THE Worst Roadtrip Confirmed - Monday, January 11th

To pick up where Teresa left off, yes, it is officially confirmed that this has been the roadtrip from Hell!! The “sleepy” medicine did absolutely nothing, except perhaps increase Riley’s appetite.

From about 12 am when T signed off until 3:30 am or so, Riley kept asking for various things…shoes, Crocs, cloths, pull-up change, etc. Then at that point, we started on the food kick…chicken nuggets, cheese pizza and the one that stuck, chips and salsa. Riley was not “asking” for this item, but instead screaming in a sort of high pick whine that I imagined the entire Southeast could hear. Finally, at around 4 am I just got dressed and headed out into the dark, cold streets of Durham to find me some crack…er…I mean chips and salsa. Luckily, there was a 24-hour Wal-Mart just across the street, so I picked up some staples to get us through till sunrise. By the way, I could hear Riley all the way down the hall!!

When I got back, Riley started munching on everything I got, then FINALLY got sleepy at 5:30 am. No point trying to sleep for 30 minutes, so I just got in the shower and I’m now sitting down stairs eating breakfast and drinking LOTS of coffee. I guess Teresa is up (she dosed with Riley), but I’m guessing I’ll probably have to wake her up as well. I must give her props, her patience today far surpassed mine!

Before I sign off, I just wanted to clarify something for everyone. I’ve been asked by many people how Riley is really doing. So, I’ll be as honest as I can. When Teresa and I say he’s doing “better”, keep in mind we are thinking back to the 2 months or so he was basically catatonic in his hospital bed. There really is no comparison as to how he was before our nightmare began. I don’t know how else to say it, other than he is mentally “challenged” now. Yes, he’ll interact when you touch him, very similar to how an infant responds, but there is no verbal interaction. He will not respond to any verbal commands, more of just physical stimuli. Additionally, our newest challenge is that he has completely given up on trying to walk. He physically can, as I had been able to put him on the treadmill and he walks perfectly. However, he will say he does not want to walk and just sit whenever, and wherever, he is.

Regardless, we still have him and will continue to pray for a miraculous healing. I better head upstairs and get sleeping beauty out of bed.

Peace!