Journal entry by Susan Koenig —
Today marks the 6 month anniversary of Benjamin's life-changing, body crushing, soul expanding start to this chapter of his life.
Since the last entry, most weeks have had much of the same for Ben---relentless dedication to rehabilitation and healing. For him this has meant everything from multiple sessions of therapy (occupational for his hand/wrist/finger and physical for his leg) weekly and daily home exercises.
His two orthopedic surgeons each report that x-rays show his bones are healing wonderfully! The pins and plates are doing their job.
In contrast to the bones, the multiple muscles, tendons and joints still have a long distance to go. Ben has expanded his healing team to include some gifted body workers who are helping with the overall trauma while supporting him to improve his flexibility, mobility, and strength, all of which remain compromised in a variety of ways. Ben continues to focus on a whole foods diet and all the supplements that support the specific healing his working toward.
Yesterday Rhea returned to New York. Before she departed, they were both able to be vaccinated and with Ben's improving ability to walk they enjoyed some Omaha sites including the Joslyn Art Museum and the Lauritsen Botanical Garden.
When Ben walks any distance, he manages swelling after. His pain at this time us closer to a 3 in contrast to the extreme pain of the earlier months.
For those of you who know Ben, you are accustomed to seeing his smile and playfulness. At this time his sadness and overwhelm show on his face despite his commitment to a full recovery in time. I asked Ben if he felt proud about the progress he's made. "It's more like "determined"," he said. "It's what I expect of myself."
For a half a year, so many good people have traveled this journey with Ben, giving aid in countless ways. A thousand thanks we give to all. Kindnesses big and small have made more of a difference than you can know. Next Sunday is Father's Day, and a special acknowledgment goes out to Ben's dad who deserves an honorary Uber award for his super support which has included countless appointments and errands he has driven Ben to over these past months.
Since the last entry, most weeks have had much of the same for Ben---relentless dedication to rehabilitation and healing. For him this has meant everything from multiple sessions of therapy (occupational for his hand/wrist/finger and physical for his leg) weekly and daily home exercises.
His two orthopedic surgeons each report that x-rays show his bones are healing wonderfully! The pins and plates are doing their job.
In contrast to the bones, the multiple muscles, tendons and joints still have a long distance to go. Ben has expanded his healing team to include some gifted body workers who are helping with the overall trauma while supporting him to improve his flexibility, mobility, and strength, all of which remain compromised in a variety of ways. Ben continues to focus on a whole foods diet and all the supplements that support the specific healing his working toward.
Yesterday Rhea returned to New York. Before she departed, they were both able to be vaccinated and with Ben's improving ability to walk they enjoyed some Omaha sites including the Joslyn Art Museum and the Lauritsen Botanical Garden.
When Ben walks any distance, he manages swelling after. His pain at this time us closer to a 3 in contrast to the extreme pain of the earlier months.
For those of you who know Ben, you are accustomed to seeing his smile and playfulness. At this time his sadness and overwhelm show on his face despite his commitment to a full recovery in time. I asked Ben if he felt proud about the progress he's made. "It's more like "determined"," he said. "It's what I expect of myself."
For a half a year, so many good people have traveled this journey with Ben, giving aid in countless ways. A thousand thanks we give to all. Kindnesses big and small have made more of a difference than you can know. Next Sunday is Father's Day, and a special acknowledgment goes out to Ben's dad who deserves an honorary Uber award for his super support which has included countless appointments and errands he has driven Ben to over these past months.
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