Richmond

As of Tuesday, April 13, 2010, Jesse has been transferred to Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. How AWESOME it is to have him only two hours' drive from us. . .15 hours less than Louisiana! Mama, Bella and I went to visit him today. There have been a few changes; some better, some worse. He can chew food now, which is pretty cool. He definitely couldn't eat chocolate chip cookies last time we saw him. Score one for Jesse. Food was always his first love. :) haha He knew us all by name as soon as we walked in. He still can't carry on a conversation. He only speaks a few words at a time and mostly it's just answering questions. Are you in pain? Do you want to be adjusted? Do you want the television on? Do you want something to drink? Mostly just yes and no answers. Sometimes he won't speak at all. We'll ask him questions and he just stares. Maybe he's tired, maybe he's confused, maybe he's annoyed with what we're asking. . .who knows? I wish so badly I could get inside that brain and see what's going on!!! The worst part right now is the condition of his body. He is extremely stiff. . .all rigamortis-like. His hands are clenched like fists most of the time, his neck is crazy stiff and his legs are all curled up. Plus he has a super gnarly bed sore that has to be treated three times a day. I showed him a picture of Marlee, whom he identified correctly and he said "She's huge!" I asked him if he knew how old she was now and he said "Three." Which is wrong. . .she's 13 months. I don't know why he would think she was three. I guess he has no concept of time right now. Anyway, we're just so thankful that he's closer to home and we can visit him frequently to help stimulate his brain and encourage him. We still need your prayers!! Oh and by the way, Monday is Jesse's 27th birthday! Happy birthday, J-man!