MiaBella Brickey

For 4 days we have waited patiently for Miss Mia to follow any verbal commands. She’s been on some pretty heavy drugs and it’s been very difficult to assess her neurologic condition.

Rumor has it that she lifted her feet for Dr. Kaza (her surgeon), and did something else for a nurse?  But, as for her B.F.D?? …… Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Well, that’s not exactly true.  She does open her eyes for me, and maybe I haven’t really wanted to push her, because I can see how exhausted this kid is! But today, we all felt that we’d like to get a better understanding of her neurologic condition……. so, we decided to ‘press’ her a little more for some kind of reaction or response to specific questions.

I asked her to squeeze my hand. She didn’t. I began asking more intently, with increased volume and intensity, but nothing other than open eyes did I get.

As she grew more and more restless, biting down on her endotracheal tube and acting agitated, I grew more concerned and did what any good Father would do.  I asked her if she wanted me to sing to her? To which she, for the first time since being admitted, DEFINITIVELY shook her head “No!” ??!!  What is THAT??

I was so surprised and ecstatic at her response that I immediately turned to see if the nurses and doctors had seen it?? But then, I realized what she had ‘said’?! and my elation at her positively negative response made me turn back to her and say, “Mia?! Are you sure? Don’t you want your Daddy to sing to you??” (pleadingly)…… to which I got the same darn definitive head shake!  That little poo.  I’ve never felt better being told to stop singing. So, the kid seems to either have a serious A.B.I. (according to me), or she’s sounding like she’s ‘All There’, (as Heidi and most of the doc’s think).  😉

Everyone else in the room and CICU seemed to think it was about as funny as my own family did when they heard about it.  But I asked the nurses all to step out of the room, that I needed a couple of private words with my daughter! …… but they wouldn’t do it.

So?…… no songs tonight! oh, well?  How many times can you hear “Down our Way”, “Birmingham Jail (Down in the Valley)”, “You are my Sunshine”, “The Sweatheart of Sigma Chi”, and “Bullet in My Shoulder”??  And I think she’s absolutely SICK of “It’s Nappy Nurtle Time, It’s Jami Jurtle time”!! (sorry Pammy)  Poor kid! All she wants to do is have that damn tube out of her throat and get out of that bed!!

No, but seriously, it’s been a couple of slow days.  We’ve been working hard, sometimes a bit concerned, but mostly not. Just working hard to help her clear her lungs and watching her vital signs for any sign of problems.  She’s been to hell and back, people. Or, some say Heaven. Maybe it’s safe to say she’s been to both, but she’s still here with us now, and I am still the happiest, most grateful dad on the planet.

She’s had 3 Broncho-scopes in 4 days; and we began using this really cool machine called a broncho-tron (I think??) that really helps to bring out the dried blood and other secretions in her lungs. As Mia continues to ‘fight’ and work to clear her lungs of the schmutz from this whole ordeal, we continue to cheer her on.

We have a very ‘soft’ goal of extubation by the end of this weekend. (!!) And we can’t WAIT to be able to question her further about her screwed up musical preferences. 😉

Tonight, Heidi and I joined the rest of my family and my nephews and nieces in celebrating my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 7th!!  We all had dinner together at my folks house, and were lucky enough to have Sue and Pete Welsh, (Heidi’s Mom and Step-Dad), and Uncle Roger Russell there too. We all toasted Mia’s Grandparents long-standing marital success!! It seems stubbornness and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds weren’t invented by our little Miss Mia after all?? ok, just kidding. 😉

And we were all left in silent reflection when Mom announced, with a toast to herself and her not-so-young ex-cadet, “50 years, and nary a cross word or quarrel!!”.  We all soon recovered and realized she was only joking and we could relax on the idea that Mom had completely lost her memory.

So, ………. this is the update for the last two days.  Hopeful. Optimistic forward progress, with chances of setback.  She continues to battle, and it’s obvious the drugs have skewed her musical taste, if not her entire sense who’s important?! But, we are still very pleased with our current condition.  She continues to play with a very SLIGHT fever, and we are watching this very carefully.

ok. I am very tired. Can’t you tell? I’m rambling. And it continues…..we are loving each and every message of love and support Mia continues to receive.  Thank you again.

We are working on a website or blog site in which we can move all of this wonderful support, so that we can add more photos and have more flexibility with the entire format.  Once again, the indomitable Brian Corrales, Soo Bahk Do Instructor, and apparent computer wizard at the same time, is setting this up. We thank him for all he has done for Mia and for our family.

I will try harder to find time to think or write when my brain is a bit more clear……. and hopefully every day.  I have been made aware of my responsibilities from my well-intentioned, if not pesky big brother, David. 😉 jk big bro.  so, sue me.

Good Night everyone! We’ll hope she continues to clear her  lungs, and we look forward to the day when we can take that darn tube out of her throat and she can explain why in the heck she doesn’t like my singing??  (Can you tell I’m bugged?? I’ve only mentioned this like 5 times!)

ps. It would be impossible for me to thank each and every one of you for your kind and heartfelt words, but I just wanted to acknowledge a special group of men and women over in Afghanistan, fellow American soldiers of Jordan Goers (I’m sorry, I don’t remember your rank), who are pulling for our Mia. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. May you all come home safe and sound to your own families, and I hope you get a chance to meet our MiaBella for yourself one day and she can thank you herself. And I’ll give you a free toothbrush and floss for the effort.

Peace, Out.     T of T.H.E.M.Bricks