Reflections on Moving

As much as I hate to be the one to follow Jonathan, I think I am elected to catch everyone up on the current events at the Pres. Some of you have probably heard that Friday was moving day. After waiting all day Thursday to no avail, Friday about 5pm we packed up our belongings and moved upstairs to what they call "Baker 17", the rehab hospital at NYPH.

This move is a step forward for Jonathan in terms of recovery, but it is definitely a change and produces anxiety for an array of reasons. I admit I was probably more anxious than Jonathan as I have become dependant on the competent and compassionate staff on 8 West and did not want to leave our little cocoon of safety until I was sure Jonathan's wounds were healed. He is definitely ready physically and mentally for rehab, but still has several open wounds and fragile grafts to contend with. While the reahab staff seems capable, they are clearly not specifically trained in or accustomed to wound care. I was very thankful for the exposure and tutoring (by Dr. B himself) on how to do the wound care as I had to coach the nurse yesterday. Our entire family, Jonathan included, has had a crash course in nursing care and have become very adept at taking care of Jonathan.

Although Friday evening and Saturday were quite stressful, today brought some peace of mind when Dr. G, one of the Burn Fellows, and nurse Andrew came for a look-see. I forgot to mention that Jonathan had to have a little emergency surgery Friday morning for an ingrown toenail. Dr. G performed this simple but very painful procedure and wanted to check out his work as well as assess Jonathan's wounds. Needless to say, their visit and assurance that all was well brought tremendous relief to all involved. Before the end of the day, Jonathan had two more visitors from 8 West just making sure all was okay with him. They all assured us that someone from the Burn unit would check on Jonathan each day because he is "in all of their hearts."

Please forgive the ramblings, but so much has happened it is hard to leave anything out. In so many ways, God paved a smooth path for our family last week when it could have been such a difficult week. We were able to share Nicole's day with her as she graduated from Columbia on a beautiful NYC day. Afterwards, it was a sweet time together at the hospital as Jonathan was able to be up and out in the waiting room with us as we celebrated with lunch and cake and friends. Scott Owings was here to be with Jonathan while we did graduation activities, and Trina Gehl and Kim Ewing joined us on Wednesday for lunch and to spend a few days helping in various ways. I had worried that the move to rehab would interfere, but it all worked out just fine.

The next thing I was worried about (yes, I have a problem) was the move and how it would affect Jonathan. When we got up to Baker 17, we were swept into a small private room with a closet and a private bathroom-this was no ICU unit. It is even painted a color, a pretty one. No more sterile white walls (well decorated though they were), no more lovely yellow hospital gowns and blue caps each time we go in to see Jonathan, AND, we can use cell phones in the room! When I inquired as to how we managed to get a private room, they said it was the luck of the draw, but I think it was another one of those miracles. We kind of feel like we are in the Hilton, but not quite as the Clinitron bed went with us, or rather Jonathan went in it! Jonathan still passes his days and nights in the Clinitron except when they get him up for therapy. He is eagerly awaiting his release as it will afford him much more freedom of movement. He needs the bed for now to dry out his open wounds and prevent any breakdown from pressure.

Our daily schedules will change now as Jonathan will be busy doing therapy mornings and afternoons. We can visit from 12-1 and from 4-9:30 on weekdays with the weekends being a lttle more flexible. They assure us he will be very tired from the increased activity and won't miss us at night, but it will be an adjustment as we have staying with him until he falls asleep around midnight. This scedule will begin tomorrow and I have to admit this is going to be hard for me. One of the only things that has made this bearable is knowing we can be there with him to provide him comfort in any way we can. I will miss being with him.

Jonathan's friend Shannon paid a surprise visit last week and having not seen him for about 4 weeks was overjoyed to see his progress. She arrived just in time to witness his morning walk and as he had an audience, he did show off a little!
As I stood by Jonathan's window the last night he spent in 8 West reflecting upon our time spent there, I too was overjoyed to be at this point. I can hardly stand to think about those early days when we feared for his life. It is overwhelming to say the least when we think about the many sugeries, procedures, etc... he has undergone. The nurses continue to tell us that Jonathan must have great genes as he has healed so well and so quickly. Good genes may be part of it but I know prayer has been the biggest part. Prayer and Jonathan's perseverance, patience, and will to get well. Even today, with no PT's on duty Jonathan did his own therapy, insisting that he walk down the hall (he is not supposed to walk without a PT), and even lifting his cane as he went while Nicole and I hovered around. The look on his face is one of determination to push himself to get out of this place.

We have set some goals to bring him home for a visit and solicit your prayers to make this happen. We all want to come home right now-badly. I believe the next 4 weeks may present the greatest challenge for Jonathan and the thought of a visit home may sustain him and us during the toughest times.

Nicole will come to Nashville for a couple of weeks soon-to interview for jobs and be with her Dad. For now Megan is here with Jonathan and I and spending many nights with Jonathan on the night shift. Her arrival has been a comfort and help for those of us here and Jonathan always brightens when one of his sisters are around.

The plan is for Jonathan to be in the rehab unit for the next 4 weeks. After this he will be in outpatient therapy and we have no idea what that looks like. Thankfully, our little apartment should suffice as a place for us to stay during that time. After this, we don't know. I think that is the hardest thing-the not knowing aspect of this whole experience. We have literally had to learn to live day by day, something I have never been good at. I personally make it through each day by the grace of God. This is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

Thanks for the continued love and prayers-we miss you all.


Jonathan's new address is:

New York Presbyterian Hospital
Attn: Jonathan Shaub
Baker 17, Room #1732
525 East 68th Street
New York, New York 10021

Blessings to all,
Mom