We’re Still Here!

I realize how long it’s been since we posted our last update. It’s been rather busy since we arrived back in Bethesda, but I think we’re slowly getting settled and figuring out an initial routine of sorts. Or maybe each day is different. Probably some of both. 

Before I go any further, David would love to see and visit with friends. He plans to restart work in early September and in the meantime, is going to doctor appointments (so many doctor appointments) and otherwise working on rebuilding his strength a couple times a week at Spirit in Kensington. Have any time to stop by for an hour or so to hang out with David? Visit: Team Sward: Visits with David where our friend Michelle keeps updated the windows of availability. We know it’s an extra step but we want to make sure that a) we’re around and b) that David can finalize the time in advance.  We’re putting in dates two weeks at a time and then a bit closer, you can text David and set up the exact time. 

Ok, now that our business is out of the way…breaking news - the permit for our renovation at our house was approved by MoCo this past week!  Yay! Thanks to the tireless work of Drew & Chuck at SM+P, we have architectural plans that will allow David the space to maneuver around the first floor, creating a new primary suite in what was the garage and an enlarged kitchen. Work should start ramping up this week and knock on wood, we’ll be moving back in before Halloween. We can’t wait to have people over!! 

Speaking of approval, almost three months after it was first submitted and multiple delays and insanity, David’s wheelchair was finally approved by insurance. We are hopeful that it will only be another three or so weeks before it comes to us. A HUGE thanks to a long-time colleague and now new friend Alex and his wife Nina for lending us a back up power chair that Alex had. It has made ALL the difference in David’s quality of life, including a trip last weekend to…. 

New York City! Had it not been for Alex & Nina, we wouldn’t have been able to use our Bon Jovi tickets that I purchased well before David’s accident. I distinctly remember where & when I heard Bon Jovi for the first time. We’d had tickets to see them in June of 2020 but the pandemic cancelled that concert. We drove up to NYC, navigated staying in our first hotel room together since the accident, and enjoyed a wonderful show. David does not recommend the bumps & ruts in the NYC sidewalks but once we got to Madison Square Garden, the staff knew just want to do to make everything easy for him. Seeing Bon Jovi in person was something 11 year old Erika could only dream of so I appreciate David’s willingness to be dragged along to fulfill this life goal. 

We went to NYC in the accessible van that we were able to purchase because of everyone’s extremely generous contributions. The boys named it Brick (because it looks like & kinda drives like one too - Tank was a runner up). David rolls right up via the ramp, we lock him in & away we go! Five minutes max from start to finish.

Last night our friend Chuck picked David up & they went up to see Phish at Merriweather and a couple of weeks ago Jason & Darryl and David went to dinner and hung out. It also brought us to Einstein HS for the 4th of July fireworks - David’s squad invited us up to the front where we got to be in the front row for the fireworks. Have van, will travel! It’s brought him so much independence - for which we are so thankful & grateful. 

David’s now working out 2 times a week at Spirit in Kensington. They specialize in training for individuals with both physical and intellectual disabilities so have some of the adaptive technology that allows him to keep his shoulders, biceps, and newly re-discovered triceps moving and strengthening. We’re hopeful he’ll be able to resume OT & PT soon at Kennedy Krieger, an outpatient rehabilitation center near Laurel, Maryland. We met with one of their physical medicine & rehab (PNR) docs last week for well over 2 hours to onboard him into their practice. This doc came highly recommended by 2 of our friends and we can tell that Kennedy Krieger will allow David to continue to progress. David’s noticed this week that his wrists are less floppy, which again, is really important progress regarding the use of his hands. Woot!! 

Colin’s been at sleep away camp for the month of July and shortly, Matthew will go West, including back to Banff, to go climbing with friends. Matthew and David weren’t able to do a climb David booked for last summer when we went to Banff because of an injury Matthew had. The company wouldn’t give us a refund but they did allow us to use the credit this year. We’re most grateful to our friend Eric who will be leading a trip back to Banff for Matthew, his son, and another friend of the kids. We’ll be empty nesters for 4 whole days - yippee!! 

We hope to see you soon and thanks for your continued support for all of us. 

Love, Erika & David