Sorry for lack of updates lately. Schedules have been beyond crazy, to say the least, and we are trying to juggle a lot of pieces. Anyways, I’ll do my best to include everything that’s happened since the last update. CJ‘s original discharge date of February 4 got pushed out a bit due to him getting COVID-19. It was definitely a setback that came with a lot of new challenges. PT and OT continued in the COVID unit but was limited to the small amount of space they had in his quarantine room. He stayed busy in quarantine by building about 16 wooden models and making all sorts of other crafts. He made a cool wheelchair bag, some leather slippers, soap stone carvings, and more! CJ worked through every obstacle thrown at him and continued to push through as always! 

Once he got out of the COVID unit he returned back to his regular unit. He was excited to see his original team as well as all of his friends again! His team was blown away by all of the progress he was able to make in the COVID unit and they have continued to push him a little more each day since. CJ has been working on stairs, walking on his own with the arm crutches, walking for longer periods of time, learning how to get on and off shuttles in the wheelchair, and so many new techniques to help him live day to day life. 

The day we’ve been waiting a long time for has arrived! Friday (2/11) I finally got to meet his amazing team in person and take him home! CJ’s Command is working to get him new orders up here in New Hampshire until he is medically discharged. While he waits he is staying home here in NH taking it one day at a time. Yesterday we went to the barn for the first time since the accident. Cole and CJ were so happy to see each other and shared some pretty special moments. Cole saw the wheelchair and knew to be extra gentle and would lower his head for CJ to brush him and eventually fell asleep with his head in CJ’s lap.  

Additionally, the Naval DoD Wounded Warriors as well as the Paralyzed Veterans of America have both welcomed CJ. They’ve  been very supportive and helpful throughout this complicated process. 

We of course want to put in a ginormous thank you to the entire team at the West Roxbury VA. Every single person involved in his care and life in the hospital has impacted both CJ and I in some way. CJ is ecstatic to be out of the hospital but we hope to visit them in the future! We both are forever grateful for the incredible opportunities they have provided and continue to provide.

Having support from the VA hospital, all the organizations, family, friends, anyone that has kept CJ in their thoughts and prayers, and those that have offered a helping hand in any way has been so touching. We are so grateful and blessed. Thank you everyone!