A parents view

[Jim Raisin]

Randy's post brought back some memories of Saul's recovery. Saul also had to be strapped down. At first it was a belt around his waist to keep him in bed. They had to add arm/hand restraints after he pulled the breathing tube out way before it was ready to come out, They put the tube back in and quickly noticed Saul reaching for the tube with his foot, so they had to strap them down. After the tube came out, Saul stayed on a strap at night for another month or longer. He hated it and let us know every night when he went to bed. I did not see the future getting better for a long time, but slowly, one day at a time it did. The sleeping belt came off, then the walking belt came off, Saul's balance came back, he started riding his bike again, and so much more started happening. Now 3 ½ years later, the tiny steps have turned into one giant jump. Saul, Randy, and anyone recovering from a TBI, you are my heroes.

[Randy]

Jim:
Thanks for sharing. But, I am not a hero. YOU and Yvonne, my wife Mary Ann, sons Dan, Greg, and Doug, and the rest of my support group are the real heros here. As well as Gerda and the other members here who lovingly nudge us on.

Without all of you and your encouragement, support, love (yes, Mary Ann, even as I was being strapped down to the hospital bed), made our recoveries possible. We are indebted forever.

I know that as a parent, I would not hesitate to do what you and Yvonne have done, and continue to do, for Saul. But as a father and a husband, I view this as my job, not something that I should have burdened my family with. But they rose to the challenge, as you and Yvonne have.

Again, a heartfelt "thank you". Now I must succeed and continue to improve and excel!

Be well,

Randy

[Gerda]

Thanks for adding this Jim. It is also good to hear something from a parents view on things like TBI. That also can help a lot of people to deal with all those things.
And right you are, true heroes is what they all are!!!