Week 8 August 6th - August 12th

Week 8  August 6th - August 12th

Day 50

Wednesday August 6th

9:45 pm

Chase Update:
Day 14 Craig Rehab

I can't believe it's been 50 days since the accident, and 2 weeks since we got to Craig. Time is flying.

Today we met with Chase's whole medical team. They gave us a tentative date of Sept. 25th to go home. This is both exciting and concerning. That means we will be here for 9 weeks or 64 days. The insurance pays for 60 days, while that may not seem like a lot of extra days, it costs about 20,000 a week to be here. So I am handing it over to The Lord, and praying he sends us a miracle again.
His medical team had amazing things to say about him, he has Apraxia- this mean he has trouble getting his mouth, tongue, and soft pallet to work. Chase describes it as being "stuck." This is a much better prognosis than if he had Aphasia- meaning his ability to communicate is impaired.

I wanted to be clear that when we leave the rehab facility he won't be healed. It takes a minimum of 6-12 month to heal from a brain injury, and it's normal to take longer. I doubt it will since he is Super Chase! He will continue to heal at home for a while, and he will have to have surgery to replace his bone flap.
The team set some great goals for Chase today, and some even admitted to having to change the goals because of how fast he is improving. 
His goals are:
*Be ready to Go home by Sept 25
*To be able to speak vocally to others
*To have Basic problem solving skills
*To walk out of here assisted and only using the wheel chair for long outings.

Our goals for him are to continue to blow people away. We want it to be obvious to everyone that God's work is at hand. We want him to be able to walk, talk, and be able to testify of the miracles God has given him.

Chase's trach site is looking better all the time. It seems to be healing prettier than a lot of the other patients.

Tonight my friend Betsy brought the 16 year old girls from our churches Young women's group over. Chase loved that. He was all smiles and laughter. Thanks Betsy!

Chase got a new ride today. His new wheelchair is lower to the ground, and it's designed for him to wheel himself around. He will mostly use his right side for now, as his brain can't tell his left foot to wok fast enough so he runs it over. I will post a picture of him in it tomorrow, as I forgot to take one tonight.

We are so blessed. I'm always surprised when people send their condolences for the accident. I guess other then a few devastating moments, this feels more like an exciting adventure that we were hand picked for than a burden or tragedy we had forced upon us. Can you honestly tell me you aren't a little bit jealous of the miracles we are basking in everyday? So much joy is intoxicating, and if you have the chance to be with Chase in person, you will feel that joy as well.

My prayers tonight will be filled with gratitude, and appreciation for today's miracles. We will pray for The Lord to provide a way to ease the financial burden or a way for us to meet it. We pray for you! We pray your day was amazing. We pray tomorrow is even better. Everyday holds the possibility of a miracle, so we pray you give God the chance to grant you one.
May our Heavenly Father bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!

Day 51

Thursday August 7th

9:00 pm

Chase Update: 

Day 15 at Craig Rehab

Chase took 3 steps today!!!!!
He had three people holding him up, but it's a great start. Chase navigated himself around quite a bit in his new wheelchair today. He did a swallow test and graduated to pureed foods. After 2 meals he is less than thrilled, and is reconsidering His attitude about the tube feedings. Lol! Chase had a pretty relaxing day, and we read together and took a long nap. It was great!

Tomorrow is Hobie Day at Craig Hospital. We get to go to Cherry creek reservoir and Chase will get to go out on sailboats, and pontoons. He is so excited! They had a Pre-Hobie day celebration tonight and he got to check out the sailboats. Chase licked his lip this morning . It wasn't done consciously, but it was exciting to see he has the capability. He couldn't do it again when I asked though.
Chase loves to get mail. If you want to send something his address is:

Craig Hospital
C/O Guest Services
ATTENTION: Chase Clark
3425 S. Clarkson
Englewood, CO 80113

Tonight my prayers will be full of gratitude for the quiet moments I have had with Chase today. I expressed to him my gratitude for the one-on-one time we have been able to have, and how much I love spending time with him. He hugged me and kissed me, and my whole soul swelled with joy. My prayers are also full of gratitude for my amazing family, and friends who are still at home, and helping real life to keep running smoothly while Chase and I party at the hospital. Life is too precious and short to wallow or obsess over thing we cannot control. Albert Einstein said " Don't wait for Miracles, Your whole life is a miracle" We are having a blast with our miracle, and we pray tonight that you can see the miracle of your own lives. We love you and pray that God with a bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion.

Day 52

Friday August 8th

7:20 am

Kami Update:
Day 16 at Craig Rehab

I talk a LOT.....what I don't normal do is share my inner most thoughts with strangers. I certainly don't share my ups and downs on a public forum for the whole world to read, or at least I didn't used to. I get at least one message a day from a complete stranger, it usually starts out with apologizing for Facebook stalking us, or writing to me when I don't know them. Lol I put my whole life on a public post, and you're worried? It's an amazing gift to know you are on this journey with us, complete strangers being moved by our experiences. We wonder how many of you are following our journey, that never like, comment, or message us. We also wonder if you know that you give us strength. The prayers of those who loves us, coupled with those who pray for us and don't know us are powerful. Our Legion is a miracle in our lives everyday. So never apologize for loving us when you don't know us, or for helping us fight when you have no reason to. We were praying for you to find us, so thank, you for being an answer to our prayers in more than one way!

So let me introduce myself. My name is Kami, and I will never pretend to be perfect or even that I have my stuff together. We have a saying in our home - if you're coming to see us our door is always open, if you're coming to see our house you have to make an appointment. We live loud, and messy, but the point is that we are living.
I think our imperfections make us more valuable human beings. You know that Mom that always looks perfect, her kids look perfect, and her house looks perfect? Yeah she's never going to be my friend, but I will probably give her no sugar allowed-dressed in pressed white clothes- kids a big piece of chocolate lol! We all try to put the best version of ourselves out on display, and it continues the cycle of others feeling like they don't measure up.
I'm the messiest person in my house, seriously I have 5 kids and they complain about me. I think I'm awesome! I'm just saying, if you knew me you would want to hang out with me. I have lots of friends, but I spend most my time with my family because they are hilariously fun. I don't have room in my life for people who seem to create drama all the time. I call those people life suckers, and avoid them like the plague. I am a fierce friend, but I will tell you if you're being an idiot. Don't worry, you don't have to ask my opinion, I love you enough to give it to you unsolicited. I am a great cook, but I don't like to do it because everyone complain about the kitchen after. Lol
I am married to the most wonderful and infuriating man on the planet. If he doesn't tease you he doesn't like you. I have the most amazing kids in the world. They are perfectly flawed, and they astound me everyday with their amazing spirits. I saved The best part of me for the end. I am a daughter of my Heavenly, He loves me,and I love him. I do my best to stand as his witness at all times and in all thing and in all places. He created me, so I try to never apologize for who I am. I do my best to be the best version of his creation I can be, and hopefully a little better tomorrow than I am today. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or the LDS church. Some people call us Mormons. My strength comes from my faith in my Savior Jesus Christ, and in His Father. Their is a power in knowing who you are, why you are here, and where you are going. There is no room for doubt or fear, when you trust in your Heavenly Father. This is why Chase and I laugh everyday, and we live like we are on vacation instead of dealing with a traumatic injury. How blessed our family is! The Lord trusted us to be strong enough to not only survive this, but to blossom. So thank you for being a part of our legion.

11:00 pm 

Chase Update: 

Day 16 at Craig Rehab

Chase is waking up a little more, so our day had some amazing highs and so not so amazing lows.

Chase licked his lip again this morning and for about 5 min he was able to move it around really well. His mouth movement is improving a little more each day, as is his ability to swallow well. 

We got to go to Hobie Day which was a blast, unfortunately the doctor decided his trach hadn't been out long enough to so on the sailboats. We did get to cruise on the pontoon. Chase loves the lake!

Chase was extremely distant tonight. I talked to him a little, and he is very melancholy. He doesn't want to really talk about it, but I suspect that with more mental awareness he is dealing with the reality of his situation. He didn't want to bother with dinner, and he just wanted me to soothe and hold him tonight. I'm so heartbroken for him. We chatted about how it's okay to have sad moments and sorrow over the things that have happened, as long as we don't wallow. I will be praying my heart out and asking the Lord to comfort him. He could really use your prayers tonight and throughout the next week. Thank you for loving us enough to pray for us in your busy lives. I feel helpless to ease his burden, so your angelic voices petitioning the Lord to give us both strength is desperately needed. May the Lord God bless you and keep you until we meet again.We are Legion!

Waiting to ride the Pontoon at Hobie Day!

On the Pontoon at Cherry Creek Reservoir

Chase and I with Tonya, and Kristen his OT and Speech therapists!

**Video**

The Cheerleaders Cheering Chase on!

Day 53

Saturday August 9th

5:30 pm

Chase Update:

Day 17 at Craig Rehab

Chase and I started out the day talking about what our goals are for now, and for the future. We cried a little, and we laughed a lot. It's a hard journey, but we are loving the time we have together. I added the picture of our goals. We prayed together today, and asked the Lord to help us reach our Goals. He is feeling better today, though he is emotional. He wrote happy tears when we were talking and he was crying. 
About 8 months ago I talked to Chase about his superpower. He has a huge presence and the power to walk Into a room and change the atmosphere for better or worse. He still has that power, and it is even more apparent now that he isn't able to communicate verbally.
He has a power about him that moves you to action, he has won over the staff with his positive energy and smile. We reaffirmed the importance of attitude and staying positve even when things are hard.
We chilled out all day. We read in the garden and soaked up the Sun all morning. Then took a long nap, and read some more.
Chase reminded me first thing this morning that they are playing Divergent in the Theater room tonight. His memory is amazing. He read the book so he is super excited to see the movie. Saturday's and Sunday's are so great for resting and rebooting the brain.

One of Chase's goals is to be able to say at least one word before Phil gets here Thursday it seems impossible, but if you will pray for that miracle with us and it's God's Will, we know it can happen. We also pray for continued strength for his left side. We love miracles that show the Lord's hand. We continue to pray for you, and whatever challenges you are facing. Your attitude about a situation has the power to change the situation itself. So we pray you can face your challenges head on, with a positive attitude. We love you and pray that the Lord will bless you and keep you until we meet again. Thank you for being part of our legion.

Day 54

Sunday August 10th

5:00 pm

Chase Update:
Day 18 at Craig Rehab

Chase's mouth is waking up. He can stick out his tongue, and move it around in his mouth better. Once he regains control over his mouth he can form words. So it's super exciting when he sticks his tongue out. He face-timed his sisters today and they took turns sticking their tongues out at each other and laughing.

We had another lazy day, with a little of our own therapy thrown in. Chase was able move both his feet today and move his wheelchair forward. I will post a video later. Lots of napping and video. He found a food he likes pureed, it's cheesecake! He is getting so much better at eating. Hopefully Chase will learn to chew soon so he can get that cheeseburger he's been wanting.

No deep insights today, just me, my oldest baby, and lots of snuggling and laughing. We are still praying that Chase can miraculously form at least one word before Friday so he can reach his goal of speaking before his dad gets here. He is trying everything he can to get strong so he can walk for His Dad as well. Thank you for your prayers, and your encouragement. We pray that the Lord will Bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!

**Video Link**

Chase trying to learning to move his Wheelchair on his own.

Day 55

Monday August 11th

8:30 pm

Chase Update:
Day 19 at Craig Rehab

Chase wowed everyone today. His PT decided to see how well he could stand, so they could work toward chase's goal of walking a few steps by the time his dad gets here Friday. Yea he just stood up, and shocked us all. I'm posting a video , but he floored us all with how strong he is. He is eating and swallowing so great and his speech therapist could not believe how well he was using his tongue. He was able to propel himself in his wheelchair with his feet, and navigate without help to the gardens outside. Again the PT was floored. He just keeps blowing everyone away, including me. He stood In the standing chair for 30 Min today, he was sweating profusely, but he held out the whole 30 min. I am so amazed by him.

We made two new sets of friends to today. Elluz, and Joni thank you for bringing yourselves and your sweet husbands, and taking the time to visit with us today. Thank you Maggie, for your visit. It was so good to see you, and it made me miss home a little less.

Chase is an amazing kid on his own, but couple that with a powerful legion, and our Heavenly father and he is an unstoppable force.

We are still praying for the miracle of a single word by friday. It seems impossible at this point, but what we call possible, has become the bar that that we use to mark our miracles. In reflection of all we have overcome, and the impossible occurances we have been blessed with; a single word seems insignificant. We pray Chase continues to get stronger, and that his coordination using is left and right side together will continue to improve. We pray that all of this is done if its The Lords will. We pray that Justin continues to improve. Jeffery R. Holland said- We are infinitely more than our limitations or our afflictions. We pray you realize that your success and joy in this life is limited only by your drive and your attitude. May the Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!

**Video Link**

The Amazing Chase!

Tuesday August 12th

8:00 pm

Chase Update:
Day 20 at Craig Rehab

I can't believe we are a 1/3 of the way done with rehab already. Chase decided to Mark the occasion by walking with a walker today. He is incredible! I posted 3 different video from our day in therapy. They are amazing!

Chase practiced getting himself dressed and ready for the day. He will have a Teacher come in with him 3 days a week, and work with him to get more proficient.
Chase also practiced standing today. He was able to stand without anyone holding on to him for small periods of time. It's incredible. They redid the reading test today in speech therapy. When he did it the first week he was here, he scored 50%.Today he scored 100% after a reminder to slow down. Happy days!
Chase played ping pong today in T- Rec, and he did pretty good. It took a while to get the left hand working, but he had a blast.
No words yet but he is trying so hard. He gets a little frustrated when his mouth won't do what his brain tells it to. He's a fighter though, so we keep the Faith.

I am working on Chase's helmet tonight. I am trying to personalize it for him instead of just putting stickers all over it. He chose what things were most important to him, and defined him, and I am doing the work. I really hope it turns out.

We are still praying for the miracle of speech by Friday. Chase is doing all he can, and We are asking you to pray with us for the Lord to make up the difference. We pray he continued to progress, and that he can do it with a cheerful attitude.
We pray your day was amazing, and that you keep your head up, and keep your heart strong. We pray for you, and love you. May God Bless you and keep you until We meet again. We are legion!

**Video Links**

Seriously Chase?

Chase showing off his arms strength and coordination.

Miracles!

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