The Healing Begins

Last week, Jack returned to UCLA-Westwood to see Dr. Benheim, one of his surgeon's.  The stitches were removed from Jack's hand with the most pain I've seen him have this entire experience.  Remember, Jack only asked for pain medication 1 time after surgery, and that was 4 days after his finger was amputated and he had returned to school making up quite a bit of work.  Dr. Benheim is now known as "DUDE", because each time he removed a stitch, Jack's way of dealing with the pain was to hold on to his own wrist repeating "DUDE"! :)

Tom and I have become concerned about Jack recent week's.  He has been a bit moody lately and has been spending more time in his room.  We are a close knit family and talk openly about our feelings; however, I think Jack is holding a lot back.  When he returned to school after having his stitches removed, he told us a few kids just stared at his hand.  Rather than turning that situation into a positive learning experience, he let anger build up inside him and just walked away.

Since his surgery Jack has favored his right hand which has caused it to become a bit weak.  Daily urging my Mom and Dad to exercise his hand has increased Jack's "irritation".  Saturday, January 8th, we spent the day with Grandma and Grandpa in Banning to celebrate Grandpa Jack's 74th birthday.  Thinking grandparents can be helpful in encouraging their grandkids, discussion started on Jack's hand strength and how his pinky had started to curl towards his palm.  Jack became extremely defensive and walked away from the room.  That night when we returned home, Jack and I had a long talk about the love his family has for him and that we only want him to be happy and strong.  We wouldn't ask him to do anything more than we know he could accomplish.  Jack made a deal with me that starting the next day he would start doing the hand exercises.

Tuesday, January 11th, Jack will start physical therapy at Casa Colina.  This is an awesome rehabilitation center that also specializes in sports therapy.  I'm hoping to get Jack throwing a baseball, and swinging a golf club very soon.

God Bless

PS.  Please continue to pray for Jack's physical and mental healing.

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