Hard Week & Monday

Hard Weekend + Monday

Today was a hard day - not for Chase, but for me. Rancho 4 is excruciating to watch. Basically, what happens is that chase wants to do something, move one part of his body - such as his mouth to learn how to chew, and everything "turns on" meaning that his whole body starts moving, not the isolated muscle. It absolutely exhausts him. He cries put and just moans and moans, his whole body going.

The main Rehab nurse explained that Rancho 4 is harder on the parents but that the staff loves it because he is "over the hump." sadly, many children get stuck in Rancho 3 and never move forward. The nurse said that once you get through 3, the rest is just slow - but you're moving in the right direction.

His brain is waking up more, which is great and it's furious - "agitated." the old pathways that used to say "speak, walk, etc" are damaged and new ones must be made. He has to re-burn them and this is done through therapies and managing medication so that his body can function properly as he re-learns. He had a neuro specialist evaluate him today and they are looking at starting him on another medication to help him progress. One of the therapists re-assured me that the meds aren't forever, just while he re-learns and heals. I appreciated that and my attitude is "whatever he needs."

He is doing amazing and his therapists continue to be impressed.

Please know that I am so grateful for all my friends and family who have stepped up to help with light housework and laundry (apparently justin had a "clean" and "dirty" pile) thank you. And for those who have stepped up with my girls to allow Justin to come up to the hospital or to have a safe place to land.

I was chatting on the phone today (I admit, I was a little weepy) saying that it's the hardest feeling wanting to be two places at once. So! My GOAL: bring chase home - poof! Problem gone. When he is ready, and I know he is not there yet but he is on the road... No matter what bumps we hit- he is steadily moving forward.

And thank you all again for your prayers, meals, and fasts. They mean so much and we can feel them. Chase is fighting and as everyone says "he is in there." one nurse told me that she has been at the hospital for 11 years and chase looked different than any other brain injury kid she's seen. She says he is in there - and he's so frustrated that no one can hear him. If you ask him if he's trying to talk or if he feels frustrated - one blink (yes). Sweet boy - I can't imagine being trapped in my body. Those hands that used to take 45 minutes to do the biggest Lego set can now not stop moving or aren't moving at all (his right side). He is amazing and I am so grateful he is still fighting - he is a stronger spirit than I am.

Slow and steady,

Jen