10:00 pm. Just came up to the neuro trauma ICU unit (our home away from home) to use the computer. Kind of eerie as there is no one in the aiting room or at the reception desk. This is good, means no families life has been turned upside down this evening. Actually the last few days have been quite up her. I'm glad.
Allie had a good day today as she continued to smile and now make funny faces for us. I got in around 3:00pm and was greeted almost instantly to a smile. I melted and the world seemed right. Kind of wierd. It's as if Allie is my baby again and she is growing up all over again but learning so quickly. Once she gets something, shes got it. I compare it to the Adam Sandler movie, Billie Madison. in the movie, he goes back to school, kindergarden - 12th grade spending one week in each grade and needing to pass it before moving on. It's kind of like Allie is doing the same thing - she is relearning so rapidly. Today kindergarden - then first grade - second ..... then PACE University, New York City and the Big Stage.
Speaking of PACE University, Bill Offed (sorry if I mispeleld your last name and I am sure I did) let us know today that they would extend Allie's scholarships and place at PACE as long as necessary and that they would do everything to help Allie attend when she was ready. This is so huge and goes to show you that God's angels definitely work at PACE University. If you're looking to make an endowment anywhere - may I suggest PACE. God bless you guys.
While our nephew Mike Va made Allie smile, her friend Kristen brightened our day by raising her eyebrows at Allie making the suprised face. Go ahead and raise both of your eyebrows up (look in the mirror and do it). Allie thought this was hilareous and now she does it. Every one is amazed and our sister-in-law Ellie, a nurse for 20 something years says it is nothing short of a miracle. We know!
Nancy left around 9:00 today as she has been her for the last 21 days straight. i was happy that she took some time off and I got a little alone time with Allie. Believe it or not we just sat there and held hands - we didn't talk - we didn't make noise - we just stayed quite. She fell asleep and my heart felt good.
Matt is awesome. He is the unsung hero and a shining star. A big heart and a tender young man. For those of you that don't know Matt, he is 6' tall and 190 lbs of muscle. he has longish brown hair and the most gorgeous blue eyes and an awesome smile. He is a good student, skatboarder, brother and son. Matt, mom and I love you. Thanks for everything you are doing. Hang in there baby!!!
For all of the people taking care of our dogs (4 of them) we love, apprecaite and thank you more than you could ever imaging. You are helping above and beyond the call. To Michelle and the FlyLady - we will never forget adn to the superior court judge and DA in Transylvania County (that's right - transylvania county) thanks for letting me out of jury duty - I'll see you in November.
Oh yeah, one more cool thing before we go - Allie looked at her cousin Mike, pointed to her eye, her heart and then to him. Guess she loves him to. Get it, she said, eye love you.
So once again, forward progress. Another good day! Love ya'll.
Allie's Dad
Monday, June 4, 2007
Monday Morning, June 4th
SHE SMILED - and the world smiles with her. As soon as I got home last night, the phone rand and it was Nancy. Another breakthrough so soon? I had only been gone a little over an our - well if you know Allie and you do by now, you will know that she is the miracle girl and things happen instantaneously.
Nancy was so excited and I couldn't wait to hear the news. Steve, she smiled. Well she smiled and as normal, when she does, I melted. She said that she and our nephew Mike Va we in the room and were standing on each side of the bed. Nancy was asking Allie to follow commands and she wanted nothing to do with it so in typical Allie fashion, she held up her teddy bear and put it right in Nancy's face ie: MOM STOP TALKING. Well Mike found this to be hilareous and began laughing, well Allie must have found it funny also and smiled. AMAZING!!!! No its not - it's Allie
Nancy left the room for a few minutes and Mike, the loving, funny guy he is kept working the audience and the results were amazing, Allies smile kept getting bigger and bigger. This is so huge, he has her sense of humor back and is showing an understanding of humor and is expressing emotion. I'm over the top.
Full recovery, Full recovery. I knew this experience would change me and it has, I just din't know how. I am working to develop the site www.fullrecovery.net Here we will have a venue for people who have loved ones in the hospital who are in need of Full Recovery. We will have inspirational stories and writings, tips on how to deal with the grief and gifts to help them cope and stay inspired. Watch for the opening of it. Proceeds will help Allie and the Ronald McDonald House.
We love and appreciate all of you.
Allies Dad
Nancy was so excited and I couldn't wait to hear the news. Steve, she smiled. Well she smiled and as normal, when she does, I melted. She said that she and our nephew Mike Va we in the room and were standing on each side of the bed. Nancy was asking Allie to follow commands and she wanted nothing to do with it so in typical Allie fashion, she held up her teddy bear and put it right in Nancy's face ie: MOM STOP TALKING. Well Mike found this to be hilareous and began laughing, well Allie must have found it funny also and smiled. AMAZING!!!! No its not - it's Allie
Nancy left the room for a few minutes and Mike, the loving, funny guy he is kept working the audience and the results were amazing, Allies smile kept getting bigger and bigger. This is so huge, he has her sense of humor back and is showing an understanding of humor and is expressing emotion. I'm over the top.
Full recovery, Full recovery. I knew this experience would change me and it has, I just din't know how. I am working to develop the site www.fullrecovery.net Here we will have a venue for people who have loved ones in the hospital who are in need of Full Recovery. We will have inspirational stories and writings, tips on how to deal with the grief and gifts to help them cope and stay inspired. Watch for the opening of it. Proceeds will help Allie and the Ronald McDonald House.
We love and appreciate all of you.
Allies Dad
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Sunday Afternoon, June 3rd
Hi Everyone:
After yesterdays successes, Allie has rested most of today. A few friends popped in and spent so time but mostly resting and watching Allie's favorite tv show (which who hoo was having a marathon today) America's Next Top Model. Allie watches and comprehends.
We are still swooning over her eatign ice cream> I told the nurses on the ICU floor and they say she is nothing short of a miracle girl but we have always know that.
Today they took the trach tube out, so Allie is totally on her own and doing great. Thank God, we must have stopped her from pulling it out 5,000 times in the last two days, it was exhausting. They also took out the cathader, soo things are constantly and consistently moving along.
Rick Worley, one of Allie's friends (from the lunch gang) brought by some videos and he made and edited a video montage of Aliie set to music (Do it Anyway - Reba McInyre ?) We all cried like babies - it was beautiful and I count it as one of my most treasured posessions. Thanks Ricky, you are a truly good guy and good friend.
Allie's sense of humor is starting to come through in subtle ways as she messes with me when I try to get her to do things. Ah, that Allie willfulness is coming back but its different.
Going back home for a few hours and will be back tomorrow afternoon so I will fill you in with more later. Oh, by the way, our slogan always has been and always will be - FULL RECOVERY!!!
Thank you and God Bless,
Allie's Dad
After yesterdays successes, Allie has rested most of today. A few friends popped in and spent so time but mostly resting and watching Allie's favorite tv show (which who hoo was having a marathon today) America's Next Top Model. Allie watches and comprehends.
We are still swooning over her eatign ice cream> I told the nurses on the ICU floor and they say she is nothing short of a miracle girl but we have always know that.
Today they took the trach tube out, so Allie is totally on her own and doing great. Thank God, we must have stopped her from pulling it out 5,000 times in the last two days, it was exhausting. They also took out the cathader, soo things are constantly and consistently moving along.
Rick Worley, one of Allie's friends (from the lunch gang) brought by some videos and he made and edited a video montage of Aliie set to music (Do it Anyway - Reba McInyre ?) We all cried like babies - it was beautiful and I count it as one of my most treasured posessions. Thanks Ricky, you are a truly good guy and good friend.
Allie's sense of humor is starting to come through in subtle ways as she messes with me when I try to get her to do things. Ah, that Allie willfulness is coming back but its different.
Going back home for a few hours and will be back tomorrow afternoon so I will fill you in with more later. Oh, by the way, our slogan always has been and always will be - FULL RECOVERY!!!
Thank you and God Bless,
Allie's Dad
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Saturday Evening, June 2nd
Hi Guys,
Early blog tonight because Allie is tired and we are going to out celebrating a great day.
Not only did Allie have her earlier breakthroughs but a few minutes ago the speech therapist came in to check out and to see how she was swallowing. Initially she tried to give Allie an ice chip but Allie wanted nothing to do with it. Then she tried to get her to drink some grape juice. She wanted her to drink through a straw but no luck,, however when she put a few drops in her mouth Allie eventually swallowed we were all thrilled.
Everyday Nancy and I get up say a prayer, look at each other and say, "this is going to be a breakthrough day." Everyday has been. Now for the OUTSTANDING NEWS::::::::
The therapist gave Allie some ice cream, she had to push the first few bites in but then innate took over and said "YAHOO ICE CREAM" and Allie becan to open her mouth for the ice cream but don't stop now - on a lark, the therapist gave Allie the spoon and told her to feed herself AND SHE DID!!!!!! Allie reached out her hand, put the spoon in the cup, took some ice cream, put it in her mouth and swallowed. We all just looked at each other in awe. We couldn't believe it. Them she did it again and again and again until there wass none left in the cup at which time she dropped the spoon in the cup in effct saying "that was great, I know there is none left, thanks."
Now we really have to look at the amazing parts of this. She held the spoon correctly, used depth perception, took the right amount of ice cream and put it directly into her mouth, finess and motor skills - A-OK. Thank you God - Prayers work. I gonna give Allie alot of the credit also, she is tough and boy does she like ice cream. Maybe we should have tried this a few weeks ago.
In all seriousness, we are on cloud nine, Everyday we have made progress and everyday we are so grateful to God and to all of you.
Have a Blesed Weekend,
Allie's Dad
Early blog tonight because Allie is tired and we are going to out celebrating a great day.
Not only did Allie have her earlier breakthroughs but a few minutes ago the speech therapist came in to check out and to see how she was swallowing. Initially she tried to give Allie an ice chip but Allie wanted nothing to do with it. Then she tried to get her to drink some grape juice. She wanted her to drink through a straw but no luck,, however when she put a few drops in her mouth Allie eventually swallowed we were all thrilled.
Everyday Nancy and I get up say a prayer, look at each other and say, "this is going to be a breakthrough day." Everyday has been. Now for the OUTSTANDING NEWS::::::::
The therapist gave Allie some ice cream, she had to push the first few bites in but then innate took over and said "YAHOO ICE CREAM" and Allie becan to open her mouth for the ice cream but don't stop now - on a lark, the therapist gave Allie the spoon and told her to feed herself AND SHE DID!!!!!! Allie reached out her hand, put the spoon in the cup, took some ice cream, put it in her mouth and swallowed. We all just looked at each other in awe. We couldn't believe it. Them she did it again and again and again until there wass none left in the cup at which time she dropped the spoon in the cup in effct saying "that was great, I know there is none left, thanks."
Now we really have to look at the amazing parts of this. She held the spoon correctly, used depth perception, took the right amount of ice cream and put it directly into her mouth, finess and motor skills - A-OK. Thank you God - Prayers work. I gonna give Allie alot of the credit also, she is tough and boy does she like ice cream. Maybe we should have tried this a few weeks ago.
In all seriousness, we are on cloud nine, Everyday we have made progress and everyday we are so grateful to God and to all of you.
Have a Blesed Weekend,
Allie's Dad
Saturday Midday, June 2nd
This has been the best day ever and one I will remember forever. So many good thigs are happening that I am about to crawl out of my skin.
Allie's trach tube is still capped so she is breahing 100% on her own. The respiratory doctor ws in earlier and siad either tomorrow or in the next few days he will take it our totally. That is just so huge.
Her friend Kristen was her earlier and again Allie amazed us. I placed a ball in her hand and asked her to to throw it to me and she dit!!! Not once or twice but three time. She still tires very easily and she had had enough after three or she just didn't feel like performing anymore.
Now for the best part!!!!!!!!!!! When I went down for lunch, Nancy gave her a pen and held a a pad for her and Allie wrote Dad & Matt. Just like that, she held the pen correctly and wrote just as if everything were OK. She then wrote bff (best friends forever)(Rachael and Kristen has come and gone) can stay. She then looked at the clock and wroke down waht time it was, even using the : separator. We jumped up and down. Allie is there, she is thinking and her motor skill are working.
We have ALWAYS believed that Allie would be alright and make a complete recovery and she is nothing short of a miracle. We have never been more exctied of full of faith. This truly is a miracle. Oh, I forgot to tell you, she also drew a picture of a person or an angel and drew a heart above it. She definitely sees things that we do not.
Matt will be here shortly, our good friend Kelly is driving him down, thanks baby and our nephew Mike Va is flying in from NY this evening. I could keep writing and writing but I am so excited I'm just going to hug and kiss OUR little girl.
God Bless, keep the prayers coming.
Allie's Dad
Allie's trach tube is still capped so she is breahing 100% on her own. The respiratory doctor ws in earlier and siad either tomorrow or in the next few days he will take it our totally. That is just so huge.
Her friend Kristen was her earlier and again Allie amazed us. I placed a ball in her hand and asked her to to throw it to me and she dit!!! Not once or twice but three time. She still tires very easily and she had had enough after three or she just didn't feel like performing anymore.
Now for the best part!!!!!!!!!!! When I went down for lunch, Nancy gave her a pen and held a a pad for her and Allie wrote Dad & Matt. Just like that, she held the pen correctly and wrote just as if everything were OK. She then wrote bff (best friends forever)(Rachael and Kristen has come and gone) can stay. She then looked at the clock and wroke down waht time it was, even using the : separator. We jumped up and down. Allie is there, she is thinking and her motor skill are working.
We have ALWAYS believed that Allie would be alright and make a complete recovery and she is nothing short of a miracle. We have never been more exctied of full of faith. This truly is a miracle. Oh, I forgot to tell you, she also drew a picture of a person or an angel and drew a heart above it. She definitely sees things that we do not.
Matt will be here shortly, our good friend Kelly is driving him down, thanks baby and our nephew Mike Va is flying in from NY this evening. I could keep writing and writing but I am so excited I'm just going to hug and kiss OUR little girl.
God Bless, keep the prayers coming.
Allie's Dad
Friday, June 1, 2007
Friday Night, June 1st
And it keeps getting better.
After a most worrisome day, we can finally relax, the night shift is here. I have been worried all day over the care that the day shift nurses give here on the second floor. They are to busy or not concerned enough or emotionally falling apart themselves but phew, we finally had to talk to the shift manager and let them know of our concerns and I am sure things would work our but here is our baby as vulnerable as a person can be, can't talk, move or call for help and we felt as if we couldn;t leave here alone. She may be mediacally stable but what can I say. Anyhow things are looking up in the nurse department and we sare so confident in the night nurse that we are actually going to leave early and get some rest. Hey I just thought of a funny - her name is Gayle and she works at night so she must be Nurse Nightingayle. Hey leave me alone its been a long day.
I guess we need to get one thing straight, something I wasn't sure of, but Allie is no longer in a coma. They told me that since she has responded to command she is now out of the coma. thank you God but the good news dosen't stop there - there is so much today.
Allie is really moving. She is lifting her head and moving it everywhere infact I think she wants to go home becasue she keeps trying to get out of the bed and (not all the way) but she is moving to make attempts, she is moving her left leg (good news) and then swinging her right on top of it to try and stand up. We have to stop her.
Her eyes are tracking things in the room and she is much more alert. They capped her trach tube again and may leave it all night. The doctor said if she does well the next two days they make remove it totally on Sunday.
The Rehab doctor came in today and examined her. She said they may move her out of her sometime next week and place her in the rehab building next week if a bed becomes available. I can't even believe it is moving that fast but they want to get her started.
With the trach tube capped Allie is able to speak. She has not but she has tried and has made some sounds. It is so good to her her make a sound and it sounds just like her. My heart melted when I heard it. Talk about your heart melting, I had a breakdown moment today and cried hard when we recieved a big box in the mail today. It was a build a bear. Not just your average build a bear but a NY build a bear made in the world's largest Build a Bear in the world dressed as a movie star and holding an I love NY handbag with white sunglasses. This was so great but the part that made me lose it was when I read the letter and realized it was from Jessie Garren, a classmate of Allies who mis in Sloan Kettering batteling cancer and winning. The letter she wrote moved me as no other ever has and if she gives me permission, I would love to print int in its entirety, so Jessie we love you and if its OK to print, please e-mail be at drcagen@citcom.net. By the way you were great in Millie.
Everyday has its ups and downs, - mostly ups - thanks to you. Our faith continues to grow every moment of everyday as we withness the miricles of healing and the power of God. Many people ask what we need and it is only your love and prayers (and maybe a hat because my head is really cold).
We are so proud of Allie and Matt. Matt thanks for being so strong, we are here for you. Allyson Babin, you're my superhero,- everyone who has prayed, we have heard you. Please pass it on and keep praying - it's working. We're gonna beat this and come back 100%!!!!!!!!!!! OK gotta go pass out now.
With love and affection.
Allie's Dad
After a most worrisome day, we can finally relax, the night shift is here. I have been worried all day over the care that the day shift nurses give here on the second floor. They are to busy or not concerned enough or emotionally falling apart themselves but phew, we finally had to talk to the shift manager and let them know of our concerns and I am sure things would work our but here is our baby as vulnerable as a person can be, can't talk, move or call for help and we felt as if we couldn;t leave here alone. She may be mediacally stable but what can I say. Anyhow things are looking up in the nurse department and we sare so confident in the night nurse that we are actually going to leave early and get some rest. Hey I just thought of a funny - her name is Gayle and she works at night so she must be Nurse Nightingayle. Hey leave me alone its been a long day.
I guess we need to get one thing straight, something I wasn't sure of, but Allie is no longer in a coma. They told me that since she has responded to command she is now out of the coma. thank you God but the good news dosen't stop there - there is so much today.
Allie is really moving. She is lifting her head and moving it everywhere infact I think she wants to go home becasue she keeps trying to get out of the bed and (not all the way) but she is moving to make attempts, she is moving her left leg (good news) and then swinging her right on top of it to try and stand up. We have to stop her.
Her eyes are tracking things in the room and she is much more alert. They capped her trach tube again and may leave it all night. The doctor said if she does well the next two days they make remove it totally on Sunday.
The Rehab doctor came in today and examined her. She said they may move her out of her sometime next week and place her in the rehab building next week if a bed becomes available. I can't even believe it is moving that fast but they want to get her started.
With the trach tube capped Allie is able to speak. She has not but she has tried and has made some sounds. It is so good to her her make a sound and it sounds just like her. My heart melted when I heard it. Talk about your heart melting, I had a breakdown moment today and cried hard when we recieved a big box in the mail today. It was a build a bear. Not just your average build a bear but a NY build a bear made in the world's largest Build a Bear in the world dressed as a movie star and holding an I love NY handbag with white sunglasses. This was so great but the part that made me lose it was when I read the letter and realized it was from Jessie Garren, a classmate of Allies who mis in Sloan Kettering batteling cancer and winning. The letter she wrote moved me as no other ever has and if she gives me permission, I would love to print int in its entirety, so Jessie we love you and if its OK to print, please e-mail be at drcagen@citcom.net. By the way you were great in Millie.
Everyday has its ups and downs, - mostly ups - thanks to you. Our faith continues to grow every moment of everyday as we withness the miricles of healing and the power of God. Many people ask what we need and it is only your love and prayers (and maybe a hat because my head is really cold).
We are so proud of Allie and Matt. Matt thanks for being so strong, we are here for you. Allyson Babin, you're my superhero,- everyone who has prayed, we have heard you. Please pass it on and keep praying - it's working. We're gonna beat this and come back 100%!!!!!!!!!!! OK gotta go pass out now.
With love and affection.
Allie's Dad
Friday Morning, June 1
Noon time and all is well. Not much to report today as Allie has been resting. Got her at 7:30, read awhile, prayed awhile and then just watched as she slept. She is just so comfortable in her new room.
I am sitting in the ICU waiting room as I still minister and visit with friends Nancy and I made during our stay here. Sad morning as a good friend will be losing her mother this morning. I am sad for them but thank God for Allie at the same time. It's strange you feel happy and sad and don't know it you should feel happy but I am and I am grateful and thankful. I know it's OK as we have all bonded together here on the fouth floor and have become family. They are happy for us and but it is so sad and even though we know God has a plan and we accept it our hearts break.
Allie is full of purposeful movements today (when she is awake). She loves to scratch her head and rub her face - just like a young child when they wake up in the morning. The doctors were in earlier and are ALL very pleased at the progress she is making. Everyone is so nice and optimistic.
If this letter sounds as if I am sad or falling apart, nothing could be further from the truth. I am happy and excited strong and full of faith, I believe my heart is just growing so big it is having some growing pains. We love and appreciate your cards, visits, calls, e-mails and blog posts so keep them coming
Allie's new room number is 2302
I would like to say thank you to Pastor Tommy Owen. This guy calls me everyday to check on Allie and give me a word of faith. Thanks Tommy.
If your old enough to remeber Romper Room of Bozo the Clown Show or the Sandy Becker Show, I not sure which one it was that had the magic mirror but they used to look in it and say "I see ... and I see ..." and I always wanted them to call my name. We that's what it's like and how we want to thank all of you. We have a magic mirror and even if we don't call your name we see you "Kenny and Roni and Tommy and Marion and Virginia and Brie and Loretta and Lynn and Mike and Mike and Ricky and Ellie and Allyson and the thousands of others......................................................................................................................................................................................... we see you and we love
Be back later (by the way, I never go back and read these one I write them so I hope you like all of the spelling and syntax errors)
Allie's Dad
I am sitting in the ICU waiting room as I still minister and visit with friends Nancy and I made during our stay here. Sad morning as a good friend will be losing her mother this morning. I am sad for them but thank God for Allie at the same time. It's strange you feel happy and sad and don't know it you should feel happy but I am and I am grateful and thankful. I know it's OK as we have all bonded together here on the fouth floor and have become family. They are happy for us and but it is so sad and even though we know God has a plan and we accept it our hearts break.
Allie is full of purposeful movements today (when she is awake). She loves to scratch her head and rub her face - just like a young child when they wake up in the morning. The doctors were in earlier and are ALL very pleased at the progress she is making. Everyone is so nice and optimistic.
If this letter sounds as if I am sad or falling apart, nothing could be further from the truth. I am happy and excited strong and full of faith, I believe my heart is just growing so big it is having some growing pains. We love and appreciate your cards, visits, calls, e-mails and blog posts so keep them coming
Allie's new room number is 2302
I would like to say thank you to Pastor Tommy Owen. This guy calls me everyday to check on Allie and give me a word of faith. Thanks Tommy.
If your old enough to remeber Romper Room of Bozo the Clown Show or the Sandy Becker Show, I not sure which one it was that had the magic mirror but they used to look in it and say "I see ... and I see ..." and I always wanted them to call my name. We that's what it's like and how we want to thank all of you. We have a magic mirror and even if we don't call your name we see you "Kenny and Roni and Tommy and Marion and Virginia and Brie and Loretta and Lynn and Mike and Mike and Ricky and Ellie and Allyson and the thousands of others......................................................................................................................................................................................... we see you and we love
Be back later (by the way, I never go back and read these one I write them so I hope you like all of the spelling and syntax errors)
Allie's Dad
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