Journal entry by Meghan hanson —
Tomorrow marks 2 weeks since Charlie came home. While it hasn't been easy and no matter what our future holds, I can't say enough how relieved and grateful we are he's here with us.
Before he was discharged he was given a defibrillator. That exacerbated the pain in his chest, though he didn't break any ribs he is still very sore, they then cut through his chest to place the lead for his defibrillator into his heart. Every cough and especially sneezes have been excruciatingly painful but each day it gets a little better.
He continues to heal but gets worn out easily, paired with the realization he was technically dead in our driveway he's spent much of his time resting. This hasn't been easy for him as I'm sure anyone reading this can understand. When faced with family history of heart health and poor habits that are hard to break it gives a person pause to think. His memory has improved significantly and gets better every day. He doesn't remember much about the few days before he collapsed but most everything else seems to be returning. My biggest fear in all of this was that he would lose some of his skills, they are so much a part of him, his abilities to build and create, to be the Jack of all trades, I was terrified he'd lost that. Relief that he's retained that is an understatement.
Though our 3 youngest boys don't fully understand what happened they do know dad was in the hospital and now he needs time to get better. They've adapted so well and are loving him being around a little extra. The older two are adults but still far to young to have to go through losing their dad.
Every day I think about how truly blessed we are, not only that he's home with us and will make a mostly full recovery but that we have the most incredible support system of loved ones that have and are getting us through this. We continue to receive cards and generous gifts. Those gifts have made such a difference, not having to think too hard about dinner has been such a weight lifted. I truly can't thank you enough. And the food, oh my goodness, it's been amazing!
Our road to a truly full recovery will be long and it won't be easy and that's OK. For now, our family is whole and we'll work hard to keep it that way. We have 5 kiddos, a son-in-law and a grandson who still need their daddy ❤
All my love,
Meghan
Before he was discharged he was given a defibrillator. That exacerbated the pain in his chest, though he didn't break any ribs he is still very sore, they then cut through his chest to place the lead for his defibrillator into his heart. Every cough and especially sneezes have been excruciatingly painful but each day it gets a little better.
He continues to heal but gets worn out easily, paired with the realization he was technically dead in our driveway he's spent much of his time resting. This hasn't been easy for him as I'm sure anyone reading this can understand. When faced with family history of heart health and poor habits that are hard to break it gives a person pause to think. His memory has improved significantly and gets better every day. He doesn't remember much about the few days before he collapsed but most everything else seems to be returning. My biggest fear in all of this was that he would lose some of his skills, they are so much a part of him, his abilities to build and create, to be the Jack of all trades, I was terrified he'd lost that. Relief that he's retained that is an understatement.
Though our 3 youngest boys don't fully understand what happened they do know dad was in the hospital and now he needs time to get better. They've adapted so well and are loving him being around a little extra. The older two are adults but still far to young to have to go through losing their dad.
Every day I think about how truly blessed we are, not only that he's home with us and will make a mostly full recovery but that we have the most incredible support system of loved ones that have and are getting us through this. We continue to receive cards and generous gifts. Those gifts have made such a difference, not having to think too hard about dinner has been such a weight lifted. I truly can't thank you enough. And the food, oh my goodness, it's been amazing!
Our road to a truly full recovery will be long and it won't be easy and that's OK. For now, our family is whole and we'll work hard to keep it that way. We have 5 kiddos, a son-in-law and a grandson who still need their daddy ❤
All my love,
Meghan
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