep the faith.
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