Journal entry by Janet Murphy —
Dear Everyone,
After 31 days at the Lubbock UMC, Pete has moved to rehab!
In the morning hours of January 10, the Lubbock Aid Ambulance Service came to our room , picked us up, and took us to the Chapparal Jet Center (see picture below). Within a few minutes of arriving at Chapparal, we boarded a medical transport plane and headed for Pete's new beginning: The James A. Haley VA Medical Center - Spinal Cord Rehab Program in Tampa, Florida (see picture below).
So much has happened since we left Lubbock, a Q&A approach seems like the easiest way to convey information.
How was the flight?
Cramped, hot, noisy and absolutely the best flight of our lives. We are grateful to our USAF teams, the Lubbock Aid team, the pilot, co-pilot and flight medical team for their diligence, assistance and care in helping Pete make the move to the Tampa VA.
How is Pete?
During his last 24 hours in Lubbock, Pete found his voice, his appetite (he's an eater!), his phone, his sense of humor and his courage to move forward. He is doing very well; he is researching his type of spinal cord injury and framing up his recovery goals. He is unstoppable.
How are the Murphy's doing?
We are a tight family and this experience has brought us closer together. Quick update:
On Monday, Pete begins his"in-patient" rehab program, which will continue for several weeks. At various intervals, his progress will be evaluated. At some point -- either weeks or months from now -- he will transition to an out patient rehab program, probably at another facility in a another city.
Where will Pete live and what will he do?
That's all up to Pete.
Will you continue to update the Caringbridge site?
Caringbridge has been a blessing to our family during the trauma phase of Pete's injury. It's a fantastic communication tool. Now that Pete has moved to rehab and is getting on with his life, it's time to wind down our Caringbridge updates.
For updates going forward:
It's not humanly possible for Pete, Joe, Max, Katie, Maddie and me to express the extent of our gratitude for your support, encouragement, prayers, assistance, advice and love during this change in our lives (see picture below). Thank you for trusting us with your gifts and letting us know you are there whenever we need you. Every day, we are doing our best to 'pay it forward' to the many people we are meeting on this journey.
Thanks for all you do and for the positive energy you share with us daily <3.
After 31 days at the Lubbock UMC, Pete has moved to rehab!
In the morning hours of January 10, the Lubbock Aid Ambulance Service came to our room , picked us up, and took us to the Chapparal Jet Center (see picture below). Within a few minutes of arriving at Chapparal, we boarded a medical transport plane and headed for Pete's new beginning: The James A. Haley VA Medical Center - Spinal Cord Rehab Program in Tampa, Florida (see picture below).
So much has happened since we left Lubbock, a Q&A approach seems like the easiest way to convey information.
How was the flight?
Cramped, hot, noisy and absolutely the best flight of our lives. We are grateful to our USAF teams, the Lubbock Aid team, the pilot, co-pilot and flight medical team for their diligence, assistance and care in helping Pete make the move to the Tampa VA.
How is Pete?
During his last 24 hours in Lubbock, Pete found his voice, his appetite (he's an eater!), his phone, his sense of humor and his courage to move forward. He is doing very well; he is researching his type of spinal cord injury and framing up his recovery goals. He is unstoppable.
How are the Murphy's doing?
We are a tight family and this experience has brought us closer together. Quick update:
- Joe returned to work on January 2 and is doing a great job holding down the fort while Janet is in Tampa.
- Maddie returned to school on January 4 and is focused on completing the mid-term exams that she was unable to take in December.
- Katie is helping around the house and picking up a few hours at Scallywag Tag. This weekend, she returns to Wright State; classes begin on Monday.
- Max returned to work, took his last exam at Cincinnati State, calls everyday to check on Pete's progress and is a great source of positivity :-)
- Janet returned to work via remote access and will remain in Tampa through the end of January.
On Monday, Pete begins his"in-patient" rehab program, which will continue for several weeks. At various intervals, his progress will be evaluated. At some point -- either weeks or months from now -- he will transition to an out patient rehab program, probably at another facility in a another city.
Where will Pete live and what will he do?
That's all up to Pete.
Will you continue to update the Caringbridge site?
Caringbridge has been a blessing to our family during the trauma phase of Pete's injury. It's a fantastic communication tool. Now that Pete has moved to rehab and is getting on with his life, it's time to wind down our Caringbridge updates.
For updates going forward:
- Follow me on Instagram (@Ohiog1rl).
- Call me if you want to talk mom-to-mom
It's not humanly possible for Pete, Joe, Max, Katie, Maddie and me to express the extent of our gratitude for your support, encouragement, prayers, assistance, advice and love during this change in our lives (see picture below). Thank you for trusting us with your gifts and letting us know you are there whenever we need you. Every day, we are doing our best to 'pay it forward' to the many people we are meeting on this journey.
Thanks for all you do and for the positive energy you share with us daily <3.
-
Our chariot awaits. Goodbye, Lubbock.
Hello, Tampa!
Ain't that the truth!Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
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