James – Nov. 4 – American Election Day

James is amazing me everyday. He is now on the 7^th floor of VGH on the orthopedic trauma ward.  He has his own room with a gorgeous view of Vancouver.  Yesterday he had a visit from the doctor who works at GF Strong Rehab Centre and she seemed really impressed with where James is at in his recovery considering the extent of his injuries.  We have been told he may be going there late next week depending on bed availability.  Today he was up with crutches for the first time (a graduation from the walker).  He needed lots of support as he is still quite weak and he tires easily. He is eating more and more each day and last night was the first night he didn’t require tube feeds. Hurray! One more step towards taking the last tube out. Tonight he is following the results of the American election with interest – He said seeing Obama win the election brought his headache pain from a level 6 to a 2 on the pain scale.  He continues to make daily gains.  James has had some visitors.  If you would like to visit James please email me and I will set up a time (kimbos81@hotmail.com).  Keep in mind, I have been extremely busy keeping up my own health and going to and from the hospital so, if I don’t get back to you right away, I will do my best to as soon as I can.

 

Also, I would like to acknowledge and thank the Wood family for their support. I always knew I could count on them but never thought we would need their help so much and so soon after our wedding. Brian is an amazing Dad - he has been by James side since the day the accident happened. Judy is an incredible Mom- encouraging James and being there for him in Winnipeg as long as she possibly could. Now that she has had to return to work she calls at least once a day to check in and speak to James - it is so important to his recovery for him to hear her voice. I can’t thank Brooke enough for all the time she spent with James in Winnipeg which of course would not have been possible without her husband Miles who made sure everything at home was taken care of. And the past two weekends, both of them coming to Vancouver to be with James has been so helpful in giving me some much needed time away from the hospital while knowing James is in the best possible hands. Tara, James’ eldest sister has done a wonderful job of holding the fort when we were in Winnipeg - getting information out to people and organizing an amazing benefit for us. She also made the trek to Winnipeg to visit her brother and show him how much she loves him - and also couldn’t do it without her husband Derek to take care of Paige (their daughter). I can’t express how grateful I have been for both Brian and Judy’s support and help over the past 6 weeks - James and I have both benefited. Not only were they there to help James get better in any way they could but they both helped with an interview with Global TV that was shown a few weeks ago. I also know there has been the Wood network at home helping and supporting us - Uncle Keith, Grampa Harry and all - thank you so much.

 

Kim