Well, the visit was awesome - and heart-wrenching all at the same time.
When I arrived, Joe was wailing away to his own original tune on a little wooden flute. Seems he's really getting into the whole singing and music thing - can't say I blame him. If I were stuck at home all day, I'd find something to amuse me too. I'd baked 3 pans of Joe's Favorite Brownies, and as soon as I hit the door, he said "I smell chocolate!" I'm not sure he remembered me right away, but within just a couple of minutes I was convinced it had come back to him as he was telling me stories about our past antics - a good sign in my book.
Words cannot begin to convey how happy I was to see him. The last time I'd seen him was about 2 hours before he crashed and we nearly lost him on January 21st. It's really a miracle he's even alive, much less doing as well as he is. His physical appearance was a little upsetting initially (he's missing about 20-25% of his skull under that helmet), but he's still our Joe.
Joe had two visitors there - two childhood friends who had traveled from the LA area and Los Vegas. All they guys enjoyed a fresh brownies together...but Joe, in his usual charming manner, ended up conning a total of 5 brownies out of me. His friends had been there for the weekend and needed to get back on the road, so after visiting a while, we decided to take a trot to the movies.
But he wanted more brownies.....we bargained back and forth, and finally decided if he completed some short term memory therapy, and ate a bananna, then he could have another brownie for the road trip to the theatre. The little turd blasted right through the therapy. I thought perhaps he'd memorized the first few exercises, but when I skipped ahead several pages, he blasted right through that one too....then proceeded to tell me that was exercise #29. Since they weren't numbered, I had to go count them - sure enough - he had ID'ed the exercise correctly.
So he got his brownie, and off we went to the movies. Now, if you know Joe, you know he goes to a LOT of movies, and this would be his first trek to the flicks since the attack. Joe's brother Shawn and Shawn's girl (who are doing an AMAZING job of taking excellent care of him by the way) went with us. We let Joe pick the movie - "Reno, 9-1-1-" wouldn't 'cha know? Since Joe is starting to regain a little vision in his left eye, we thought maybe he'd be able to see something on the big screen.
Unfortunately, he couldn't, and I think he was a little disappointed, but I happily indulged him by describing everything going on to match what he was hearing. We enjoyed a huge tub of pop corn and some diet soda (Joe seems to be obsessed with his caloric intake...LOL!) and many laughs. I'm sure there were folks in the theater who didn't appreciate my commentary, but they were very understanding and didn't complain a bit.
When the movie was over, it was time for me to hit the road. It was hard to say good-bye, but I was happy to know Joe is getting excellent care, and is doing an amazing job of working hard to overcome this injury and "get fit," as he says.
He wanted me to be sure and let everyone know how much he appreciates the well wishes, phone calls, cards, notes, letters and visits. It means the world to him and he can't wait to see everyone. We're hoping that within the next 4 to 8 weeks he'll be in good enough shape to have the reconstructive surgery on his skull done. Hopefully he'll be able to ditch the protective helmet he is now required to wear 24x7. It may also assist in his vision and imparement - keep your fingers crossed.
He's working so hard and has such a positive, upbeat attitude - it's not even funny. I can't say how proud I am of him - as I don't think I could do what he's doing, but he's doing it - with style I might add.
I'm hoping to get back down there soon, but worst case scenario, I'll be down for the West Coast Mo-Joe Ride the last weekend in April - and Joe's big goal right now is to be there with us - even if he can't ride. He just wants to hang out with you and thank everyone personally for your love and support during this tragically challenging time.
I sincerely hope as many of you as possible will be there,
Lisa
urr: Nice to hear his voice and see a pic. Joe is the man!! Thanks for the updates.