Nick, 1 month later...

Nick was moved to the neuro acute care unit on the 5th floor of the University Hospital 2 weeks ago today (sunday). It was suppose to be a temporary place while we wait for rehab arrangments, but Nick has improved so quickly and surprized everyone, including doctors and nurses. If he can tolerate 3 hours of physical therapy in one day, they will keep him in the hospital and move him to the physical therapy floor. Those making these decisions figured at first that Nick was going to be more long term and not ready for this much exersize for a much longer period of time. Obviously, they don't know Nick. His spirits remain very good and he is always pushing the limits of his exersize. We hope to stick around for awhile. Nick has made alot of friend while he has been hanging around the hospital. He seems to have a "way" with people and they really like him and seem to cheer him on. He gets regular visits from Nurses in ICU who are taken back by his progress.
Nick's progress: He had his trach capped since last Monday and has been able to talk to us this week...also, he ate his 1st meal on Friday night..(barb-o-Qued steak). He then got his trach taken out on Saturday morning, and his feeding tube out last night. His left leg is doing well and he has most the movement back in his left arm....although it is messy eating lefthanded. Right leg can lift slightly, with a bit of movement in his toes and foot. Then miricle of miricles, Nick's right arm has been having a bit of movement. We weren't expecting this but I have since learned that your brain can sometimes learn to"rewire" the signal from brain to limb in a different pattern to compensate for the damaged and dead tissues. We feel that so many prayers are lifting our spirits and causing miricles to happen. This progress will be seen more rapidly at first and then will taper off as the 1st year passes. Nick and all the family feel that he has been given a 2nd chance at life. There is so much good he could do for others.
You know, there is alot of humility and patience that happens to a person when they can't move, or talk, as they lay there in the hospital with no worldly possessions other then the hospital gown they are wearing. As Nick's family, we have been humbled as we see Nick so helpless and realize that it is up to the LORD to give and take away, and that He has chosen to give Nick back to us once again. We are so thankful and hope that we will have the strength and the wisdom in helping Nick back to a productive & happy life.....the Nick we all remember.
On Christmas night as our family (except for Nick) gathered for dinner and presents, my little Grandson, Morgan, stopped His playing and looked up at me and said, "But grandma, what did you get for Christmas?" With the confidence of a person who has just recieved the present of their wildest dreams, I answered, "I got Nick!"........and so you see that Santa had another satisfied customer......with God's help! Thanks to all who have been praying for us.........Julie

Nick is the reason for our season

Nick has now been in the hospital for 2 weeks tomorrow. I didn't think it would be this long.We have seen progress, although small, which gives a lift to our battered spirits. Nick can now focus on us when we talk. We have a "code" for yes and no. Yes is....close your eyes tight. No is.....blink twice. By just those two answers, we have learned alot about him. We have also spent some presious moments with tears, from us and him both. Our relationship with Nick has been very rocky and strained the last few months. That's not a good way for things to stay or end. I hope he has felt the love as we have which has taken over that little hospital room. Our house remains undecorated, there's no tree in it's usual place, but the spirit of Christ has dwelt with us all and given us such peace. Oh how would it be if we didn't believe in God or a life after this to finish what we started on earth.....I can't imaginge. The "veil " has been very thin.

Yesterday, we met with the Dr. and he gave us an idea what we might expect. Nick has some perminent paralyisis around.....most especially his right arm area. There is still alot of swelling in his head and it leaves a question as to whether the paralysis is temporary or perminant. We are counting on this next week to be a big determining time for him as the swelling goes down. We have heard from so many friends and neighbors and feel so loved and taken care of. Friends are truely one of the great pleasures of life. Thanks for your care and concern.........Julie

Nick...still in ICU

We are asking for Nick for Christmas! Nick is starting to respond...just a little. For the last 2 days he has had his eyes open alot, although he is not looking at us. He blinks, he will slightly move a hand or a leg.....not much to brag about....but it is positive feedback. Before we left the room tonight, we think his eyes followed my voice but we can't be sure yet. All this seemed to start his head pressure raising--which then needs to be treated with medication to bring it back to normal. So it is 2 steps back & one step forward. We have felt the love of so many friends and neighbors. We have had the best home-made soups and breads that I think I have ever eaten. We have had warm loving notes and phone calls. We feel so loved and eventhough there isn't anything we need(other then a little miricle.....or a big miricle), it is such a comfort to know so many people we could call to help us out at a moments notice. So much love at this Christmas Season is overwhelming and wonderful. We are so blessed.......Julie

Nick in Hospital

We never thought Nick would make it this far. He has more lives then a cat, that's for sure. This is the 9th day that he has been in neuro-icu and progress is slow but it is coming. We are so thankful that we have another chance, and Nick could just possibly be our best Christmas present. As of last night, nick is off the deep sleeping medications and still on pain meds. They have zeroed in on antibiotic that are sensitive to his infection. I think that keeping the pressure in his brain to a minimum is a challange but things are much more stable. Anthing can make that pressure change...including the tramma of waking up....so that is watched closely. As a family, we continue to attend his bedside. This adversity has pulled us all together. We are more forgiving, patient and loving. We appreciate more that there is no value you can place on family...they are our everything. Extended family and many good friends have offered their prayers and other support, and although not much can be done, they have strenghtened us......One friend sent some beautiful flowers, and although no flowers are allowed in icu, we have so enjoyed them setting on our counter as a reminder of all who truely care. We love you all and feel the strength infriends so dear to us....we'll keep in touch......Julie