Hello from Cuba City….
Yes, Devin and I are home where we belong and loving every minute of it. I will have to say the trip home went well. Although I had to suffer at the end because we had to wait for over 45 minutes to get our luggage knowing that Pat & Jenna were behind those doors. But I will have to say it was worth the wait. As the doors opened Devin and I were greeted with Pat, Jenna, Jodi, Shea & Mckenna with a Welcome Home Banner and Balloon’s. Then the only other thing I remember is grabbing Jenna and amazingly she came right to me or maybe I didn’t give her a chance and of course the only person she was so excited about was Devin. Oh the smile on her face when she kept pointing to Devin was priceless. I can not believe how much she has grown up on me and it was only a month. We then pulled into our driveway to find more Welcome Home signs!!!! What a warm feeling today was.
Well that’s all I’m going to say as I am off to take a nice long hot bath and spend time with my family:)
Thanks again to everyone for all your prayers and if you have time please continue to keep Devin in your prayers as these cells will need need to take time to work!!!!
God Bless All Of You,
Kim & Devin
March 17th, 2008
Well last night’s supper with the staff was so exciting!!! I wished I could have just placed my video camera somewhere and recorded the whole night. It was so nice to visit with them outside of the hospital. I think everyone really enjoyed themselves.
Today if you could image the floor was just full of excitement as the Florida family left today and Julie and Mark will leave tomorrow after us and then the last will be the Minn. family on Monday. The day actually went really fast as we all said our good bye’s, took pictures and we went outside to video a little bit.
Well here’s our final farewell….
Our journey here is over and I truely believe both Devin and I will be comming home a changed person. Devin’s changes will hopefully be improved developement by having the cells do its job. Myself well yes I would like to think this experience has also changed me. It definitely has made me appreciate all I have in my life. A great husband, addorable children and parents who love us deeply!!!! Along with that we have wonderful family members and friends who love us and continue to support us in all we do. We are also truely blest to be living in such a caring and supportive community!!!!
Since I have been here I have come to understand a lot about China and would just like to share some of it with you.
I know in the beginning I was kind of making fun of the way they live here and the things I saw. However, as my stay continued I learned that some of these things were not so much because they wanted to live this way but they had no choice. This is their culture/beliefs or they just could not afford to live any other way. Majority of this country lives with the bare necessities and that means no motor transportation or strollers for their children or closets full of shoes and clothes. One example is the split pants where the children do not where diapers. One reason is because this is the culture and believe it or not the mother can sense (most of the time) when their child has to go to the bathroom. You know how we can sense when our children are sick or just not feeling well. It’s the same sense they get. I find that amazing but that answers my question on don’t the mothers always get pee’d on? The other reason is because the parents can not afford to buy diapers for their children so they have no other choice. This country is so over populated that a lot of people just don’t make a lot of money to have things that we take for granted everyday. Hangzhou for example is so over populated that you have houses/apartments on top of each other. I still have not found one house with a yard. Hangzhou is probably no bigger than Milwaukee and has a population of 6 million people and that is no lie!!!! Johnny who is one of the translators here and has become a very good friend is 25 and has a 4 year degree in college. He lives with a friend in a one room apartment and maybe owns 5 shirts and a couple pairs of pants along with a TV and a bike. That is it..that is all he owns and he is so happy with his life. This is what made me realize how we take so many simple things for granted – diapers, strollers, bikes, clean water, some what clean air, green grass, fresh fruit, etc, etc, etc.
I know I could go on and on with stories but I also know that unless you have physically seen it or experienced it or got to know the people here it’s just not the same. The only reason why I’m writing this is because maybe I feel a little guilty for all my comments in the beginning and also so that maybe all of us including our children can for just a moment look around and realize how fortunate we all are and that in the end it’s not about what we have or don’t have (material wise) in our life that matters. It is the love and respect for and from your family that truely matters the most!!!!!!
This doesn’t mean that I agree with a lot of things that I saw here. It has just made me realize that yes I know our country has it’s faults (and a lot of them)but it also has made me appreciate the country that I do live in and GOD Bless the USA!!!!
Well that is it…..Devin and I would like to thank everyone for their constant prayers and all the wonderful messages we received while we were here. We truely can not begin to tell you how much those messages made our day and also brought a smile to our faces when we needed it the most. Thank you everyone and we love you lots and can’t wait to see you in the good old USA!!!!!
Just to let you know that I will blog one more time when we get home just to let everyone know that we made it so, if you check the blog after 7:00 pm on Sunday night I promise I will have it updated by then.
Well this is it Devin and Kim are signing off and saying GOOD BYE CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With lots of love,
Kim & Devin
March 15th, 2008
We can’t believe this but it is true…. today was Devin’s last day of therapy:) Of course I started packing today just so tomorrow we can just watch the time go by….As I figured packing for the way home was way easier then packing for the way over. I actually have 3 suitcases in one because the only things I have left to bring home is our clothes, books and pictures, which will all fit in one suitcase. Also, I can tell my body is definitely ready to come home as I told myself this morning only 2 more of these showers!!!!
Our flight plans are leaving the hospital on Sunday at 6:00 am as our flight leaves at 8:00 a.m. to Hong Kong and then we leave Hong Kong at 11:40 a.m. and arrive in Chicago at 12:50 p.m. Can you believe the trip is only 1 hour long. OHHHHH don’t I wish this were true but we do gain a half of a day because technically it will be 1:50 a.m. on Monday when we get home. Yes, I have already made sure that there will be someone at the gate in Hong Kong to take us directly to our boarding flight since we only have 1 hour layover and there is no way I am going to miss my flight in Hong Kong this time!!!! Trust me when I say they won’t want me to miss my flight!!!!
I wish I could say that when we get home we get to rest but you know us go go go…Devin and I get to rest on Monday and then off to Decorah we go for therapy for the week. However we will be traveling each day instead of staying. Not going to keep me away from Jenna for a long time!!! I know what your thinking poor Devin but trust me when I say it will do him great. Plus he will be on spring break the end of the week so he would be bored anyway:)
Tonight Devin and I are taking some of the doctors, nurses and therapist out to eat so that should be a fun time. It is in appreciation of all they have done for us here and for making our stay as comfortable as possible.
Well that’s all we have to say today but be sure to check in tomorrow for our farewell comments.
Have a great Friday….
Kim & Devin
March 14th, 2008
Well it’s a good thing Devin is done with his treatments. He has totally caught on to the prepping and is getting very strong…or mom is getting weak….actually it is probably a combination. Because of his strenght on getting the IV he had to suffer through two of them. You would think he would learn and just let them do it once!!!! I definitely worked up a sweat holding him this time and kept telling myself last one, last one!!!! Other than that the treatment itself went really well and Devin was even asleep after the treatment so he must have tired himself out putting up a fight. He slept for the first 2 1/2 hours and then he was pretty content the rest of the time. It must be because I break the rules and let him eat 3 hours afterward instead of 6. What they don’t know won’t hurt them:)
Even after treatment yesterday Devin worked hard today in therapy. He said he wanted to bring Kerri back to the USA with him. She actually agreed!!!
Today was a very rainy, gloomy day which was depressing considering Devin has been stuck inside the last two days. So, Julie and I decided to take the kids to the city and eat at a Chinese Italian restraunt that Julie and her husband had already eaten at before. It was excellent and I even have left overs for supper tonight. Even though it is 7:00 and I’m still not hungry. I guess that’s because it was also a sad evening tonight. Terry, Jena and Laylah left at 6:00 and it was very sad to see them go. It’s amazing how strangers become part of your family!!!!! They are definitely leaving here with smiles on their faces as the doctors confirmed today that Laylah’s eye’s are responding to light. What’s funny is that I knew that before they even told me because today she was so much more content and when I was holding her, her eyes were just different in a way I can’t explain it. So, they can’t wait to get home and go to her eye doctor to see what they say!!!
Well sorry to cut you short but I just realized how late it is getting and Devin needs a shower tonight so I got to get going. I can’t believe tomorrow is Friday and Devin’s last day of therapy. I think it’s one of those mental games I’m playing that I’m not going to believe it until we are actually on the plane flying home!!!
Have a great Thursday and enjoy the weather. I heard you are finally having some nice days:)
Kim & Devin
March 13th, 2008
Well today Devin did an awesome job in therapy. Kerri was very happy with him today working so hard. Hopefully that will make him a little tired by this afternoon for treatment.
We also had a good lunch today!!! When Jena and I were out last night we found a Subway so all of us American’s placed an order and we just pitched in for the delivery fee. Yes, we are all that desperate to have good food as we sent a driver into the city which is 30 minutes one way to get us Subway for lunch. Trust me when I say it was well worth it and I was smart and got the foot long so I alreay have supper for tonight!!!!
Well it’s time to go back to the room as they will be starting the prepping for the spinal here shortly. I will let you all know tomorrow how the last spinal went.
Have a great Wednesday and we’ll talk with you tomorrow:)
Kim & Devin
March 12th, 2008
Sorry I’m so late on writing this blog…I just realized that some of you may have already checked in as the time change is 13 hours now so it is 7:30 Tuesday morning and it is 8:30 Tuesday night for us.
I think Devin is definitly ready to come home as he has been very lazy during therapy this week. Kerri his therapist is calling him lazy boy and he responds back to her with “YES” “Turkey”. It is pretty comical however I think I have now created a Turkey Monster!!!
The reason why I’m so late in blogging is because this afternoon Jena wanted to go to the night market but Terry did not so he told me that he was staying back with Laylah and Devin while I went to the market with her. So Jena and I went to this night market in the city which is kind of like a flea market per say…We started off by stopping at Star Buck’s so she could get a drink and a muffin so I got a double chocolate muffin and ohhhhh can you say heaven…..It was the first bit of chocolate I have had in 23 days and it was delicious because of course it was an American Star Bucks!!!! I have to say it was right up there with the BUD!!!!
The night market sure was interesting to say the least. Jena wanted to buy a Coach purse because you can buy them really cheap at the night makets and I would have to say that was probably the most exciting part of the night was the bargaining. She even convinced me to buy one because by the time you were done bargaining we bought our purses for about $12.50 U.S. Dollars. It was funny because all you had to do was turn to walk away and they were asking you for another price and as long as you did not budge on the price they finally gave in. Trust me I do not think they are real for that price!!! However I think Devin had more fun because when we got back they were watching Alvin and the Chipmunks and laughing. So at least this day went kind of fast and tomorrow is Devin’s last spinal so tomorrow won’t be too fun but the week is almost over and another day closer to home.
So, please keep Devin in your prayers that the last spinal goes well!!!!
Have a great Tuesday and enjoy the weather:)
Kim & Devin
March 11th, 2008
Hello,
Well it’s what I expected the days are going to go really slow. I woke up this morning with energy and excitement knowing that this is our last week and only 6 days and we are HOME!!!! Well that energy faded away real quick as the hours seem to be in slow motion. Plus it was sunny today but the smog was so bad that we didn’t even attempt to go outside. One family did early and recommended to stay indoors so that even added to the boring day.
Devin wants to say “HI” to his classmates and all the teachers & secretaries. Also, Pam before I forget since Devin has some therapy appointments when we get back his 1st day back to school won’t be until Tuesday after Easter because I think they have that Monday off correct? Which I believe that Tuesday would be March 25th.
Devin’s last spinal treatment is scheduled for Wednesday so this will help break up the week.
Have a great Monday….
Kim & Devin
March 10th, 2008
Yes, we’re on our final week and by this time next Sunday we will be on our way home!!! We also, got the sun back today so I hope we will finish the last week with sun and warmth to make the week go better. I will try my best to bring the sun and warmth with me:)
Devin and I went for a walk today and browsed around this very classy department store…WOW did I ever see some nice stuff in their but definately out of my price range!!!!! But, it past the time away and was neat to see.
Well sorry but we really don’t have much to say today and Devin is kind of antsy so I better get going.
Have a great Sunday:)
Kim & Devin
March 9th, 2008
Well nothing new again today….Mother nature is making these last days here very difficult as we are on our 3rd day of rain. I know the weather is worse where you are but we need to be able to go outside for sanity as the room is getting smaller each day and I don’t think that could be possible. Sophie one of the nurses here said the rain should be over tomorrow so hopefully we will be able to get out for a little bit but I’m sure not for long as I’m sure the air will not be the greatest after 3 days of rain.
The 5th treatment is down and only 1 more to go (thank goodness) they are not getting easier as I was hoping so the last treatment will be a relief as we are sooooooooo ready to come home!!!!!
Also, I do have some sad news……. I am out of PB&J sandwhiches. I had my last one for lunch today:( I think I would win on how to make 2 loafs of bread last for 3 weeks or should I say toast for the last 2 weeks. It is kind of strange but nice to see the supplies running low as that means we are almost home…..I think it might just have to be a BUD diet for the rest of the stay:)
I did hear some good news today that Jenna did well for her 18 month pictures. Yes, that’s right Dad had to take her to Siebe for her picture with the bunnies. I did of course ask Aunt Jodie (Pat’s sister) to go with just to make sure her dress was on the right way:)(just kidding honey) So, thanks Jodie for all your help I heard they turned out nice and I can’t wait to see them!!!! or in that case I can’t wait to see her…..it is getting very difficult. Devin and I watched a video we took of her before we left and I could only image how much she has changed during this time:(
Well that’s it for the day and by this time next week we will be packing our bags!!!!!!
Have a great Saturday and Peggy I hope the girls have fun with the bunnies today!!!!
Kim & Devin
March 8th, 2008
Well it is noon on Friday and we are just counting down until his spinal at 2:00 and hope all goes well especially for the IV placement because his poor hands are pretty bruised from Monday.
It’s another gloomy, rainy day which I guess is ok considering that I will be spending the rest of the day (from 3:00 on )in bed. Kind of ironic I remember being at home and sometimes just wishing I could stay in bed all day and now I have the chance and I’m complaining about it…Well one good thing about it is I get to catch up on movies. On Monday I watched I am Legend with Wil Smith..I don’t know if this movie is out on DVD in the U.S. yet or not but I was told that in China they get the movies 3 to 4 months before they are released in the US. It was a really good movie!!! Today’s selection is Death Sentence….I guess…that is what Jena told me to watch and then I have Back Draft (which I have already seen before but is a good movie) if I’m able to get two movies in….
Devin say’s he has the best of friends in his school and he can’t wait to get back and play with them. He also thinks all of his cousins are the coolest for thinking about him and telling him funny stories that make him laugh…He also would like to say “HI” to Katie’s 5th grade class. He had a big smile on his face and thought it was so nice of her and her class to send a message…That also goes along with all the other grades in the schools that send messages. You should see how fast he walks when I ask him if he wants to go see who sent him a message.
Well it is official the count down begins we only have 9 days to go and we are home!!!! The New Jersey family (Lora, Jason & Justin) left this morning and I could just hear the excitement in their voices and the smiles from ear to ear on their faces!!! I couldn’t image seeing their families and friends faces when they see Justin and they see for themselves that he is getting eye sight..
Well it’s 12:30 so I better get going as I have to grab some lunch and then they start prepping Devin at about 1:30.
By the way how are the basketball teams doing?
Have a great Friday:)
Kim & Devin
March 7th, 2008
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