A grateful MERRY CHRISTMAS and please...A NEW YEAR!!!!

It's been a while since we updated the blog and I have had quit a few people ask, so as the year comes to an end and I have had time to reflect on everything, now seems like a great time for an update.

How is Sam?

Sam is still in PT. While he is feeling stronger there is still a long way to go, and much frustration.

He had some testing done that showed he has permanent paralysis in his right arm.

Those that know Sam, know that this is a tough one. He can't throw, raise his arm, or even open a jar easily. He is learning to use his left arm more and more.

We thought he might be able to have a surgery to use part of his bicep on his triceps. He found out that he was not a candidate for this surgery.

How is his pain?

 He still hurts ALL.THE.TIME. He will tell you his arm and chest feels like it is constantly asleep and throbbing. Sleeping is still an issue for Sam. He has come off of all his pain meds which has made sleeping harder but felt like it was time to be drug free.

His job is working out very well. He is finding his new place at his company and we are SO GRATEFUL for the extra effort they have put forward for our family.

Are we back to normal?

No, we aren't. I tell people we have a new normal. We went swimming as a family last weekend and Sam discovered he can no longer swim. This was very hard for Sam and I.

Biking, swimming, hiking and so much more is what we love to do as a family. So we are going to have find a NEW normal. He discovered he can still golf!! YAY!!!

With all the hard stuff come all the BLESSINGS.

He has a job who knows how valuable he is.  We had a chance to go to Hawaii together in May. It was our first trip just the 2 of us since our honeymoon 12 years ago. He was able to swim for miles all over the ocean. What a huge blessing he got to go do that before he lost his ability to not do it again.  We have seen the love of family and friends that we could never have imagined. Our kids have learned the value of family, time and appreciating what we have. Most of all we got our dad and husband with us on Christmas. When I think back to them "reviving" Sam in that ICU room just 3 months ago, I realize this could have been a different Christmas for us. We are SO grateful for the birth and life of our Savior and our Heavenly Father who made it possible for all things to be whole. For the fact that my family can be together.

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Eastman Kids 2013

Off to Hawaii  2013

Our first Triathlon together!!

THANK YOU TO ALL!!!!

HUGE victory this week!

Sam went back to work on Monday. Yes, went back to work.
I have to say that the company Sam has been working for has renewed my faith that there are good people out there who CARE about their employees. Sam knows he can easily be replaced and that was one of his HUGE fears through all of this.
From the first day Sam was in his accident his boss and company were right by my side. Assuring me they would do everything they can. That's not common in the construction field. They checked on Sam and I. They visited him in the hospital and they made sure he had something to come back to.
I can not begin to tell you what GLY and the benefits we have from the Carpenter's Union have meant to us through all of this.
Sam is doing a desk job as he improves health wise. It's been HARD! He was very tired after his first day as he PT on the same day. Yesterday he only lasted a few hours. Today he said he found a place he can go lay down during his breaks to give his arm some elevation. He takes no pain meds during the day so that he can be at work. He hurts, but it's what he wants to do. He is still taking meds at night to help witht he pain so that he can sleep.
He came home the first day to tell and told me that he was feeling pretty good. They had told him that they do not do this for people. But because of what an impression he has made on people and how hard of a worker he is...they needed to keep him around. This lifted Sam's spirits more than I can say. I have always known how awesome he is and how much he has to give, but what an awesome thing to have others see it too. To know that they are doing this for him...when it just doesn't happen, gives us more reason to know that we are truly blessed and that all those prayers and support for Sam are more than we can ever imagine. So again, we thank you for everything you have done for our family and especially SAM!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Orthopedic, Sleeping and Church...

 

Sam has found with the broken ribs that the best place for him to sleep is in a hammock. Yes, a hammock. Hung in our bedroom. It's weird, but it works. We are SO excited to have that hospital bed leaving our house tomorrow. Another victory!

 

Sam was determined to get to church on Sunday. He was even able to get up and express his gratitude for God and those around us who have helped our family through all of this. He was exhausted by the time we got him home, but was a simple pleasure of being able to do one of life's simple things.

Sam saw the Orthopedic today. He said the arm looks awesome and is doing well. Looks like it is healing just the way it should. He has been cleared to use that arm to the fullest. They will have to go in and remove one of the screws that came loose but that will be pretty minor and farther down the road.

Sam saw the Orthopedic today. His arm looks AWESOME!! He actually looks like he has a real arm now. We were able to go and sit and have lunch together for the first time...well, I can't even remember!

We see the doctors at harborview in the next 2 weeks to check the progress fo the ribs, lungs and so on. Let's hope we get some more good news!

Again, thank you to everyone who has supported our family through all of this. We feel very blessed and loved!

So, how are you?

I get this question a lot and I will answer it but let's recap Sam.

We saw the Orthopedic on Monday. One of the screws had come lose in his arm but it looks to be like it won't cause any problems. Sam still can not feel a lot of his chest, right bicep and tricep and left ribs. This worries him...well, and me. Most of this is probably nerve damage that hopefully will return back to normal. The Doctor did give it to us straight that we do not know the full extent of what injuries and damage Sam has from the accident. At the 3 month mark is when we will see what should be back to normal and what is not. But he has come SO FAR, SO FAST!!
Sam started Physical Therapy on his arm yesterday. This was exciting!!!
Just a day at a time...

So to answer the question...How are you?
My husband is alive. We are so grateful for that. He can walk, and talk and that could VERY easily not have been the case. He is out of the hospital and home and moving when they told me he would probably still be in the hospital at this point. GRATEFUL...I am.

I'm tired.
I'm worried.
I am up at night with kids who are having bad dreams that something happens to their dad again. Dealing with anxiety and stomach aches about leaving their dad to go to school.
Naughty behavior from our youngest because she's not getting the attention she needs. OK...she's usually naughty, but not this bad.
What if my husband can't go back to work? This keeps me up at night.
I worry about him when he is discouraged and feeling down. I can't imagine what is going through his head.
But then this happens and I will take my victories for the day..

Allison Taking Over

Allison will be taking over the blog from now on.  She will be able to give more detailed information on Sam's recovery.  Stay tuned for more updates!

THANK YOU!

I just wanted to write a quick post to thank everyone for all of their extremely generous donations.  We were amazed that many of the donations came from people that don't even know Sam or the Eastmans- just people that heard Sam's story and wanted to help.  I know that they are incredibly grateful and that this money will help lighten their financial burden a bit. Thank you.

Here are some pictures of Sam's arm post surgery...

They are still waiting for Sam's ribs to heal. His ribs are still displaced, but they are hoping they will move back into place on their own. 

Sam got to get out of the house for a bit today to go watch some of Henry's soccer game. I'm sure Henry was pretty excited to have his dad there!