ONE MONTH HOME
Today marks exactly one month that we have been home from Primary Children's Hospital.
We were featured on Primary Children's blog this month: http://primarychildrenshospitalblog.org/
We are thrilled to be home and I have been so swamped that I haven't had time to sit down and write. This will be my last blog on chasemakin.blogspot.com. I am moving my blog to: www.makinstories.blogspot.com.
We feel soo blessed with all the love and support that we have received over these last three months (exactly, today). We are so blessed to live where we live, have the love and support of so many family and friends throughout the world and have grown closer and stronger as a family unit throughout this experience.
Chase is thriving. We had Spring Break this week. Justin and I took the kids to an Indoor Jungle Gym. It was very padded and we were there the whole time ensuring safety. Chase did great, even playing tag with his sisters and some new friends he met. He laughed his head off as he slid down the endless slide (all enclosed :). Justin and I sat there watching the kids play and we felt beyond blessed at how normal our life has become. It was that normalcy that we longed for 3 months ago. The laughing, the fighting, the cleaning, the working ... all of it - we wanted it all back. We had taken it all for granted; we feel beyond blessed that the Lord gave us another go with our son Chase.
This last month has been a transition not only for Chase, but also for me. I have spoken to some other moms who have gone through this, and they comforted me telling me that what I was feeling was "normal" if there is such thing. It just all hit me like a ton of bricks, hard. Every feeling that I didn't feel in the hospital - all the anger, pain and frustration. I had to put all that to the side and allow my focus to remain on hope and most importantly - my beautiful son.
Chase is RUNNING!! In a crowd, you would never know that he had such a horrific injury. You would never know what he has been through, but we all see it and feel it. He is still Chase, but he is different now ... a little quieter, more obedient and more tender. He and I have never been so close. He brought me a card he made for me in his room today after church. It's a lined paper with a heart drawn on it and the words "I love you I love you." He colored in one heart with red crayon and had black writing, and the other heart he didn't color in and he used red crayon. That artistic boy is still in there, it will just take time - WHICH WE HAVE!
Today, in church we were taught a beautiful lesson on the importance of this life ... and how it goes on for eternity. How we can all be so hard on ourselves, yet how the Lord loves us soo much and he just wants us to experience joy, continue to learn lessons and grow, and more importantly - lean on Him and ask Him for help. I have never wanted anything more than when Chase fell. I wanted everything, all at once. But I was taught patience.
I LOOK AT LIFE SO MUCH DIFFERENTLY. Watching Chase recover I learned: okay, so he didn't learn how to hold a fork TODAY, but look at the progress from YESTERDAY. I learned that things are learned line upon line, precept upon precept. That great lessons don't happen over night. That it takes time, and we have time.
In the past, I have been mainly hard on myself. Thinking that I had failed in certain areas and "if I could do it over again" and self pity. NOW I see life ... as a gift. Each moment a treasure. I have learned to SLOW down and take life as it comes. Justin is very deliberate. He isn't very excitable, he doesn't get too worked up over things - good and bad, and he is just very peaceful. I used to get on him because he wouldn't go toe to toe with me. He wouldn't argue with me ... plow through things. He slowly did them and the end result always blew mine out of the water. I see now. Not that he was right ... okay maybe on this ... but just this ... but that even though he seems slower, he is more deliberate. He puts more thought into things and takes his time. I do that now with our children. I used to plow through homework, just to check it off! Now, I ensure that my children understand the material - even if it means not getting through it all before dinner and having to finish a little after. Sometimes, the mind and body need time to rest and process new information.
Chase has taught me so much through this. He has taught me to LAUGH! He laughs about everything. I think that is what heaven is like. Lots of laughter, rejoicing and love. When I am around him, I can't keep my hands off of him. I am constantly grabbing his hand, kissing him and just hugging his neck. Apparently, I do it in public too because we went to a baseball game and he threw my hand down while sitting in the bleachers. He said "Mom! Not in public." OHHH How I love it! Normalcy!
Brooke and Brianna are warrior children. The first two weeks Chase was home, they were a indifferent toward him and a little mean. We had many family talks about how everyone was feeling. It's my conclusion that this whole experience was just hard! And we are giving them a little lee-way and permission to act out just a bit. We try to channel it appropriately, but they need lots of love and hugs and kisses - and that will never change :) They love their brother and I often catch them running up to him saying "We prayed that you would come home, and now you are! YEAHH!!" They always talk about him (when they think I am not listening) and say, "That's my brother. He almost died. He's a miracle." They are so proud of him, and as they mature they will find the right language and words to articulate how they truly feel. But today, it's including him while playing tag at a public park, snuggling with him and playing iPads and sitting at the kitchen counter with him eating oatmeal before school and being so excited to go to school and show him off.
Bailee is adjusting slowly. She is the baby and has reverted a bit - which is okay by me! She was very clingy to me the first two weeks, not letting me out of her sight and constantly asking me when I had to go back to the hospital. Every time I said, "Honey mommy is home. I'm not going any more." She started to believe me a little more each time. Now it's "Mommy, hold me. I'm your baby, right?" She is sleeping in a pack and play at night - which helps her to feel safe and secure in her own big girl room. Oftentimes she still sleeps with her sisters or Chase, which I know won't last forever - so I am cherishing these moments. She is so brave and loving. She truly is a gift.
Justin and I went back to the park where Chase fell two Fridays ago. When we pulled into the parking lot Justin looked over at me and his eyes got big. I think we both realized that I was shaking. He put his arms around me and I just sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. It felt good, cleansing. We just sat there for a bit and I looked up at the slide and couldn't believe how tall it actually was. We got out of the car and went over to it. Justin put his hand up to touch the top and couldn't. He's 6'8" and we concluded that it was about 2 of him. Truly, truly tall. We took turns going up to the top and looking over. Looking over where Chase fell. I sat where Bailee sat and thought of Chase being a boy trying to get around his sister to hurry up and get down the slide. I looked over and my stomach flipped. It was high. Justin was on the ground as I was looking over and he commented on how hard the ground was. Justin said he wanted to go back and measure the slide; we haven't made it back.
Chase still has his therapies three times a week and he is continuing to make progress - which is great. His body is loser and it can do most anything he wants. He still has a few interesting habits - like picking his nose and touching his face, but it's slowing down and it won't last forever :) He is working on his short term memory. Like if you give him a sequence "4 9 8 7 5" he will say "4 9 7 8." We have worked all week with him and even just this week being home on Spring break, he's gotten better - faster.
His handwriting was 90% (letter formation, spacing, etc) prior to his accident. I brought in a sample of his handwriting, which was his letter to Santa. His therapist and I shed a few tears - but she reminded me that he will get it back. She told me that oftentimes kids with all kinds of injuries - broken bones, strained muscles - have to re-learn how to write and that he will get it! His handwriting is already about 30% after just a month! He started at 19%. That's a huge increase and we expect him to just continue to improve. He will be going for four hours to school tomorrow and I don't know who is more of a wreck, him or me. He keeps saying "Mom, I'll be fine. I'll be careful." I know he will.
I know that Chase may endure a little bullying because of how he walks or talks or processes - but it won't last forever and it will only make him stronger and more compassionate. I trust in the Lord. I know that the Lord gave Chase these disabilities because he could handle them. I know that with hard work and dedication Chase will be back to 100%. Like I said, he is a little slow and awkward when he runs and can't write and his speech is a little slow. His brain got injured! He's alive!!!!! I am okay with all of this and more :)
Perspective: Chase is 9. He will recover just fine - one day at a time. Line upon line; precept upon precept.
I am so thrilled to be home - ONE MONTH TODAY and just so grateful that it was part of God's plan to keep my precious boy here on Earth longer so we could enjoy him. More than anything, I learn from my son. My son is one of the most Christ like people I know. Last night, as we were watching our kids play, Justin said quietly to me, "You show me another 9-year-old who could endure what Chase has as well and as gracefully." My eyes filled with tears and I nodded. I couldn't think of one. This was part of Chase's plan - part of our family's plan. We are stronger, more united and stronger in the gospel more than ever before. I love the Lord, I love this gospel and I am grateful for miracles on earth today. I love you all and can't wait to post pictures of our future with our four beautiful children.
Slow and Steady,
Jen
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
On TV again
chase will be on the news - channel 5 - at 5pm and then again at 10pm tonight. we will post the link when it is up.
Here is the link: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&
Here is the link: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Going home
The time has arrived. I just can't believe it. We are leaving Primary Children's exactly 2 months from the date we came. Jan 15-March 15, 2012 ... I will never forget this time in my life. So so many miracles have been born from what could have been a tragedy.
Chase is my hero... Along with my husband and children. They have been amazing through this.
Additionally, I couldn't have done any of this without my faithful friends and family members. Thank you so very, very much... For the gifts, cards, shoes, care packages, meals, gift cards, watching my girls at the drop of a hat, hugs, words of encouragements, late night texts, and especially prayers and fasts... We have been flooded with love. I don't think thank you will ever be enough.
I believe in miracles and the power of prayer and of the priesthood.
Chase is walking, talking and coming back to me more and more every day. He is a Rancho 7/8 transitioning into 8/9. They say that 9-year-olds never hit 9/10 bevause at that age they are not fully independent. Chase will just continue to take off from here.
Chase is a hoot. There is such a purity to him that is so endearing. He goes into the staff kitchen (knows the code on the door) and gets food and snacks. He walks briskly all over chatting everyone up. He's a gift and truly has shown me what the power of prayer, love and the priesthood can do.
I took my wonderful, wonderful life for granted before. I have shifted. It's the best way to put it... I will never, ever be the same. Nothing in this life matters more than relationships ... Especially of those closest to us.
This whole experience has been amazing and awe inspiring to see my precious son come from a coma and begin to live again.
He will slowly re-integrate back into school, and continue his therapies outpatient from home. He will go 3 times a week and will have 2 speech pathologists - one at the clinic and one at school. I have reached out to the school and am speaking to his class next Tuesday. He has a dentist appointment to get his teeth examined (a few were chipped in the fall).
I can't believe that tomorrow night I will be back in my bed ... In my kitchen... With ALL MY BABIES AND MY HUBBY. On January 15th, I was unsure if this moment would come... And here we are. Someone pinch me I must be dreaming.
Please never forget how much we love you. Please know that I was so overwhelmed with gifts and love that I didn't get personal thank you notes out. Please know that I THANK YOU and that it took a village to pull us through this. We feel beyond blessed to see how our community and friends and family have rallied.
My feelings are still very raw as I have been in the hospital with chase. I will be re-integrating to normal myself and I couldn't be more thrilled at this precious and sacred opportunity.
We are going home WITHOUT A WHEEL CHAIR OR ANY MEDS. Miracle.
THANK YOU and please continue to follow our family (I pinch myself that I am still a mother of 4 & have a son... Beyond beyond blessed) at www.makinclan.blogspot.com.
Love you all FOREVER IN MY HEART
Slow and Steady
Jen
Chase is my hero... Along with my husband and children. They have been amazing through this.
Additionally, I couldn't have done any of this without my faithful friends and family members. Thank you so very, very much... For the gifts, cards, shoes, care packages, meals, gift cards, watching my girls at the drop of a hat, hugs, words of encouragements, late night texts, and especially prayers and fasts... We have been flooded with love. I don't think thank you will ever be enough.
I believe in miracles and the power of prayer and of the priesthood.
Chase is walking, talking and coming back to me more and more every day. He is a Rancho 7/8 transitioning into 8/9. They say that 9-year-olds never hit 9/10 bevause at that age they are not fully independent. Chase will just continue to take off from here.
Chase is a hoot. There is such a purity to him that is so endearing. He goes into the staff kitchen (knows the code on the door) and gets food and snacks. He walks briskly all over chatting everyone up. He's a gift and truly has shown me what the power of prayer, love and the priesthood can do.
I took my wonderful, wonderful life for granted before. I have shifted. It's the best way to put it... I will never, ever be the same. Nothing in this life matters more than relationships ... Especially of those closest to us.
This whole experience has been amazing and awe inspiring to see my precious son come from a coma and begin to live again.
He will slowly re-integrate back into school, and continue his therapies outpatient from home. He will go 3 times a week and will have 2 speech pathologists - one at the clinic and one at school. I have reached out to the school and am speaking to his class next Tuesday. He has a dentist appointment to get his teeth examined (a few were chipped in the fall).
I can't believe that tomorrow night I will be back in my bed ... In my kitchen... With ALL MY BABIES AND MY HUBBY. On January 15th, I was unsure if this moment would come... And here we are. Someone pinch me I must be dreaming.
Please never forget how much we love you. Please know that I was so overwhelmed with gifts and love that I didn't get personal thank you notes out. Please know that I THANK YOU and that it took a village to pull us through this. We feel beyond blessed to see how our community and friends and family have rallied.
My feelings are still very raw as I have been in the hospital with chase. I will be re-integrating to normal myself and I couldn't be more thrilled at this precious and sacred opportunity.
We are going home WITHOUT A WHEEL CHAIR OR ANY MEDS. Miracle.
THANK YOU and please continue to follow our family (I pinch myself that I am still a mother of 4 & have a son... Beyond beyond blessed) at www.makinclan.blogspot.com.
Love you all FOREVER IN MY HEART
Slow and Steady
Jen
Friday, March 9, 2012
Chase is Walking!!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Update #49
So, as Chaser gets closer to discharge - I feel anxious and excited. I am anxious about him going back to school. They say that school itself is therapy because kids thrive in routines as well as the modeling of other children regarding social norms and behaviors. Chaser is perseverating with: rubbing eyes and picking his nose. So please pray that he can conquer that because one thing that the rehab specialist said is that he may be teased by other kids at school for doing those behaviors. She says it's part of educating Chase about social norms - she said it's like training a toddler "it's not polite to calls someone fat" etc... So, prayers regarding that would be so appreciated.
He is Rancho 7/8 and I'm praying he gets to 8/9 before we discharge because part of 7 is inappropriateness and it's tricky. He tries to throw himself out of his bed and he says "I'm ditching this dump." it's very typical Rancho 7. We are reminding him that he needs to remember to stay safe. This is all very typical Rancho 7. And it's comforting to know that it won't last forever.
All along, I have been reminded that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Chase has come so far. One tech today reminded me that just a few weeks ago he was just blinking... Now he is trying to throw himself down the hall as he is ALMOST walking on his own.
We went to Zermatt and he went swimming and he moved around the hot tub without assistance. It was a familiar environment and he put his face under the waterfall. I was sitting in a chair snuggling Bai while Justin had the 3 older kids in the main pool. I felt weightless - like I was floating I was so happy. The kids were just squealing with justin and Bai fell asleep on me. It was so normal and felt so good. Chase even took 4 steps with Justin in the water. His legs just took off from there and you can tell a difference this week.
He had testing during speech today to see if he had language aphasia - where he struggled with word retrieval. His therapist said that he blew it out of the water - So we to just need continue to practice sentences. Again, being around his peers and learning norms of 9-year-olds will drastically improve his speech. Bottom line: he is speaking and communicating his needs and desires.
I'm so excited about having additional services when we get home. His care will continue with his outpatient and in-school therapies. He is slowly coming back to me. When he walks, he throws his body forward - so please pray he can stand tall.
I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I'm looking forward to family vacations, Christmas (almost one year from his accident) and just snuggle time at home. Our school district, Alpine School District, has a whole Traumatic Brain Injury team that will help him re-integrate. Also, my fabulous sister becky stepped right up and said that she will use her new Smart Board (thanks again mom and dad!!) to tutor chase over the summer.
I can't believe how blessed I am that everything is falling into place. As I write this, chase is trying to take off his leg brace (his right leg still hurts to go all the way straight... It's just a stretching pain), eating sun chips (that he asked for) and watching Scooby Doo (which he picked out at the store).
He is advancing through his Ranchos and I am sincerely praying that we get to go home at 9/10 ... We will be there & just building upon that. My beautiful friend Amy told me that emotional healing happens at home. I have already seen that on the weekend. At the movies, we couldn't find Bai's treat and chase was pulling at my purse saying "mom... Bai" ... (yes I sneak treats into movies in my purse). Chase was upset and trying to take care of Bai. We found it and his said "good" handed it to Bai and then got back to the movie. He's such a caretaker; I love it.
As we transition home, I will probably switch to www.makinclan.blogspot.com... But not yet. I am going to print this blog out for chase in a custom book with pictures. It will be called "the amazing chase." I will add my personal journal to it as well... Which I have written in every night to him. The social worker gave me a blank notebook the first night... It was still so raw. That journal saved me. I wrote and wrote and just cried and cried. It was amazing therapuetic.
Probably I will start using my makinclan one next week. Thank you to my amazing sister jess who has posted all these. I will need some tutoring but I will put up some pics on my blog. After we get home ;-) what a miracle and experience. I know the marathon isn't over, but the road is not as uphill or unsure. I know I can finish the marathon - especially with all the continued love and support from you all.
Thak you doesn't seem enough. Life is somewhat normal again... My son just is in a bit of a fog. They may come down on his Baclifin - I should know today. Also! This weekend, I was driving Justin's car (following him... Too many cars at the hospital). And Bri was sitting next to chaser just loving on him. She said "momma?" "yes" "I feel like crying." I looked at Bri in my mirror "why baby?" she looked right at me and said "this is my brother. I can tell by his eyes." it took my breath away. I said "it's been chaser all along." what a miracle.
Another sweet story that happened on chase's second pass with Bri is that Bri ran up to the car and thrust her hands through chase's rolled down window. She grabbed his hand and said "I can't believe I'm touching you right now." she had tears inher eyes. My children are so so good and pure. They truly love each other and it just warms my heart.
Thank you so much for all your love and prayers. I am grateful I have documented this experience. I read my whole journal last night and I kept thinking "that's rig... I had forgotten that." it was such a traumatic event that I'm so grateful I documented. Thank you all for your comments and especially prayers. I just can't say that enough. In a situation where your baby's life is hanging on the line - you just ask for prayers ... And my cup runneth over.
Slow and steady,
Jen
He is Rancho 7/8 and I'm praying he gets to 8/9 before we discharge because part of 7 is inappropriateness and it's tricky. He tries to throw himself out of his bed and he says "I'm ditching this dump." it's very typical Rancho 7. We are reminding him that he needs to remember to stay safe. This is all very typical Rancho 7. And it's comforting to know that it won't last forever.
All along, I have been reminded that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Chase has come so far. One tech today reminded me that just a few weeks ago he was just blinking... Now he is trying to throw himself down the hall as he is ALMOST walking on his own.
We went to Zermatt and he went swimming and he moved around the hot tub without assistance. It was a familiar environment and he put his face under the waterfall. I was sitting in a chair snuggling Bai while Justin had the 3 older kids in the main pool. I felt weightless - like I was floating I was so happy. The kids were just squealing with justin and Bai fell asleep on me. It was so normal and felt so good. Chase even took 4 steps with Justin in the water. His legs just took off from there and you can tell a difference this week.
He had testing during speech today to see if he had language aphasia - where he struggled with word retrieval. His therapist said that he blew it out of the water - So we to just need continue to practice sentences. Again, being around his peers and learning norms of 9-year-olds will drastically improve his speech. Bottom line: he is speaking and communicating his needs and desires.
I'm so excited about having additional services when we get home. His care will continue with his outpatient and in-school therapies. He is slowly coming back to me. When he walks, he throws his body forward - so please pray he can stand tall.
I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I'm looking forward to family vacations, Christmas (almost one year from his accident) and just snuggle time at home. Our school district, Alpine School District, has a whole Traumatic Brain Injury team that will help him re-integrate. Also, my fabulous sister becky stepped right up and said that she will use her new Smart Board (thanks again mom and dad!!) to tutor chase over the summer.
I can't believe how blessed I am that everything is falling into place. As I write this, chase is trying to take off his leg brace (his right leg still hurts to go all the way straight... It's just a stretching pain), eating sun chips (that he asked for) and watching Scooby Doo (which he picked out at the store).
He is advancing through his Ranchos and I am sincerely praying that we get to go home at 9/10 ... We will be there & just building upon that. My beautiful friend Amy told me that emotional healing happens at home. I have already seen that on the weekend. At the movies, we couldn't find Bai's treat and chase was pulling at my purse saying "mom... Bai" ... (yes I sneak treats into movies in my purse). Chase was upset and trying to take care of Bai. We found it and his said "good" handed it to Bai and then got back to the movie. He's such a caretaker; I love it.
As we transition home, I will probably switch to www.makinclan.blogspot.com... But not yet. I am going to print this blog out for chase in a custom book with pictures. It will be called "the amazing chase." I will add my personal journal to it as well... Which I have written in every night to him. The social worker gave me a blank notebook the first night... It was still so raw. That journal saved me. I wrote and wrote and just cried and cried. It was amazing therapuetic.
Probably I will start using my makinclan one next week. Thank you to my amazing sister jess who has posted all these. I will need some tutoring but I will put up some pics on my blog. After we get home ;-) what a miracle and experience. I know the marathon isn't over, but the road is not as uphill or unsure. I know I can finish the marathon - especially with all the continued love and support from you all.
Thak you doesn't seem enough. Life is somewhat normal again... My son just is in a bit of a fog. They may come down on his Baclifin - I should know today. Also! This weekend, I was driving Justin's car (following him... Too many cars at the hospital). And Bri was sitting next to chaser just loving on him. She said "momma?" "yes" "I feel like crying." I looked at Bri in my mirror "why baby?" she looked right at me and said "this is my brother. I can tell by his eyes." it took my breath away. I said "it's been chaser all along." what a miracle.
Another sweet story that happened on chase's second pass with Bri is that Bri ran up to the car and thrust her hands through chase's rolled down window. She grabbed his hand and said "I can't believe I'm touching you right now." she had tears inher eyes. My children are so so good and pure. They truly love each other and it just warms my heart.
Thank you so much for all your love and prayers. I am grateful I have documented this experience. I read my whole journal last night and I kept thinking "that's rig... I had forgotten that." it was such a traumatic event that I'm so grateful I documented. Thank you all for your comments and especially prayers. I just can't say that enough. In a situation where your baby's life is hanging on the line - you just ask for prayers ... And my cup runneth over.
Slow and steady,
Jen
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Update #48
We went on our 3rd ever pass tonight. He picked put legos at Shopko and we saw the Lorax. He had his wheelchair but he no longer needs a car seat or booster - he is just sitting in the car like a normal 9-year-old should. He is saying the funniest things - "old personality" - they call it. Which just means that chase is attempting to break through.
As I looked down the row tonight at the movies, I pinched myself. I watched my kids enjoy the movie - all of my kids. I was in heaven...I was blind, but now I see.
Chase is slowly coming back to us. Today, in the automatic door as you enter and exit the hospital got stuck twice and chase said "you've got to be kidding me." and he says "I have no idea" (which is a chase-ism). Then tonight, his nurse was asking him how his bath went (he is bathing in a regular tub for the last 2 nights. he said good. She needed to know how much of the washing he did on his own. He said "my leg, my penis, my arms and pits." I said "oh yeah your pits!! You're getting stinkier by the day! What else stinks on you?" and without skipping a beat chase said "my farts!" he just roared with laughter. The nurses were hunched over. He is just edible.
He is OFFICIALLY a Rancho 7!!!! 3 more to move through. I am overwhelmed at his progress and continually pray for his final 2 weeks here. He had cognitive testing and he was fatiguing. The therapist said it was not due to mental fatigue - so when his dr came n we discussed his medication. He is on a muscle relaxer that had knocked him out cold (snoring) when my mom was here 2 weeks ago.
Well, now he won't nap as he was (no matter what I do) and just yawns. So the doctor called his primary doc (whose amazing!! And the head of the rehab dept) and she cut the dose in half. He wasn't as drowsy but I could tell he still was. They will look at using Botox for his leg if needed. However, when he gets into the bathtub for the last 3 nights he has lifted his right leg right over the tub ... He can do it!! Just need more practice. Just need to get that right leg fully awake and functioning to get off of the muscle relaxer. He will be off of the drowsy medicine by next Wednesday. Then, all he has left is another one at night which we will try something more natural his last few nights so that he isn't dependent on it for sleep.
We are going swimming with him tomorrow at Zermatt (thanks mom & dad!) and I'm anxious to see what his little body does under water.
I'm overjoyed that my baby is slowly coming back to us. It's a treat to see him love legos, say things he used to and just see his spirit in there. He is a miracle; and yes, angels walk these halls. I heard a doctor in my old ward in Midway say once in his testimony one Sunday that angels walked the halls, but I didn't know what it meant. Now I do.
Primary Childrens is an amazing place. It's a place of absolute miracles... My son is one of those precious tender mercies from the Lord.
Slow and steady,
Jen
Mormon 9: 15-21 (thanks Dawnelle)
15 And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.
16 Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?
17 Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought?
18 And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles.
19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.
20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.
21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.
As I looked down the row tonight at the movies, I pinched myself. I watched my kids enjoy the movie - all of my kids. I was in heaven...I was blind, but now I see.
Chase is slowly coming back to us. Today, in the automatic door as you enter and exit the hospital got stuck twice and chase said "you've got to be kidding me." and he says "I have no idea" (which is a chase-ism). Then tonight, his nurse was asking him how his bath went (he is bathing in a regular tub for the last 2 nights. he said good. She needed to know how much of the washing he did on his own. He said "my leg, my penis, my arms and pits." I said "oh yeah your pits!! You're getting stinkier by the day! What else stinks on you?" and without skipping a beat chase said "my farts!" he just roared with laughter. The nurses were hunched over. He is just edible.
He is OFFICIALLY a Rancho 7!!!! 3 more to move through. I am overwhelmed at his progress and continually pray for his final 2 weeks here. He had cognitive testing and he was fatiguing. The therapist said it was not due to mental fatigue - so when his dr came n we discussed his medication. He is on a muscle relaxer that had knocked him out cold (snoring) when my mom was here 2 weeks ago.
Well, now he won't nap as he was (no matter what I do) and just yawns. So the doctor called his primary doc (whose amazing!! And the head of the rehab dept) and she cut the dose in half. He wasn't as drowsy but I could tell he still was. They will look at using Botox for his leg if needed. However, when he gets into the bathtub for the last 3 nights he has lifted his right leg right over the tub ... He can do it!! Just need more practice. Just need to get that right leg fully awake and functioning to get off of the muscle relaxer. He will be off of the drowsy medicine by next Wednesday. Then, all he has left is another one at night which we will try something more natural his last few nights so that he isn't dependent on it for sleep.
We are going swimming with him tomorrow at Zermatt (thanks mom & dad!) and I'm anxious to see what his little body does under water.
I'm overjoyed that my baby is slowly coming back to us. It's a treat to see him love legos, say things he used to and just see his spirit in there. He is a miracle; and yes, angels walk these halls. I heard a doctor in my old ward in Midway say once in his testimony one Sunday that angels walked the halls, but I didn't know what it meant. Now I do.
Primary Childrens is an amazing place. It's a place of absolute miracles... My son is one of those precious tender mercies from the Lord.
Slow and steady,
Jen
Mormon 9: 15-21 (thanks Dawnelle)
15 And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.
16 Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?
17 Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought?
18 And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles.
19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.
20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.
21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Update #47
I still can't believe how chase's speech has taken off. He is saying sentences and working so hard. H is potty trained now that he can talk. His dr came in this morning and I said "he read a story last night for his speech homework." the doctor said "that's good that you read to him" I said "no... He read it." dr "with his eyes?" me "with his voice." I said, turning to chaser, "chase, what was the name of that story?" chase said, "when I get bigger." and I said "by who?" chase, "mercer mayer"... The dr's jaw dropped; she said, "chase, you're a miracle." I smiled... I already know.
It was really amazing. Today, a nurse told chase how amazing he was. I said, "chase, who saved your life?" chase said, "Jesus." m jaw dropped. I thought he would say the hospital or something like that (because we have talked about that.) AMAZING. then, later - when Becky was here, I wanted chase to tell Becky who saved his life. I said "chase, who saved your life?" chase said "angels." my jaw dropped again. I said, "what color were they wearing?" chase said "white." Becky and I squeezed him so tight ... He is a miracle. Absolute miracle.
We have exactly 2 weeks in the hospital left today. If I look back at what chase was doing just a week ago - I'm amazed at his progress. His speech therapist said that he reached her weekly goal she had for him in less than 24 hours. All the therapists are joking that chase is making everyone re-do their paperwork.
Chase is a Rancho 6/7 - yahoo!!!!!!! He is progressing nicely and he even took a bath in a normal tub tonight. He eats all of his meals by himself (except for the stuff - pudding and shakes) that he has to scoop - I still help him with that. His right leg is growing by the day - please please continue to pray for his right leg and his gait as he walks. I know the power in asking the Lord specifically for your desires according to his will.
My son is amazing. I can't get over it. So many people say that they get "chills" and "goosebumps" around chase. His angels are so close and they are helping his body, I know it. All of you earthy angels are having prayers answered by the heavenly angels.
Before this, I didn't truly see what I had. I didn't see how magnificent my husband was - amazing my son was - resilient my precious angel daughters are. I didn't see. I see now and I am so grateful. Justin and I got to sneak away for a delicious Italian dinner with some of our closest friends last night. It was a treat to talk with them about chase and all cry regarding his progress. I just love and adore chase so much.
His musical therapist started crying today when chase said "hi Tony!" to her. The day before he could just say "mom" and "no"... Then - in 24 hours his language exploded. She was blown away as all the therapists have been.
One last sweet thing that chase's speech therapist said after I told her this next story today was "that belongs in the blog!!" so, today - I was laying with chaser. I said "I love you so much son. So much! Do you know why?" he looked right at me and said "I'm your best boy." it took my breathe away. I have called him that his whole childhood. He said "I love you more mom." i said "why?" and he said "you love and support me." I sobbed. He wiped my eyes with his little finger. It was a moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
We talked about his accident today; I felt he felt ready. Plus, when I asked if he wanted to talk he said "yes" and I said "okay! About what?" and he said "my accident." As i told him the story, we both cried. I told him that he was such an amazing strong boy and that he was being prepared to live a full and wonderful life. He doesn't remember a week before the accident (bits and pieces are slowly coming back).
Thank you all so much for your prayers. Please! Pray that his heavenly helpers help him life his right leg and that his gait is straight so he can RUN out of this hospital. pray for his speech to continue please also.
Thank you sooooo much for all your love and absolute dedication to me and my precious family. Every card, email, Facebook message I receive I read and I feel your arms wrap around my neck and hold me. I feel your love... Keep them coming.
Slow and steady,
Jen
It was really amazing. Today, a nurse told chase how amazing he was. I said, "chase, who saved your life?" chase said, "Jesus." m jaw dropped. I thought he would say the hospital or something like that (because we have talked about that.) AMAZING. then, later - when Becky was here, I wanted chase to tell Becky who saved his life. I said "chase, who saved your life?" chase said "angels." my jaw dropped again. I said, "what color were they wearing?" chase said "white." Becky and I squeezed him so tight ... He is a miracle. Absolute miracle.
We have exactly 2 weeks in the hospital left today. If I look back at what chase was doing just a week ago - I'm amazed at his progress. His speech therapist said that he reached her weekly goal she had for him in less than 24 hours. All the therapists are joking that chase is making everyone re-do their paperwork.
Chase is a Rancho 6/7 - yahoo!!!!!!! He is progressing nicely and he even took a bath in a normal tub tonight. He eats all of his meals by himself (except for the stuff - pudding and shakes) that he has to scoop - I still help him with that. His right leg is growing by the day - please please continue to pray for his right leg and his gait as he walks. I know the power in asking the Lord specifically for your desires according to his will.
My son is amazing. I can't get over it. So many people say that they get "chills" and "goosebumps" around chase. His angels are so close and they are helping his body, I know it. All of you earthy angels are having prayers answered by the heavenly angels.
Before this, I didn't truly see what I had. I didn't see how magnificent my husband was - amazing my son was - resilient my precious angel daughters are. I didn't see. I see now and I am so grateful. Justin and I got to sneak away for a delicious Italian dinner with some of our closest friends last night. It was a treat to talk with them about chase and all cry regarding his progress. I just love and adore chase so much.
His musical therapist started crying today when chase said "hi Tony!" to her. The day before he could just say "mom" and "no"... Then - in 24 hours his language exploded. She was blown away as all the therapists have been.
One last sweet thing that chase's speech therapist said after I told her this next story today was "that belongs in the blog!!" so, today - I was laying with chaser. I said "I love you so much son. So much! Do you know why?" he looked right at me and said "I'm your best boy." it took my breathe away. I have called him that his whole childhood. He said "I love you more mom." i said "why?" and he said "you love and support me." I sobbed. He wiped my eyes with his little finger. It was a moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
We talked about his accident today; I felt he felt ready. Plus, when I asked if he wanted to talk he said "yes" and I said "okay! About what?" and he said "my accident." As i told him the story, we both cried. I told him that he was such an amazing strong boy and that he was being prepared to live a full and wonderful life. He doesn't remember a week before the accident (bits and pieces are slowly coming back).
Thank you all so much for your prayers. Please! Pray that his heavenly helpers help him life his right leg and that his gait is straight so he can RUN out of this hospital. pray for his speech to continue please also.
Thank you sooooo much for all your love and absolute dedication to me and my precious family. Every card, email, Facebook message I receive I read and I feel your arms wrap around my neck and hold me. I feel your love... Keep them coming.
Slow and steady,
Jen
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