I'm Jess

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

When I arrived this morning I heard Jess say “All I want is a teaspoon of tapioca pudding.”

Yes, he did not pass the swallow test again. When you have ventilator tubes down your throat for four weeks things do not get back to normal real fast. His vocal chords are not collapsing properly, causing the fluids and food to go into his lungs. We have worked so many weeks in clearing them, this is not something we wish to screw up.

Today Jess seems to be more at the acceptance stage. He was mellow and received the news from the test like a champ. I showed Jess the video of Phoebe and her new Kong, and he appeared amused. (Please feel free to view yourselves with an encore performance by Hobbes.)
Jess was ready to take a short nap. With little sleep at night, Jess needs every cat nap he can get, even if it is for only fifteen minutes.

We had a pleasant yet generally uneventful day. Jess shows steady improvement in his physical therapy, he can now sit, propped with pillows, without falling over. The therapists have a tall walker and assisted him in standing. They estimate they will have him walking with it by Friday. It’s good to have goals.

Jesse was more in the mood for music today. He enjoyed listening to a couple of playlists I had prepared for him, Josh Groban, and an assortment of operas, mostly Puccini. He was relaxing and closed his eyes a few times. Trish, a social worker I had met a few weeks ago, had just returned from a European vacation. Ten days ago Jess was still on the ventilator and ever so slowly coming out of sedation. Trish walked in to the room and said, ‘I’ve wanted to meet you.”
“I’m Jess,” responds my sleeping prince. He will soon figure out that the entire staff knows about his miracle and have all seen him in various stages throughout his ordeal.

I am going to work tomorrow. It’s been 5 ½ weeks.
Jess was anxious to get an approximate time that I would get to the hospital; it almost makes me feel guilty not to be there in the morning.

Jess did have a better day today. And I hope he has an even better tomorrow.

I wish you all better tomorrows. Thanks for reading and sending good thoughts and prayers to Doodle Daddy, Jess. Even if I am the wife, I can honestly say he is a terrific human being and deserves this battle to go uphill.

Doodle Kisses and sweet dreams, J, J, P (watch her video) and H

[Beverly Wright]

Janet,
Thankfully, this was a much better day! I know that you and Jess feel like you are on a roller coaster! I will pray for you to have a day at peace at work and for Jess to have another good day! Love, hugs and kisses to you all!
Bev

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so thrilled that each day Jess shows improvement. It will be a long battle, but baby steps are happenin'

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

That is a good day! My best advice for you is do not let guilt get to you. You still have to take care of your self (even if its going to work) or who will take care of Jess. This is from 12 ys of helping families with loved ones who have Brain Injuries. Oh and always give your self an extra 30m to the time you give him.Then you'll be early,or on time but it will save him from stress if your running late. If you need anything.....

[Susan]

Janet, It sounds as if Jess is making steady progress. He is allowed days to be down, as we all are. He has come such a long way, this miracle man of Mayo. Go to work and do not worry. He will be waiting and so happy to see you when you arrive at the hospital. I hope for you and Jess..and pray! Have a good night.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

What a wonderful day! I am so thrilled for you and Jess!!!!!