Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Week 11 August 27th - September 2nd

Week 11 August 27th - September 2nd

Day 71
Wednesday August 27th

9:30 pm

Chase Update:
Day 36 at Craig Hospital
Big day! Huge day! Epic Day! Chase was able to say the word NO! I recorded him kind of saying it, but missed the 1st really clear moment. His mouth is definitely waking up! 
He practiced his mouth movements and vowel sounds today, everyday is just a little better
In PT Chase practiced walking with a more normal gait instead of like a robot.  he also practiced balancing on one leg, and walking sideways.
Chase had vision clinic today. They tested his eyesight, and unfortunately a normal side effect of TBI is impaired vision and we were did not escape it. Chases glasses before the accident were relegated to the classroom and driving at night, but his vision is a lot more impaired. He will have to wear them continually now. He gets a new pair on wed, but the doctor is picking them out, so we may be getting some new frames when we get home. 
Chase is so excited to see his Dad. He has been grinning all day, and anytime someone asks him why he's so happy he signs or writes Dad.
It's been a fabulous day full of laughter, and fun. We finished off the day with a concert in the garden. Great music and singing, was the perfect way to end the day.
Today I have been thinking about blessings.
Neil A. Maxwell said " We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count." I think that's along the same lines as "Where much is given, much is required." Tonight I pray that I can live my life in a way that reflects the gratitude I feel for the miracles and blessings that I have been entrusted with. I pray that we all recognize the multitude of blessing we have poured upon us. I am so very grateful for the most basic freedoms we take for granted. That I can express my love for my Heavenly father. That I have food, shelter, clothing, family, friends, and freedom. So tonight I pray for comfort for those who are not blessed with the basic comforts or freedom that we take for granted everyday, and I especially pray for the men and women who fight to keep us free. I pray that we take a moment to reflect on how richly we are blessed. May the lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
** Video Links **


Chase Practicing a normal Gait

 Joyfully Trying so hard to make Words

 Haha! He celebrated to early!


Putteroner is a real word!
Day 72
Thursday August  28th

11:00 pm

Chase Update:
Day 37 at Craig Hospital
Today was full of great moments. Chase learned to say Mom in speech today. Wahooooo! Phil took him to class, but Chase came and found me so he could surprise me. It was awesome! There will be no stopping him now. Chase was excited to show off how well he is walking for his dad and siblings, and he showed them how well he can shoot the basketball. We moved rooms again today, but this time to a suite. When Phil and the kids leave I will be moving in with him. The couch in his room pulls out into a bed for me. This will help him start to transition into home life a bit more. My mom and dad arrived tonight, and they are rooming with chase for a few nights. It is so fun to have everyone here to celebrate Chases progress, and to be a family.
We have 4 weeks left as of today, and we sure marked The day with some memorable moments. I love having my family here. Its funny how things that are tedious at home are a privilege when I am away from home. I love cooking for the kids, and even doing laundry.
Chase had another chiropractic appointment today, and he walked out of there almost square in his shoulders, 2 weeks ago he was leaning so far to the left side it was scary.
I'm excited to see what amazing things the Lord had in store for us tomorrow. Thank you for the continued prayers that have helped Chase reach his goals to walk and talk. The Little improvements everyday are adding up to huge accomplishments, just like constant little prayers add up to giant miracles. Thank you for being part of our legion.
May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!

** Video Links **


Day 73
Friday August 29th

10:00 pm

Chase Update: Day 73
Day 38 at Craig hospital
Today We added another member to our family. After almost a year we finally got the dog we wanted. His name is priest (he came with the name), and he is a vizsla. He is gorgeous, and so sweet. We got him too late to meet Chase tonight, but I am looking forward to that introduction tomorrow.  Chase is sure he is going to be the dogs favorite person
Chase took his grandparents, and siblings to some of his classes today so they could see what he does all day. Chase just keeps adding more letter sounds, getting a little clearer in his sounds he can already say, and basically being more awesome everyday. He got clearance to walk around the hospital with us this weekend. We are really excited to have Saturday and Sunday to just hang out as a family. It so was good to see our friend Ryan Nilsson, thanks for making time to see us. We love you.
We hope this holiday weekend is full of love and laughter for you and your family. May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
Electric Stimulation to help his walking


Our new family Member Priest the Vizsla

Siblings!

Day 74
Saturday August 30th

10:30 pm

Chase Update :
Day 39 at Craig Rehab
Today was another fun lazy day. Chase was able to eat all 3 meals with us today. We just chopped it up really well for him. It takes him a along time to chew and swallow so he doesn't eat much and has to have a can of supplemental food via his feeding tube after each meal still. 
Chase got to meet the new dog this morning. I will post pictures. He loves him already.
We went to the park today, and Chase and the kids practiced crawling and rolling together. It's supposed to create new neuropathways in his brain like it does when we are babies. There is a reason roll before we crawl, and crawl before We walk.
We napped, and tried watching a movie tonight, but this mom dropped the ball, and accidentally picked a PG-13 movie. Whoops. My children informed me the movie was inappropriate for them. Lol. Love them.
I love having the kids here and love being the mom, but 7-9 of us crammed into a studio apartment is a little overwhelming. For such a Loud person, I really like the quiet. Too soon, it will be back to being too quiet, and I will be wishing for the chaotic happy sounds of my babies.
Tomorrow is going to be another family day. It has been So great to have my Mom and Dad here, and it's going to be hard to say goodbye tomorrow. I have been so blessed to have such an amazing family, both the one I was born into and the one I was blessed enough to be married into.
I hope your holiday weekend is spent recharging, and full of love and laughter. May the Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion.

Chase  meeting Priest for the first time

Chase  meeting Priest for the first time.
Crawling to create new neuropathways.


Napping in the Sun!

Day 75
Sunday August 31st

11:00 pm
Chase update: Day 75
Sun. August 31st 11:00pm
Day 40 at Craig hospital
We had a great family day today. Church, and time together in the garden. Banana splits, naps, lots of giggles, and some sibling disputes.  It almost felt like a normal Sunday. My Mom and Dad are back home now, and Phil and the kids are heading home in a few hours. Brooklyn and Alora had a sleep over in chases room tonight, and tomorrow I move in with him. He thinks it's going to be awesome, but he will probably be sick of me soon.
Tonight as we gathered together in a circle and joined hands, Phil asked Chase to say our family prayers. We didn't have to be able to understand anything he said to feel spirit of that prayer, it was a very emotional moment for me to hear him give thanks to The Lord.
I hope your sabbath day was wonderful, and I hope you have an amazing Labor Day! May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion.














Day 76
Monday September 1st

3:15 pm
Kami Update:
Day 41 at Craig Hospital
I have been pondering why our story has stirred so many hearts into action. Why it has moved so many strangers to reach out, and so many friends to rally around us. So many people around us are struggling with much more, and you don't see the support that we are receiving.
My answer came in a silent moment. It's because we threw open the doors and invited everyone in. We invited all to celebrate with us, to cry with us, to worry, to pray, to plead, to serve, and to hope with us.
In a society where we try to present ourselves in the best light and to hide away our weakness, we laid it all out there. We didn't try to do it on our own. We didn't vaguely ask for prayers or support. We didn't give you the basic information, and hope that someone would step up. We let you in! We allowed you the opportunity to serve us if you felt inspired to do so.
I battle depression, and in the past there were times I pretended not to be home when someone knocked at my door because of the state of my home. I didn't answer the phone because I didn't want to pretend to be okay to one more person. I knew how much I needed help, but refused to allow anyone in because of my pride and shame. Then came the friend who pushed her way through the doorway when I refused her entry from the barely opened door. Who ignored my protests, and grabbed a broom. She didn't ask to help, she just showed up and went to work.
Most of us truly want to help, but don't want to Intrude or bother, so we wait anxiously for the opportunity to serve that never comes. I wanted to present some ideas on how to help those you know need help.
1. Don't give them your phone number and expect them to call. They won't unless they are beyond desperate. Get their number, and call them.
2. Don't ask to bring a meal, ask what day you can bring a meal.
3. Don't ask if they need help with kids, make plans to do it.
4. Roll up your sleeves and pretend you love to do it. I had a friend who convinced me she loved folding laundry ( I learned the truth years later) she would pick a day to come over to fold laundry, she requested I spend the days prior, washing as much laundry as I could so she could fold it. I washed and washed no matter how depressed I was, because I knew I didn't have to fold it, and I didn't want to disappoint her. Lol
5. Don't wait to be asked, The Lord will inspire you if have the desire to serve. He can also give you the courage to step out of your comfort zone. He can give you the right words, or inspire you to ask the right questions.
Since Chase's accident I have been served so many times, and in so many ways without ever having to ask for it. I'm pretty vocal about my needs, but I still have to force myself to call and ask for something even if it was previously offered. The opportunity to serve isn't for those we serve alone. We are uplifted, our own burdens seem lighter, and our ability to love increases. I mourn the opportunies I have lost to bless someone like I have been blessed, because I waited to be asked to serve.
Today I pray that we can all ask The Lord to use our hands as his. That he will guide us to those who need us, and we will take a deep breath and serve without a personal invitation. Thank you for serving us, thank you for continuing to pray for us. If you don't believe in God, that's okay, He believes in you. You can send it out to universe for us. May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion.

8:45 pm

Chase Update: Day 74
Day 41at Craig Rehab
Happy Labor Day! 
I moved in with chase today. We spent the day packing and transferring my stuff, doing laundry, reading, and watching tv together. It was a pretty rough day lol. We are both ready to be back in class tomorrow. Chase is rejuvenated from the long weekend, and ready to work hard.
We already miss our family and we are counting down the days until we are together again.
As we start the new work week we pray for rapid speech progression, we pray he will improve his walking exponentially, and that he continues to be a walking, talking miracle. We pray tonight that tomorrow we can be someone's sunshine, and that The Lord will help us to ease someone's burdens. Tonight we pray that this week is full of amazing moments, and that you have the clarity to recognize them no matter how small. May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion.

Day 77
Tuesday September 2nd

11:00 pm

Chase Update: 
Day 42 at Craig Hospital
Chase got clearance to move around his room using a cane and with someone present to keep him from falling. Wahoo. He is excited. He can do pretty much everything himself to get ready for the day except tie his shoes and shave. His memory is amazing. He reminds the medical staff and myself of things we forget all the time. What a miracle.
He is walking a little better everyday, now they are working on his left arm when he walks. He kind of curls it up when he walks from a sensory overload from his brain. It will be interesting to see how they fix that.
In speech today Chase worked on learning to say say L's, N's, B's and improving his M's. B's are especially hard because he can't shut his soft pallet. He can say them if he plugs his nose. It will come with practice and time.
We read for hours today, and watched a movie together. I love sharing a room. It's great to be a family during the day, and at night.
Tonight we prayed for continual accelerated progress to best prepare us for our limited outpatient resources. We prayed for the strength to joyfully go through each day when all we want to do is go home. We expressed our gratitude to The Lord for all the blessings he has given us, and asked for the strength to accept his will. We know without a shadow of a doubt that your prayers are the reason we are flying through this recovery. Thank you for being a part to our legion. Now take some of the faith and prayers you have given us and have the courage to apply it to your life. Why is it so much easier to apply that faith in behalf of others? We pray for you to have the strength to celebrate life rather than simply endure it. May God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!

** Video Links **

Practicing the MOO Sound!

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Week 10 August 20th - August 26th

Week 10 August 20th - August 26th


Day 64
Wed. August 20th

 9:40 pm

Chase Update: 
Day 29 at Craig Rehab
I look around at the other patients, and with the exception of a few who have been here for a few months or who came here from other rehab facilities, none of them are progressing like Chase is. We have been very specific in our prayers for Chase, and the Lord has provided a miraculous recovery so far. Sometimes the answer has been no or not yet, but he hears and answers us everyday.
How can we ever thank you? We are sprinting through this recovery, and while we know we are still near the starting line, your support has made this race more like a relay than a marathon. Thank you for carrying the baton for a while so we could rest for the next leg. ( if you know me, you will appreciate the irony of me using a running metaphor)
Today Chase practiced balance, and walking in PT.
In OT he is now cleared to shower independently with some transfer help. In Speech he practiced mouth movements and sounds, as well as chewing and swallowing. He really wants to get off this nasty pureed diet. He stood in the standing frame for 30 min (a chair that goes from sitting to standing with support in front of the knees and chest) in UE therapy ( upper extremities) he played more video games with his left arm as the controller.
Chase's energy and attitude were great today. He hung out with me at the apartment tonight, and we watched American Pickers together. We talked for a while about how, much fun we are having, and the reality that we are almost halfway done here. It's a scary and exciting thing at the same time.
We are still praying for him to speak, but especially for him to be able to chew and swallow better ASAP. He barely eats. The food is not appetizing, and so he has to get tubal fed every meal and while he sleeps to get enough calories. His G-Tube hurts all the time and the liquid food makes him nauseous. Not real ideal. We pray he will continues to get his strength and balance back at the same increased rate. They want to send him home with a wheelchair, and if he can be strong enough for long enough he won't need one. It's an extra expense we would rather avoid, including the building of a ramp. We will need to build handrails on the front or back porch before he gets home no matter what though.
We pray that you can be grateful even when things are challenging. No matter how tough things get in my life, I would much rather have my challenges than yours, and you probably feel the same way about my challenges. Tomorrow is a New opportunity to create amazing experiences. Thank you for being a part of ours everyday. May God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!

More Balance Practice



** Video Links**

More Walking Today

 More Balance and Strength Practice

 Working on facial expression and mouth movement.


Day 65
Thursday August 21st

 9:45 pm

Chase Update:
Day 30 at Craig Rehab.
Today was a pretty independent day for Chase. He is working on going through his day on his own, so I just try to stay in the background and give guidance or assistance when needed, or when I forget and he has to remind me to let him do it.
Chase learned to play a new game called blokus, his PT won the first round and then Chase trounced her for the rest of class. Story of her life lol. In OT Chase worked on strength, and balance, and then finished it up with walking. He used a regular walker, but his therapist said he was turning His hips too, much so he switched it with a cane. He did amazing. PT is quickly becoming his favorite class because. He loves to walk. In Speech he practiced writing sentences using a predetermined word
. I'm not sure what he did in his last speech therapy class because I was trying to gather Information for our clinical care manager. In music therapy Chase played the tambourine when his therapist played the guitar, but she was also taping off temp with a metal thing on her foot. She did different exercises with him to keep him on task even, with the distractions. It's fascinating to see how they do therapy with music. Chase did the wheelchair bike for 30 min again today, it seemed way to easy. I think it's time to increase the resistance. He finished off the Day in UE, he graduated to some of the hard video games. He has so much more control over that left arm than he did last week. It's astounding.
Chase pushed through all his classes today even though he had an upset stomach most of the day. I am super proud of him.
We had an upsetting experience today. Our care manager told me a lawyer requested Chases medical records today. I had no idea what she was talking about so she went back to her office to get me details. I informed Phil, and I was pretty sick to my stomach with worry. I couldn't do anything about it so I gave it to the Lord. If part of this trial was to come out of this with nothing but our family together again, I would be one blessed woman. I mentioned that was not my preference, but I would accept it if that was the way it played out. I instantly felt peaceful, and went about trying to give my sweetheart the same peace. Less than, an hour later she called me and said it was an error, same patient name, wrong patient. Lol are you kidding me? What are the odds?
For those who wonder how I can be so positive or cheerful, or who wonder if you would respond the way that we have. Consider this quote by Henry B. Iring. -
When hard trials come, the faith to endure them well will be there, built as you may now notice but may have not at the time that you acted on the pure love of Christ, serving and forgiving others as the Savior would have done. You built a foundation of faith from loving as the Savior loved and serving for Him. Your faith in Him led to acts of charity that will bring you hope.
My foundation of Faith and trust in the Lord wasn't formed in my most desperate moment of need. I didn't turn to the Lord because he was my only hope. I turned to him because he was my friend. For years I have served him, and his children. I have studied the words and life of his son. I have tried ro pattern my life after his ministry. I serve when It's inconvenient, I smile often. I forgive myself and ask The Lord for his forgiveness everyday. My foundation was already solid. I know my Lord, and he knows me. So when the storms come, my Faith Is solid.
I sound like a saint, but really I'm trying to be better than the snarky, sarcastic, self centered brat that resides inside of me and tries to get out. I'm a flawed, loud, impatient and a frequently intolerant daughter of God. My flaws make me human, but my righteous desires and the effort I make to be counted among his servants makes me His.
Hope is a precious gift. I have lived my life without it in the past, and it stinks. Where there is Faith in the Lord, and his son Jesus Christ - there you find hope. So tonight I pray you find your hope. I pray that you start now to build your foundation of Faith, so that when the storms come, as they always do, your Faith with be unshakable. I know you have served us and supported us already, so you are well on your way to building that foundation. May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion.
Writing Assignment
They made him paint so he did this, and laughed about it the whole time.

Chases facial stitches are healing great

** Video Links**
Friday August 22nd

 7:45 pm

Chase Update: 
Day 31 at Craig Rehab

 I posted a few pictures earlier of our outing to Red Rock Ampitheater today. Chase did a lot of walking while we were there, and then proceeded To sleep for 2 hours after. It was cool to go to the museum and see all the amazing musicians, and entertainers that have performed there. We plan to come back next summer, catch a concert, and run the stairs. 
Chase had an appointment with NUCCA chiropractor today to help his alignment. I think it went well, it will be interesting to see how walking goes on Monday now that his left leg is no longer a 1\2" shorter than his right. It was fun to spend a few hours with Betsy again. Thank you for being willing to chauffeur us around town. We love you!
Chase is still worn out from the day so he chose to go to bed early tonight, and I have a massive migraine coming on so I am going to sleep before it hits me too bad.
Today was a nice change from having classes all day. I am still praying for Chase to be able to swallow and chew better ASAP. The tube feedings are full of calories, but it also full of soy and corn which cause Inflammation in the brain. The total opposite of what we want. I need to get him on real food. We are also praying for his speech to keep improving. I really miss His voice and the more he wakes up the more frustrated he gets 

with not being able to communicate verbally. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers, and for your support. May the Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!


Heading To Red Rocks Amphitheater





Day 67
Saturday August 23rd

 8:50 pm

Chase Update:
Day 32 at Craig Hospital
Big day! 
Chase moved today! We are now in the Craig East building. It's for patients that aren't Acute. We have a New roommate. He's quiet and doesn't say much. That's a huge Change from our last room mate. 
Chase and I just played around around and read today. We did a puzzle together, and I tried to talk him into playing parchessi or battleship with me, but he just wanted to read. It's probably because he didn't want to lose, yeah I'm sure that's it.
Some members of the ward here came and picked us up and we went to their "Stake Fair" the Lds church is very organized. So a congregation is called a Ward, and then all the ward's in that area are called a stake...it gets bigger from there, but I digress. There was free food, games, music, and friends. It was a blast. Chase and I got matching glitter mustaches. He tried eating watermelon, but that was a bust. He was a little down because he couldn't do much or eat all the delicious food, but he got really emotional when they started dancing. He loves to dance..........so we Danced. Specifically we did some swing dancing. It wasn't real pretty, but it was pretty fantastic. I will post the videos, and pictures.
I love that kid. Everyday is a miracle, because we lived it with all we had in us.
What kind of amazing blessing did you experience today?
Tonight my prayers are full of thanksgiving. I got to dance with my son, we cried together, we laughed together, we argued together. What a glorious day. We continue to pray for improved speech, mouth movement, chewing, biting and swallowing skills. We pray for you, and for your blessed lives to be even better. We pray that the Lord will bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!'
Chases new Room!

Working on Puzzles

** Video Link **



Day 68
Sunday August 24th

 8:30 pm

Chase Update:
Day 33 at Craig Hospital
Lazy Day! 
Chase was a little overstimulated from Saturday's activities so he slept in until 9:30 this morning. He has been an early riser, but that may have been because of his last roommate. Our new roommate is so quiet we barely know he's there.
We read in the garden today, then he attempted to eat lunch. We read some more and then had some visitors. Stacia Martin, and her daughter came to visit, and brought Chase a card drawn by his friend back home. Thanks Baylee. We always love meeting New friends.
Then it was back to an exhausting day of napping, and reading. Dinner was a no go. He didn't even want the pureed cheesecake.  Cue more reading, and then bedtime. It's a rough life we are living.
Satudays and Sunday's are such a wonderful break from the classes and intense brain stimulation he has on the weekdays.
Today we are both missing home. We know we still have so far to go, but we are definitely homesick. As excited as we are to have our family coming this weekend, we would rather be at home with them.
One of our favorite things to do is face time as a family, and have family prayer together. It helps to heal the gap that so much distance and time creates.
Chase said I love you to me tonight, and it mostly sounded like I love you. It was very exciting. Please keep the prayers coming. Our miracles happen in increments and then add up to giant moments. Chase loves getting letters, and cards. So thank you to all who have sent them. He reads your comments every day, and I know your support helps him push forward. Thank you for helping us reach our goals one prayer at a time. May the Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion.
Day 69
Monday August 25th


 8:00 am

Kami Update:
Day 34 at Craig hospital
I have been laying in bed this morning pondering the question- Why as things are going so well, have I been feeling increasingly melancholy? Why did I feel happier and more at peace in those moments we were hanging onto hope that Chase would not just live, but live through the night? It finally hit me, that in my darkest most desperate moments, for weeks on end, I was either on my knees or carrying a constant pray in my heart. I had opened the conduits of heaven, and allowed myself to be spiritually fed, uplifted, and comforted. I was helpless to change my situation, but I could serve others around me, to ease their suffering and mine.
As Chase has healed and improved I have slowly closed that conduit, opening it for my prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving, but promptly shutting it again as I continue on with my day. It was never Intentional, and it was how I went about my days prior to the accident.
I suppose that one of Satan's greatest strategy is giving us so many wonderful worldly things to fill our lives with, that we have no time to ponder, or wonder what is missing in our lives. So many of us recognize how blessed we are, and yet we feel empty or depressed. How many of us have a God shaped hole in our lives that we go about trying to fill with everything other than God?
So I lay here considering my situation. How do I go about keeping that conduit open constantly when things in my life are going well? It's easier when you are desperate and Divine Intervention is the only hope, but what about when things are going well, and we are immersed in our daily lives. It seems I unknowingly tried to figure out how to fit the Lord in my day. I scheduled him moments in my daily, morning prayers, prayers of thanks over meals, and my evening prayers. Those moments came of course, if I remembered or didn't over schedule my day and collapse in exhaustion.
It sounds horrible when it's written out there in black and white, but that doesn't make it any less true.
So now I have my epiphany, what do I do with it? How do I go about making room for the Lord in my life? I ask myself the question, not because I don't want him there, but because I'm not sure how to go about doing it. I love to go to church, because I am spiritually fed for 3 hours. I used to wonder How someone could tell me they got nothing out of church, or even that they didn't like to go. Now I realize, I love church because I open those conduits up when I enter the building. I allow the Lord's spirit to teach me, and uplift me. So I guess "I" am the key.
So here is my game plan ( if I have a plan, I mean business)
Step one: I am going to make an active effort to keep my connection to the Lord open while I go about my day. I will do this, by asking the Lord to be with me today, to remind me, and to help me recognize his spirit. If that isn't enough, I will set my phone alarm to go off in intervals so I can stop and offer up a silent prayer.
Next I am going to read my scriptures everyday. Even if it's a verse, its one more way to open the conduit. I have them on my phone so there are no excuses, I will probably have to set my alarm to remember that as well.
Lastly, as I open the communication between myself and heaven, I will ask the Lord daily that he will provide an opportunity for my hands to be his hands. That he will provide inspiration to guide me to those who are in need.

Before when I would hear- say your prayers, go to church, read your scriptures, serve willingly, I never really understood. I did them for a while, but it was because I was supposed to, so I would slowly forget because my heart wasn't in it.
Now I get it. It's like opening up the information super highway to heaven. We wouldn't expect to get information off the internet from a computer that was powered down, so how can we expect to receive information and inspiration from the Lord when We have essentially powered down that connection?
I would love to have you join me. I pray that your day is full of inspiration,and joy. May our Heavenly Father bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!

9:30 PM
Chase Update:
Day 34 at Craig hospital
Today was a busy Monday, Chase did a lot of walking, He shot some hoops with the basketball, and played catch with his PT who had me hold onto him and he threw it so that Chase had to reach and shift his weight. He did great. In OT the therapist checked his vision, and set up an appointment with an optometrist for Wed. His vision seems to be much worse than before the accident.  OT had a joint session, with music therapy today, and they worked on hand movement on the piano and the guitar. Chase loves music, but it's frustrating to not remember the chords, or to get your fingers to work properly.
In speech therapy Chase showed off how well he had practiced moving his mouth on command over the weekend. He also worked on making vowel sounds. Its tiny improvements everyday, we know they will eventually lead to speech, but it gets a little discouraging sometimes when he tries so hard and his mouth just won't cooperate. Chase showed his speech therapist how hard he has been practicing with his chewing, we have high hopes that he gets to step up to a mash-able diet instead of a pureed one. Fingers crossed. Chase rode the wheelchair bike for 30 min today, but he increased the resistance so that He had to work harder. He did great of course.
We ended the Day with an outing to the miniature golf course, and thank goodness I won or He would have teased me about it for the rest of my life. Chase walked. 2/3 of the 18 hole course, and then his legs started shaking and he had to sit in between holes to rest. He is amazing.
Chase got frustrated at me today, when he gets mad he talks and I can understand him. Today he told me he still has food in his mouth, when I told him to eat more. It sounds like he has marble in his mouth, but I could understand him. Its the 3rd time it's happened in the last few weeks.
We are exhausted, and ready for bed. So I will sign off once again and ask that the Lord will bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion.


Heading to play mini golf.

** Video Links **


Wahoo!

 Trying to get his Left hand working better

 Chase first time holding a guitar since the accident. It's a start!

Day 70
Tuesday August 26th


 10:00 pm
Chase Update:
Day 35 at Craig Rehab

Chase was upgraded to a mechanical grind menu today. I was reading over his menu choices and he seriously started crying when I said cheese omelet, and chopped hamburger with ketchup. He hugged me grinning. He grinned though most of lunch and dinner today, and for the first time since the accident he willingly ate his meals. He still can't eat enough to satisfy his caloric needs, but it's a fantastic start.
Speech therapy was a huge success, Chase was able to make some of the vowel sounds today, and he tried saying mom today, and it came out as mah. He can't quite get his mouth closed to finish the word yet. I bawled, he held me and grinned. We are getting closer everyday.
Today I had a meeting with the PT and OT about the home modifications that have to happen before we get home. Phil and I are most likely moving him into our room. He can't handle the stairs in our older home. Our first priority is that we must have hand rails on our back patio, anyone know how to build hand rails? Lol
Chase and I are so excited for Phil and the kids to come. My mom and dad are coming this weekend as well. Chase and I are excited about seeing them all. My friend Kerrie took me grocery shopping tonight. Its hilarious the comments I get from people when they see me hauling mass quantities of food into the apartment. Their faces are even better when I tell them it's for the weekend.
Chase continues to push himself, and his therapists. I tell them what his goals are and they provide a small window for him to test his abilities so we know if its a realistic goal, and what the steps are to reaching it. He hasn't failed to blow them away yet.
I continue to pray that the Lords loosens and stimulates Chase's mouth muscles so that he can speak soon. My biggest fears come when I think about how I will help him with his speech after we leave here. Most people go to outpatient facilities, but we don't have many options where we live. I pray we don't have to drive 4 hours a day, or get an apartment and move somewhere for a few months. I want desperately to be home as a family. So my prayers for speech ASAP are because I need him to progress as much as possible while we have the resources available to us. I pray The Lord will show his hand and guide me to the right resources if that answer is no. I pray Chase continues to reach his walking goals, and his legs continue to strengthen and work together. I pray he regains the ability to use his fingers and accomplish fine motor skills. It all come down to asking to witness the fulfillment of the promise he made me to make my son whole, and to grant me the patience and fortitude to see it come to fruition in the Lord's time.
The Prophet of our church encourages us to "Find Joy in the Journey." So tonight my prayer for all of us is that we have the patience and the faith to find the joy in the journey rather than wishing the hard moments away. It's those dark or difficult moments that enable us to recognize the joy. May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet him. We are legion.
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Monday, September 29, 2014

Week 9 August 13th - August 19th

Week 9 August 13th - August 19th

 Day 57
Wednesday August 13th

9:30 pm

Chase Update:
Day 22 at Craig Rehab
Chase had a pretty easy day, but it ended up being really exhausting. He got to use a new machine today, called the spring. It is designed to strengthen his left arm, and increase motor function. Its also is connected to sensors and he plays games using his arm. It's pretty cool. He rode the wheelchair bike today for 30 mins straight. He was able to use this left leg almost as much as his right leg for the first 10 min, then it slowly fatigued, and the other leg did more of the work. The first time he used the bike he was doing 3-5% with the left leg, so that is a huge improvement.
Chase had the glass removed from his face today, it was during His normal resting time, so he was exhausted for the rest of the day. Chase was able to slide the pitch of his voice a few times today. It was exciting to hear the progress.
I got my off-campus pass today, so I can take Chase anywhere that I can walk. I am trying to get my transport-pass this week. Chase really wants to attend church on Sunday. I'm not sure it can happen that fast but we will try.
Chase ate a little better today, and he is getting so good and swallowing. Today the speech therapist had him try and chew gum. He was able to do it a little.......baby steps. Chase was so tired by the time He was done with His classes, he took a 3 hour nap, and was super grumpy when I woke him up for dinner. Teenager + TBI = Annoyed Momma.
We are still praying for the miracle of a single spoken word by Friday. If it's God's plan We know it will happen.. We pray the Lord will bless you and keep you until We meet again. We are legion!
No More Glass!

** Video Link**


Chase Rocking the Wheelchair Bike!

 Learning how to use the "Spring" he was pretty fatigued by this point, but you get the idea.


Day 58
Thursday August 14th

 10:00 pm
Chase Update:
Day 23 at Craig Rehab
Chase did a lot of different games and activities today. I will post a few of them. His right hand is getting so much stronger, but he has a difficult time picking things up with his fingers.
They want to upgrade chase to a regular bed, but we begged them to let us keep the giant safe-keeper bed until the kids leave in Monday  I will be sad to have the our private fort bed gone.
Chase loves Noosa yogurt. It's the one food he will eat until there is no more. Thanks Kerri for introducing it to us. We had another visit from our friend Betsy we love when she comes over.
Chase and I practiced car transfers today, and we should get clearance for it tomorrow.  We got to hang out at the apartment today and read. It was nice to be together away from the hospital. We plan to take chase to the park as a family on Saturday.
Chase is trying so hard to speak, he's not quite there, but he is getting so close. Phil and the kids just got here, Phil is snuggling with Chase at the hospital and the kids are eating all my Noosa 
I cannot wait for Phil and the kids to fully appreciate in person how many things have changed in the last 2 weeks. Thank you for your prayers and love. Everyday is a miracle from now to forever. May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!


This is How I found Chase Today.

Learning to safely get in and out of the car so we can go off campus on our own.


Test. He had to dissect each line in the middle. He missed a few, he said he was done even after he checked them all. Brain glitches!

 **Video Links**

 Vision, fine motor skills, and spacial awareness test.

 His left hand is getting so much stronger, but he struggles with picking things up.

Day 59 

 Friday August 15th

 9:15 pm
Chase Update:
Day 24 at Craig Rehab
Chase showed off how well he could walk for Phil, and the kids today. He tried so hard to be able to speak for Phil, and he is coming along, but unfortunately it wasn't the lords time. We still pray he will progress quickly, but we also pray for the patience to accept that he will speak when it's the best time for Chase. He has been practicing biting and chewing in speech therapy, he gets a little better everday, and hopefully sometime next week he will be able to eat food that hasn't been puréed.
We had family game night tonight. It was fun to do it as a whole family again. The kids teased and joked around all night. Chase gives as well as he gets. Lots of smiles and laughter, it kind of overwhelming.
My prayers tonight are full of grattitude for my blessed life. I have the most beautiful, energetic, and vivacious family. They are all kinds of exhausting. I pray this weekend is a good balance if family fun, and rest. I pray you are blessed with an extra dose of exuberance tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers! May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!

**Video Link**


Day 60 
Saturday August 16th

 10:30 pm

Chase Update:
Day 25 at Craig Rehab.
We are exhausted!
We celebrated 60 days since the accident today. Chase got to leave the hospital campus for the first time. We finished school shopping and got Chase the Orange Julius he has been wanting. He cant suck yet, so no straw, he has to slowly sip it from the cup.
After a short nap the Mackenzie family stopped by for a visit. It was great to reconnect with them.
We went to the Denver Aquarium today. Chase loves to sit and watch the fish in the rec room so I figured he would love the aquarium. He did! Especially the mermaids:/
We had a great time. Chase absolutely loved spending time away from the Hospital, but he was so ready for bed.
It's so great to see him Interact with his siblings.
We get to all go to church together tomorrow. He is so excited to be able to go.
My heart is so full. 60 days ago we were preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. We were praying our son survived each surgery, and that his brain survived each following day. Today I watched my kids laughing and playing together. How can I regret one moment of our last 60 days, when our family is closer than ever.
Tonight I will be thanking the Lord with all the gratitude I am capable of
Expressing verbally; For loving us enough to refine and Fine tune our family. We thank you for sticking with us, for loving us, and praying for us. We pray your Saturday was full of joy. May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!
Family Picture at the Denver Aquarium

Chase and Dad getting ready to Watch the Ice Age Movie.
Sisterly Love
Mermaids were apparently the best part of the aquarium.

Day 61 
Sunday August 17th

9:30 pm

Chase Update:
Day 26 at Craig Rehab
Another full day with the family. We had the opportunity to attend church as a family. It was great. We met a lot of new friends. It was so great to feel the spirit, and feast on the words of the Lord. 
We watched the Lego movie tonight as a family, it came highly recommended....not sure why. I was unimpressed, but it was great to have movie night as a family.
Chase had so much fun this weekend. I'm a little concerned he did too much, and he may start the week out tired. He went to bed at 8 tonight to try and recover overnight from all the stimulation. Phil and the kids are leaving early in the morning, I'm so sad they are leaving, but school starts this next week, and Chase and I have classes as well.
We hope you had a great weekend as well, and We pray your week will be full of life and light. We pray the Lord will give us opportunities this week to lift up those we meet, and to be a Christlike example to those We meet. We thank you for your continued prayers and support. Chase reads your comments every morning when I bring him his phone. He works extra hard everyday, because you have Faith in him. Thank you for being a part of our legion. May the Lord God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
My phone had a complete meltdown last night. I thought it was completely bricked. I felt silly praying my phone would miraculously start working, but it's my lifeline to my friends and family. I fell asleep trying unsuccessfully to get it to work so I could update the day's events. This morning I tried one more time, and it worked perfectly. Little things like that are what makes me sure I have a Loving Heavenly father, not just some faceless God. So I am starting today off with my own little miracle, and finally posting the update:

Day 62
Monday August 18th

9:30 pm
Chase Update:
Day 27 at Craig Rehab
Chase decided to walk today, he had some help, but he decided that by the end of the week he would be walking on his own with a little bit of assistance. I just proceeded to get out of his way. I will post a video that unfortunately is terrible, but at least you get to share his triumph. He also practiced climbing stairs and doing squats, you know just absolutely amazing stuff!
Chase had waaaaay to much stimulation this weekend. He was pretty emotional and spacey today. We had lots of quiet resting or napping time today with the hope of having a more focused day tomorrow.
Chase was able to make his voice go higher and then lower today, as well as turning his voice on and off on command (with a delayed response) it was a pretty amazing day around here!
Our friends William & Karen Maisey are here visiting. It's so great to be reunited with them.
Phil and the kids are home safe and sound, and we miss then already. Chase and I are working on setting his new goals to reach before Phil comes again in a few weeks.
Do you see the miracles? Never doubt that we know you are a part of these miracles. I share these updates so you can celebrate with us. We know you are invested in Chase's recovery, and no matter how tired I am at night, I write an update to continue to show you my grattitude for your part in my son's recovery. Thank you for your continued prayers and love. Let's all remember to thank The Lord for today's impressive improvements. May The Lord God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!

**Video Links**



Day 63
Tuesday August 19th
9:00 pm
Chase Update:
Day 28 at Craig Rehab
Chase had a busy day being awesome again today.
He had music therapy today, which he loved, followed by Occupational therapy He played on a machine, that uses balance, coordination, and observation.
In Physical Therapy, Chase Improved his walking yet again today, and they did a lot of muscle strength testing. He worked on checking and following a schedule today in his 2 speech therapy classes. He has to use his voice to answer every question now, even if she can't understand him. He has gotten so much better at swallowing and keeping his mouth closed. Try swallowing with your mouth open.....seriously try it. It's almost impossible, but thats how he has been doing it, which is probably why he aspirated a lot. Chase got to use the "Spring" in the upper extremities lab again today. Thats the machine that he works on strengthening his left arm while playing video games.
Chase and I had to work through some issues today, he wants to be Independent when its convenient for him, so I let him do it all on his own most of the day until he apologized for being a jerk face.  I have had to go from doing everything for him, and communicating for him, to trying to sit in the corner. It's like having a baby that matures mentally in days or months rather than years. I. Can't keep up.
Chase and I hung out in the apartment tonight, and watched a movie, it was nice to chill together. Life's pretty great here. We are both a little sad about tomorrow though. School starts, and We miss our family, friends, and real life. Just 5 more weeks to work more miraculous changes.
We pray so hard for our Legion. We celebrate you, and lean on your offered support daily. Another day of miracles that we hope you share, and that your tomorrow's are even better. May God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!

**Video Links**
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