Two Year Anniversary + Merry Christmas, Mike!
This year's anniversary of the accident was particularly tough. Two years ago, Mike was riding his scooter to the hospital for a routine checkup, but ended up arriving there by ambulance and remained unconscious for two months. Today, he is still in a Medicaid-funded nursing home, where he isn't receiving the quality care we wish for him. Our family hasn't visited since he was admitted to that nursing home over a year and a half ago, so they haven't seen his accommodations. We don't receive any support from any family or friends, so I cover all of his needs that the nursing home can't. It all still feels overwhelming, and most of the time I feel quite alone and as though I can never do enough for him or provide what he truly deserves.
Mike's progress has halted for the most part. The doctor explained to me at his care conference that the vertigo he experiences when sitting upright is unlikely go to away. He will not learn to walk or use the bathroom on his own. A few of his close friends still visit from time to time and those are his best days. If it were me, I would have rather passed away that day, and I think most people would choose the same.
Mike loves chocolate, fuzzy / warm / cozy clothing, visitors, cracking jokes, hanging out with his friend who is also named Michael, eating, snacking, and participating in occasional events that the nursing home puts on. His favorite nurse even took off work on her birthday to make sure he was out of bed and able to attend the drag show they brought in! I do love how inclusive the nursing home is.
My dream for Mike is that one day he can be in a home where they can take better care of him, where he has access to more diverse and frequent therapies for victims of traumatic brain injuries, and staff to spend time with him when he's lonely (which is most of the time.)
In an effort to lighten an almost impossible to lighten mood, I put together a Christmas wishlist for Mike with some things he would enjoy receiving for Christmas. If you'd like to select a gift, be sure to indicate your name on the gift receipt and I'll send you a little video of him opening it!
Thank you for all your support <3 I decided to put a picture of happier days for this post.
Bex
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