Day 43
Wednesday July 30th
9:30 pm
Chase update:
Day 7 at Craig Hospital
Day 7 at Craig Hospital
I can't believe we have already been here for 7 days. It's nuts, and yet when we got here Chase wasn't communicating or having much interaction. Tonight he was laughing outloud, drawing a picture of a cheeseburger and a shake and trying to "talk" our friend Tyler into taking him to get one.
Chase communicates with gestures, sign language, and head movements like nodding or shaking. He can't speak yet. Unfortunately the part of his brain that controls his ability to speak was damaged. It's going to take him time, and a lot of hard work and prayers to be able to speak again.
The doctor says maybe never, but we say phshaw- We know better!
Chase communicates with gestures, sign language, and head movements like nodding or shaking. He can't speak yet. Unfortunately the part of his brain that controls his ability to speak was damaged. It's going to take him time, and a lot of hard work and prayers to be able to speak again.
The doctor says maybe never, but we say phshaw- We know better!
Chase got his Trach out this Morning! Its such a huge relief. One more tube gone.
Another patient went past chase using a walker and he gestured that he wanted to do that. I told him he had to get stronger, and do what his therapists tell him to do. He did everything they asked him to do today, and tried really hard even when he wasn't physically strong enough. Very slowly he is starting to use his left arm and leg more often.
Chase got a lot of resting and free time today so was in a great mood tonight. No frustration until he was ready for bed.
Chase met with the speech therapist today. He can't make his mouth open very well. Nor can he stick out his tongue or pucker his lips. He did swallow a spoonful of applesauce today though It was hard to watch him try and read and then point to the picture that matched the word. He had a hard time concentrating, so he would rush and make mistakes.
I wish I could make it less frustrating for both of us.
He got a wipe board today to help him communicate, he mostly doodles and write illegible, it's like pictionary with a horrible partner. he draws a great cheeseburger and shake though. If he can concentrate and slow down he does great at pretty much everything. He learned to sign the word beautiful today, and he used it on all the pretty nurses.
Chase got his trach out today! That means we only have the feeding tube left! Wahoo!
Another patient went past chase using a walker and he gestured that he wanted to do that. I told him he had to get stronger, and do what his therapists tell him to do. He did everything they asked him to do today, and tried really hard even when he wasn't physically strong enough. Very slowly he is starting to use his left arm and leg more often.
Chase got a lot of resting and free time today so was in a great mood tonight. No frustration until he was ready for bed.
Chase met with the speech therapist today. He can't make his mouth open very well. Nor can he stick out his tongue or pucker his lips. He did swallow a spoonful of applesauce today though It was hard to watch him try and read and then point to the picture that matched the word. He had a hard time concentrating, so he would rush and make mistakes.
I wish I could make it less frustrating for both of us.
He got a wipe board today to help him communicate, he mostly doodles and write illegible, it's like pictionary with a horrible partner. he draws a great cheeseburger and shake though. If he can concentrate and slow down he does great at pretty much everything. He learned to sign the word beautiful today, and he used it on all the pretty nurses.
Chase got his trach out today! That means we only have the feeding tube left! Wahoo!
Tonight we ask you to join us in prayers for Chase. We pray The Lord will provide healing to his brain so that he can regain his ability to speak and sing. We pray he can continue to improve rapidly so that we can get the most out of the 53 days we have left here. We pray for Justin and Erica, and for the many miracles they need and thank The Lord for the ones they have already received. We pray for comfort during the hard moments and for gratitude for the joyful ones. We pray you are a stronger version of yourself today, than you were yesterday, We pray that as we all ask The Lord to grant our petitions, that we do so according to his will. May The Lord God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
Trach free!!!
Therapy dogs are the best!
Trying to play air hockey in Therapeutic Recreation - T- Rec for short.!
Enjoying the Gardens!
Chase's trying to copy my picture.
Day 44
Thursday July 31st
9:50 pm
Chase Update:
Day 8 at Craig Hospital
Day 8 at Craig Hospital
Today we had a new kind of miracle. - Chase cried. I told him the basic story of his accident and shared some of the emotions we went through during the first few weeks in the ICU. He sobbed, and held me.
I told him about how we all fought for him. How we pleaded with The Lord for him to be healed, and about how this experience has changed us all for the better. I expressed my gratitude for the accident, and how much Heavenly Father must love and trust us to give us this experience. I told him I have no doubt we will keeping amazing people. If he can heal a dying body, he sure as heck can help him walk and talk again. We prayed together tonight, and I expressed my gratitude for all of you, for The Lord's mercy, and especially for Chase. He was an amazing blessing before the accident, and now he is a miracle! Chase told me tonight that he remembers the accident, but I'm not sure if he really does or if he just remembers us telling him about it. He did tell me he was wearing a seatbelt, but again I'm not sure.
I told him about how we all fought for him. How we pleaded with The Lord for him to be healed, and about how this experience has changed us all for the better. I expressed my gratitude for the accident, and how much Heavenly Father must love and trust us to give us this experience. I told him I have no doubt we will keeping amazing people. If he can heal a dying body, he sure as heck can help him walk and talk again. We prayed together tonight, and I expressed my gratitude for all of you, for The Lord's mercy, and especially for Chase. He was an amazing blessing before the accident, and now he is a miracle! Chase told me tonight that he remembers the accident, but I'm not sure if he really does or if he just remembers us telling him about it. He did tell me he was wearing a seatbelt, but again I'm not sure.
In class today Chase wanted to get out of the wheel chair by himself instead of using the transport sling, so the OT helped him do it safely. His legs gave out of course, but I love that they encourage him and allow him to try even when they know he isn't ready. He practiced sitting up again today, and he did it better, stonger, and for a longer period of time than yesterday. The OT looked at me and said Did we really just start sitting up yesterday? Lol
At speech today, Chase was able to swallow 4 bites of apple sauce. He has such a hard time making his mouth move, so it was exciting. She had him kiss her hand, he has a hard time putting his lips together, but he spent the rest of the day kind of kissing the hands of every female on his medical team.
At speech today, Chase was able to swallow 4 bites of apple sauce. He has such a hard time making his mouth move, so it was exciting. She had him kiss her hand, he has a hard time putting his lips together, but he spent the rest of the day kind of kissing the hands of every female on his medical team.
He loves to face time for short (5 min) sessions, and I have been going back and reading him past messages. He loves to hear from his friends especially. Please message him via my account, and I will read them to him, or he will take my phone from my hand and read them himself.
Phil and the kids are on their way, and Chase has been telling everyone via sign language that his dad is coming, and he's cool. Thank you Tyler for teaching him how to sign dork, because he tells me I'm a beautiful dork, Dads cool, moms a dork. Hmmmm.
Tonight We thank The Lord for this spritual and emotional evening. For our productive and promising day, and pray we will continue on this path of rapid recovery. We pray chase will continue to be comforted and patient as his body heals. We pray for your families, and your struggles. We couldn't do this without you. You are that extra bit of strength we need to push on most days. Thank you for your prayers, faith, and encouragement. May The Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
Day 45
Friday August 1st
9:00 am
Chase is so content. He is so happy to have his dad here. Phil awoke me up at 5:30 so he could go see him- yea that wasn't going to happen.
9:40 pm
Chase Update:
Day 9 at Craig Hospital
Day 9 at Craig Hospital
Our whole family is together again. Chase loved having his whole family here, especially his Dad. Chase showed off a little for Phil today, he pushed himself extra hard.
Today Chased did so much better with his swallowing, he really wants a cheeseburger bad! He got to play a bit of soccer,and basketball. He helped with getting himself dressed today, and brushed his teeth. It was messy!
Chase got to use a standing chair today, and he did amazing he stood up for more than 20 min. Between a 30- 90• angle he pushed himself hard. His therapists are constantly amazed by him. He is very self- motivated!
Chase was handing out hugs and smiles all day! He understand most everything, but struggles to find the answer at times.
He definetly hasn't lost his sense of humor.
Chase got to use a standing chair today, and he did amazing he stood up for more than 20 min. Between a 30- 90• angle he pushed himself hard. His therapists are constantly amazed by him. He is very self- motivated!
Chase was handing out hugs and smiles all day! He understand most everything, but struggles to find the answer at times.
He definetly hasn't lost his sense of humor.
Tonight we just give thankful gratitude to The Lord. My heart is so full, and my eyes are so sleepy. So much joy in one week is exhausting, or it could have been the blood donation- not my finest moment, but I did it in spite of my fears. We pray you feel our love and prayers for you. May God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
Chase got the Opportunity to use the Standing frame for the first time today!
Brooklyn and Chase
Happy!
Brothers! Chase and Boston
Chase surprising Alora with his skills!
Reunited!
5 little Monkeys laying in the Bed!
New Hat from Dad! It has a hard Hat shell in it.
Chase and Talli
Day 46
Saturday August 2nd
9:45 pm
Kami Update:
Day 10 at Craig Rehab
Day 10 at Craig Rehab
I'm struggling a little today. I love being in Colorado with Chase, but I'm going to miss Brooklyn's first day of high school, and Alora's first day of middle school. Brooklyn's 14th birthday is Tuesday, and she leaves for cheer camp Monday. I'm missing so many important things.
Phil spent the whole day with Chase so I could take Brooklyn and Alora school shopping. Our friend Dakota hung out with Biston and Talli to make it easier. We got all the kids school supplies, and most of their school clothes. I hate shopping so I tried to cram it all into one day. We had fun but I was definetly over it before we were done.
Brooklyn cut off most of her hair today, and her dad even liked it! It's really cute, I will post a picture later.
Brooklyn cut off most of her hair today, and her dad even liked it! It's really cute, I will post a picture later.
We had a little family birthday party with our friends Tyler and Dakota, we celebrated Chase and Brooklyn's birthdays. Chase has been saving and working to get a new phone, and we got it for him today. He was so excited. ( even though he paid half) Phil told him he had to work really hard to get his left hand working better so he can use. Earlier in the day a commercial for that phone came on and he came got really excited, "telling"Phil that's the phone he wants. It was cute.
Chase had been using the left side of his body better today, he practiced swallowing as well.
Another patient ( a father of 9 & #10 is due next week) has the same injuries as Chase. He talked to Chase today about working hard, and not getting discouraged. He gets to go home this week, and he is ready. It's neat to hear other patients story.
Chase had been using the left side of his body better today, he practiced swallowing as well.
Another patient ( a father of 9 & #10 is due next week) has the same injuries as Chase. He talked to Chase today about working hard, and not getting discouraged. He gets to go home this week, and he is ready. It's neat to hear other patients story.
It has been so great to be together as a family again.
Tonight my prayers are gratitude for my family. For those of you who are family by blood, and those of you we chose to be part of our family. We have been so blessed in our lives to be surrounded by amazing people. We pray you know of our love for you, and you know the love we have for our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. We pray you know that you are never alone, and that The Lord has a plan for you and all of us. Thank you for the role you have played in his plan for us. Please continue to to pray for speedy progressions for Chase and Justin, and we will do the same for all of you. May God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are legion!
Chases new Phone he has been saving up for.
Brooklyn's new haircut.
A not so amazing Birthday Picture, with a million candles thanks to annoying siblings.
Day 47
Sunday August 3rd
9:10 pm
Chase Update:
Day 11 at Craig Rehab
Day 11 at Craig Rehab
Chase has improved so much over the weekend. His rehab therapist are going to be floored by him tomorrow. His left hand had been pretty much useless until the last three days. Today he was giving high fives, knuckles, waving, signing, and he helps hold his phone- all with his left hand. I posted a video earlier of him trying to say Mom! Seriously? He couldn't even open his mouth last week. He is so amazing.
They had games outside today and chase destroyed Phil at corn holes. He got all three bean bags in the hole while he was laying back in his wheel chair for a weight shift. Lol!
Chase took my phone from me today, unlocked it with the password, clicked my kindle app and opened the book we have been reading together then handed it back so I would read to him. best day ever! He did the same to his sister later in the day!
It's fantastic to watch him tease his siblings. Heck he teases us all. My friend Megan and her daughter Carly came to visit today. It was so good to see them. It's so fun to have people visit and see how far he's come.
Phil and the kids are leaving in a few hours, and chase and I are both sad to see them go. Chase has loved having them here, especially his dad. He blossoms under Phil's care. They set goals for him to reach before Phil comes back on the 14th.
Phil and the kids are leaving in a few hours, and chase and I are both sad to see them go. Chase has loved having them here, especially his dad. He blossoms under Phil's care. They set goals for him to reach before Phil comes back on the 14th.
Tonight we continue to pray for swift progress, and express our gratitude for the miracles we have pouring down on us everyday. We pray for continue strength and mobility on Chase left side, and for miracles to enable his vocal communication to increase. We pray for Justin and Erica to have healing blessings poured down on them. We always pray for you. We can never thank you all personally, but we pray for you to experience our joy in knowing and trusting God. We pray your trials strengthen you rather than weaken you. The Lord gave you this life because you were strong enough to live it! We pray you do more than live it, we pray you embrace life and experience each day with gratitude and joy. May The Lord God bless you and keep you until we meet again.
**Video Link **
Chase trying so hard to make his Mouth Work.
Day 48
Monday August 4th
4:20 pm
Chase Update:
Day 12 at Rehab.
Day 12 at Rehab.
Today was AMAZING!
Chase suprised his OT Tanya today. He pretended he still couldn't use his left arm much, and he when she asked for a high five he used his left hand. She was so excited. Tonya helped chase stand up from his wheelchair, then he sat up for over 30 min on the edge of the Mat and played Sorry with her. When he got a Sorry he would try to say sorry, he spelled it out once by pointing to the letters on the wall. He won, she is learning not to play games with him. Lol. They practiced catching a beachball with both hands and using alternate legs to kick it. It was fantastic!
In speech today he showed his therapist Kristen how he found his voice, he did great answering all her questions and got 29/30 points because he still thinks he was in a bus when he wrecked, but he changed it to truck with a little reminder. He ate most of the applesauce she fed him, and was so excited to show her how good he could swallow. He was on point today. The chocolate pudding was harder to swallow. Chase was able to stick his tongue out for a moment today.
In PT his therapist Natalie had him bike for 10 min on the wheelchair bike. Chase sat up really well again, and she had him practice laying down and then sitting back up (with a little help) he also got to stand up.
Chase suprised his OT Tanya today. He pretended he still couldn't use his left arm much, and he when she asked for a high five he used his left hand. She was so excited. Tonya helped chase stand up from his wheelchair, then he sat up for over 30 min on the edge of the Mat and played Sorry with her. When he got a Sorry he would try to say sorry, he spelled it out once by pointing to the letters on the wall. He won, she is learning not to play games with him. Lol. They practiced catching a beachball with both hands and using alternate legs to kick it. It was fantastic!
In speech today he showed his therapist Kristen how he found his voice, he did great answering all her questions and got 29/30 points because he still thinks he was in a bus when he wrecked, but he changed it to truck with a little reminder. He ate most of the applesauce she fed him, and was so excited to show her how good he could swallow. He was on point today. The chocolate pudding was harder to swallow. Chase was able to stick his tongue out for a moment today.
In PT his therapist Natalie had him bike for 10 min on the wheelchair bike. Chase sat up really well again, and she had him practice laying down and then sitting back up (with a little help) he also got to stand up.
Chase shows irigrwss everyday. Sometimes we take baby steps and sometimes we sprint. Today we had a new miracle every class.
Tonight, we express our excitement and gratitude to our loving father in heaven. We are continually dropping to our knees to give thanks for the numerous blessing we receive each day. We thank The Lord for this experience, and for the new friends we have made. We pray you celebrate your own God- given experiences and find the joy that the good and the challenging moments grants us. May he bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!
Day 49
Tuesday August 5th
8:30 am
Chase Update: Day 49
Tues. August 5th
Day 13 at Craig rehab
Tues. August 5th
Day 13 at Craig rehab
Chase learned how to sign the happy birthday song from his Aunt Karie this morning. He was so excited to FaceTime Brooklyn and tell her Happy birthday. Happy 14th Birthday to my sweet Brooklyn!
Chase practiced standing up again today, and he did so good. His PT made him stand mostly on his left leg and he did it for 3 min!!!! He was barely able to move that leg on purpose last week and now he's standing on it! We hope to get a new wheelchair this week.
Chase played pool and air hocky in T-rec ( therapeutic recreation) for some reason that's his favorite class. It's basically brain school PE! We got to watch as they helped fit a spinal cord patient to his new hand peddled bike. It was an amazing blessing to watch him ride that thing out of the building, with a huge smile on his face. This place definitely redefines possibilities.Chase met with his neuropsychologist today, and he was excited at how well chase was communicating. The fact that chase can read, write, and make noise gives him a lot of hope. It's still going to be hard to speak, but we know he can do it.
Chase did great in speech today. He is getting a little better at moving his mouth everyday, it's tiny improvements, but there are improvements.
Chase did great in speech today. He is getting a little better at moving his mouth everyday, it's tiny improvements, but there are improvements.
Tomorrow I meet with his medical team. They have spent the last two weeks evaluating him and noting his progress. I should have a better understanding of his injuries, and how that affects his mental and physical prognosis. From what I understand they will also have a good idea how long we will be here. I am excited and nervous at the same time.
Chase is picking up sign language pretty quick, and he communicates a little better with the wipe board aka dry erase board everyday. He progresses so rapidly, I just love seeing him blow everyone away continually.
Thank you for you love, prayers, and support. May The Lord God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!
Thank you for you love, prayers, and support. May The Lord God bless you and keep you until we meet again. We are Legion!
** Video Links **
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