Saturday September 30, 2017

I went to see Blair today.  He was eating McDonald's when I got there - complements of his sister Samantha!  Alex joined in and took over Samantha's iced coffee... and of course she took it in stride! There is nothing like an older sister who loves her little brother's (who are both taller than her). :)  

Samantha helped Blair shower and gave him a much needed pedicure - I did take pictures to document her love for him (cause you have to love someone a whole lot to clean their feet!) but I am not going to post those here!   Ha ha - He felt so much better after a real shower (even though it was in a pair of boxers and sitting on a shower chair).  He has always loved taking care of his hygiene.

Blair was doing so well today!  He opened a gift from his uncle (Scott) and it contained another blanket - this one Ohio State.  (Who would have thought that my husband - the unending PSU fan - would purchase a bright red Ohio State blanket?)   Blair loved it!

He didn't have any therapy today - but he did say it takes like three swallows to actually swallow the food he is eating.  He is hoping that it is easier for him once the tracheotomy tube hole heals up. Prayers appreciated!  I can't imagine swallowing repeatedly to get my food to go down!

A day doesn't get better than a shower and good gifts!

Thanks everyone!

No more trach! Friday September 29, 2017

Blair was very happy to have the tracheotomy tube removed today!  It was later in the day when they got to it - but the important part is that they removed it!

His sister Cassie went in and took him a costume - lol - and he dressed up!  Too darn cute!  He can seriously pull of just about anything and look good!  And I truly enjoy the technology that allows me to see him throughout the day!  :)

His spirits remain very positive and he is doing such a great job working on his recovery!  He told me today he was working on 'smarts' - and he had to explain - that he did everything in speech therapy that he needed to (in order to eat and all - and of course he can talk without problem) so was working on improving his memory and getting him ready to get back to school.  He said it is "brain recovery". I so love the way he thinks!

Thanks for your prayers!  I can only say that God has blessed us way beyond our expectations!!

Way to walk! Thursday September 28, 2017

Blair is doing really well today!  He was able to eat a cheeseburger for lunch and it was the 'best' per his description.  He had a hot roast beef sandwich for dinner and it did look fairly appetizing!

He was able to walk quite a ways (for someone who wasn't conscious a month ago and lost 25 pounds while recovering).  He went outside - and loved it!   I am thinking he'd be happy to live in a tent in my yard when he is done at the rehab!  Just kidding!  He has a bedroom!!  He is using a walker to stabilize - but getting stronger every day!

He will get his tracheotomy tube out tomorrow!  He is really excited about that.  They told him it may feel s little strange to eat - but he said he will have all day to get used to it!  ha ha.  He is eating everything.  I walked in this afternoon and he was eating a candy bar.  :)  Then I learned he ate half of his sister's snicker's bar...  He is so loved.

He is working so hard and I am so proud of him!  Keep the prayers coming!  God is so good!

Real food... Wednesday September 27, 2017

Yesterday Blair was able to eat "soft foods" - so for breakfast he had pancakes!  What a treat after ground up, pureed stuff!   :)

He worked on walking up and down stairs in physical therapy and walking the hall.

The doctor said if he did well overnight (last night to today) they could take the tracheotomy tube out today!  That would be the most amazing day for him (almost at good as Christmas)!

His spirits remain good!  I will update later today - if the tracheotomy tube is out - we'll maybe add some pictures!!

Thanks everyone!!

FOOD! Tuesday September 26, 2017

On Tuesday Blair's tracheotomy tube was given the cap that closes it off so that he is one step closer to having it removed.  The doctor told me he needed to have that for two days and they could take the tracheotomy tube out!  He would LOVE that!

He was still eating pureed food but he was told that he was changing to grounded up food - so that it isn't blended to a pulp.  After a few days of grounded up food, they will changed to mashed food, and then to a little more chunky, and so on.  He can't wait to eat real food again!  He will have the feeding tube in his stomach for six weeks from when they put it in, but they can remove the food once he is eating enough calories that he doesn't need it.  Then it will just be taped to his stomach and it will be easier to go outside (without a pole behind him).

He saw the orthopedic doctor and they took the cast off his arm and gave him a brace that he is wearing now.  Progress!!  When I saw him briefly he was in a great mood - he said his tracheotomy tube was "upgraded" to the cap, he didn't have a cast anymore, and he was eating food (although creamy).  It's the little things in life that make you happy!!

I got him registered for school, so the school will communicate with the rehab about what he needs initially - and when he will be healthy enough to return.  He said he just wants to be back at the high school (CV) and is looking forward to his future.

I am hoping to get up there today - and get an update - so will post again later!   Thanks for your prayers!  Keep praying!

The last month... Monday - September 25, 2017

WOW... the last month has been challenging, amazing, frightening, and incredible... many tears, many prayers, and many daily miracles.  God has been good to our family - and to Blair!  I cannot believe it's been a month.  Blair was brought into Hershey Medical center in a completely unresponsive state ... now he can walk (with help), talk (despite the tracheotomy tube), laugh (with coughing), hug, kiss, give orders, work hard at rehabilitating, and even look to his future!

I cannot express how grateful to God I am for his recovery and his future.  It may not look like he thought it was going to look (or any of us thought it would look) - but God knew this was going to happen; God knew what He had planned for Blair's life from before he was born.  Now, Blair is on a journey to discover that future... one day at a time... one choice at a time.

Monday Blair worked hard in physical therapy - he walked the hallway with the assistance of a walker and his sister (and the physical therapist).  It was tiring... but he did it!

He ate lunch (pureed food) in speech therapy; they didn't change the valve on his tracheotomy tube (we are hoping for tomorrow!) - but most importantly he is allowed to eat (only pureed food for now) with supervision.  I believe he is looking forward to eating food with texture - but for now - this will have to do.  He can have 3 meals a day with supervision (I cannot imagine what various items will look like after going through a blender - but the taste is what is important!).

He continues to use his iPhone and face-time with his sister and text/snap chat his friends.  When I arrived last evening he said he was about to text me to see where I was.  ha ha... he is keeping track of my schedule better than I am!  :)   Gotta love him!

He still has the eye patch that he is to alter every fifteen minutes and he has his mom's reading glasses to wear to see his phone better.

He had some visitor's last night - and they allowed him to have a family member and two friends in the room at one time.  It was nice to meet a few of his friends and listen to him reminisce with them about things that he remembers that were funny and silly. We all need friends and memories to keep us going when life gets hard.  Everyone is doing really well with the 2 friends visiting at a time - and I appreciate that.  Blair would love to have 20 people in his room - but he would get confused - and overwhelmed.  You wouldn't see it ... because he is so social... but it wouldn't be good for progress & he absolutely wants to keep making progress!  So THANKS for organizing and keeping to two at a time!!  Again - NO ONE is restricted - we just want to keep it calm and relaxing for him.

I do have to note that he is 'toileting' on his own.  He does have to transfer to a wheelchair, be pushed to the bathroom, and transfer to the toilet... so it's a little more work than a typical person experiences. If you visit and he's in the bathroom - no worries - he will come out shortly (or talk through the door). He is keeping a good sense of humor about the whole thing - which is great - because some other 'full time guests' (patients) of the rehab do NOT have such a sense of humor and the nurses put up with a lot.

Thank you for your prayers.  Blair appreciates them!  I appreciate them!  Our entire family could not make this journey alone.  God bless you!

Getting outside - Sunday September 24, 2017

I got to spend four (plus) hours with Blair this morning - to this afternoon.  It was so nice to be able to take him outside for a walk (well a ride for him - walk for me).  He loves being outside and enjoying the sun!  We had a really good time just talking about everything that has gone on and how far he has come!  I have really missed spending time with him.

Blair is eating pureed food now.  He is swallowing well and apparently has the gag reflex that he needs in order to be moving forward with moving toward no tube in his throat! The doctor today said they were going to move to a "cap" instead of a "valve cover" for his tracheotomy tube which is the last step before they remove the tube from his throat all together.

They are working toward his eating all his own food - and not needing to be fed by the feeding tube anymore.  Unfortunately he has to keep the tube in there for at least 6 weeks total in order for it to heal correctly when they take it out (per the doctor).  He's had it in for almost two weeks (I think) so he is looking at 4 more (give or take a few days).  The doctor said it is not a problem to take it out - real simple office visit procedure.

He has some upcoming follow up appointments next week and the 2nd week of October, so he will be transported to Hershey Medical Center to have those appointments (with the orthopedic department for his head, neck, ribs, knee and arm).  One is Tuesday morning (9/26/17) so if you are looking to visit Tuesday - you may want to call and see if he is back from the appointment before you head out to the rehab.

The estimated time he needs to be in the rehabilitation hospital is 4-6 weeks total.  That, of course, is their first estimate.  They will review his progress once he's been there for 4 weeks.  At that time we will have more of an idea about discharge (or time-frame in which they will re-assess).  Currently, I am still expecting him to come to our home - although he does have some other options - but at the end of the day he wants to be in CV High School and he will need some assistance still after getting out of the rehab.  He will need 24/7 company (the doctor called it supervision - but he's a bit old for a baby sitter - so I figure company is a better word).  This is because his physical body is healing faster than his brain (and that is always the case).  The possibility of confusion or forgetfulness is there - and as a precaution - it's good to have someone around just in case he needs them.  Also, he wont be able to drive - so it makes sense to have someone around if he wants to go somewhere!  I am currently looking for friends who would be willing to hang out with him during the day while I am at work and Alex is at school...  It would be paid.  I am sure he will have some 'in-home nursing care' and physical, speech, occupational and recreational therapy - but it's always better to have a familiar and friendly face (person) around!  So if we can work out a way to provide that for him - I would really like to.  Please contact me at 717-756-0413, or contact me on facebook, if you are interested.

As far as visits - the list was too long for the rehab to keep track of.  IF the visits remain 2 people at a time - 2 friends in the morning and 2 in the afternoon/evening - then all will be fine.  IF it becomes a problem again - the rehab hospital will implement different ways of managing the visits.  Note, I am not in control of this, and I didn't cause this.  I have never said that anyone specifically couldn't visit. I have merely said that Blair does need his rest.  As someone who cares for him very much - I want what is best for him.  I am sure all his friends want him to recover as well!  So please - just make sure you are communicating with each other so that everyone doesn't show up at the same time.  That way everyone he wants to be able to spend time with will still be able to visit!

Thanks!

Thursday - September 21, 2017

Blair is able to talk! He is working with the speech therapist on swallowing (jello and things).  His physical therapy is going well even though they are still waiting for the brace for his left leg! (Go figure - it hasn't arrived yet even though it was expected Tuesday).  His recreational therapist is coming up with things he can still enjoy doing despite his limited mobility at the time being.

Blair has MANY friends. That support and encouragement is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately there is only so much time in a day. They are providing four or more hours of therapy to him each day which is very tiring to him.  He is also very social and won't turn any visitors away!  The rehab is not set up to have more than 10 people in the waiting room, nor are they employing nurses to spend their time determining who can visit & for how long.

Therefore the rehab has asked for & is being provided a list of names of people allowed in to visit. If you'd like to visit - it needs to be scheduled / planned and I need your full name so that your trip is not wasting your time or theirs. You can contact me at 717-756-0413. Please text or call. It's difficult with friends contacting different members of the family (as we are a pretty big family) and we may not be aware of who told whom to go ahead and come in, which leads to many people at one time.  So, please contact me so I can forward your information to everyone else (and the rehab) so we don't run into problems again. Blair does need more rest with all the work he is doing - so please understand that it's not personal - as his family we are asking that visits be limited to the two people the rehab allow to visit at a time. There are many other people who would like to enjoy their visitors as well and nursing staff that need to be taking care of patients instead of directing traffic of visitors.

Thank you so much for your understanding!

Tuesday & Wednesday - September 19 & 20, 2017

Today Blair is doing well!  He is urinating on his own – so no more catheter!  (I am sure that he is thanking God for that one!)

 

His lung x-ray came back with nothing abnormal for someone in his condition so they downsized his tracheotomy tube to a 4 at 8:00 am this morning.  Hopefully they will be able to put the valve on it so they can begin speech therapy with him and work on talking (although I doubt he will have any problem talking).  The speech therapists are working on his swallowing currently – they call it ‘pleasure feeding’ where they give him a tiny bite of something that tastes really good (like chocolate or something) and they assess his swallowing.  He needs to be able to swallow and have a gag reflex in order to remove the tube completely.

 

They have ordered a leg brace for his left leg because they believe he tore a ligament in his knee (or strained the ligament) so it is hard / painful for him to put weight on it.  Once this comes in they will begin having him walk. 

 

Seems like everything is moving along like it should.  Please pray for clear communication from the nursing staff (as some of them are not so clear or informative at all - but some are amazingly helpful) and for Blair to have a gag reflex.  Without that they would be concerned about him potentially choking so they wouldn’t remove the tube – which wouldn’t allow him to eat real food!  That would be very disappointing to him! 

Impossible things - Monday September 18, 2017

As I was driving my first 60 miles of the day yesterday I heard the song "Impossible Things" by Chris Tomlin -

"There is no healer like the Lord our maker,
There is no equal to the King of kings,
Our God is with us we will fear no evil
Cause You do impossible things..."

All I could think was yup!! He does!  He's a God who heals, loves, protects, defends, provides, directs, and guides us daily (if we let Him).  I am so grateful for all that He does for me.

Today Blair was in a good mood!! He really likes the rehab staff and believes they are really trying to help him.  He said that he stood up today and didn't get really dizzy. That's great!!!  He said that his head and neck hurt all the time & the catheter is really uncomfortable. The doctor was going to take an x-ray of his lungs to make sure they are clear and then work toward a smaller tracheotomy tube. The normal pattern is to go from an 8 tube to a 6 tube to a 4 tube and then remove it.  He has a 6 now so they are looking to move to a 4. That would be great news!!

He is still having the double vision so has the patch on his eye (alternating eyes every 15 min).

Blair told his nurses he was going home from there with his Aunt Cathi & Uncle Scott - he is still opinionated and shares his desires as facts.  I am hopeful that he can come to our home upon discharge. I'm not sure what all he will need in the way of assistance but we will cross that bridge when it comes. So far he's been making steady progress for which we are extremely grateful.

I will try to update tonight.  🙂

Unstoppable God - Sunday September 17, 2017

This morning in church we sang this ... 

Unstoppable God 

Let your glory go on & on

Impossible things 

In your name they shall be done 

Nothing will be impossible 

Your kingdom reigns unstoppable 

We'll shout your praise forevermore

Jesus our God unstoppable 

Through all this God has not stopped loving us, caring for us, providing for Blair, and giving us a peace that is beyond anything I can describe.  Everyone's prayers have been so supportive and we can't thank you all enough.

Blair is in room 1036 at Penn State Hershey Rehab Hospital  1035 Old W. Chocolate Ave. Hummelstown.  Only two visitors are allowed at a time for brain injury patients. 

Blair stood today in physical therapy. He said that he was dizzy - but he did it!  He has made friends with many nurses!  One (Denise) gives Blair his attitude right back - I love sarcastic people.  I'd like to bring her home with me!!

Blair is down to 95 pounds. They are giving him 2100 calories a day and will talk to the doctors about giving him more.  He says he can't wait to eat & drink again. (I'm sure he will appreciate food like never before!) 

He is wearing an eye patch - every 15 minutes on each eye (alternating) because he is having some 'double vision' which doesn't help his headache any!  So this helps it and he is able to watch TV (and only see one).  They didn't say why they think that the double vision is occurring.  But Blair is following their directions perfectly!

I thank God every day for Blair's progress.  God has been so faithful to our family through all of this. We are so blessed.  

Rehab time! Saturday September 16, 2017

Blair was moved to the rehab today at 4:00 pm.  The address is in yesterday's update.

Today he was happy to be moving to the rehab!  He said he is ready to work hard and he really can't wait to be able to TALK instead of write!

He became dizzy yesterday when they were trying to get him to 'walk' (taking any steps with a nurse holding him up on either side) so he is going to have to gain strength and get used to being upright again - as he has been laying down for 22 days!   He will also have to work on speech, and eating/drinking (when they are able to take the tracheotomy tube out).

He is really looking forward to eating real food again!  He didn't really appreciate anyone eating in front of him today (I can only imagine why he wouldn't like that!).  He loved to eat a good meal... so I am sure he'd be happy to accept invites for dinner once he is out of the rehab!

The visiting hours at the rehab are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and unlike the hospital, there is not an age restriction on those visiting.  Another-words - children are welcome - as long as they don't try to play on the equipment! (ha ha)   I do not know if there is a limit on how many people can visit at a time - but if you want to check you can call and ask (717) 832-2600.

I will update tomorrow - and let everyone know if there is any routine to his exercise - or if we can predict when he will need to rest.

Thanks so much for taking this journey with us all... Blair is one blessed man!  He is so loved!

Moving on ... Thursday / Friday September 14 & 15, 2017

I didn't have the energy to type last night... so I am going to put both days together.  :)

Yesterday Blair was even more communicative and telling the nurses what he wanted and when he wanted it.  He found his 'call' button - so the poor nurses are at his beck and call.  :)   He is still communicating by writing things down for you - or hoping you can read his lips.  He is being very sweet and appreciative!

For those of you who know the last year or so... I do want to add - Blair initiated a hug with his uncle last night - and that was really sweet!  His uncle isn't a "huger" so to speak, and Blair has had a strained relationship with him for some time now... and he does remember that.  I asked him if he wanted his uncle to come visit and he said yes.  When he arrived he shook his hand, was happy to see him, and then gave him a hug goodbye!  It was good for my heart to see... as I love them both so much!

The doctors finally put in a smaller tracheotomy tube - a 6.  They have not put the valve on it that would allow him to speak but that will happen when they start speech therapy.  The speech therapy should start when he gets to rehab.

He is doing so well that the doctors determined he was ready to go to the rehab and work on rehabilitating now instead of next week sometime!  They submitted the request to the insurance company today... hoping tomorrow they get a "yes" from the insurance so they can transport him via ambulance to the rehab.  Blair is really looking forward to getting out of the hospital!  The rehab is Penn State Hershey Health Rehabilitation Hospital (website: https://www.psh-rehab.com/).  The address is 1135 Old West Chocolate Ave. Hummelstown, PA 17036.

I contacted the school today about re-enrolling him.  I have to fill out some stuff on line and they are working on getting all his information together that they have from his previous attendance.  They are more than happy to work with the rehab to continue educating him so that he can complete high school as soon as possible (no promises on this year - but that is the hope!).

Thanks so much for your prayers!  God continues to amaze me!

Another day another miracle - Wednesday September 13, 2017

I am sure you all get tired of me say I am watching a miracle... but I just can't believe my eyes some days... my heart is just overflowing with gratitude to God for the healing that He is bringing to Blair.

Today when I called the hospital for an update they told me he was moved to a new room.  He was moved to the 3rd floor.  His room number is 3166.  You take the South Elevators to get to it on the 3rd floor.

Blair is breathing on his own, although he still has the tracheotomy tube in place, and moisture is added.  The doctors will meet tomorrow morning to determine if / when they can remove the tube - or if they can put some kind of cap on it so that he can work on speaking.  The speech therapist completed an evaluation today to determine what steps to take next.  Blair does 'mouth' words but I can't read lips... so he ends up writing most things down.

The nurses explained that he was able to sit up in his chair again today twice and he continues to work really hard on his recovery.  He again was able to 'assist' the nurses as they transferred him from his bed to the chair (it takes two nurses to help him move from the bed to the chair but he is putting weight on his feet).

He shared this evening that his head still hurts (shocking - I know - if only he knew that it ought to hurt considering his fall!) and his vision is blurry.  He said he was afraid he was going blind.  He explained that his vision was not blurry previously but was today.  We assured him that his eyes were just tired and as his head heals, so will his vision.  The doctor's didn't tell us that ... but we don't want him worrying about anything.  I will talk to the doctor tomorrow morning about his vision and see what they say.  I did assure him we could get him contacts if he needed them!  :)

He gave us hugs tonight.  It's so nice to see him interacting with his brother, sister's, friends, and grandparents... I have missed his hugs.  :)   He even smiled for pictures to have this documented for himself.  I promised I wouldn't post... ha ha.   Love him to pieces.  <3  

Another day of progress! Tuesday September 12,2017

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."
                                                                                          - Confucius

Today Blair was off his ventilator all day (after being off it all night).  This is progress!  His oxygen level didn't drop below 99% so he will remain off the ventilator unless he shows that he needs some assistance.  We are hoping they are able to change the tracheotomy tube soon.. but waiting on the doctors to tell us when.  A smaller tube would allow him to speak instead of write things out - and he is tired of us trying to interpret his handwriting!

Blair also assisted the nurses, by holding his own body weight, when being transferred to the chair to sit up to 'exercise' for the four hours this morning and afternoon.  He was able to (with assistance) take a step or two in moving to the chair.  He does get very worn out after these times of exercise... but he keeps doing them and completing them in spite of his exhaustion!

The nurses have found that as long as someone is in the room he is unable to really sleep well.  So, he has to have no one in the room for him to get a good nap after exercise.

I am trying to make sure he has visits from those that love him daily, although, not have him overwhelmed with many people all at once.  Evenings tend to be the busiest times - so if you can visit during the day - please do.  He is most awake in the morning after 8:00 am and typically no one is there (visits start at 9:00 am).

Thanks so much for following ... and praying for Blair!

Another day... Monday - September 11, 2017

Today Blair was able to tell me to change the song on his MP3 player when he didn't like one of songs (he repeatedly mouthed the words till I figured it out).  He was wearing gloves on his hands that resemble boxing gloves so he couldn't pull on the tubes that he has connected to him or his IV.  He shared by writing that his head hurts pretty bad. 

He "told" me (writing) that he'd rather be at home in pain than in the hospital. I told him he can't leave until some tubes come out ... he didn't like that answer and of course I got the finger. It's ok though. I know it's hard on him to lay there all this time hurting.  

He wrote that he thought he was already in rehab - I told him we are working on getting him able to go to a rehab.  He didn't believe me so the nurse came in and told him we still have some work to do before he can go to a rehab.  

Tonight they are leaving him off the ventilator all night. If that goes well then they will talk about what's next.  I'll find out tomorrow. 

Blair was pretty focused on urinating. I explained he had a catheter but he kept writing that he wanted to pee.  It is good that he is able to identify that he wants to use the bathroom ... he just needs to continue to heal so that his body will allow him to control those things.  

One day at a time.... slow and steady... I just keep trying to encourage him to keep trying.  It has to be hard to be laying there with only his pain to focus on.   The nurses are great - they are taking good care of him. 

Thank you for your prayers.

OK then... Sunday - September 10, 2017

So, today Blair had a lot of visitors... many friends.  Some of his friends asked him if he was ready to get out of the hospital... like they'd break him out or something.  ha ha.... He of course wrote YES!!! He definitely wants to get out of there!   Me, being the "rational one" pointed out that he needs to be able to breathe all day by himself in a chair... and he wrote down "Shut up Cathi".  

There is the boy I know and love!!!   :)

He continues to know that he hurt his head in an accident... he doesn't know what the accident was. Please don't tell him.... he will remember or learn about it later.... for now he needs to get rest and not worry.

He does write down some interesting things...  Today he told us that "this place is being robbed" repeatedly ... I am not sure if he thought they were taking his music away from him when he wanted it - or if he really thought they were taking his things home with them.  Regardless I assured him that he would have all his things when he is able to leave.  (He told me to take a shirt home that someone brought him so he could have it at home when he gets out.)  :)

He was able to sit this morning for four hours in the chair and continues to breathe on his own for three hours at a time.  I am praying they are able to change the tube to the smaller tube tomorrow so that he is able to cover it and talk to us!  Even if not tomorrow... maybe sometime later this week.  I'll keep everyone posted!!

Everything today was pretty much the same as yesterday, although he did really need to rest in-between visits.  It takes a lot of energy to write out conversations!

I am putting together pictures of this - and the daily reports - so that he will be able to look back and see all the people that were there for him and love him dearly.  So, I am asking that if you visit him and take any pictures - preferably of you with him - that you send them to me by text.  My number is 717-756-0413.  Please let me know your name - so I can title the picture with your name (and not someone else's) so that Blair can look at this in the future and know just how much God has blessed him with support and encouragement!

Thanks so much everyone!  Blair is a very blessed man!!  I don't know many people that have so many caring for them and praying for them.  God bless you all!!

Saturday - September 9, 2017

It's hard to believe it's been two weeks since Blair's accident happened!  It seems like so much has happened in such a short amount of time!

This morning Blair was off the ventilator for 3 hours straight. He was also sitting up in his chair for 4 hours. He complained to the respiratory nurse that his butt hurt repeatedly - yet he still made it through the 4 hours. He will sit up again later this afternoon. 

At 3:00 pm he was back off the ventilator for at least 3 more hours. He's pretty tired today as he had a work out this morning and they want him to keep working to improve, so I let him rest most of the afternoon. 

He did get to see his grandparents in NY today and he waved at them (over 'face-time'). They were very happy to see his eyes open!!  

I asked him to smile for a picture for his sister, Sam, cause she is leaving on a cruise & always tells him how good he looks. He smiled with teeth & all for a picture to send her.  He'd do anything for his "Mimi".  (And so will I - I get to tell him daily just how "good he looks" for her!) 

His memory is scattered and the last few years are only there in pieces. He remembers Cumberland Valley schools and Wrestling but didn't recall York High - yet he does recognize some people he's met in the last year - so maybe it's just coming back slowly. I write this so that if you visit him - please just understand if he doesn't remember something - you don't need to worry about it. He knows everyone visiting him is here because they love him and want him to keep getting better.  He will remember everything in time - and if not - we can all help fill in the blanks!!

#miracleshappen

Friday - September 8, 2017

Blair is doing well – making progress – one day at a time!  (Slow and steady win’s the race!)

He has a calendar now so that he can see the days (thanks to Samantha) … he wants to know when he can leave and his sister showed him when the accident happened, when he woke up, and when they may be able to change the tracheotomy tube, etc.  That way he isn’t thinking he’s been there for a month or more … (he was and he needed to be reminded that in 2 weeks he has come a VERY long way!)

He is breathing on his own for 2 hours at a time, then they give him a break for 2 hours, and then back to the breathing on his own.  He has to sit up for 3 hours a couple times a day to gain strength in the muscles and ensure he is breathing in an upright position (which feels like exercise to him).

He doesn’t like laying there with others staring at him … he wants to do something like watch television, listen to music, or something.  He has a bunch of scabs that are coming off so he is scratching his head and he pulled some of his hair out.  He got his staples out today (from the back of his head). Don’t be surprised if he has some hair missing… we didn’t shave it… or cut it!

If you’d like to visit – Blair would love to see you! But please come in small groups – like 2 – 4 people.  Only 2 people are able to go back at a time – and we don’t want him too tired.  He wants to stay awake for everyone!  He is such a social butterfly!!  Thanks so much! 

Also, note, I am not posting pictures here.  I don't think Blair would want any pictures of himself in this state out on social media.  He is on the vain side... so out of respect for him, please don't post any pictures of him in the hospital, in a neck brace, etc.  When he is able to post things himself - he will decide what others can see.  Thank you!  

Thursday - September 7, 2017

Sorry for the delay. I'm adjusting to working all day and going to the hospital in the evening and then trying to sleep.  

Anyway, Thursday Blair was exercising by sitting up in the chair and breathing without the vent hooked up or giving him pressure. He has to do these exercises a couple times today in order to build up strength. He's doing very well. When we went into see him last night he was able to answer questions by writing out answers and tell us where he was experiencing pain. 

He wrote that he wants to return to school at Cumberland Valley. It will take quite some time for that to happen - but I'm happy that he wants to get back into school!! I'm sure it's more about his social life than academics - but it's a positive either way!!

He has to sit in the chair 3 hours or more twice daily. It's important he get rest in between so he can continue to progress. Answering questions by writing takes a lot of energy and focus too. So if he falls asleep on any visitors - don't be offended.  🙂

Wednesday - September 6, 2017

Today was a really good day for Blair.  He is able to communicate with those visiting him.  He was able to write things that he wanted to get across to those in the room.  The statements were short and the handwriting wasn't the best (small, sometimes too small to read, sometimes letters on top of each other, etc.) but he was able to eventually communicate if he was tired and wanted to sleep, or when he was trying to urinate (that isn't what he called it).  :)

I 'face-timed' his sister's and brother in Idaho (Alyssa, Sarah, and Aaron) and he tried to take my phone out of my hand.  I did let him hold it and it's clear he misses his phone!  :)

He was off his vent for an hour at a time - he has to have short periods (1 hour) to breathe completely on his own to increase his strength.  It does seem to take a lot of his energy.  The hope is to work hard and eventually replace the tracheotomy tube with a shorter one that he will be able to talk with.  (I don't quite know how that works to be honest... but I guess we will see when it happens).  But for now he continues to improve... that is what matters!!!

He does NOT know what happened in detail - please do not push any memories.  We don't want anyone to tell him that he fell down a cliff and has been out for nearly 2 weeks... that will come in time. For now, he was told he was in an accident and he has to work on getting better.  We'd appreciate it if everyone would focus on his recovery, and encourage him to remember how well he's doing!  

Isaiah 43:1-5a
"But now, this is what the Lord says - He who created you, (Blair), He who formed you (Blair), "do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you..."

He has certainly been with you Blair... no doubt in anyone's mind.

oops.. more Tuesday...

I forgot to share that I 'face-timed' his sister, Samantha, from his room so she could see him.  She kept telling him how good he looked and how she missed and loved him!  He kept looking at the phone and almost smiling (no he can't smile yet - but it's coming!).  Samantha's son Julian asked him if he got his card, if he liked it, and that he loved him too!  It was so obvious that he could see who was on the phones screen...  Blair lifted his hand to 'wave' at Julian (I don't know if it was a wave or if he was trying to get the phone to hold it really - but it made a 5 year old boy very happy!).  There are so many of us (i.e.: large family) that are so impacted by this... we are just thrilled to have him coming back to us.
No matter what the future holds - we'll face it.  God is good!

Tuesday - September 5, 2017

I am so happy today I could just cry!!   I feel like I am watching a miracle unfold... and I just can't wait to see what God is going to do next!!! 

Blair is definitely more awake than previously.  He follows you with his eyes and lifts his eyebrows when you say something a bit surprising or awkward to him.  He was able to say "yes" and "no" to simple questions by using his arm.  (Up for yes - down for no). When we left this evening Alex said "deuces" and held up a 'peace sign' with his fingers and Blair tried to make a peace sign back at Alex!!  He even appeared to watch Alex do card tricks. 

He was able to tell the nurses what hurt by putting his hand to his throat (where the tracheotomy and vent tube is) and they explained to him that he shouldn't try to talk because he isn't able to due to the respirator.  

His respirator is down to 30% assistance, his heart rate is 110 (average) which is still high but stable. His respiratory  rate is still high but lower than yesterday.  

I am just so thankful tonight as I go to bed... thank you for your prayers and know that God is answering every day!  

Monday - September 4, 2017

Blair followed ALL of his commands today when Alex (his younger brother) was in the room. He even stuck out his tongue when they asked him to.  😝  (Never have I been so happy to see a kid stick out their tongue!!)
His temperature is going up (101•) & they did a culture of the mucus in his lungs which indicated the beginning of aspiration pneumonia. The doctor has to look at the reports yet - but they are likely to begin an antibiotic very soon. His chest x-ray was pretty good - but with the fever and culture they believe that's what's happening. It's something that happens often in cases where people are unconscious for an extended period of time.
His heart as beating really fast today (140 bpm) so they did an EKG which didn't show anything significanr.  They explained that they wanted to get a baseline reading to have in case his heart continues to be so high. He also continues to breathe rapidly and not deeply.  It's possible that it's just a response to the pain in his chest where his ribs are broken - but it would be better for him to breathe deeper and less often.
Thank you all so much for your positive thoughts and prayers!! It means so much to our family that Blair has so many that care about him!! Your prayers on his behalf are being heard and answered!! 💜

Sunday - more info

The lung x-ray came back fine - it didn't show any collapse of his lung or pneumonia or anything bad. It did show that he has a significant amount of air in his upper intestinal track (because the x-rays position caught some of his intestine). They want him to pass the gas and produce a bowel movement.
His reduced breathing when in his left side appears to be pain related. They are going to coordinate rolling him on his left side and when they give him pain medicine so it hurts him less & he keeps his oxygen up.
They gave him a blood thinner to prevent blood clots in his legs and they are considering using a brace on his feet (only on one foot at a time) to prevent "dropped foot" which makes it really hard to stand up after a person has been in bed for a long time.
#keeppraying

Sunday September 3, 2017

His Sodium level is lower but within normal range.  He is sweating severely which is because of the brain injury. His temperature is normal. 

His scrapes & wounds are scabbing over & he still has staples in the back of his head. 

The respirator is set st 40% oxygen - Peak 5. Allowed over peak 10.  He is only taking shallow breaths. They'd like him to take deeper ones but decreased the respirator to allow him to breath more himself. 

They decreased the narcotic pain medication - hoping he will be more awake so he can respond to commands.

He has a significant odor even though they are bathing him at least once daily. It's from his brain injury - fluid occasionally draining from his nose - from back of his throat - etc. it's considered normal although he'd probably be grossed out considering his vanity. 

His eyes are more open today.  They appear to be tracking together although it's unclear if he can see anyone or exactly what's going on around him. 

Saturday - September 2, 2017

Sitting up in the chair yesterday was a bit too much for him, so they are not going to put him back in the chair to soon. Sitting in the chair requires him to breathe 100% on his own without the support from the ventilator.  Previously I had said he was breathing on his own, but the nurse today clarified that he initiated breathing but the ventilator does much of the work after he initiates each breath. 

He is also receiving 60% of oxygen via the vent - in order to maintain the oxygen level in his blood.  He's had some issues with mucus in his lungs (which is common) because he isn't able to take a full breath (like deep) and his lungs create the mucus.

They took a Lung x ray today in order to keep an eye on the mucus - i don't have the results yet.

He is not able to regulate his  body temperature, heart rate, or breathing yet - his heart rate and breathing rate are much faster than typical heart rate / breath rate.

He's being fed through the feeding tube  every hour. 

He is opening his eyes, lifting his eyebrows, fluttering his eyelashes  but they do not believe he is intentionally opening his eyes to look at anything in particular, or that he can see. At 4:00 they did another neurological check and he is only responding to pain, not commands. 

Friday - September 1, 2017

Today Blair opened his eyes twice for the nursing staff. It's unclear if he is seeing anything specifically but he seems to know people are present.  His responses to commands continue to be intermittent.  He was able to be upright in a rehabilitation chair and he was given a bath so his hair looks better!  They are monitoring him to ensure he doesn't get an infection.  Continued prayers are appreciated!!