Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Help: Mike's Turning 30

It's about time I give an update on my sleepy big brother. One of my cousins pointed out that he's going to have to stay awake for a LONG time to make up for all this sleeping he's been doing.

Mike is definitely making improvements. But it's just small things spread over several months so it's been hard to know what to write about. There isn't one single defining moment. It's certainly not like the movies where someone goes from comatose to talking in an instant.

He is not so much in a coma anymore as he is in a "vegetative state." Which for some reason sounds much worse to me. But really, it's better. Mike has opened his eyes, though is not yet making real eye contact. Physical therapy is going well. I hear Mike is getting in some pretty good workouts. How someone in a vegetative state can workout, I'm not quite sure, but that's what I'm told.

And some of the really good news is Mike's pain levels are up. No, I'm not harboring any resentment from childhood wrestling matches. But him feeling pain is a great sign that something in his brain is doing what it should be. His nerves are reconnecting.

A major downer this week, however, is that Mike is turning 30. I think turning thirty in a nursing home sounds pretty rotten. Can you imagine going down in your twenties and waking up in your thirties?

So I want to bombard Mike's room with well wishes on his birthday. He turns 30 on Monday, June 21. If you are interested and willing, whether you know him or not, please send Mike a note or a card. Email me (kmbsmith@gmail.com) or leave a comment with your email and I'll give you Mike's address.

17 comments:

Kris said...

Oh Katie, What a fantastic idea for your brother's birthday. My email is Szyhmkr@aol.com Please leave me his mailing address, as I want to send him a card for his birthday!!
Hugs,
Kristy

jeanine said...

You have my email... will you send me his address? What a fantastic idea!!!
Glad to hear that he making improvements!

Traci Elizabeth said...

please send me his address!

Genn said...

Hi Katie,

This really is a great idea. I would love to send a card. Please let me know his address!

My email is jghass2820@sbcglobal.net

Thanks for the update too. I'm glad to hear that he has had some improvements. That's great!

Unknown said...

I have been wondering how he is doin gbut have been a little scared to ask. I will for sure send something to him. I will send you an email right now!


PS To me vegetative state does sound worse but I am glad it is better!!!

PureSafeandBeneficial said...

Hi Katie, Please send me his address and I will drop a card in the mail... Thanks! Shannon Brown Gibson

Nicole said...

I'll send him a card! Email me at bnalong(at)yahoo(dot)com

kori said...

Hey Katie,

Please give me his address, and I'm still here if your mom or anybody needs anything.

korijean@gmail.com

Pam Eynon said...

Katie-sounds like a great idea....you have my email address so send me his address...you are all in my prayers!
Love ya
Pam

Melissa + Brett said...

LOVE this idea. Thanks for sending me his address. A card is in the mail today. THANK YOU for the update too. I am truly inspired by your attitude...I love your bits of humor throughout the post. You and your family are amazing examples to me and I hope Mike has a GRRREEEAAAAT 30th bday!

Amanda B. said...

Yes! Address please!!!!!!

Eric said...

I'm glad you updated about Mike. I've been wondering. I'm glad he's improving if just a little at a time. It's better than nothing.

J, E, S & L said...

I did stop in to see him. Nobody else was there so I didn't get to meet your mom or Lesa. I stood there and talked to him for a minute. He opened his eyes for me but, like you said, didn't really focus. I told him you said hi and you love him. I left him a happy birthday note in his journal. He looked good. We're praying for him. E

Autumn said...

AH-I have some catching up to do! First-cute hats. Funny primary story. I imagine 3 over summer would be hard! Dry cleaning would be too! I had just been wondering about Mike and his improvements. I'm sorry I didn't see the post before his bday.

Autumn said...

Oh and your hat looked particularly cute.

Kelly said...

I wish I read this before his birthday. Even so, I bet his room looked great with all the cards and letters. It's a shame his 30th birthday won't be a great one to remember. He's so lucky to have a family like you guys, though. I hope his thirties bring more happiness than 29 did!

Natalie said...

katie,
I'm late. Sorry... I can still send a card if you give me his address it will be one of those sorry this is late cards