Paul's Friday/Saturday Update: April 15 @6:30pm
The Doctor that is overseeing Karen's care had told Judy and Ken that we might start seeing some changes by Friday, once she was moved to her new ward. He had said that she really needed to get some physical and occupational therapy going in order for her to progress to the next stage.Karen started her sessions with the therapists on Friday. There wasn't much to report as a result of yesterday's session, and when I went to see her last night she seemed quite tired and was sleeping a lot. She had been awake several times I was told, and particularly during her session, her father said she had her eyes open the whole time.
Today I went in to see her at 10am when visiting hours started. I was there for a while by myself and with Karen's friends Susie and Pete from NYC. The physical therapist came in and asked if I would help her out this time because she wanted to get Karen sitting up in the bed. We sat her with her feet hanging over the bed, and Karen was immediately opening her eyes and clearly trying to focus on the activities. The therapist asked me to sit in the chair in front of Karen so she was looking at a familiar face. We took some photos off the wall and showed them to her. She was definitely focusing on the photos, recognized the one of the two of us when we were on a camping trip, and tracked them with her eyes when I moved them from one side to another. The therapist was pleased with this, and said this was definitely a good sign. I don't think she really needed to tell me this, since I was already about to burst with excitement as I was watching.
Karen soon tired, and the therapist was concerned she was getting dizzy, so we put her back in the bed. As we laid her head back on the pillow the therapist, concerned that Karen was perspiring a little from obvious fatigue, matter of factly asked Karen if she was OK. Well, without skipping a beat Karen spoke her first words and said very simply, "yes". Well, I about fell on the floor, but there was no mistaking it, and the therapist confirmed that I wasn't imagining things.
This may not seem like that much to the average person, but all of you know we have been looking for some solid evidence to prove without a doubt that Karen was in there, she just needed to get out.
We tried to get her to say my name, but she was very tired and fell back asleep. I was quite satisfied with the day by then, and was willing to take that little gift to the bank along with the big one I received before anyone else arrived. While I was sitting with her, I was talking to her about many things and it seemed clear to me that she was understanding what I was saying most of the time. I even thought she had nodded her head when I asked her a question. But the big gift of the day for me was when I asked her if she could give me a kiss. Well, I have to tell you, she puckered those lips right up, and I accepted it with a big smile, and a few tears. When I left her for the day I got another one for the road.
So, all in all it was a banner day, especially Karen. Hopefully, we will start seeing more and more of these, and in time we will all be having regular conversations with her.
She is still not out of the woods, and the cloud of the aneurysm still looms overhead, but this was about the best Easter gift we could have asked for.
Happy Easter to all !
posted by Karen's Blog @ Sunday, April 16, 2006
5 Comments:
Paul! I am reading the blog early this morning in my choir room preparing for Easter Sunday Mass. We've been praying for Karen by name at Mass for the past two Sundays and will do so again on this Great Feast of Easter. This is the most wonderful news to start this day. We love her and love you for all you're doing to take care of her. Happy Easter to all!
Excellent news!
Annette
Great news, so glad to hear that Karen is making such great progress, and so lucky to have a wonderful guy by her side.
After being out of town for several days, I was so excited to see that Karen is doing so well! I'll keep her in my prayers. :)
Lisa (LisaBadger)
Praise God! I continue to pray daily for Karen's recovery and strength for all of you there to help support her.
This news is especially encouraging! Paul, I cannot imagine how special those two kisses must have been.
This was a wonderful way to start my week.
Karen, keep up the good fight!
Amanda
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