Chapter nineteen

The road to recovery

After a few days, Chet became more comfortable with his situation and began his physical and occupational therapies. This went well and he felt confident he would be able to return to active duty, if his body healed well enough.

His burns were healing well, despite the pain of debridement he had to endure twice a day. Even though he knew he was getting better, seeing all the blood and dead skin frightened him every single time he saw it.

But after every treatment, not only did he feel better, he looked better, too.

Even Timmy was becoming more accepting. He was no longer afraid to touch his father, no longer saying, "I'm afraid I'm gonna break you daddy."

Jeanette had accepted Dixie's offer for her and Tim to take an empty room, which made it easier all around.

After 3 weeks of this intensive treatment, and another Christmas and New Year in the hospital, Chet began to get cabin fever and depressed. He knew he was doing well physically, but it was so damn hard, and he felt, unfair on his new wife and son.

During his visit with Dr. Brackett on Tuesday Jan 5, he asked, "Doc, when do you think I'll be able to get out of here? I'm sure my family is feeling as pent up as I do. Please be honest."

"Well, Chet, yes you are coming along very well. Your burns don't seem to be as disabling as we were afraid they would be. That is why Dr. Craig and family left, he was very glad to see his earlier diagnosis was wrong.

"As to when you can be discharged, I feel it a bit early, but hopefully by the end of the month you can go home. OK? I know it seems a long way off, but it goes quicker than you think, especially now that you have a goal to look forward to.

"Who knows, maybe by March you just may be able to go back to work at least part time. And you should be able be there for that little one to arrive. OK?"

Chet contemplated all that Dr. Brackett had said and answered, "OK, I guess. Does Jeanette know this?

"I've one question about her that she is trying to keep hidden from me, but I've noticed she is more tired than ever and seems to be out of breath once in a while. Is she ok?"

"Well, Chet, remember she has the hypertension and that could be a factor, but if you want I'll make sure she sees her obstetrician today. OK?"
"Yeah, thanks, I'd appreciate it. She has really been through a lot with me and she doesn't need any more problems. She really is my reason for living, her Tim and the little one on the way."

With that said, Dr. Brackett said goodbye and left. Just as he opened the door, Jeanette entered and did look pale.

"Jeanette? You ok? When did you last see the obstetrician?"

"Last week, Dr. Brackett. I'm ok, just a little tired is all."

"Well, Mrs. Kelly, I think you will be visiting him again today, I will be calling him when I get to my office for you. You need to be checked, my dear. We need to keep all the Kellys well now that Chet is doing so much better."

Smiling tiredly at the doctor and her husband, she agreed and sat down. "How is Chet doing, Dr.?"

"Why not let Chet tell you, while I go make that phone call, ok?"

After hearing Chet's news, Jeanette felt less depressed but still tired. She smiled, knowing it was not Chet's fault, but still feeling slightly resentful at the long confinement in more ways than one.