Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Dear friends and loved ones!
Part of my greatest joy each day is seeing the little changes that are happening to Kris. Last week seemed to find her at a plateau; this week is something much different. Today marked another milestone for several reasons. Let me tell you how the day started.
When I arrived at the facility about 8 a.m., she was propped up and waiting in her hospital bed. The nursing assistant (they're called techs here) had her dressed and ready for therapy. Greeting her starts with a kiss on the cheek and some mother talk, handling some of her personal care needs, etc. And then, quite suddenly, her eyes focused on two figures walking into her room. Two co-workers from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, where Kris worked as a pediatric intensive care unit nurse, came to see her. They were dressed in their Air Force blues and greeted her with such smiles and gracious exchange of kindnesses. I was so moved. But the real thrill was to see Kris's face. Her eyes reflected the recognition first, then the sweetness spread across her face as she realized they had come there to see her. Her tears don't work yet but, if they did, she would have shed tears of joy and happiness. Her mouth opened in that crooked little smile she has just recently developed, and it really doesn't matter that she can't speak yet: the expression on her face spoke volumes. There was no doubt Kris was thrilled that they came, and I was thrilled for her sake. They had some tears and I simply had to step out; it was just one of those moments.
Well, the visitors chatted with Kris and expressed such surprise and genuine happiness at how wonderful she looked. They hadn't seen her since before she left the Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) back in May. Before they left, they promised a whole group of her co-workers would come in the next week or so, and they said how much she is missed and loved. I have never seen such quiet happiness and deep appreciation expressed so beautifully as I saw in her face. But, there is even more than this to share with you all tonight.
At the care plan staffing meeting last Thursday, I approached the subject with Dr. Morledge about when Kris might return to BAMC for her surgery. He agreed the time is now. It's called a cranial plasty, and he said he would contact her neurosurgeon at BAMC and tell him she's ready. Dr. Morledge is really excited about Kris. His favorite word for her is "fabulous!"
True to his word, Dr. Morledge called Dr. Teff that very day, and he was evidently delighted to hear all the good news about Kris’ recovery thus far. Yep! It's time to have her come back for a PSI... a pre-surgical implant fabrication session. They will likely do an MRI, download the shape and size and other dynamics of her skull and head into a computer, and design a new cranial cap to cover the right side of her head and replace all the head bone that was removed after the accident. After numerous phone calls back and forth to schedule everything, Kris will be transported to BAMC this Thursday morning for the PSI. We will go with her in the transport van and a nursing tech will accompany us. In the last conversation I had with a great young man named Jimmy in the neuro-surgical unit this afternoon, he said it may take some time to schedule the surgery but he will do all that he can to work her in as soon as possible. Bless him!!!
The excitement of all of this is reverberating through the facility. There are so many wonderful stories of miracles and folks walking out who were not expected to live, and certainly Kris is one of so many. But the grit and perseverance of this little gal -- my little major -- has become a bonding issue among residents and therapy folks (especially the therapists who are working with her), staff and nursing employees alike, and everyone is rooting for Kris. Now, the real rubber meets the road, so to speak. The surgery will be quite an undertaking; the cranial area that was removed is quite large. Recovery will no doubt set her back a bit; Dr. Morledge warned us of this at the outset. But I've been talking all this over with Kris and her eyes express her understanding. I asked her if she was okay with the surgery and, if she was to squeeze my hand. She did! Pretty darned hard, too! I had to step out of the room again then!!!
Dear friends and all the families -- both Kris's and Russ's -- there has been such remarkable change and progress made by this precious young woman. I believe God is working such wonderful miracles through her and for her, and your prayers have been so uplifting and real to us. Those prayers are needed now as they work with her on Thursday and decide how soon she can have the surgery. I believe with all my heart that she will progress even more then and I believe Kris knows it, too. She knows this is a must but it is a big step.
Oh, and by the way... her legs are now strong enough that with just a little help on each side of her and a bit of help holding her head, she walked today to and from her wheelchair: a distance of about 30 feet. There was no huge apparatus this time to hold her up and guide her; just the therapist and me. Everybody cheered her on and the gratitude in her eyes is so real. But you just know she knows there's more hard work ahead, so... lots more prayers would be wonderful!
As one brief scheduling note (since some folks have been wondering), after much soul-searching and with a positive response from a very understanding entertainment director at the El Dorado of Sun City, Arizona, we have postponed our show in Sun City in September this year until next fall when we will be in Arizona to do another show. We simply couldn't leave here with the surgery and even more recovery pending for Kris. Thanks to everyone willing to change some dates for us; that too is an answer to prayers!
Blessings and much love,
Carol and George
What wonderful news and I will just tell you, I have wept with joy at the assurance that Kris recognizes family, friends and co-workers. This is a big deal! Praise God!
No comments:
Post a Comment