Hanging Around the House

Kyle was figuring out how to live and get around the home he grew up in as a child in a whole new way now.  Being in a wheel chair was much different than walking around the house.  He can't just go upstairs to take a phone call or hop in the shower, so with limited privacy and mobility, adjusting to life in Pittsburgh was a challenge for both Kyle and his parents.  Yet they still shared so much comfort by just being together.  

He was scheduled for physical therapy three times a week and eventually got some nursing care provided as well.  As one of Kyle's fellow soldiers said, "Your mission now is to get better and heal".  Every day some of Kyle's main tasks consist of keeping his leg clean, exercising and building strength in his legs and throughout his entire body and eating and sleeping well.  He is making a lot of progress already and has recently been able to push his foot down at the ankle, which is a huge success!  We are all hopeful that Kyle's nerves are intact and he will be able to make a full recovery, but we should find out more details over the next several weeks.   

Many family members and close friends come by the house to visit with Kyle frequently.  It certainly keeps the Deems busy and occupied and feel much happier too.  I know the support and encouragement means a lot to everyone, and especially to Kyle.

Kyle sits out in his back yard to get some sun and enjoy the afternoon at home on Saturday.

Kyle visits with his Aunt Terri on Saturday afternoon who came by with her daughter Rachel with some food and wine and good conversation.

Kyle with his cousin Rachel, who made this sign to display at a local blood drive they organized in honor of Kyle and another local Pittsburgh person.  Kyle had to get a blood transfusion while still in Afghanistan after he was shot because he had lost so much blood.

Elsie holds the door for Kyle as he wheels into the kitchen using one of the new handicap ramps installed on the porch at their home.

Kyle plays with a remote control helicopter one of his buddies from the AF gave him.  It's a great little toy and very fun to play with; and we all really get a kick out it.   

Kyle, Elsie and I played a game of Scrabble together while out on the porch Saturday evening.  Kyle took a brief break to receive a call from one of the guys in his unit at Moody AFB.

Kyle laughing while talking on the phone - always good to see that smile.

Kyle and I play Scrabble with Elsie on the porch.  Photo by Elsie Deem.

Elsie gets a photo of me and Kyle before heading inside the house for the night on Saturday.  Photo by Elsie Deem.