Update #22

Here is a message from Jen from earlier. I've been traveling all day.

Chase is doing well here on the "floor." he continues to show signs that he is becoming more aware and slowly making connections. He is high fiving and moving his eyes around much more. He is moaning quite a bit and pointing to the same place in his jaw (it's fractured) and throat (he's thirsty). They started him back in IV's and he will meet with the speech therapist sometime tomorrow to see if he gets cleared for drinking. If he gets this - maybe he will get his feeding tube out. He keeps pulling on it.

He had a bath today and did very well. My mom and two of my sisters (we miss you already jess) and I were able to wash him. After, he pulled at his left ear (where I accidentally squirted water in) and my mom told me to tip his ear. I did and a ton of water came out. He is showing us more and more what he needs.

He is not storming anymore and so they dropped his medication for that in half and hopefully he will not respond with storming. They will wait another 24 hours then continue to drop him down all the way. He is agitated now mostly only when he is wet (in his pants) or pain (in his face and throat). He responds to most commands and the neurological doctor came in today and he did everything he asked. He said that chase is doing "great."

I also found out that there is and Outpatient clinic by my house, so once he is cleared to come home (oh my heart swells at the thought), we can take him in for his therapies just down the street from home. This will be nicer scheduling wise.

We just wanted to thank all of you who are fasting today. It means so much to us. Chase is doing amazing and I have a testimony of the priesthood power, prayers and fasting. On my first night I was given a journal by a case worker. I wrote that first night when I was raw and in shock. As I read through it last night, I felt such peace and a warmth in my heart that I can't deny. I know that Jesus Christ loves my son, my family and that prayers are answered. He is my elder brother and he wants us to have joy. I will never, ever take a precious moment for granted again. That journal is there to remind me when I get nit-picky about things that frankly - don't matter. Chase's accident has brought me to my knees in ways that I have never, could never imagine.

During the taxi cab ride from the airport to the hospital - hunched over no one knowing if my son is dead or alive. It's a pain that blacks you out. I prayed, Justin and I prayed. Then getting to his bedside, seeing his lifeless body attached to machines. My legs went out and my sweet husband pulled me onto a chair and blessed me. I calmed down and wept as he rocked me. He was so strong for me as we rocked together as our son fought for his life.

As I fast this day, I feel full. I feel overwhelmed with peace and gratitude in my heart for all the love that surrounds us as our friends and family fast for my precious son. Thank you doesn't seem enough. Fasting brings miracles. I appreciate the sacrifice you are all making so tha my son has another chance a life.

Thank you and love you all.

- Jen