Recovery by Numbers

12, the minutes it takes to get to the hospital by life flight. 15, days in the PICU. 13, days on antibiotics. 46, the day that Gus took a first step with his left foot. 28, the number of times we have watched the 'Crystal Mickey' episode of Mickey Mouse. 1280, Gus's mL fluid goal for each day. 4, how many times we had to put the feeding tube back in. 500+, hours of the liquid mind radio station played on Pandora. 2, the months ago that I deleted a section of information in my brain for more storage.

Thanksgiving Wish

Curt and I share fall time pictures and find ourselves comparing crops. Curt shares pictures that he had taken during the drought year. First, a picture from the silage corn field. The picked cob was small enough to fit in Curt's hand when he took the picture with his phone. Peeking out of the husk you can see shaded dent on the golden yellow kernels, showing the lack of water. Paired with it is a picture our newly arrived baby Augustus. A crop I am personally very proud of. Captured in his Daddy's arms as they both rest in the window of his first hospital room. A light green blanket wraps around his newborn body, only revealing his soft cheeks and closed eyes. Pictures that can describe the first harvest.

Helwicoper Reunion

"Wow!" was Gus's first reaction. His anticipation had brought him to the top of the University of Utah Hospital. Only a few people get to access the roof of the hospital where the life flight helicopter is perched. I can see the excitement in his eyes as I lean down and ask him "what is it?" "Helwicoper," he whispers back. He points over to the middle of the roof where the large red Air Med helicopter is tied down. Gus doesn't dare blink, as it may be a dream that could shutter away. 

"Ready to go see it?" Nicole asks before we start wheeling over to it.  "Yeah!" Gus shares with us as we start rolling through the wind. 

Big Red

Framed on the wall of the Therapy Gym is this quote:

Little by little, inch by inch,
By the yard it is hard,

By the inch, what a cinch.

Never stare up the stairs,

Just step up the steps,

Little by little,

Inch by inch.

By: Ron Hamilton

Gus's Hunger Games

The hospital schedule describes this time as rehab participation. Curt and I call it 'Gus's Games.' The games consist of three categories: eating mastery, physical endurance, and problem solving. Gus's Hunger Games is the first category, where eating and swallowing are the tasks. He practices eating in his room during every meal. However, a special game is set up for Gus to challenge his best attribute. The game host has mapped out a special task force for Gus to digest today. The challengers are crunchy cereals, mushy breakfast surprises, and dissolving treats.