The Power of Porter

It's a lot. I'm not gunna lie. People ask what I do during my down time......HA! I'm sure, from the outside, it probably seems like I'm just here hanging out with not much to do, while Porter goes to therapy and stuff. And that may be true for some family or friends that have loved ones here. This place is designed to have 24/7 care from a wonderful staff of people that are competent and able to care for Porter. But, I have made the choice to be his #1 care-giver and since I want to be here and have chosen to make this place my home while Porter is here, I am FULLY involved. I figure, I might as well be doing every imaginable thing I can do to help his recovery and well being. I want to be well equipped for when he comes home and I HAVE to be the 24/7 care. I am so grateful for how kind everyone has been to me here. They all know me now and I try not to get in their way. I know there are still things that I am learning and shouldn't and can't do yet. But, eventu

We have been hearing about the restaurant, Pretty Bird, from Dan since day 1. He has complete confidence we'll all love it. Monday we got to try it. The therapists got a group of 3 patients together and we loaded in the big rehab bus and went on a field trip. All Idaho Boys. Connor from Blackfoot (17yr old), Laramie from Rigby (29 yr old) and Porter from Pocatello. It was good to be with other 'residents'. The therapists used this outing as therapy for them to figure out their way through a small restaurant, how to order on an iPad, find a table and eat and clean up. The huge chicken sandwich wasn't the easiest for Porter to eat by himself, but he did well with the fries. There were no straws so he needed some help with his drink too. I'm sure every new place and type of food will present new challenges, but it was good to get a feel for what to do. The chicken sandwich was VERY good. I highly recommend it. It did not disappoint. And just for those of you that are g

I keep getting the question - "How are YOU doing?" and I keep telling whoever is asking, "I'm doing well." and it's completely true. But over the last couple of days, I've started wondering if I'm hiding. Here in the rehab, I am with Porter and everyone is interested in his health and progress and it's all upbeat and positive. I am surrounded by people that are helping and serving my son. I am only focused on this one thing - being there for Porter. I still feel like I'm just doing my motherly duties as I've always done by feeding and clothing Porter, bathing him, taking him to his appointments with the therapists downstairs, tidying up the room, all the stuff I'd be doing at home. This is important and this is where I should be and I'm grateful I can be. But, I'm worried that maybe I'm choosing to live in this bubble or hiding - because facing what's out there is a lot. I have gotten offers to go get a facial or hairc