Graduation/Discharge Day!!!!!

Its here, and a whole week early!!!!  Grant is getting discharged today and they're having a graduation for him.  All of his doctors couldn't be more pleased with his progress and we are so proud of him.  Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, therapist and PCAs.  We appreciate all the work you did for Grant.

A Special Visitor

Someone special came to visit Grant this morning. Grant had a great time visiting with "Cap" as they colored and played legos.  Grant just had to show him his room.  #superherosunday

A Day Out

Today Grant was granted a day out so he could just get away for a while.  His first request, go to Red Robin.  His second was to go look at halloween stuff.  Its the simple things for this kid.  We took him to see Petes Dragon and get Ice Cream too!!!  We love him so much.

First Day of Rehab

Today started out great, Grant was up nice and early and had a good breakfast to prepare for his first day.  The therapist came to pick him up and they were off to a full day.

The day didn't quite work out according to plan and turned out to be a rough start for him. About half way through he got sick during one of his therapy sessions and was just plain worn out.  He had to take a nap to recover from all the excitement and activity.

After a quick nap he was all set to do a little hanging out with mommy.

 I think the highlight of the day though was the therapy dog visit.

More exciting updates to come.

Mail Call

We received Grant's e-cards, Brittany, Chris, Sam, Gabby, Maddy, and Bri. They really cheered him up this morning. Thank you! ❤️

Grant's Got A Room on the Rehab Floor

Today was a great day, Grant go a new room on the Rehab Unit. Tomorrow he will start the long process of getting stronger.  Grant is doing so well, it really amazes me to see his strength and attitude through all of this.  This kid is a true ROCK STAR!!!!  We'll try to keep you updated with his progress and plenty of pictures.  Thanks for checking in on him.

Day 1 Out of PICU

It's only 10:30 and already a great day.  PT and OT came in to get Grant moving and BAM, he's out of bed and walking (with help) over to mommy for "snuggles".  When Physical Medicine Dr came to see him he said "Wait, he walked already?" Grant is kicking ass and taking names.  This is why we call him Iron Man.

Today was a great day for Grant.  He ate all three meals normally and even had some ice cream and banana pudding for dessert.  He watched several movies and slowly got his voice back.

We're Getting A Room

Grant just had a visit from his Neurologist, Physical Medicine Doctor and Speech Language Therapy.   Speech and Language did a swallow test on him and gave him the green light to have mechanical soft foods which means he gets to order dinner of the normal menu tonight.   Physical Medicine loves his progress already and said "his progress is atypical in a good way".  He is starting the process to set up PT and OT rehab as soon as possible.  His Neurologist really couldn't be happier with how he is doing.  The statement he made was "Grant is proving me wrong" (he didn't expect Grant to be doing any of this yet).  Grant is already saying a few words and moving both arms and legs.  His first official words were "When are we going home?"

PICU

Well, he's only been in the PICU for a few hours and already showing signs of waking up.  We were told to expect him to sleep for the first 24 hrs or so but not our Grant!!!  Time will tell but he seems to be doing better than expected.  As you can see from the photo he has Leo and Cap to keep him company.  He has a post-op MRI scheduled for 12:45 today then more rest.  I'll keep updating this blog as we go.  Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

He's Out of Surgery

We just talked to the surgeon and Grant did great. We are headed to meet him in the PICU to start his long road to recovery. It has been a very long day for us and even longer day for his surgeon who never left the OR for a second today. Thanks to everyone who has reached out to us while he was in surgery. Your support has been overwhelming and we couldn't ask for better friends and family. We love you all. More great reports from Grants recovery to come!!!!

The Wait

We are sitting in the surgical waiting room while Grant is being prepped for surgery.  It really doesn't become real until the wheel your little guy away from you and pass through those doors. I'm not going to lie, I had tears in my eyes after we left him.  This is going to be a very LONG day.

Surgery Day

As many of you are already aware, Grant is having a big day today.  We are headed down to Nationwide Children's Hospital for what we hope is Grants last brain surgery.  I will do my best to keep everyone updated as the day goes on.  It's going to be a long day.

What A Wonderful Surprise

Yesterday, we received five boxes...FIVE...passed along for Grant by Brittany Holmes Schimpf and Chris Schimpf from their daughter, Gabby Schimpf, currently an airman serving on active duty in the Air Force. Today, Grant opened these boxes. They were full of cards with get well soon wishes and prayer intentions signed by many caring strangers. Also in the boxes were all kinds of toys specifically chosen with Grant in mind: puzzles, coloring books, snacks, and many other generous items. I'd like to specifically thank Gabby Schimpf, and the all the folks at 94th IS at Ford Mead, Maryland for thoughtfully gathering and sending so many things for Grant to do while he's in the hospital and for keeping him in their prayers. There are many people who do whatever it takes to show others they care (even though they've never even met Grant). Thank you for reminding me that there are people in the world for whom there are no excuses, and their only goal is to take care of each other. There may or may not be happy tears around my house today. Forever grateful to Gabby and her squadron for including Grant in their military family. Sincerely, Grant's mom and dad. 💛

2016 Walk For Wishes

Success!!! $4130 was raised for an awesome cause! Our favorite Wish Kid, Iron Man Grant, Ryan, and I thank those who donated to our walk team and were able to support us today at the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Columbus Walk for Wishes. We love you!