S 1963 Passed

The caregiver bill passed today in the Senate 98-0 praise God! What a wonderful thing for caregivers of the wounded warriors. Thank you to all of those who wrote the letters and pushed for it to pass.

Here is the press release from Wounded Warrior Project

Hope Floats

I left Friday to see Bryan in New Orleans. I was a bit nervous, while I have heard a big change in him over the phone I didn't know how it would be in person. He picked me up and it felt amazing to hug him again after 3 weeks. We haven't been seperated this long since he was injured. We headed to his hotel and dropped off my baggage and headed to dinner. I had some amazing sushi and we had easy conversation. After that we went to see Couples Retreat and he held my hand throughout the entire movie.

Saturday morning we got ready and headed out to get some brunch in the French Quarter. After a delicious meal we walked around a bit and saw some of the older buildings. We went to see the amazing St. Louis Catherderal and it was amazing how beautiful it was.

After that we went and have beignets at a famous resturant and listened to some jazz music. We browsed through some shops and then headed to watch some breakdancing street performers and they were amazing. There was a huge crowd and we sat in the back along the wall. Bryan didn't act phased by the crowd like he normally does. We had a great time just walking along the water and enjoying the scenery. After that we headed to back to the hotel and rested for a while until dinner. I made reservations at a romantic resturant in the French Quarter. Bryan held my hand while walking along the streets and made me walk on the inside of the sidewalk to be safe. He was being a complete gentleman like he was before he was hurt.

At dinner we were sat in a room in the back and it was quieter there which was nice. Our dinner was amazing and delicious. We went out to the courtyard area and got our pictures taken.

Sunday morning we woke up and went to see "This is It" about Michael Jackson. I knew Bryan would not love the movie as much as I but he went along anyway. We then decided to have lunch near a swamp where there are alligators and authentic food. I had some delicious jumbalaya. We then went and looked at some of the plantations around the airport before I had to go home. They were so beautiful! We had some more time to kill before I had to get on the plane so we went to Starbucks and hung out until I had to go. When we hugged and kissed goodbye and I walked back into the airport I started to get emotional as this is the first time in 3 years I have seen my husband the way he was before. I feel that this treatment is working and we reconnected. I hope more than anything that this continues. I feel a renewed sense of hope that things are going to work no matter what. We had a good foundation before he was hurt so I know we can make it.

Today is Veterans Day and I am so thankful that my hero, my veteran is still alive. I am thankful for his 12 years of service and what he has done for this country. I wish he were here with me today but he is right where he needs to be. I went to the Veterans Day parade today with a friend in honor of my soldier. I am so thankful for all Veterans past and present. They have all impacted my life and kept this country free. For that I am thankful. Thank you to the families that have also sacrificed so much and for standing by their veterans. God Bless you all!

Protect our Wounded Warriors - Support S. 1963

Copied from WWP, this bill could support me while caring for my wounded warrior. It is a struggle to work and be present for his appointments, etc especially when your employer isn't supportive. Please contact your Senators and get this bill passed.

Supervision. Protection. Services. Senate Bill 1963 (S. 1963) ensures our most severely wounded warriors receive all three from at-home caregivers they know and trust.

After many months and sometimes years of hospitalization, some of our most grievously injured soldiers have finally returned home. Unable to live safely and independently on their own, our wounded warriors need the supervision and support of their loved ones.

Family caregivers are altering their lives to now protect those who have protected us. Often providing around-the-clock care, many caregivers have left their jobs, lost their employer-sponsored benefits and depleted their savings. They need help.

Providing counseling and mental health services, technical assistance, respite care, health coverage and a modest monthly stipend, S. 1963 provides necessary assistance to caregivers.

With this help, caregivers can provide the at-home care their wounded warriors need. Our veterans, who have given so much, can finally be at home to rehabilitate with dignity. We owe them no less.

Click here to send the letter

Thankful for Hyperbarics

Bryan has been very positive and calling me a lot while at treatment. I think he has had so time to think about what he has and reflecting on his life. He even proposed to me the other day that we quit our jobs, sell or rent our house, and travel the U.S. and Canada for a year. It is something I am considering so we shall see. It would take a lot of planning to do it in a cost effective way. However we need to reconnect and experience what God has made for us to enjoy on this earth. Bryan didn't get a lot of those experiences growing up and I guess he is reflecting on how if he had died he wouldn't have been able to experience them. It's hard to say what his ideas are and why but at least he wants me to come along.

I did find out that one of our hospitals here has a hyperbaric chamber so I called to see if they take Tricare. They said they have taken it before but a physician has to refer and fill out a packet and see if they will approve it. It was be beneficial for Bryan to go once or twice a month to continue to make progress. I told him about it and he was excited so we will see if Tricare will approve it.

I hope that this treatment continues to work and Bryan continues to be positive. His voice even sounds different he has inflection in his voice now instead of the flat voice. I am excited and so thankful.