Courtney had a very busy day today and has hardly slept a wink! She is quite exhausted from all the activity.
The morning started with Anu the Occupational Therapist and a bath where Courtney began, with great assistance, doing things for herself.
Next Anu and Kathleen, Courtney's speech therapist worked on stretching - swallowing and following commands. Courtney has 'yes' and 'no' cards so that she can start to communicate what she needs.
Courtney's swallowing is very strong and her coughing is better and better each day.
Today Courtney had blue ice chips - like a snow cone. Kathleen can watch to make sure Courtney isn't ingesting any of the water into her lungs and then coughing up blue.
The highlight of the day was the chocolate ice cream called 'magic'. The ice cream can be used as a meal replacement and has all the nutrients of a healthy meal! Kathleen said patients love it so much they have to take it away so they'll eat regular food!
Courtney had her first 2 very small tastes of chocolate ice cream today. I told Kathleen that Courtney prefers vanilla - so tomorrow she will get vanilla.
Later in the day Courtney was stretched out by PT and then we took her for a ride in her wheel chair. We toured the floor and showed her the atrium with the Christmas tree.
Most important, as her Dad pointed out, we showed her the door that she would some day walk out. He told her to take a good look at the door because that would be the door she would walk out of some day on her way home!
Hopefully Courtney will sleep well tonight after all this activity. She is getting to know her team - those who are not on Christmas vacation - and all the nurses that take very good care of her.
For those of you who know us personally there was a time many years ago when we had a really difficult time. Craig was out of work for almost 2 years to the week, then both of our mothers passed away around Christmas time within a 3 week period. We used to discuss how we got through those difficult days and always believed that God carried us through. We believe that God again is showing his presence in our lives and we are grateful for his mercy.
Craig and I pray that NO family will ever have to go through the Hell that we are now going through. At least with a nightmare you wake up and the moment is gone. Words cannot adequately describe the horror that we live every minute. We are sustained by our Faith in God and our strong daughters and family. For all of you who are parents who read this. please take a moment and hug your children and let them know what you feel in your heart. Let there never be a day when you go to sleep at night angry over something trivial and not express your love to your children.
Life is fleeting, however love is enduring.
Thank you for praying for us.
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9 comments:
Beautifully said Diane - our hearts and prayers go out to you all. I hope you can feel all our support and prayers and know that you are all loved. We think about you often and really appreciate the time you take to let us know how Courtney is doing every day.
Love -
The Murphys
Beautifully said Diane - our hearts and prayers go out to you all. I hope you can feel all our support and prayers and know that you are all loved. We think about you often and really appreciate the time you take to let us know how Courtney is doing every day.
Love -
The Murphys
Very nicely written. We are all still praying for you and hope to see you soon. May God be even stronger this time of year for you!
With all our thoughs and prayers.
Kyle & Kelly
I told Carey that she deserved a gold star this week - she has been being so helpful to me - who would imagine that we would be passing out gold stars to our 20 year old child - trying so hard to live by Diane's words of wisdom:hug your children and let them know what you feel in your heart.
Thank you Diane, for sharing so much of yourself, your family and most importantly Courtney's recovery with all of us.
God's Peace,
Mrs. Carey
Hi Hollingworth Family and Courtney! I am so happy to hear that Courtney is taking these small steps in order to make a full recovery. I pray for her and your family everyday and i am always checking the blog multiple times a day to keep up with the status of how Courtney is doing. I always have her in my mind and I am so thrilled that she is getting well. Thank you so much for keeping me and everyone else updated. I am very thankful. keep up the good work court!!!
Love, Brittany Lynch (waterman elementary school)
Diane and Craig,
After reading your last posting, we hugged our children extra tight and told them we loved them very,very much. Thank you for the simple, but most important reminder that in daily life often gets overlooked in lots of families. We are so proud of the progress Courtney is making!!! We also wanted to tell you and Craig that we admire your strength and courage as Courtney recovers. Your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, The Fohl Family
ps- Let Courtney know that "Courtney's Hope Squad" won the 2008 Yahoo Fantasy League Championship!
I check up on Courtney whenever I can and keep her and all of you in my thoughts and prayers regularly. It is amazing to see her progress. Her smile is infectious in every photo that you have had posted and that is what I think of every time I wonder how Courtney and all of you are doing. I cannot wait to read about the day Courtney is walking out that door that Craig showed her and no doubt we will all be beaming as Courtney does!!!!!! Courtney, I have only met you once or twice, but you have made one huge impact on a lot of people! Get well soon!!!
Diane,
This posting is truly riveting! I pray for all of you periodically throughout the day and have been since the horrible accident occurred. You are truly the strongest & most courageous woman I have had the pleasure of knowing in my lifetime. Through all of this you still have the stamina to suggest we (as parents) reach out to our children, when in turn your life has been horrendous these past few weeks. God Bless you Diane & family & thank you for your words of wisdom.
Sandy Dzikiewicz
Wishing you and your family MANY Christmas miracles!
Love, Maureen
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