Day 36
Wednesday July 23rd
11:15 am
Kami Update:
I am finally back in Williston after 35 days of being away from home. This morning I packed an entire car full of stuff up, left Minot, and headed back to pack for the next 2 months in Denver. My Laundry is washing, I have reinstated my son's license after proof of insurance, paid bills, opened and gasped over a few other bills, and cried - a lot.
I would never wish this experience away, but in my weaker moments I just want us to all be home, and okay. No more medical bills, no more separation, no more worries, no more monitoring breathing, no more desperate prayers for communication, no more sleeping in twin beds and all over the floor, no more trying to squeeze into my clothes from all the stress weight I have packed on ( it may have been the loaves of homemade bread, and hospital food more than stress)
Then my mind calms, and my tears dry, and I realize this house I am sitting in, it isn't my home. My home is that one room we have all been gratefully living in for over a month, or the hospital room where we circle around our son & brother and give thanks to The Lord for our family. Our home, is the kind words and services given to us by friends and family. Those fleeting moments of wishing for something different, are just that - fleeting. There are miracles to experience, lives to touch, and moments in our future that will, and have changed us forever.
At Day 35, I now know that the Lord has great faith in me. I have grown in so many ways, and I am now better prepared to serve him and others, because of the service I have been given. I am a soldier in his Legion, being prepared to lead my own. I will not falter, nor will I fear. I pray he continues to give me the strength I need for this next battle.
May God bless you, and keep you until we meet again. We Are Legion!
2:30 pm
Phil Update:
Guess what Chase and Alora Do? Alora gave him a ball and 6-7 times in a row he threw it to her in different directions in the room. Just wanted you all to see it, so enjoy a shot clip. The Nurse and the Chaplin were in here to see it as well. It was lots of fun.
** Playing ball is the 1 of 2 Memories Chase has on the hospital in Minot. The other is of his Dad giving him a drop of a soda slush.**
Day 37
Thursday July 24th
10:30 am
Kami/Chase Update:
Chase and I are on the plane, and heading to Denver! Good thing I love roller coasters! wheeeeeee!
Chase and I are on the plane, and heading to Denver! Good thing I love roller coasters! wheeeeeee!
It was very emotional for Chase and me to say goodbye his morning. Chase just held onto Phil for hours today. We are both really going to miss him, and the strength he gives us both. My kids are so amazing and strong, but it was hard on all of us to say goodbye.
It was hard to say goodbye to Erica, and her kids. They have become so important to us, and we love them very much. We are so grateful for the amazing people that his experience has brought into our lives. We continue to pray for Justin, Erica and their family. We pray for all of you! We give our thanks and praises to our Heavenly Father for our miracle Chase.
May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
It was hard to say goodbye to Erica, and her kids. They have become so important to us, and we love them very much. We are so grateful for the amazing people that his experience has brought into our lives. We continue to pray for Justin, Erica and their family. We pray for all of you! We give our thanks and praises to our Heavenly Father for our miracle Chase.
May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
5:00 pm
2nd Chase Update:
Day 1 at Craig Hospital
Day 1 at Craig Hospital
We made it to Craig! Chase is in his room, He has been measured for a wheel chair, checked from head to toe, and he is back on his tube feedings. He is also really annoyed. We have met about 1,000 medical personnel already.
He wants to get out of bed, but they have to do some scans tomorrow to check for clotting before they get him up and moving. Pretty soon he is going to wish he could get in bed.
They are going to put a smaller trach in soon, and then if he does well, they will cap it off for 24 hours, and then remove it. Wahoo!
He is under constant supervision right now, to avoid him pulling on things that ought not be pulled, and trying to get out of bed. That would be really really bad.
Tonight we pray for Chase to continue to progress quickly, we pray he will be able to be comforted. We pray that his doctors and medical staff with be clear of mind and that The Lord will inspire them to action that will be the most beneficial to Chase's healing and rehabilitation.We pray for Justin's continued progression, and that The Lord will work miracles for his family. We pray that your faith continues to strengthen, and that you are able to wonder at God's grace and glory.
May God bless you and keep you until we meet again! We are legion!
Day 38
Friday July 25th
10:00 am
Chase Update:
Day 2 at Craig hospital.
Chase was combatant all night. He has a Mitt on his right hand to keep him from pulling tubes, and cords, and to protect the people he aims for. He didn't sleep much, and was restless most of the night.
Chase will have a schedule everyday now. Hurray! It's so nice to know what to expect.
He is getting 3 tests right now.
1- An ultrasound of his arms and legs to check for blood clots.
2- An ultra sound of his kidney, bowels, and all those organs.
3- an x ray of his lungs and the mid-line to make sure it is place properly before they use it.
2- An ultra sound of his kidney, bowels, and all those organs.
3- an x ray of his lungs and the mid-line to make sure it is place properly before they use it.
Next he meets with the speech therapist until 12:00. They will do swallow testing and such.
From 1-2 he meets with the OT occupational therapist
2:00-3:00 he meets with the PT - Physical therapist
That's all we have scheduled for the day, but it sounds exhausting for someone who has been in a bed for 36 days straight. Day 37 looks like it's shaping up to be all kind of awesome.
Chase is getting a new bed today. Its called a safe keeper bed. It has walls to limit stimulation, and plenty of room for him to roll around in it without hurting himself. I will take a picture of it, and his new wheelchair when we get them today.
Thank you for everything you have done to help us get to this point. This is a hard stage to witness as he is frequently agitated, combatant, and unreachable, but it means he is progressing. Please pray for patience for me, and comfort for Chase. We pray for the Medical staff here to be continually influenced by the spirit to give Chase the best result in the 60 days we have here.
Please keep praying for Justin, miracle are happening for him, and he needs our prayers. Today is a blessed and miraculous day. We pray you recognize your miracles today.
May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
Please keep praying for Justin, miracle are happening for him, and he needs our prayers. Today is a blessed and miraculous day. We pray you recognize your miracles today.
May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
Dressed in real clothes, and out Bed!
His new Wheel Chair, and the new Safe keeper bed they switched him to. The side close up like a big play pen bed.
5:00 pm
2nd Chase Update:
The doctor added a CT scan today. Chase burned through the medication they gave him way before they could get him to CT so they had to give home another dose.
It didn't help much, they still had to hold him down.
It didn't help much, they still had to hold him down.
Chase got the smaller trach put in. They also capped it off so I can hear him with out the passe muir Valve. They will take it out in the evening, and then the goal is 24 hours capped. Then we can consider removing the trach.
Chase gets to take an actual shower tonight. I am so excited for him! They are giving him his dignity back one step at a time.
This place is a miracle!
This place is a miracle!
Tonight my heart is so full of gratitude to The Lord for getting us here. I am laying next to my son while he sleeps. He moans a lot and moves around restlessly. It's so miraculous. Thank you God for letting me keep my son. Please bless and comfort all the Mom's out there who didn't have that gift. I pray I will never forget these little moments where my heart is so full it leeks out of my eyes. Thank you for whatever part you have played and continue to play in our Miracle. May God Bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!
Day 39
Saturday July 26th
9:20 am
Day 3 at Craig Hospital
Chase is so calm this morning. He is napping next to me now, but we snuggled for an hour first.
The ultra sound test from yesterday revealed a blood clot in each arm and they started him on some anticoagulants today. The unexpected CT scan yesterday was to make sure there were no bleeds in his brain before that gave him the anticoagulants. He gets a shot in the stomach twice a day for the anticoagulants. Poor kid!
I completed my Seizure training class yesterday, and I have a trach suctioning class at 1:00 today! As soon as I am done with these I can take take chase with me to the gardens and around the hospital. I can even take him to the mall or out to dinner, which would be mean since he can't eat food yet. We will stick to the apartment and the hospital grounds for now. It is amazing to think a few days ago we were in the ICU.
Please keep cheering us on, and praying for Chase to have miraculous growth.
In a short period. We thank the Lord continually got this amazing experience, and for the trust he had in us. We pray out miracles help you to grow, and appreciate your own. Thank you for joining our Legion, and praising God!
May God Bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!
In a short period. We thank the Lord continually got this amazing experience, and for the trust he had in us. We pray out miracles help you to grow, and appreciate your own. Thank you for joining our Legion, and praising God!
May God Bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!
7:45 pm
2nd Chase Update:
Day 3 at Craig Hospital
Day 3 at Craig Hospital
Are you ready for more miracles? There are 4 HUGE ones coming your way!
#1. Chase smiled and silently laughed. I was telling the Tech a funny story about Talli, and we both started laugh. We looked over and Chase was grinning and his shoulders were shaking from laughter. Holy Amazing. I Wish I could have caught it on camera.
#2. He reached up and rubbed his face three different times today. It looked so normal, I teared up instantly!
#3. I asked him a question and he nodded yes! Then He did it 2 more times in the next hour. He sometimes shakes his head no, but this was a first. It was so amazing to be able to communicate wih him for a small amount of time.
#4. He reached over and curled his fingertip under my chin. This is something his sister Alora does to us all the time when she tells us she loves us. It's normally very annoying
Today was a miracle for me in other ways, as if that wasn't enough!
I learned to help load him in the sling, how to suction him, how to work his wheelchair, and we went on walks all day in the hospital. I still have to get clearance from a PT on Monday before I can go to the gardens without a tech, and then a bit more training before I can take him to the apartment. Babystep!
I learned to help load him in the sling, how to suction him, how to work his wheelchair, and we went on walks all day in the hospital. I still have to get clearance from a PT on Monday before I can go to the gardens without a tech, and then a bit more training before I can take him to the apartment. Babystep!
They put Chase on a Tylenol pain regiment today, and he instantly calmed. It makes me sad to think his combatant behavior was partly from pain. It may have been being in a new place as well as overstimulation. He didn't even have to wear the mitt today. He was amazing! I got so many amazing hugs, snuggles, high fives, and knuckles today. Phil is super jealous, and he should be, this is an amazing experience!
Tonight please join us in thanking The Lord for so many miraculous moments today. Chase and The Lord seem to make an unstoppable team. Please continue to pray for Justin, he is making progress, and his family needs The Lord to continue to bless them with miracles. I pray The Lord's miracles in your day were recognized, and that you recognize your part in our miracles. Thank you for being exactly who you are in this moment. You are loved! May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again! We are legion
Our Day in the Garden!
Day 40
Sunday July 27th
9:20 am
Day 2 at Craig Hospital
Good Morning!
** This is the first real smile I was able to capture, the day kept getting better and better**
12:30
Phil Update:
Day 4 at Craig Hospital
Ok so here is my update on Chase. Today the kids and I face timed chase. Kami is working miracles and here is the result. Chase just smiled, shook his head yes, finger waved, high fived, knuckled and grinned at all of his brothers and sisters. He looks AMAZING! Way to go Chase and Kami! We love and miss them so much. We are heading to Denver late Thursday or Friday morning. We can not wait to see them.
1:30 am
Day 2 at Craig Hospital
I'm about to make you're day a whole lot brighter. You're Welcome!
** Video Link **
** I got all the amazing thing he was able to do on video**
4:50 pm
Chase Update:
Day 4 at Craig Hospital
Day 4 at Craig Hospital
Chase slept long and hard last night. He woke up happy and raring to go! All day long we got thumbs up, smiles, silent laughs,
He started waving at people. Chase figured out how to undo the seatbelt on his wheelchair today.
He started waving at people. Chase figured out how to undo the seatbelt on his wheelchair today.
He took my phone out of my hand today and opened up the snapchat app. I reminded him that he is the only person I snap chap, and it would be weird to snapchat himself. He though that was hilarious. Later I was on my phone and he wanted me to pay attention to him, so he took it out of my hand and threw it on the bed.
He is really tired after spending hours in the garden and walking around, but it's to late to Nap and to early to sleep.
So he is tired and frusterated. He should sleep great tonight.
So he is tired and frusterated. He should sleep great tonight.
Thank you for cheering with us today, he is waking up a little more everyday. A small part of me just expects it to happen instantly, which it sometimes does, but the logical part of me celebrates he little moments. I have already learned the little miracles are the ones we treasure the most. I thank The Lord. For those tender mercies. We pray daily for those tender mercies to bless your life. May God bless you and keep you until We meet again. We are His Legion!
Day 41
Monday July 28th
5:00 am
Kami Update: Day 41
Day 5 at Rehab
Day 5 at Rehab
I want to try and explain Craig hospital, and why it's a miracle. First of all everyone seems to like their job. Seriously, even the maintenance crew. The energy in this place is intoxicating. Everyone wears street clothes here, so sometimes you can't tell if someone is a patient, family member, or staff (unless you can see the name badge) I've been wrong more than once already- super embarrassing!
They want you mobile, ASAP! You have seen the difference it's made for us to get out of that dang bed and moving around! Everything is amazing. From the grounds, to the housing they provided me. I can't wait for Chase's classes today! There is this constant, excited energy inside of me, because I feel another set of miracles coming.
I don't understand how, anyone could be less than thrilled to be here. Yeah it's terrible you're injured, but you are in a place that can give you're best chance at an incredible new life.
I guess I don't understand putting so much energy Into something you can't change. You need that focus and energy to excell in your next great moment.
Gratitude is a magic. It's impossible to be miserable when you are being thankful.
They want you mobile, ASAP! You have seen the difference it's made for us to get out of that dang bed and moving around! Everything is amazing. From the grounds, to the housing they provided me. I can't wait for Chase's classes today! There is this constant, excited energy inside of me, because I feel another set of miracles coming.
I don't understand how, anyone could be less than thrilled to be here. Yeah it's terrible you're injured, but you are in a place that can give you're best chance at an incredible new life.
I guess I don't understand putting so much energy Into something you can't change. You need that focus and energy to excell in your next great moment.
Gratitude is a magic. It's impossible to be miserable when you are being thankful.
Our goal in this experience is to change lives! Ours, yours, other patients, the medical staff. We choose to be happy, grateful, positive, and give the praise and glory to God. A lot of you didn't know us before the accident, and some of you are getting to know us all over again. How amazing is it to connect with strangers, and to be moved so much by someone you may never meet? I know how amazing it is, because I feel your prayers. I read the private messages you send, the comments on my posts and pictures. Your stories, and thoughts touch our lives. You make us stronger, and you inspire us to be better.
So thank you for being exactly who you are in this moment. You are a blessing and a gift to us.
Thank you for remembering us in your prayers, thank you for praying for our friends Justin and Erica. I petition The Lord for you and your families night and day. I pray that no matter what your trials are, you can see the miracles he grants you to conquer them. Why merely survive hard times, when you have the ability to triumph? We pray you realize that happiness is a choice, joy comes from God, and he has a plan for you. May our Heavenly Father bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!
So thank you for being exactly who you are in this moment. You are a blessing and a gift to us.
Thank you for remembering us in your prayers, thank you for praying for our friends Justin and Erica. I petition The Lord for you and your families night and day. I pray that no matter what your trials are, you can see the miracles he grants you to conquer them. Why merely survive hard times, when you have the ability to triumph? We pray you realize that happiness is a choice, joy comes from God, and he has a plan for you. May our Heavenly Father bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!
6:45 pm
Chase Update:
Day 5 at rehab
Day 5 at rehab
Chase had a great morning and a not so great afternoon.
This morning he had some additional testing done on his right kidney, and his brain.
He then had a PT class. He did a pretty good job of following directions to move his legs, it just wasn't always how the therapist asked him too He got to use the therapy bike and peddle. I told him I would run next to him as long as he peddled, little stinker added a minute. Chase got to hang out with one of the therapy dogs, and got some sweet kisses.
He had two different sessions with OT, the first one was great. He was asked to draw a picture they showed him, he did pretty well except when he was teasing the therapists. They asked him to draw a circle and he drew them a heart and then grinned. He wrote his name, and drew a picture of a dog and a boys face just for fun.
Speech therapy was good he answered all her question with nods and head shakes, but he would not eat ice chips or drink water.
The second OT session was cut short. He was very emotional, and uncooperative.
He then had a PT class. He did a pretty good job of following directions to move his legs, it just wasn't always how the therapist asked him too He got to use the therapy bike and peddle. I told him I would run next to him as long as he peddled, little stinker added a minute. Chase got to hang out with one of the therapy dogs, and got some sweet kisses.
He had two different sessions with OT, the first one was great. He was asked to draw a picture they showed him, he did pretty well except when he was teasing the therapists. They asked him to draw a circle and he drew them a heart and then grinned. He wrote his name, and drew a picture of a dog and a boys face just for fun.
Speech therapy was good he answered all her question with nods and head shakes, but he would not eat ice chips or drink water.
The second OT session was cut short. He was very emotional, and uncooperative.
He is laying in bed now, and he is upset. He doesn't want me to talk to him, he doesn't want to go for a walk, he his moaning and frustrated. These moments are less fun than the smiling laughing ones. I don't know how to help him in these moments, and he won't communicate.
So it was a great day with some not so great moments tonight I pray he will sleep well so he can he rested for the busy day he has tomorrow.
Erica and Justin need our prayers desperately! The insurance company wants to send Justin to a nursing home instead of a long term facility! The Doctors do not agree with the insurance company, but we need miracles for them. Please pray for Justin to progress enough this week to shut down that option. His family needs progress and they won't get that in a nursing home.
Thank you for being part of our legion! May God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
Wheel Chair therapy bike
The first of Many therapy pets he would meet.
Day 42
Tuesday July 29th
Tuesday July 29th
6:15 pm
Chase Update: Day 42
Day 6 at Rehab.
Day 6 at Rehab.
First thing this morning Chase showed me his leg hurt. (too much cycling yesterday) he was restless and moaning until he got tyTylenol and then he was good. He loved talking to his Dad on FaceTime, and made sure to show him where his leg hurt.
Chase did so good all day answering questions. At speech therapy today,He allowed me to put ice in his mouth today, he's not a fan! He put the chocolate pudding in his mouth willingly though! He still had a hard time swallowing, but it's when he's over stimulated, not because he can't. He'll get there. Chase drew a picture today, and teased me by making me with a giant head and a tiny short body, he thought that was so funny. He arm wrestled the OT therapist, and cheated, and then he beat her at tic tac toe. She tried a flashlight game with him, but he was to tired to participate at full capability.
Chase did so good all day answering questions. At speech therapy today,He allowed me to put ice in his mouth today, he's not a fan! He put the chocolate pudding in his mouth willingly though! He still had a hard time swallowing, but it's when he's over stimulated, not because he can't. He'll get there. Chase drew a picture today, and teased me by making me with a giant head and a tiny short body, he thought that was so funny. He arm wrestled the OT therapist, and cheated, and then he beat her at tic tac toe. She tried a flashlight game with him, but he was to tired to participate at full capability.
Chase had an MRI today, and he did great. The MRI will give us a better idea of what his brain injuries will mean to his recovery.
Tomorrow the team will meet to discuss his progress, and create his program. His team consists of the neurologist, the neuropsychologist, his nurse, his speech therapist, his case manager, and the Recreation, physical and occupational therapists. Within the next week or so we will sit down with the team and they will go over Chases recovery plan, and all the testing and scan results. We will have a better idea what the future holds at that point.
Chase signed I love you to me today, it was awesome! He had a hard time hding his head straight up or still, and he has done arm and leg movements that are involuntary. Like he's stuck on repeat.
Chase is sleeping now from the sedation. Tomorrow is another busy day so I hope he gets a great nights sleep.
Tomorrow the team will meet to discuss his progress, and create his program. His team consists of the neurologist, the neuropsychologist, his nurse, his speech therapist, his case manager, and the Recreation, physical and occupational therapists. Within the next week or so we will sit down with the team and they will go over Chases recovery plan, and all the testing and scan results. We will have a better idea what the future holds at that point.
Chase signed I love you to me today, it was awesome! He had a hard time hding his head straight up or still, and he has done arm and leg movements that are involuntary. Like he's stuck on repeat.
Chase is sleeping now from the sedation. Tomorrow is another busy day so I hope he gets a great nights sleep.
Please continue to pray that Chase progresses quickly, and that his medical team is guided by The Lord. Especially pray as they meet together tomorrow that The Lord's will for Chase will be implemented in that recovery plan. Please pray both chase and I can be patient and calm as we journey through this recovery progress!
Please continue to pray for great change and miracles for Justin and Erica. They need us! As always we pray that we can have the patience and acceptance that all this will be done according to The Lord's will and in his time and place.
Please continue to pray for great change and miracles for Justin and Erica. They need us! As always we pray that we can have the patience and acceptance that all this will be done according to The Lord's will and in his time and place.
I pray that any obstacles or trials you have faced today have been a triumph or a blessing. May Heavenly Father bless you and keep you until we meet again! We are legion!
Chases DFamily Picture - minus dad and boston
Chases DFamily Picture - minus dad and boston
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