No News is Good News

I haven't talked to A.J. since Tues so I don't have much to report.  Andi talked to him for a short time last night and they were taken out yesterday to the new Wall Street movie.  He said it was good to get out but was tired out.  I think when we are hurt our minds keep saying yes and our bodies keep saying no.  I was thinking about him growing up and believe it or not, he never had a broken bone and only had a few stitches in his knee one time after holding on to the back of Andi's bike while she rode down the gravel driveway.  So for him to be down like this I know it is very difficult but I am positive he will be fine.

One month has passed

Today marks one month since the day he was injured.  When we see the progress that has been made, I just have to thank God.  He has a ways to go but just look at his progress!  I am very impressed to see him in a vehicle.

I talked with A.J. today for a really short time.  Sounded like he was worn out.  I think the physical therapy is starting out slow and he wants to move faster, but I know that they know what is best for him. Please keep him in your prayers.

Best medicine Yet!

 A.J.'s in-laws, Ron and Sally took Samantha to see him this weekend.  Now what better medicine than for him to spend time with her.  It sounds like the weekend was packed, including restaurants, and shopping at Walmart and playing games!  Did I not mention earlier how strong willed he is?

 I am so impressed that he was able to get in a car and do all the things they did.  I talked to Samantha last night and she was pretty excited about seeing him again.  I know she saw a difference from the last visit.  I am sure that she was a great little helper.      

Now this is the A.J. that I know best.  He is sitting there thinking" just dare me not to come back 100%"

Inside the rehab hospital

I wanted everyone to see what A.J.'s home for the next few weeks looks like. His room has four beds in it, but only three were filled when I was there. They each have their own tv hanging from the ceiling. The dining area is very bright and cheery and they eat three meals a day there. The nurse station is in the middle of the floor and there are only 30 beds so they get incredible care. I know before I saw the place I pictured a VA hospital and I thought of dreary. There are pool tables, video games, Wii and big screen televisions and lots of books and board games so I am sure that a person can keep as busy as they want. I am positive that he will adjust to it.

Afghanistan August 2010

We had received these pictures a week before he was injured, and I emailed him back to tell him how handsome he is. It seems where ever he goes there is always a dog tagging along. I know that we all know, but it seems as though we take for granted that each day is just going to be another day, and how little we realize what a few seconds can change. I haven't talked to him today, but I know that he was excited to see Samantha. She will see a hugh difference in him from two weeks ago.

Focusing on the future

This picture was taken right before A.J. deployed to Afghanistan.  The shirt he has on is from the last weekend of April when he was invited to a bass fishing contest put on by Warriors on the Water.  These are the pictures I keep looking at over and over because I know that he will be back fishing and hunting soon.  Samantha caught this fish and he knew it was good size so he helped her bring it in.  I love that one!

New awakening

This has all been a new experience for me, and after having a son in the army for fifteen years without a scratch, I realize how a few seconds can change a life.  I spoke with A.J. today and although he is sounding a little down, I know what a strong willed person he is and I know he will move on and do fine.  The physical therapy sessions are going very slow because of the injuries, but I assured him that even little steps now will be hugh steps later.  I had heard about the Wounded Warriors Project but had never checked it out.  It is a wonderful program that helps them before they even return to the states.  I am going to check out how I can get involved locally.  

wounded warrior project

If anyone is interested this is a great organization that cares for soldiers after injuries.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Tuesday Sept. 21st

I arrived back home last night, and although it is great to be home, I can't stop thinking about everything that has happened in the last 20 days.  Thanks to all of you out there who have been praying for him.  I know now after hearing his story that God spared his life and he will have a full recovery.  It was hard to leave him because I know that he doesn't want to be there, but that is a very normal reaction at first.  He will be looking forward to spending time with Samantha this weekend so I know she will be the best medicine for him.  I will post a few pictures later so everyone can see the facility.  It is a very bright and cheerful place and it only has active duty soldiers on the floor.  This whole experience has helped me to realize how important the Wounded Warriors program is.

Hi all-

My mom is on her way home today and A.J. is continuing to make progress. He starts full physical therapy today and I'm sure will be pretty tired out this week.

I know my mom will have more info for you in days to come.

These are some quilts given to A.J. that he really loves,

Thanks for all the continued prayers!

Andi

Adjusting

Hi everyone,

I think A.J. is doing better at his new place, he is adjusting and liking it better. He has met some people and getting settled in.

He starts physical therapy tomorrow, then the real work begins.

My mom heads home tomorrow and he will get to see Samantha next weekend.

Thanks again for all of the support from everyone,

Andi

Hi everyone-

A.J. is still adjusting to his new place and settling in.

Continued thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated as he is not loving being at this new facility yet. He was able to get outside for a while today and is now facing his long recovery.

Hopefully more news soon,

Andi

new facility

Hi everyone,

I just talked to my mom, and A.J. was moved to the physical therapy facility today. He has some adjusting to do but will be settled in soon. He will be back at the hospital tomorrow for some minor sinus treatments and if the swelling is down enough he will get a fiberglass cast put on his arm.

His phone number is- 706-733-0188 ext.4255

address- SFC Allen Manley

Charlie Norwood VA Hospital

#1 Freedom Way

3 E Active Duty Rehab

Agusta, GA 30904

thank you,

Andi

Jeff and A.J.

A.J. continues to make progress as he is up moving around more and more. He is still waiting to be moved to the physical therapy facility hopefully today or tomorrow.

I will post an address to send cards when I get one,

thanks for everyone's continued support,

Andi

purple heart

This is A.J. receiving his purple heart a few hours after he was wounded. General Campbell awarded it to him, he is the general of the 101st airborne, they are in Kandahar before he was moved to Germany.

He is continuing to make progress, he was up and moving around again today and may be moved to the physical therapy facility soon.

My dad arrived this morning, I know A.J. was really looking forward to seeing him.


Andi

Sunday

A.J. was able to get up and move around this morning. You can keep praying for him, he is still in a lot of pain from his surgery on Friday.

My dad gets there tomorrow, I know A.J. is anxious to see him.

Andi

A.j. and Molly

A.j. is in a lot of pain today from the surgery but was able to get up for the first time and sit in a chair. He is enjoying his time with Sara and Samantha.

A.J. and Samantha

Hi guys-

I just got off the phone with my mom and A.J. just got out of a 6 hour surgery. It went well, they worked on his shattered right hand and put some pins in it. He also has a broken ankle that is healing well and leg wounds that did not require the skin grafts they were planning on. An ENT worked on his sinuses and put a couple of stents in to help him breath through his nose.

He was still in recovery so I'm sure we'll know more later tonight.

He is really looking forward to spending time with Samantha this weekend, hopefully some pics will be sent soon,

thank you for all the prayers,

Andi

Wednesday

Hi all-

My mom was anxious to leave today and gets to see A.J. tonight! I'm sure she will have some news and maybe some more pics soon.

Thanks to everyone for their kindness and prayers,

Andi

Introduction to Molly's blog

Hey everyone, I have created a blog so you all can keep updated on A.J.'s progress.  I will try to post once a day so keep watching for updates.