Hey this is Brandon. It is very hard for me to type, but I'm doing it. I want to say thank you to all those who have written; it means alot. I would like to thank all that care about us; it really does mean a lot to me. I'm lucky to be here. I'm happy to be sitting here and walking (lol) and talking. (lol) I'm so gratefull that I'm here. There is someone watching over us. I don't know why, I'm far from perfect even though I try so hard to be. Anyway, I hope to talk to you soon and hope it's all spelled right. (lol)
For ever and ever,
Brandon
Family
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Home - Day one - Friday
December 17, 2010 - Home once again! Brandon, Kassi and Branson arrived home at about 8:30 pm Thursday night. They had a couple of visitors right off the bat. The Daley's saw them pull up and came over to welcome them home. Patrick and Tyler came home after their basketball game and sat and talked for awhile. Tom's parents also came over after watching the game. It's so good to have them back! Everyone is excited to see them!
Their first day has been very busy! They did get to sleep in a little bit, but shortly after getting up, they were visited by the Police Chief and a couple of others from the Hurricane Police Dept. At first I was afraid they were here to impound Brandon's bullet-bike, but they just came to give them gift cards for Wal-Mart. The Chief said he and Brandon needed to have a talking match sometime. If you know Brandon and Kassi at all, then you know that the gift cards are going to come in really handy!
After that, it was off to speech therapy in St George for an hour and a half. Brandon said it was pretty boring, but he looked pretty tired afterward to me.
I took the baby with the intention of taking him into work with me for about an hour, but on the way I made a stop at The UPS Store to pick up a package. Once done, we walked back to the car, but Branson wasn't ready to be back in his car seat quite yet and was fussing so I gave him my keys to calm him down while I buckled him up. That did the trick; so I shut the door and walked around the car to get in, only to find that it was locked. Well, he had the keys so I asked him to play with the buttons, which he happily did. He had the trunk opening and the alarm going off and the doors re-locking over and over, but never once did he push the un-lock button. Finally he was tired of that game and threw the keys on the floor. With my hopes now dashed, I called uncle Gene, who arrived not long afterward and rescued us. Branson rewarded him a kiss good-bye.
That little one keeps us on our toes at all times! He is currently trying to play football with my stuffed Santa and Rudolf but still finding time to share his "sippy" with his babydoll.
After we picked Brandon, Kassi and Tom up from Speech, we took an outing to Adventure land Academy to visit Kassi's old stomping grounds. (Work) It was a fun visit and Branson enjoyed seeing his friends also.
It was finally time to head home, but we had to make one more stop . . . In & Out Burger. Brandon's favorite place to eat. He and Kassi ate those burgers "like they had no feelings!" That's what Kassi said.
It sounds like a pretty full day, but it wasn't over yet. We were off to Tyler's basketball game. Brandon insisted on going and he did really well. He got to visit with several people he knew and some he didn't know, but assured him that they had been praying for him. It was really fun! And yes, we won again. Tyler had 9 points last night and 6 tonight.
Kassi, Meg and Tom are off to Wal-Mart with the new gift cards and Brandon is conked out on the couch. I sat down to read the blog tonight and then realized that there wasn't one. Weird!! Well now there is. Thanks for checking! (all those like me that got into this strange habit of reading a blog every day.)
Have a great Christmas Season!
-Leanne
Their first day has been very busy! They did get to sleep in a little bit, but shortly after getting up, they were visited by the Police Chief and a couple of others from the Hurricane Police Dept. At first I was afraid they were here to impound Brandon's bullet-bike, but they just came to give them gift cards for Wal-Mart. The Chief said he and Brandon needed to have a talking match sometime. If you know Brandon and Kassi at all, then you know that the gift cards are going to come in really handy!
After that, it was off to speech therapy in St George for an hour and a half. Brandon said it was pretty boring, but he looked pretty tired afterward to me.
I took the baby with the intention of taking him into work with me for about an hour, but on the way I made a stop at The UPS Store to pick up a package. Once done, we walked back to the car, but Branson wasn't ready to be back in his car seat quite yet and was fussing so I gave him my keys to calm him down while I buckled him up. That did the trick; so I shut the door and walked around the car to get in, only to find that it was locked. Well, he had the keys so I asked him to play with the buttons, which he happily did. He had the trunk opening and the alarm going off and the doors re-locking over and over, but never once did he push the un-lock button. Finally he was tired of that game and threw the keys on the floor. With my hopes now dashed, I called uncle Gene, who arrived not long afterward and rescued us. Branson rewarded him a kiss good-bye.
That little one keeps us on our toes at all times! He is currently trying to play football with my stuffed Santa and Rudolf but still finding time to share his "sippy" with his babydoll.
After we picked Brandon, Kassi and Tom up from Speech, we took an outing to Adventure land Academy to visit Kassi's old stomping grounds. (Work) It was a fun visit and Branson enjoyed seeing his friends also.
It was finally time to head home, but we had to make one more stop . . . In & Out Burger. Brandon's favorite place to eat. He and Kassi ate those burgers "like they had no feelings!" That's what Kassi said.
It sounds like a pretty full day, but it wasn't over yet. We were off to Tyler's basketball game. Brandon insisted on going and he did really well. He got to visit with several people he knew and some he didn't know, but assured him that they had been praying for him. It was really fun! And yes, we won again. Tyler had 9 points last night and 6 tonight.
Kassi, Meg and Tom are off to Wal-Mart with the new gift cards and Brandon is conked out on the couch. I sat down to read the blog tonight and then realized that there wasn't one. Weird!! Well now there is. Thanks for checking! (all those like me that got into this strange habit of reading a blog every day.)
Have a great Christmas Season!
-Leanne
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Day Twenty-six - Thursday
December 16, 2010 - I haven't heard yet exactly when Brandon and Kassi will be coming home, other than we are hoping it will be sometime today. I wanted everyone to line the streets or have a big dinner celebration, but I was out-voted. It's hard to contain my excitement! However, I'm sure you'll all run into Brandon and Kassi and little Branson soon enough. We can barely go a day without going to Wal-Mart, so I'm sure we'll see a few of you there. It's going to take some time for all of them to re-adjust back into life and work.
It's been kind of nice to have the blog and we've been able to keep in touch with so many of our family and friends; so for those of you who would like to continue to check up on us now and then, I will keep the blog going for an undetermined period of time. I will write an entry every Sunday and keep you posted on the continued progress.
As many of you know, Kuhlmanns are generally pretty self-sufficient and it's not really in our nature to be on the receiving end of good deeds; we have much more fun giving than receiving. However, there have been some rumors of a fund raiser, if it should become necessary. So check back now and then and we will keep you up-dated.
I attended the annual Fire Dept. Christmas dinner last night. What a great group of truly caring people who have dedicated their lives to helping and serving others! I know Tom has felt very confident while he's been gone that they could handle anything they were faced with. Thank you for taking over so that Tom could be with Brandon when he needed him the most. You are all wonderful!
The first night after the accident, Tyler (our 5th child) insisted that he stay home alone that night because he wanted to "pray and read his scriptures". He shared a couple scriptures that touched his heart with me and I'd like to share one of them with you. It's in D&C 24:8. "Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endue them, for, lo I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days" What comforting words from a loving Savior to reassure us that he is there, and that everything will work out as it should.
We had Young Women's on Tuesday night and the theme for the year has been, "Be Strong and of Good Courage" which comes from Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and of a good courage, for the Lord thy God will be with thee withersoever thou goest." Brother Strom, (One of the Councilors in our Bishopric) shared a story with us from a book called "Defined by Christ" by Toni Sorenson. The story was about a time Toni was young and found a gosling egg that had been separated from its nest. She took the egg and kept it warm and rolled it and loved it and talked to it. Then one day the gosling began to peck its way through the hard shell. She watched as it would peck for awhile and then rest and then peck again. She felt so bad for the little thing that she gently helped by removing the remaining shell of the egg. Then as she held the tiny gosling in her hand, she watched as it took a breath and then another and then died in her hand. She was heartbroken. You see, she realized that without the struggle of emerging from the egg itself, the gosling would not be strong enough to survive.
How difficult it must by for our Heavenly Father to know we must have these challenges in our lives, and yet he allows them because he knows they will make us stronger. We are not being punished, we are being given a trial of our faith. Faith to know that He is there, and that He loves us, and that his hand is in all things! And faith to see the miracles along the way. I hope that our family has been faithful in this "bump" along our journey of life. And of course we haven't forgotten that when Heavenly Father needs something done, he usually uses someone else to accomplish it for him. Thank you, all you angels out there, that have helped us through a difficult time!
I am reminded of a quote from Howard W. Hunter's talk titled "The Real Christmas" in the Dec. 2005 Ensign- "If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees--alone or with loved ones--give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept." These are difficult times that we live in, but I hope that we can remember that our Savior came into this world to take upon himself our sins and how sad it must make him to see that even after he has suffered so much, that we still have a hard time forgiving eachother. Forgiveness would be a wonderful Christmas gift to give to HIM this year.
My Love to all,
Leanne
It's been kind of nice to have the blog and we've been able to keep in touch with so many of our family and friends; so for those of you who would like to continue to check up on us now and then, I will keep the blog going for an undetermined period of time. I will write an entry every Sunday and keep you posted on the continued progress.
As many of you know, Kuhlmanns are generally pretty self-sufficient and it's not really in our nature to be on the receiving end of good deeds; we have much more fun giving than receiving. However, there have been some rumors of a fund raiser, if it should become necessary. So check back now and then and we will keep you up-dated.
I attended the annual Fire Dept. Christmas dinner last night. What a great group of truly caring people who have dedicated their lives to helping and serving others! I know Tom has felt very confident while he's been gone that they could handle anything they were faced with. Thank you for taking over so that Tom could be with Brandon when he needed him the most. You are all wonderful!
The first night after the accident, Tyler (our 5th child) insisted that he stay home alone that night because he wanted to "pray and read his scriptures". He shared a couple scriptures that touched his heart with me and I'd like to share one of them with you. It's in D&C 24:8. "Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endue them, for, lo I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days" What comforting words from a loving Savior to reassure us that he is there, and that everything will work out as it should.
We had Young Women's on Tuesday night and the theme for the year has been, "Be Strong and of Good Courage" which comes from Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and of a good courage, for the Lord thy God will be with thee withersoever thou goest." Brother Strom, (One of the Councilors in our Bishopric) shared a story with us from a book called "Defined by Christ" by Toni Sorenson. The story was about a time Toni was young and found a gosling egg that had been separated from its nest. She took the egg and kept it warm and rolled it and loved it and talked to it. Then one day the gosling began to peck its way through the hard shell. She watched as it would peck for awhile and then rest and then peck again. She felt so bad for the little thing that she gently helped by removing the remaining shell of the egg. Then as she held the tiny gosling in her hand, she watched as it took a breath and then another and then died in her hand. She was heartbroken. You see, she realized that without the struggle of emerging from the egg itself, the gosling would not be strong enough to survive.
How difficult it must by for our Heavenly Father to know we must have these challenges in our lives, and yet he allows them because he knows they will make us stronger. We are not being punished, we are being given a trial of our faith. Faith to know that He is there, and that He loves us, and that his hand is in all things! And faith to see the miracles along the way. I hope that our family has been faithful in this "bump" along our journey of life. And of course we haven't forgotten that when Heavenly Father needs something done, he usually uses someone else to accomplish it for him. Thank you, all you angels out there, that have helped us through a difficult time!
I am reminded of a quote from Howard W. Hunter's talk titled "The Real Christmas" in the Dec. 2005 Ensign- "If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees--alone or with loved ones--give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept." These are difficult times that we live in, but I hope that we can remember that our Savior came into this world to take upon himself our sins and how sad it must make him to see that even after he has suffered so much, that we still have a hard time forgiving eachother. Forgiveness would be a wonderful Christmas gift to give to HIM this year.
My Love to all,
Leanne
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Day Twenty-five - Wednesday
December 15, 2010- For those of you die-hard fans that are still reading now that you know Brandon is coming home, (see yesterday's blog) please don't go quite yet. I have a little unfinished business to address. We have witnessed so many acts of kindness throughout the last 3 weeks and I know many of them will probably not get the recognition they deserve, and I also realize that there are several people that we are related to or that are in our ward that should have a street or a building somewhere named after them because of their kindness. But a couple of things have happened in just the last couple of days that I'd like to share.
I walked into Adventure land Academy the other day and was brought to tears when I saw what Rosanne was doing for Brandon and Kassi. She has a table set up and is selling little T-shirts, magnetic boards and several other items that she's made and is then donating the money to Brandon and Kassi. This is the same cute girl that stayed with Kassi in the hospital that first night after the accident and gently combed the glass out of Kassi's hair. We sure love her!
I got a phone call from the Hurricane Fire Dept. wanting to do something, so I let them come over on Saturday and help me prune the bushes in the yard in preparation for Christmas lights. As many of you know, our yard is very daunting and it could easily consume any free-time we have. They worked for several hours cutting, raking and even planting. I hope they weren't as sore as I was the next day. Thank you so much for your help!
The next day, Tom's sister, Kathy, and her hubby and their son and daughter-in-law, Chad & Becky, came and put up our Christmas lights in our freshly groomed yard. They are beautiful and really helped to cheer us up! Thanks guys!
I was dropping off something to the Bishop in our ward the other night and he invited me to come in. We talked for a few minutes and then he handed me an envelope and told me that someone in our ward had asked that it be given to Brandon and Kassi anonymously. Now to me, there are two types of gifts, monetary and physical. Both of which require time and sometimes great sacrifice, especially during the Christmas Season when "time and money" are at a scarcity. So, thank you, our little anonymous giver! The monetary donations have helped out some with fuel expenses driving back and forth to the hospital and meals, but most of it has been set aside until we know where we stand after all of the bills have come in. Last we checked, we had recieved about 1/2 of the bills for Brandon's first week and it was averaging around 10K/day with many more bills still to come. We'll better know where we stand after we find out if they qualify for Medicaid.
When I was up on Sunday, Brandon was working on making a knit cap on one of the looms he was given. He said he's going to start up a new business called "Handicapped Hats" to help pay for his bills. Then he paused and added, "I'm going to have to make A LOT of hats!!" (What a great kid!) But then it was right after that, that he heard me say to his grandpa K, "He's right here, do you want to talk to him?" And then when I looked down, he was pretending to be asleep. (He was just kidding, of course.)
I also received a visit from our ward Relief Society Presidency yesterday. They came by to see how we were doing and asked if there was anything they could do. These ladies are the epitome of charity and kindness! I know they would have done absolutely anything I would have asked, but the best gift was just getting a hug from each of them! Even though many of you are going through some tough problems of your own right now, you still take the time to help and comfort others. What great examples you are to us.
Now, for all of you kids out there that are reading this blog with your parents, if you've learned one thing, it's to wear your seat belt, right? However, many of you don't know that I have a little brother that was hit by a car at age eight while riding his bike. If he had been wearing a helmet, he probably would have only ended up with a broken femur. Because he wasn't wearing a helmet, he ended up in a coma for 6 weeks and a very long rehabilitation. Even Brandon told me just the other night that he and Kassi are going to start wearing helmets even when they drive. (He said Branson won't have to because he'll be in his car seat.) I just hope that all of you will "Be Smart" in everything you do. Don't do stupid things and always play it safe! We love you and wouldn't want any of you getting injured, especially unnecessarily.
Thanks again to everyone for all you've done! Hopefully your spirits and testimonies have been strengthened, as have ours. If our readers haven't been reading the comments on the blog, I encourage you to do so. Many of them are very uplifting and inspirational. Thank you to all who've left wonderful messages! They've really helped us.
There is a song I listen to quite often by Delta Goodrem that I'd like to share. She is an amazing story of courage and endurance. You can google her story, I'm sure. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkncYRrH6Sc&feature=email
Love to all!
-Leanne
I walked into Adventure land Academy the other day and was brought to tears when I saw what Rosanne was doing for Brandon and Kassi. She has a table set up and is selling little T-shirts, magnetic boards and several other items that she's made and is then donating the money to Brandon and Kassi. This is the same cute girl that stayed with Kassi in the hospital that first night after the accident and gently combed the glass out of Kassi's hair. We sure love her!
I got a phone call from the Hurricane Fire Dept. wanting to do something, so I let them come over on Saturday and help me prune the bushes in the yard in preparation for Christmas lights. As many of you know, our yard is very daunting and it could easily consume any free-time we have. They worked for several hours cutting, raking and even planting. I hope they weren't as sore as I was the next day. Thank you so much for your help!
The next day, Tom's sister, Kathy, and her hubby and their son and daughter-in-law, Chad & Becky, came and put up our Christmas lights in our freshly groomed yard. They are beautiful and really helped to cheer us up! Thanks guys!
I was dropping off something to the Bishop in our ward the other night and he invited me to come in. We talked for a few minutes and then he handed me an envelope and told me that someone in our ward had asked that it be given to Brandon and Kassi anonymously. Now to me, there are two types of gifts, monetary and physical. Both of which require time and sometimes great sacrifice, especially during the Christmas Season when "time and money" are at a scarcity. So, thank you, our little anonymous giver! The monetary donations have helped out some with fuel expenses driving back and forth to the hospital and meals, but most of it has been set aside until we know where we stand after all of the bills have come in. Last we checked, we had recieved about 1/2 of the bills for Brandon's first week and it was averaging around 10K/day with many more bills still to come. We'll better know where we stand after we find out if they qualify for Medicaid.
When I was up on Sunday, Brandon was working on making a knit cap on one of the looms he was given. He said he's going to start up a new business called "Handicapped Hats" to help pay for his bills. Then he paused and added, "I'm going to have to make A LOT of hats!!" (What a great kid!) But then it was right after that, that he heard me say to his grandpa K, "He's right here, do you want to talk to him?" And then when I looked down, he was pretending to be asleep. (He was just kidding, of course.)
I also received a visit from our ward Relief Society Presidency yesterday. They came by to see how we were doing and asked if there was anything they could do. These ladies are the epitome of charity and kindness! I know they would have done absolutely anything I would have asked, but the best gift was just getting a hug from each of them! Even though many of you are going through some tough problems of your own right now, you still take the time to help and comfort others. What great examples you are to us.
Now, for all of you kids out there that are reading this blog with your parents, if you've learned one thing, it's to wear your seat belt, right? However, many of you don't know that I have a little brother that was hit by a car at age eight while riding his bike. If he had been wearing a helmet, he probably would have only ended up with a broken femur. Because he wasn't wearing a helmet, he ended up in a coma for 6 weeks and a very long rehabilitation. Even Brandon told me just the other night that he and Kassi are going to start wearing helmets even when they drive. (He said Branson won't have to because he'll be in his car seat.) I just hope that all of you will "Be Smart" in everything you do. Don't do stupid things and always play it safe! We love you and wouldn't want any of you getting injured, especially unnecessarily.
Thanks again to everyone for all you've done! Hopefully your spirits and testimonies have been strengthened, as have ours. If our readers haven't been reading the comments on the blog, I encourage you to do so. Many of them are very uplifting and inspirational. Thank you to all who've left wonderful messages! They've really helped us.
There is a song I listen to quite often by Delta Goodrem that I'd like to share. She is an amazing story of courage and endurance. You can google her story, I'm sure. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkncYRrH6Sc&feature=email
Love to all!
-Leanne
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Day Twenty-Four - Tuesday
December 14, 2010: The broken record continued ALL day today. I'm bored, I want to go home. I have been telling him for over a week that he needs to accomplish three things before we want him to go home; keep his balance while walking, have his ability to remember return, and correctly swallow liquids. There were six things that made today different.
First, Brandon answered all his daily questions this morning without any prompting and with 100% accuracy. He woke up and started giving me the answers without my asking any questions. He also gave a detailed synopsis of Kassi's injuries to anyone who would listen.
Second, Brandon can remember everything that has happened since Saturday night. Not only does he remember, he remembers in great detail including names.
Third, He has been walking without assistance for over 24 hours, except for stairs.
Forth, This is the third day he has remained awake all day long and sleeping all night long.
Fifth, He passed his swallow test and is now able to drink thickened liquids.
Sixth, For the first time in twenty-four nights, he will be sleeping somewhere other than the hospital. As of 4:12 this evening, Brandon was discharged from Intermountain Medical Center.
We will be spending a few days adjusting to the outside world. He has always been nervous around people he does not know. He has been experiencing panic attacks when he is in a crowd. I was impressed that the first time he started to panic, he put his head down, started breathing deeply and relaxed his way through the experience. It has gotten better over the last two days. We will be working on taking a few more small excursions and letting him re-acclimate to the outside world.
It is amazing how much of Brandon has returned to us. He has spent most of his life proving he is able to beat the odds. This experience is no difference. We expected to be in the hospital for two to three months, with months of specialized rehab hoping to bring him home sometime next year. Twenty-four days and he is out of the hospital and into outpatient therapy.
He still has some voice/swallowing challenges and right sided weakness. Based on the last two days improvement, I expect that to improve rapidly. He now smiles with both sides of his mouth and his right sided coordination is much improved. He is able to care for all his own needs. My remaining concern is that he has improved so quickly; he will try to do too much too soon.
Nevertheless, he is out of the hospital and is working his way home where he will continue his treatment on an outpatient basis at Dixie Regional as we try and figure out how to pay for our half-a-million dollar man.
First, Brandon answered all his daily questions this morning without any prompting and with 100% accuracy. He woke up and started giving me the answers without my asking any questions. He also gave a detailed synopsis of Kassi's injuries to anyone who would listen.
Second, Brandon can remember everything that has happened since Saturday night. Not only does he remember, he remembers in great detail including names.
Third, He has been walking without assistance for over 24 hours, except for stairs.
Forth, This is the third day he has remained awake all day long and sleeping all night long.
Fifth, He passed his swallow test and is now able to drink thickened liquids.
Sixth, For the first time in twenty-four nights, he will be sleeping somewhere other than the hospital. As of 4:12 this evening, Brandon was discharged from Intermountain Medical Center.
It is amazing how much of Brandon has returned to us. He has spent most of his life proving he is able to beat the odds. This experience is no difference. We expected to be in the hospital for two to three months, with months of specialized rehab hoping to bring him home sometime next year. Twenty-four days and he is out of the hospital and into outpatient therapy.
He still has some voice/swallowing challenges and right sided weakness. Based on the last two days improvement, I expect that to improve rapidly. He now smiles with both sides of his mouth and his right sided coordination is much improved. He is able to care for all his own needs. My remaining concern is that he has improved so quickly; he will try to do too much too soon.
Nevertheless, he is out of the hospital and is working his way home where he will continue his treatment on an outpatient basis at Dixie Regional as we try and figure out how to pay for our half-a-million dollar man.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Day Twenty-Three - Monday
December 13, 2010:
by Kassi Kuhlmann:
Today has been awesome; Brandon remembered most of yesterday (he says 85%). In occupational therapy he played 21 and did a magic trick for the therapist, nurse, and the doctor. Brandon and his dad spent some time in the R.V. today. The last two days he has been waking up before seven and staying awake till bed time. Before he had been taking at least four naps a day. From what I've seen it seems like the last two days Brandon is more aware in the later evening hours than usual. Usually by seven o'clock Brandon gets confused and talks "crazy" as Brad says.
Last night on the way home Brandon called me five times in twenty minutes. He is getting back to his worrisome self "Hey are you home yet ?, okay call me when you do." Tonight he keeps telling Brad and me that he's scared we are going to get hit by a car so he's not going to sleep till we get home. That's the thing about Brand is that he is always so concerned with everyone else. Since day one that he's been awake he tries sharing his food, his ice, his bed, his blankets. He keeps telling his nurses " I wanna go home and take care of my wife, she's broken." He also says that he needs to go home "to whip Branson into shape." Hooray for two-year-olds! Branson is definitely taking advantage of my broken leg, but leg's heal and I'll catch him one of these days. I cannot believe how much Brans has grown in the last three weeks. Despite the temper tantrums he throws Branson is so sweet. He is always saying "Tain too" (thank you), "weldum" (welcome), and my favorite "wud you" (love you). At night when we say our prayers Branson closes his eyes and folds his arms and it's hard not to cry. Brandon taught him do to do that. Brans reminds me so much of Brandon and I'm so lucky to have such great boys in my life. I know that if Branson is half the man his dad is he will achieve great things.
It's so amazing to me to see all the support from our families and friends. Everyday I break into tears because of comments posted, phone calls, and yes even texts. YOU keep us strong. I just want to tell my parents again (all four of em) THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. For sleepless nights with Brand and myself, chasing Branson, chasing Brandon, driving back and forth, wiping tears, and giving hugs. I wouldn't have been able to climb this mountain without the four of you. I love you with all my heart.
by Kassi Kuhlmann:
Today has been awesome; Brandon remembered most of yesterday (he says 85%). In occupational therapy he played 21 and did a magic trick for the therapist, nurse, and the doctor. Brandon and his dad spent some time in the R.V. today. The last two days he has been waking up before seven and staying awake till bed time. Before he had been taking at least four naps a day. From what I've seen it seems like the last two days Brandon is more aware in the later evening hours than usual. Usually by seven o'clock Brandon gets confused and talks "crazy" as Brad says.
Last night on the way home Brandon called me five times in twenty minutes. He is getting back to his worrisome self "Hey are you home yet ?, okay call me when you do." Tonight he keeps telling Brad and me that he's scared we are going to get hit by a car so he's not going to sleep till we get home. That's the thing about Brand is that he is always so concerned with everyone else. Since day one that he's been awake he tries sharing his food, his ice, his bed, his blankets. He keeps telling his nurses " I wanna go home and take care of my wife, she's broken." He also says that he needs to go home "to whip Branson into shape." Hooray for two-year-olds! Branson is definitely taking advantage of my broken leg, but leg's heal and I'll catch him one of these days. I cannot believe how much Brans has grown in the last three weeks. Despite the temper tantrums he throws Branson is so sweet. He is always saying "Tain too" (thank you), "weldum" (welcome), and my favorite "wud you" (love you). At night when we say our prayers Branson closes his eyes and folds his arms and it's hard not to cry. Brandon taught him do to do that. Brans reminds me so much of Brandon and I'm so lucky to have such great boys in my life. I know that if Branson is half the man his dad is he will achieve great things.
It's so amazing to me to see all the support from our families and friends. Everyday I break into tears because of comments posted, phone calls, and yes even texts. YOU keep us strong. I just want to tell my parents again (all four of em) THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. For sleepless nights with Brand and myself, chasing Branson, chasing Brandon, driving back and forth, wiping tears, and giving hugs. I wouldn't have been able to climb this mountain without the four of you. I love you with all my heart.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Day Twenty-Two - Sunday
By Brad
December 12, 2010: Three weeks in and what a change from day one. Brandon woke up on his own today at 6:40, the time he normally wakes up at home to go to work. He was awake and eagerly waiting for dad to come to his room from the RV. He was excited for the family to be here today.
His PT today went well. He had time on the bike and tilting balance beam. Never a day off. Each day he gets better. His balance is almost back to normal. I was impressed at how well he walked the beam and threw the ball. His endurance is also getting better. He was able to keep the reps up on the bike for 15 minutes.
We returned to the hospital for dinner. Brandon wants to leave the hospital - NOW. That is about the story of the day. "I'm bored" and "Lets go home" are his favorite words now. "Take me to grandpa's." The biggest achievement today is that Brandon has been awake since 6:40 this morning and is still awake at 9:00 PM. He keeps making jokes and is so funny its hard to explain. Anyway, he wants some ice cream before bed so we need to go. Hope we can just walk to our kitchen at home and get it for him soon.
December 12, 2010: Three weeks in and what a change from day one. Brandon woke up on his own today at 6:40, the time he normally wakes up at home to go to work. He was awake and eagerly waiting for dad to come to his room from the RV. He was excited for the family to be here today.
His PT today went well. He had time on the bike and tilting balance beam. Never a day off. Each day he gets better. His balance is almost back to normal. I was impressed at how well he walked the beam and threw the ball. His endurance is also getting better. He was able to keep the reps up on the bike for 15 minutes.
Today was family day. Brandon had visitors from both sides of his family. Everyone came up because we got permission to have Brandon out for the day. He had lunch with his family in the RV in the parking lot. That went very well. Lots of laughs and jokes from Brandon. Then the plan was to have a day at Temple Square.
On the drive over Brandon seemed great. Problem was that he was texting while riding in the car. Once he was out he started to complain of feeling sick. After a half hour sitting down trying to help him relax he had enough. Tom, Kassi, and Brandon went back to the RV at the hospital while the rest of us stayed to enjoy as much as we could with out the three that had to leave.
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