Thursday evening Caitlin officially smiled thanks to Aunt Debbie #1 and cousing Keith Fuetsch. Caitlin so enjoys the conversations between Aunt Debbie and Keith about how Aunt Debbie "hovers like a helicopter" over Keith's activities. Keith is 18, a senior in high school, and just a great guy. His mother always knows what he is doing and with who. There is much laughter surrounding this part of Keith and Debbie's relationship. Caitlin got the biggest kick out of them last night just as she always does. Smiles were repeated for Caitlin's dad, Aunt Christine, and Uncle George. It was a for sure!
Today was a great PT session, even sitting up in a chair for 30 minutes (tied in for support). OT (Occupational Therapy) was also great in that Caitlin was able to relax her hands and arms. The hand splints are really helping. CT (Communication Therapy) was some more swallowing, a bit of Yes and No testing. We now are using the pointer finger for yes and the pinkie for no. It is working fairly well except when Caitlin is worn out from all the practicing.
Two longtime friends, Mal and Kelly, spent some time with Caitlin this afternoon. They had the best visit full of smiles and celebration during Caitlin's OT session. It was so great to walk back in the room while the ladies were visiting and making plans for the Christmas holiday. Having something to look forward to is really important!
When Michael came to visit Caitlin today she had a lot to tell him. She cried in relief that he was there. Conversations were buzzing around her in respect to her moving out of ICU and various doctors' opinions about her treatment. I think she knows that Michael will protect her from her fears. As sad as it is to see Caitlin cry it is wonderful in that it is always so appropriate!
The biggest smiles were on all of our faces as we moved Caitlin out of ICU today. She is now in room 448 of Saint Mary's Hospital. We are not sure how long she will stay on this floor but for today it was a giant step in her recovery. There also was an underlying sadness for Caitlin and all of us because she had such incredible care in the ICU. The nurses showered Caitlin with excellent care and a tremendous amount of compassion. It is with tremendous gratitude to all the nurses ,doctors, therapists, and hospital staff involved in Caitlin's care that we move excitedly into a new phase of her recovery.
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7 comments:
I'll be smiling all weekend long!! I'm so happy to hear that you are all smiling again. It makes my heart HAPPY to know that you are moved out of ICU and making such great strides! Positive energy, constant thought and prayer continue in your direction. Keep up the good work :)
Caitlin and Deb,
I light a candle everyday in your honor as I pray and ask all our spiritual guides to direct this path of healing. Caitlin, your incredible strenghth resounds loudly as I read these daily blogs! The power of you, your family, friends, and the magic performed by the medical staff is creating a story of heartwarming grace! I do not know you well, but I do know the outpour of love that is flowing into you! Breathe in this love and take it with you everday to all the paths of healing! I can tell already how YOU will empower yourself and do whatever it takes to get well! Deb, you are right, you always said she was extraordinary, and she is!
With love and light,
Tammy
So happy to hear things are moving in the right direction. keep up the great work. we all miss you a lot. thinking of you everyday. just keep smiling!!!!! you are a strong cookie. :) :)
It was simply amazing to see the response that Caitlin gave Kelly when talking about our Christmas present exchange. Caitlin, I am so proud of you and thanks so much for showing off your OT skills to Kell-Bell and I. You had me, kel, and Christine (the OT) in Goosebumps and near tears. My visits with you are always something I look forward to and you look better each and every day. From the squeeze of your hand to the wave of your finger, not to forget about that amazing smile, you keep making such great steps up the ladder of recovery. I asked Caitlin and her mom if I could put Caitlin’s “myspace” quote on her blog and I got the okay from both. The courage quote is one Caitlin has had posted for a while in her “about me” section and I felt it was really appropriate and it’s the words that she lives by. Keep up with your fighter spirit, courage, and some attitude too. I love you so much and again, thanks for the smile….it totally made my Friday!
Hi Caitlin,
Congratulations on the Big Move- only the beginning of many more "big moves" as you continue on your journey "moving on up". Your California family is so looking forward to visiting with you next week and talking turkey or in your case cranberry sauce. Of course we are thinking of you every day but we don't want to bug your Mom with constant phone calls. It is so great to be able to talk with you through this blog site and to keep up with your progress since we can't be there on a daily basis. It is wonderful to check the blog and to discover that your making significant progress every day. I know this is really hard work but then again Caitlin you are a master at hard work so I know we can count on you to forge ahead to great success. I just have to let you know that my friend Denise at my work asks about you every day and is living proof that hard work pays off. We love you and can't wait to see you.
Linda
Well, although I love reading about your progress Caitlin, I may not be able to add my 2 cents because I'm technologically challenged and am currently waiting for Rachel or Sarah to call me back so I can find out how to Publish. Oh boy here comes Sarah so I'm going to give it try. I keep you in my thoughts always!!!
Caitlin:
It's Lori, from UP, writing to say a big hi!! I am so proud of your recovery and a big hug goes to your Mom! I still remember the yummy cookies she made and when she came to visit me when our volleyball team played at Nevada. I wanted to share that I had a baby boy back on 9/15/08, his name is Jackson Lloyd Barnes. He is beautiful! I have a great photo from Halloween, he was a Pea Pod! I'm not sure how to post a photo but I'll see if I can figure it out! Love you loads and keep on working!
Hi Caitlin and Kathy-Just wanted to drop a note to say hello. I think of both of you often during the day, and wish a smooth and speedy recovery. Caitlin-you are such a BEAUTIFUL girl, stay strong sweetie, and keep fighting all the way:) Lots of love and prayers sent your way, Christina Boland
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