Kris Progress Report

Dear friends and loved ones,

Prayers for Kris continue and the number of folks praying all across the country is increasing!  I was so humbled and overwhelmed recently when a chaplain friend we met in Branson two years ago emailed and told me he had been adding our updates about Kris to his blog.  People email me all the time expressing their hope for Kris's recovery, and sharing stories about friends and loved ones who have had similar experiences and have recovered.  It is uplifting to me and it just proves once again that God is so good... all the time!

As for Kris, there are yet more small but positive steps.  She was moved to the Texas Neuro Rehabilitation Center in Austin, Texas on Monday this week.  Russ was there with her and called to let us know she arrived there in late afternoon.  He said she made the trip just fine and was resting comfortably.  Yes, she is still in a coma, but I truly believe the healing is ongoing.

The next day (Tuesday), he called again and explained more about her room, the nurses there, and the fact that Kris actually has made a step in the right direction to have being accepted at this facility.  They believe they can help her because there are enough good signs of progress on her own!  Wonderful news!!!

While her progress has been small steps, each step continues and we are so very, very thankful.  Now that she is at the rehab center, they will begin working with her almost immediately.  Today, a number of tests were done, including a chest x-ray.  They will also do an EEG.  A helmet has been ordered for her to wear before they actually work toward getting her out of bed and, in the meantime, they have begun physical and occupational therapy as well as range of motion therapy on a smaller scale while she is yet in bed.  She is free of any bed sores and is, they say, actually in good physical condition.  And, depending on how much progress is made in the next three months, the surgeon back at Brooke Army Medical Center is hoping to replace with a plate the skull area that was crushed.  The most important testing will come, however, when she comes out of the coma.  It will be then that any determination as to her mental capabilities will be discerned.

So, dear ones, please continue the prayers.  Russ said Kris is his wife as well as his best friend, and he is prepared to do whatever is necessary to make their home workable if and when she is able to return to it.  The military has been absolutely fantastic in their care and concern.  He will take the kids, Joshua and Andrea, up every Sunday to visit Mom.  He said it will be their weekly outing together and, of course, he will visit during the week, too.  I will call every day and already know the name of the nurse in charge of Kris.  They will put a phone next to her ear so that I can talk to her, and that continues to be a help to George and me.

For those who would like to send cards, that would be fine.  I must still caution that flowers are not accepted yet due to oxygen in her room.  Lengthy letters or balloons are not a good idea either, but cards will be fine.  Address them to:

Kristine Ratliff, Major, USAF

Texas Neuro Rehab Center

Room 526

1106 W. Dittmar Road

Austin, TX 78745

Your prayers truly sustain me and my heart is constantly being touched and uplifted by your words of encouragement.  If I don't respond to every one, please know how very, very much we appreciate each email and each prayer.  Thank you all with all our hearts!

Blessings always,

Carol and George