October Chaz Update!!

Chaz is just moving right along! We were all exhausted from the Army Ten Miler, but he feels great. He did not have any injuries, no muscle strains and no soreness at all from the race. He was just tired, which is totally understandable. Chaz has not exerted that much energy and effort since before his injuries. So exhaustion is totally expected. 

We did hit another little bump in the road this week. It turns out his legs have shrunk in size (again). He had to be re-casted (again) for new sockets for his prosthetic legs. Currently he is having a hard time keeping the suction intact. Since his legs have shrunk (again) that means he needs new sockets. We did not expect his legs to shrink again, but thank goodness we are in such great hands. His new sockets will be ready next week. Chaz's legs are held on my suction. If his legs are too small for the sockets then he can't get the proper suction he needs. If his legs do not suction on good enough then they could fall off while he is walking and that is not good at all. This problem is already solved by the great prosthetic makers here in the hospital!

Tuesday we went to the 101st AUSA reception. We are so proud to be a apart of the 101st. We all four are members of this awesome huge family. They make sure their soldiers are taken care of. We highly enjoy hanging out with our 101st family. The highlight of that night was when General McConville (the current 101st Commanding General) told his wife the story of how we first met. I met him on the Senate floor back in March (I think). Senator Reed (Rhode Island) had invited the wounded up for a tour. Chaz was in surgery and they told me they weren't going to just let me sit and wait on him. We got to go to the Senate floor and listen to the Senate historian give the history of the Senate. When one of our soldiers asked her what was carved on the wall, she said, "I'm so sorry I don't speak Latin." (Technically no one speaks Latin, but you can read it, long story goes here). Senator Reed asked if anyone could translate and I raised my hand. I explained the key phrases (E Purblius Unum, Novus Ordo Seclorum, and Annuit Coeptis) and what they meant and how the are so important. Yes I wanted to make her feel bad. How can you be the Senate Historian and not know our Founding Fathers key phrases? I take our country's history seriously. McConville told his wife that watching me do that was beyond cool. He said, "She just jumped right in. I didn't think anyone knew Latin anymore." He said it was a proud day for the 101st.

Thursday we took another soldier and his wife to see Les Miserables. The Kennedy Center gives tickets to the wounded so they can have a night out every once in a while. Chaz and our friend have both had a pretty crappy year. I knew that Les Mis was our friend's all time favorite musical, so when the opportunity came across I snatched up four tickets quick. Our next door neighbors spoiled our girls while we were gone, but they had a ton of fun. I know that Thursday night was a great night for all four of us. It is so important to go have those great nights while you have to deal with all the medical and bureaucratic crap everyday!

Tuesday through Friday Chaz had all his normal appointments (PT, OT, nurse case manager, WTB and amputee clinic) and the girls and I did home school. Luckily Monday was Columbus Day and the hospital was "closed." We needed that extra day off! Now it's the weekend and we are going to go enjoy what should be a beautiful weekend!

Monday we'll be back to appointments, appointments and appointments. But my Mom arrives on Monday!!!!! So we're all a little excited to have Gee for a week in DC!!!!