Even though this site is dedicated to Brandon and Kassi, Brandon seems to have gotten most of the attention because he was the most critically injured. However, we don't want to over-look Kassi and Branson and the progress that they have been making as well. Kassi begins physical therapy today in Pleasant Grove. Her leg cramps up in the middle of the night and she has a hard time straightening it. Her broken ribs and collarbone are still killing her. She usually goes home from visiting Brandon exhausted and emotionally distraught because she has to leave him. He hugs her so much while she is there that she goes home hurting pretty bad. She wishes she could stay there with him 24/7, but we continually remind her that she has to get better herself before she can be of any help to Brandon. She bore her testimony on Sunday in her old home ward in Pleasant Grove and moved the congregation to tears. She said she hasn't bore her testimony since she was 14 years old. We are so proud of her and her dedication to her husband and son. We couldn't ask for a better daughter-in-law! Brandon is really lucky.
Branson, on the other hand, has all the energy in the world and is enjoying his visit with his Grandma and Grandpa Carlson and playing with Kassi's little brothers. One of his favorite things to do in throw all the pillows on the floor in front of the couch and then do front flips into them. The only explanation for why he didn't get a bump or a bruise or a scratch in that accident could only be because he was protected by Angels. Every item was thrown from that truck and all but 2 windows were broken. There was glass and jacks and tire irons flying everywhere. It is surely a miracle that he was unharmed in any way!
Everyone has told us that we must be exhausted, and we are. However, being with Brandon has been very therapeutic. He cracks jokes and makes us laugh every single minute we are with him. As a matter of fact, most people who suffer Brain Injuries have a tendency to display moments of anger and rage. We saw another patient display this behavior in the hall just the other day. He picked up a vitals machine and throw it to the floor over and over again. However, Brandon seems to be quite the opposite. (Not that he doesn't get frustrated now and then.) But the other day, he had his arms wrapped around a nurse's shoulders and mine as he was coming out of the bathroom and all of the sudden he stopped and gave the nurse and me each a kiss on the top of our heads.The other night when we all went down to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat Brandon and the nurse came with us. They still are not allowing him to drink fluids of any kind so he is still really thirsty all of the time. So when Brad left his drink sitting on the table unattended the other day, Brandon inched his hand toward the drink and then quickly grabbed it. His nurse had to pry it out of his hand. Right before that, he had confused the pepper shaker sitting on the table with his cup of ice and started to shake the pepper into his mouth. He just makes us laugh all day long!
Yesterday as he was eagerly scarfing down his food at lunchtime, he decide that he would put his chicken and rice in with his vanilla pudding and eat it that way. Yuk! However, now we have a great idea as to what to make him when he gets back home.
He seems to have this fascination with gadgets. (Must take after his dad.) For example, several days ago when his mind was still a little confused, he tried to get hot chocolate out of the CD player and ice from under his bed. Then I caught him trying to scan his pillows under the IV monitor. We shouldn't laugh at him, but still, you have to admit that it's pretty funny.
Back on the home front in Hurricane, the remaining family has been well taken care of. Many people have brought over flowers, cards and treats. One day a pumpkin pie with whipped cream was doorbell-ditched on our doorstep. Sister Daley has brought hot, delicious meals over several times. (Even though a Kuhlmann could live off of just PB&Js for a very long time.) The other fun thing was to come home to an immaculately groomed lawn. One of the Hurricane firefighters came over while we were gone and did the lawn. I heard that he had just beat the rest of the Fire department to it. Thanks!
My mom, brother and sister were also here at the house yesterday when I got home from Murry with a nice home-cooked meal. It was nice not to have to come home to a very quiet house now that Brandon, Kassi and Branson aren't here. Thanks mom!
I have to admit that after I walked in the door and realized that my Fall and Thanksgiving decorations were still up, I started to cry a little. I can't believe that it is December 6th and I don't have one Christmas decoration up. Christmas is the furthest thing from my thoughts right now, which is okay. We have always been so blessed and all that really matters to me is that we spend it as a family. Christmas is my favorite time of year! I love that we have the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior. And it couldn't come at a better time of year; It helps to break up the cold, dreary Winter months. This Christmas and every Christmas after this one will be very different. I have truly learned that it isn't so much what you get or give for Christmas, but rather what you do. I think my priorities will always be just a little different from now on. Love to all, Leanne
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