Hyperbaric Graduate and London Returns Home

There’s a Barenaked Ladies song called “Who Needs Sleep” that I listened to a lot in grad school that includes the chorus, “Who needs sleep? You’re never gonna get it. Who needs sleep? Tell me what’s that for. Who needs sleep? Be happy with what you’re getting - there’s a guy who’s been awake since the Second World War.” 

That might sum up David right now. While it sounds like last night went a bit better, the poor guy can’t catch a break. Yesterday, I told the trauma team that if they didn’t get him something that would knock him out at night, I’d bring a rubber mallet in and take care of it myself  - one of the docs got it, the other didn’t, but then neither docs nor nurses got when I said that apparently our new theme song  was “No Sleep Till Shepherd.” Alas. What kind of parent are you if your kids don’t know Beastie Boys lyrics??? 

Yesterday, David rang the bell at hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) - having completed his 10 dives. HBO has a myriad of purposes that I’m just starting to learn about but oxygenated blood flow that promotes healing and reduces inflammation, and we’re hoping that a pending MRI can tell us more about how the HBO helped David. I will say, I’m convinced based on some of his day to day improvements. 

I’ve mentioned to a few people that we are getting signs from the universe pointing to the fact that the Shepherd Center in Atlanta is the right place for David. A friend texted me yesterday to say one of her closest friends works there, another shared that friends of friends regularly volunteer there - now we just can’t wait to get there! We’re waiting for final authorization from insurance - always has to be 11th hour stuff. 

Matthew, Colin, my dad, and my cousin will head up to see David on Saturday. Grampa Mel is going to hold down the fort when David and I fly down to Atlanta. Catching up on homework and getting back into a routine has not come without bumps - having your world rocked as a teenager really sucks, which is one of the reasons we brought London home yesterday…

London returned from her home-away-from-home where she’s been since the 8th, as friends & neighbors have volunteered to walk her when the boys are at school or we’re otherwise gone. She was over the moon to see me when I picked her up, but based on her subdued behavior, I’m convinced she knows something is not quite right at home. Hoping that a sniff of something of David will help her, along with time. A huge thanks to our friends in the neighborhood for helping walk her while I’m still on the scooter/in Atlanta and the kids are at school. 

A continued thank you to everyone for your amazing support for us. You sustain us and keep us going.