My trip to Norfolk to see Michael

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

Hi everyone,
I thought I would stop in and let everyone know that is interested about my trip to see Michael. We got there about 11:30pm. Michaels girlfriend was there to take the family to the house to get steeled down. Michaels CM1 was there to take me to the hospital. What a super nice guy. Is 38 and due to retire this month. I honestly do not remember a thing about the ride there. I couldn’t tell you a single this that I passed on the way there. CM1 walked me up to Michaels room. He was in the ICU. When I stepped into the room my heart broke. My son was hooked up to machine. Tubes were everywhere on him. He was so helpless. I know it was him but it just don’t look like him His face was so big. It looked like a face you would see on a 300 pound man. I called his name a couple times and when he opened them they got very large and with all he had I could see he said "mom" Michael has the most beautiful blue eyes but that night they weren’t. I was looking at him but could see him. The blue in his eyes were like ice. They didnt seem to have the blue. The whites of his eyes were only red. There wasn’t any white. I told him that I was there and would stay there. I spent the rest of the night and all day Friday there with him. About a hour after being there I got such a sick feeling and had to step out in the hall way where I fell apart. After a good cry I pulled my self together and got down to business. I looked for the nurse that was taking care of him and let them know I wanted to know everything that was wrong with him. I wanted to know everything that was done and maybe done. It seemed like every day I was there was something else. By the time I left Michael had 9 different surgeries. Wed. the 15th was is 29th birthday. He spent it in the OR. He had 3 different surgeries that night alone.
He has had 2 on the knee, 2 on the wrist, 1 on the face. Another for the jaw one for the thumb and one on his foot and one on the pelvis.
He still has nothing to drink in 19 days. He has had so many different drugs I lost track. I dont know what he is on any more. They wanted him awake more so they took this away and then they thought he would be better asleep so they gave him this. This pain med wasnt working so they put him on something. They took him off of 1 pain med because they put him in CCU. It just never seemed to end. Then I had to watch him have withdraws because they would just take it away from him.
There was a couple times that when I went in to see him I dont like what I saw.So i would grab a chair and sheet and spend the night. Boy the memories came back as I was up everytime he would breathe wrong.
It was long nights.
I asked every time I returned to the hospital what was done. I always knew who the nurse in charge of him was.
There was times that he would respond to me but there was times when there was just no one home.
When I left yesterday he was in pain. I think that is something he will have for sometime. I told him I would be back if he needed me too and he did shake his head yes and he held my hand tight.
It was really hard walking into him room that night but much harder walking out yesterday.
My understand is that he will be going to Portsmouth tomorrow. Monday. For sure? Who knows?
I am still not real impressed with the Navy. I seemed to of knew much more 3000 miles away then they did being right there. I was given a heads up about a chief and I wont put his name in here. I thought he was ok. But then I kept getting warned about him. The days were passing and I could see more & more of what the other guys in the command were saying. I HATE TO BE LIED TO. And did I catch them. Because of who he is and the fact Michael is still in his command I decide to just bite my tongue and was very careful of what I said. I figured that it would be the best.
I dod get the POA. That was on Wedensday. I think I got eveything take care.
I know in my haert he will pull out of this. He has a long way to go and more hard work then he ever put into anything. He has to deal with alot. There is a chance that he will not be able to stay in the Navy.That will be up to the doctors at the Naval Hospital. We will just have to wait and see.
I want to thank everyone again for all the well wishes and the concren and prayers. It was very thoughtful of all of you.
Denise Holland

[Achseh]

I'm so glad you got to go, Denise and will continue to keep Michael in my thoughts.

[NavyMomCarolyn]

denise

My prayers are with you and Micheal for continued healing

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

This is Michael's bike

[DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor]

Michael is in my thoughts and prayers. May he soon be out of ICU and on the road to recovery.

[Jackie]

Denise, I am so sorry that you and Michael are having to go through this. I'm sure it was a great relief to him to have you there with him. I understand that those days were hard for you and that there are going to many more hard and long days ahead for both of you. Please, Please know that you have our total love and support and prayers. I wish I could give you a big hug right now.

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

Thank you so much.

[Suzanne]

Denise - thank you so much for updating the many of us who have asked about you and Michael. I am so glad you were able to go to him. I know it helped him to have you there during that most difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you or Michael. Until then, we will continue to offer up prayers.

[Barbara (Derek's Mom)]

Denise, Michael and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Is there anything we can all do specifically in support of you or Michael? Is there anything he needs that we moms can give? Are you going to be able to go back and if not is there any way we can all pull together to make it happen? Is there something we can do to help his fiance? Are there moms in the area that can go visit and pass messages on to you or send you pics to watch his progress? I SO wish I was in that area and could help you. Please be strong but not so strong you won't ask us for help! Hugs!

[Paula]

Denise, I am so relieved that you made it there. Nothing better than to be with your child in need no matter what age they are. You just keep asking those questions until you get answers that make sense to you.

If you need anything, I am 5 hours away but I will drive there if you need me too. Take care, you are both in my daily prayers

Paula

[Molly mom of 2 + 330,701 sailors]

Denise ----do you know there is a new FMLA law out there that with a servicmember hurt you can take 26 weeks off of work and be safe from them firing you ? Im not too sure if it has to be hurt in the line of duty or not ---but I know this is out there for you to use if needed.

We have been watching Michael closely and praying for him every night !! Hugs to you and to Michael !!

let me know if you need the link to that FMLA law

[Denise (Chat moms do it best)]

doesnt my son have a cute knee. NOT!!!

[NavyMomCarolyn]

omg Denise, I am still praying the pictures of the bike.. Yes he is blessed he is still alive. I can't believe the picture of the knee. Please let us know when they move him.

Carolyn