“I’ll appoint Deputy Sheriff Wes Kaufman immediately to take over for me on an interim basis until I can make it official. He’s well qualified to take over my duties. Tomorrow at noon will be perfect. I’ll see you then.”
It looks as if events are working out well for Walter and Emily Peyton, but will that be the case for the rest of our characters? Let’s take a look and see.
CHAPTER 52
Visits for the first five days, back behind the red line in the hall, were frustrating for the foursome, but all was forgotten when, on the sixth day, they were ushered into Room 333 and greeted by Thomas, sans the eye patches. Although they still had to stand behind the blue line, being able to look into his eyes and see the love they projected, made any inconvenience they had to go through well worth bearing.
Thomas’s eyes darted from one to another as he experienced the emotions of a man finally returning to a world of sensibility. He wasn’t the only one in the room whose eyes began welling with tears. As some drops began the journey down his cheeks, a RN stepped forward with a cotton pad and sponged them up.
“I can’t tell you all how it feels to be able to see you. The last time you were here I could only hear your voices, and my heart was crying out to be able to lay eyes on you. Hi, Mom, Louise, Dad. Looking straight at Miriam he said, I guess you must be Miriam Walton. I’m very pleased to meet you.”
This was the first time that her son had spoken directly to her and the experience was disconcerting. She had played the scenario over and over in her head very often and had worked up dozens of rejoinders…all of which totally escaped her at the moment. All she could come up with was,
“I’m pleased to meet you too, Thomas.”
Walter asked, “Are the eye patches off for good”
“According to Dr. Freenold, they are. It took me almost twelve hours to get my eyes back in focus, but according to the tests they’ve been conducting my eyesight and figure/color recognition is now normal.”
Louise responded, “I’m so glad, dear. This is all so wonderful. Dr. Jensen says that next week we’ll be able to hold your hand. I’ll be so glad to get rid of this darn blue line. It’s exasperating to be so close and not be able to reach out to you.”
“I feel the same way. It’s like being confined behind a glass wall…look but don’t touch.
When did you say that would be?”
“It’s supposed to be when we visit next
Monday.”
“It can’t come fast enough.” He looked toward Walter. “Dad, you look like the cat that swallowed the canary. What’s up?”
“Show some respect there, young man, you’re talking to the new Mayor of Owensburg.”
“You’re kidding.”
Emily jumped in, “No he isn’t. He was sworn-in on the steps of City Hall yesterday.”
“That’s so awesome, congratulations”
“Thanks, son.”
Next, he turned to Louise. “I really miss you. I’m glad you’re staying with my folks.”
“I miss you too, but I’ll be here every day they allow us to and hopefully we’ll get you out of here soon.”
“Dr. Freenold says I’m making great progress: the fastest recovery he’s ever seen. I’m going to do everything I can to stay on that track.” He switched his attention to Miriam.
“I understand you have experience in Sports Medicine. Have you ever seen anyone as messed up as this?”
Miriam smiled, “Are you kidding. How about a quarterback that got jackknifed by two three hundred-pound tackles? If ever there was a candidate for a full skeletal transplant, he would be it. He had to mend over twelve individual bones and relearn how to stand, walk and lift. He even needed to learn a new way to breath. It took him over twenty-four months to complete his therapy and then he was only operating at about seventy-five percent of his previous capability. From what I have heard about your case, so far, you will not be dealing anywhere near that level of rehabilitation.”
“Well, that’s good news. I really want to thank you for taking an interest in my recovery. Have you recovered fully from your own concussion?
“Yes, I have, and thanks for asking. Personally, and professionally I know what you are going through. I’m just thankful that your family is allowing me to make whatever small contribution I can towards your rehabilitation.”
He smiled, “It’s not small and it is greatly appreciated. You’re a very special person. Miriam
Walton.”
After several seconds, Miriam replied, “I’m happy I can be of help.” I can’t believe this. My son thinks I’m a special person. I hope he still feels that way after he finds out the truth about me.
Yes, but we’ve got a lot more story to tell before that happens.
CHAPTER 53
He was surprised by a knock on the door of his room. 11:30pm is a little late for visitors.
“Whose there?”
“It’s me, Miriam.”
Mike rushed to the door and threw it open. In the hall stood Miriam soaking wet from the brief storm that had blown over about five minutes ago.
“My god, get in here. Get out of those wet clothes.” He couldn’t tell whether the drops rolling down her cheeks were tears or from the rain; most likely rain.
She shed the raincoat and fell into his arms. They kissed, feeding on the hunger that they both had felt since the moment they professed their love for one another. Mike swept her up and carried her to the bed. “It’s been a while…too long.
“I just couldn’t stay away. There’s no sense in depriving myself of your love.”
“I’m glad you realized that,” he said, as he gently removed her clothes and then his bathrobe.
As they did the first time, they made love passionately at first and then tenderly as they lost themselves in the joy of the moment.
Once their emotional and physical needs were sated, they laid back on the pillows their heads towards one another.
“I’m sure glad you decided not to wait.”
“I am too. I’ve been going to sleep every night with an image of you on my mind. All day my thoughts drift to you… and us. I don’t know why I was so fearful that I couldn’t be with you and still be there for Thomas.”
“Speaking of Thomas, how is he coming along?”
“Just wonderfully. They finished the operation on his skull and took of the patches from his eyes. I got to look into his beautiful blue eyes. They were just like his fathers, but the really great news is that he talked to me about my being there to help him. He actually said, ‘You’re a very special person, Miriam Walton.’ God, I hope he feels that way when he finds out the truth. What if he hates me?”
“Now don’t talk like that. You are in an envious position of being able to work with your son during his rehabilitation. He will get the opportunity to know you over that time. Besides, you have the full support of Emily, Louise and Walter. I honestly don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
“You’ve had other clients with this problem.
How did it go with them?”
“You’re right, I have had at least half a dozen cases like yours and only once did the child refuse to have anything to do with his birth-mother. The child was seventeen and on drugs and he made it clear that if she ever came anywhere near him he would kill her. Social workers involved in the case reported that he blamed her for his condition and that nothing they tried would convince him otherwise. She was very depressed and overdosed with sleeping pills the next day.”
“Oh, my god, how awful.”
“Yes, it was. That was the last case of this kind I undertook, before you showed up in my office one day. I almost turned you down, but there was something special about you that prompted me to listen to your situation. I’m sure glad I did.”
Miriam leaned over and kissed him. “I’m glad you did too. Speaking about your practice, have you done anything about getting a license to practice here
in Ohio?”
“I spoke with someone the other day. There is no reciprocity between Pennsylvania and Ohio, so I would have to apply to take the Ohio bar exam. That’s not a problem. The person I spoke to has a practice here in Owensburg and he seemed interested in taking on a partner.”
“That’s wonderful. Is that really what you want to do?”
“Well that depends a lot on you and your long-range plans”
“I think you know what they are. Even after Thomas recovers completely, I will still probably make Owensburg my home again. There’s nothing for me back in Spartanville.”
“I know this is going to seem very sudden, but I want to be where you are. I’ve worked with you for so long now that I probably know you better that anyone else. What I’m saying is that I want to marry you and settle down.”
“Oh, Mike. You don’t know how much that means to me. I want the same thing. My life has been in such shambles, with Nathan walking out on me and Thomas being hurt.” They kissed again.
“How do you think we should go about this, what with all that is going on?”
“That’s a good question. It’s not just us we have to be concerned about.”
They both got quiet, neither wanting to suggest anything that would delay their desired union. Finally, Mike offered, “What if we make plans to get married in about six months? That way Thomas will be well along with his rehabilitation, and I should be set up with a practice here in town.” “It sounds like such a long time to have to wait.”
“Yes, it does, but I can’t see how we can do anything sooner.”
“I’d opt for getting married right away, but for one thing, how it would look.”
“I’m not worried about what some narrowminded busy-bodies will think. I’ve long since given up letting other people run my life. Is public opinion the only reason?
“No, actually, I was thinking more about how much work I’m going to have when the physical rehabilitation kicks in for Thomas. I’ve worked with enough injured athletes to know that your time is not your own. I wouldn’t be much of a wife for you while that is going on.”
“I see your point. Now that I think about it taking the bar exam and setting up a practice would tie me up a lot. When it comes to the heart, I hate doing anything practical, but it does seem to work out best if we postpone our nuptials until the dust settles in our lives. Let’s announce our engagement, though; ring and everything and pick a date sixmonths from now. What do you say, Miriam Walton…will you be my wife?”
“Yes, of course I will.”
“I guess you wouldn’t consider moving in here with me until we can find suitable lodging.” “Shame on you, Mike Tolliver. Are you trying to besmirch my reputation in this town?”
“You can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“There will be no more talk like that.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
They rolled over and made love again, this time complete with a vision of their future together.
CHAPTER 54
It is not unusual for family members of TBI patients to have many questions about the recovery and rehabilitation of their love ones. How long before they will be back to normal?
What will be the long-term effects of the brain injury? How well will they function in the future? What if they never are the same again?
Unfortunately, there are no easy answers. TBI research is a relatively new area and how a patient will function months and years out continues to be beyond the pale of predictability. A multitude of physical and behavioral issues can complicate the process making it near impossible to predict the outcome of a TBI procedure. For instance, age and pre-injury condition can have a major influence on the outcome as does the timing of the initial corrective surgery and the temperament of the patient.
The types of injury to the brain and secondary damage also have a bearing on the eventual outcome. Depending on the area of the brain affected, brain functions can be impaired requiring addressing memory, speech, decision making, balance, physical coordination. If extensive testing indicates that a brain function cannot be restored, then the patient must learn how to compensate for that function.
It is the aim of the staff at the George Bennett Baxter Trauma Center to address these issues utilizing the most up-to-date technology and Neurosurgery experience available. It was towards that end that they invited Dr. Arnold R. Freenold one of the top Neurosurgeons in the country to head up the team that would be responsible for the care of Thomas Mortinson who entered the Center with a Glasgow Coma Score of 5. Dr. Freenold had a world-wide reputation for the successful rehabilitation of dozens of patients with GSC scores less than 7.
* * *
Thomas completed the drill for the third time. Two Physical Therapists worked with him for the past three hours concentrating on simple movements of the arms, hands, legs and feet; all done while he laid flat on the bed. He found the exercises tiring at first, but the encouragement of the therapists and progress he was making using his limbs kept him going.
Dr. Freenold joined the team as they completed the last set. He watched and made notes as Thomas made the movements required of him.
“Bravo,” he said as clapped at the final exercise. “That’s excellent. You’re doing great, Thomas. Why don’t you rest a few minutes while we’ll give these fine people a chance to pack up their gear and then we will do some special movements?”
Minutes later they were alone except for an RN watching the monitors.
“What we’re going to do now is work on your neck muscles. Your head has been restrained from the first minutes that you were discovered. It’s time now for us to restore normal movement to your neck and shoulders. I’ll need a few minutes to remove the Head and Neck Support System; you won’t need that any longer. When it’s gone, just lay your head back on the pillow and then we’ll begin a series of movements that will reeducate all your neck and shoulder muscles and nerves.
It took Freenold and the RN over ten minutes to disconnect the equipment from the bed without jostling their patient too much in the process. When they were finished, Thomas was able to lie back on the pillow for the first time since he arrived at the hospital.
Finally, Dr. Freenold said, “There you go…free at last.”
Thomas smiled, “That’s one way of putting
it.”
“Now before you make any sudden moves, keep your head still for a few more minutes.
We’ll be doing a series of movements in a special order. They will sound easy at first, but you will probably experience some difficulty simply because most of those muscles have been immobile for a long time.”
During the next hour Dr. Freenold ran
Thomas through a battery of tests that required Thomas to exert specific muscle groups in a specific order; the intent being to stretch his neck and shoulder muscles. Thomas responded well to the exercises until they came to his shoulders. There he experienced pain in his left shoulder. This wasn’t entirely unexpected in as much as he had broken his left collarbone in the accident. To offset this, the Doctor started a new set of exercises aimed at stimulating the area around the break. He continued these for over fifteen minutes until Thomas felt a relaxing of the shoulder muscles. That done, the original set was resumed, this time without any pain.
“We’re almost done here. We’ll repeat these tests tomorrow morning after your visitors leave. You will be free to hold hands with them, but I must caution you that you must not attempt to raise your body to hug anyone, because the muscles you
would need to use haven’t been resuscitated yet and to use them prematurely can cause a setback to the progress we’ve made so far. I know it will be hard not to hug them, but we can’t risk using certain muscle groups until the proper time. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Yes, of course. I won’t do anything that could impede my progress. Remember I’m the one whose looking forward to the day I can shake your hand and thank y
ou for making me well.”
The doctor smiled. “Okay then, but just to be sure, I’ll remind Dr. Jensen to instruct your visitors about the rules. I know that they will understand that we must err on the side of being overly cautious.”
“I’m sure they will cooperate.”
“One other thing, after we have our session tomorrow, you will be scheduled to repeat the hand and leg exercises you did today. That way we can improve on the overall movements you were tested for.
“I guess we can end this session, now. As usual, you have outperformed my expectations. Just take it easy. Don’t over exert yourself. Enjoy your new-found freedom. We have a lot of work ahead of us, still and we don’t want to waste time going back to correct mistakes. You have a good night Thomas, and I’ll see you in the morning.
“You too, Doctor.”
CHAPTER 55
Emily, with the help of Louise finished setting up the family’s dinner on the sun porch. Louise left to round up Miriam and Walter.
“Please sit down everyone. Let’s say grace…Heavenly Father, bless this food and this gathering with your love. Continue to bless our Thomas as he recovers. Bring him back to our fold soon. Amen”
“Amen,” by all.
“Okay, let’s do justice to this roast. Walter, would you do the honors with the slicing?”
“Consider it done.”
They spent the next half hour eating and engaging in small talk. As soon as the dishes were cleared away and the coffee and desert in front of them, Emily turned over the cover of a writing tablet. “While you’re enjoying the cheesecake, why don’t I bring you up-to-date on Thomas?
“I received a phone call from the Trauma Center earlier today. I think you’re going to like what I have to tell you. First off, according to Dr. Freenold, Thomas continues to make extraordinary progress with his rehabilitation. They removed the neck and shoulder restraints and began a series of physical exercises to strengthen his neck, shoulders, arms and legs. The next phase of the recovery plan will involve restoring as many physical functions as possible.
Tenderly Beats the Lonely Heart Page 17