Last week Thursday, Jordan had a follow-up appointment with the neurologist in New Westminster.  We received good news.  The doctor was pleased with his progress, and seemed surprised that Jordan did not have headaches anymore and that he was not taking any Tylenol.  He gave Jordan the go ahead to start his classes but warned him that if 5 courses was too much, he should drop one or two.  Since Jordan has not had any seizures (a possible side effect of brain trauma/injury), he was given permission to drive again, provided he take a fit to drive test with his family doctor.  This was the best news for Jordan!  Relying on taxi service when he does not have a driver is not the same as having your own set of wheels!

Jordan does have a constant annoying ringing in his head - Dr. Chan said this may go away with time, or it may be permament damage. He cannot hear that well out of his left ear but that may be due to his broken eardrum.
Dr. Chan also told Jordan that any contact sport (hockey and snow boarding) would be out for the season as the risk of further injury is too great.  He will not be allowed to do any physical work for atleast 3-4 months and no strenuous work out program.  He will be able to start a rehabilitation excercise program in a couple of weeks with a physical therapist. 

The next thing to look forward to - when his wires will be cut!  Eleven more days...  Jordan is already fantasizing biting into a juicy Big Mac!  For now, he will have to be content just dreaming about it.  After this, he may need some dental work done since some teeth may have been cracked or damaged (minor stuff when you look at the whole picture).

 All in all, Jordan has come a long way since Dec. 21, the day of  the accident.  It was God's providence that not one of the five people was killed in the accident.  We do not deserve His mercies.
When we look back at the last four weeks, we can see the remarkable hand of God - from the helicopter transfer to Royal Columbia Hospital, to the balancing of drugs to keep Jordan in a coma, to his amazing recovery after coming out of a coma with no brain damage, his early discharge, and further recovery at home.   This will be the final post to the blog.

Thankyou for your support and prayers.  It was overwhelming to see how many people were walking through this trial with us and praying for his recovery.  We have a clearer insight what it means "to bear one another's burdens".  Praise God Who is in control of all things:
             O give thanks unto the Lord: for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.(Ps. 136:1)

Jan.7^th,  2013

It’s hard to believe that it has already been just over a week that Jordan was discharged from RC.  Each day we have seen an improvement in strength and endurance.  When he first came home, he would take several naps throughout the day.  Now, he sometimes needs to take one nap but usually does without and goes to bed early instead.  He has progressed from taking a walk to the mailbox to going to Winners with us to buy him some new runners (as his only pair was lost in the accident) to going bowling last Friday night!  I had my reservations about this but Jordan is extremely bored and the kids wanted to do a family night.  The first game his balance was a “little off” but by the second game, he scored three strikes in a row and did a turkey strut!  We never imagined that three weeks ago we would be witnessing this.  On Sunday Jordan was able to go to church with us in the morning and the evening – God is so faithful.

The community occupational therapist came last week to do a home assessment (risk factors) and to pace out expectations for Jordan.  He was surprised at how well Jordan was doing but advised him to keep a daily log of his activities that he could build upon.  He will be coming weekly, then taper off to every two weeks.

Today we took Jordan to Delta for a follow up appointment with Dr. Bahi, the oral surgeon.  The x-ray showed that the jaw is healing, but needs to be wired for three more weeks.   Sorry, Jordan … it’s going to be pureed liquefied meals, Ensure, Boost and smoothies for a while yet!  What would we do without our blender?  Since he has no space between his teeth for a straw, he has to slowly drink his “food” along the inside of his cheek until it can go down the small opening at the back of the jaw and down his throat.  He has this down to an art but can’t wait to taste real food!  He has lost weight and will continue to lose weight on a liquid only diet, much to his dismay.  The doctor assured him that he will gain it all back within four weeks once the wires are cut.  He will be looking forward to Jan. 28^th when Dr. Bahi will remove the screws and cut the wires.

This Thursday, we have a follow up appointment with Dr. Chan, the neurosurgeon.  He will be able to tell us what we can expect Jordan will be allowed to do, given his brain injury.  Jordan is very hopeful that he will be able to do this semester and perhaps drop a course or two.  He has a medical leave for the first two weeks, but we need to first get the go ahead from Dr. Chan.  He will not be allowed to return to his part time job in construction for quite a while and he claims that he will go crazy if he does nothing.  Of course, we need to be cautious and realistic as studying takes much concentration, focus, and memorization.  It would be ideal if he would be allowed to take 1 or 2 courses.  Since he is not allowed to drive yet, rides need to be arranged but he assures us that his friends will take care of that.

On the outside, it does not even look like he was involved in such a horrific accident.  His facial abrasions have healed well, his wired jaw is not visible from the outside, and his skull fractures do not show.  Since he did not have any bodily injuries from the head down, he looks good.  We know that it could have turned out so differently but God had different plans.  We cannot even begin to count our blessings.  We pray that this trial may bring honor and glory to our heavenly Father who counts the very hairs on our heads.  Nothing transpires without His will and for that we are thankful.  Please continue to pray for further healing and much patience.

Dec. 28

December 28th

This morning at the hospital, we were given stunning news - there was a good chance Jordan would be discharged. We weren't sure we heard right! We were expecting another week or two but not today! Jordan would have to pass a cognitive test and wait for Dr. Chan's discharge later in the day. We left, with a hundred questions mulling around in our minds, to go to Jeremy and Bailey's wedding ceremony. Jordan and Blayne were both to be groomsmen for this wedding that was postponed due to the accident. Although we could not go to the reception, we were glad to see the radiant bride and our nephew Jeremy looking so happy. If they could weather this storm before their marriage, we are sure that by God's grace, they could weather the trials that may arise in their married life. We pray that God will bless their marriage as they make their home in Toronto, where they both will be studying. Meanwhile, Jordan's Opa and Oma visited with him and played games to keep his mind off the wedding.

Before his discharge, there was a whirlwind of visits by the dietician, the social worker, the trauma consultant and the occupational therapist. It was a bit of information overload to say the least. Dr. Chan assessed him and told us that Jordan would get more rest at home than in the hospital. In order for the brain injury (swelling and minimal bleed) to heal, he needs weeks, possibly months of rest. The doctor's restrictions is a bitter pill for an active nineteen year old to swallow - no driving for 2 months, no hockey for the rest of the season, and miss a semester of college. Compared to what the future looked like a week ago, who can dare complain? What a faithful God we have! How undeserving we are!

Thank you for your prayers- this has truly been a humbling experience that has made us see how fragile and precious life is. We pray that God will use these circumstances to His honor and glory. Please continue to pray for the slow road of recovery ahead. From now on, the blog will be updated only when there is news.

Dec. 27th

December 27th

Today was a very tiring day as Jordan did not sleep well last night or during the day.  He has a difficult roommate who is disoriented and keeps him awake with his ranting.  A person with a brain injury needs rest and quiet which he is not getting.  If this keeps up, we will try to get him moved to a different room.

Eating has become a whole new challenge.  Everything is limited to a liquid diet - juices, soup, protein drinks...  Since there is no space between his top and bottom teeth, his "food" needs to be sucked through a straw inserted inside his cheek or squirted in with a large syringe.  Yesterday, it was a frusterating experience until we discovered that the straw had a small hole in it!  At that rate, he will be burning more calories trying to eat than digesting calories!

Jordan enjoys having visitors and it is a joy to see his eyes light up when his friends show up.  However, it is a real strain trying to talk with his jaw wired shut and by the end of the day, he had a raging headache and needed morphine.  He is very determined to be part of Jeremy and Bailey's wedding tomorrow and asked if he could get a day pass.  We had to disappoint him with reality and we think he is resigned to the fact that it would be impossible.

Jordan did have a nice surprise - the whole bridal party on the groom's side came to visit him this afternoon to boost up his spirits.  It was good for him to see that they were all well and mobile (although still sore).

Dec. 26

Dec. 26th, Boxing Day

Jordan's bored already!  By the time we went to see him in the morning he already read 5 magazines, cover to cover.  After breakfast, he was told he could not have any more soft food or drink as there was a good chance he would have his surgery today.  He ventured out for a short walk with his IV pole and could visit with  Blayne, Natasha and Kevin. Nicole and Mark, and Carissa and Josh.  He cracked some jokes and is trying to keep his spirits up.

Around 2:30 he was wheeled down to the operating room.  The anesthestist explained the procedure - she would insert a camera down his nose followed by a tube for him to breathe with.  Then the oral surgeon would drill two screws in his top jaw and two in his bottom jaw and wire his jaw shut.

When we saw him after the surgery, he was in alot of pain and needed morphine.  Jordan is a real trooper!  For someone who can't wait to eat McDonald's food, the next few weeks will be a test of patience!  From now on, he will have to use a straw to drink his liquid food.  Sorry Grandma ... no more pumpkin pie!

Jordan had a lot of visitors today and he tires quickly.  Talking with his jaw shut is possible, but is more awkward.  Please phone or text us if you are planning to visit so we can stagger the times.  Thank you and we appreciate the love and concern and support you have given Jordan and us as a family.  We pray that God in His wisdom can use these trials to His honor and glory.

Dec. 25th - Christmas Day

Christmas Day - the day the Saviour was born!  The days have all blurred into each other but today we need to reflect on the greatest Gift God has given mankind - His Son.  Who would have thought that we would spend this day at the bedside of our son at RC.  God's ways are beyond our ways:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts".  Isaiah 55: 8 -9

When we arrived at the hospital today, Jorday was quite alert.  His bed was propped up and he turned his head when he heard us coming and his eyes were wide open and focussed.  His hair had been washed and slicked back (we told him he looked like Elvis).  He told us he ate breakfast (porridge) but his teeth and head hurt "real bad".

When he asked what day of the week it was, he mentioned the wedding for the first time.  "Oh  ... , I guess Jeremy and Bailey are married then".  We told him that they postponed the wedding due to all the injuries of the bridal party.  He seemed to accept this.  He is starting to remember details - "You need to get a hold of my boss, Jeremy"  "Where's my wallet?" "Did you get my keys and passport?"  "Where's my phone?"  All signs that he is processing in his mind.

We did not want to mention anything about the wedding but were waiting to see if he would.  Our hearts go out to Jeremy and Bailey who put others' needs ahead of their own.  This is another dimension to the accident that is in God's hands and plans.  When we told him later that the wedding would be this Friday, he looked worried and said "  I gotta hurry up and get out of here".  We keep reminding him that he needs to stay until he is recovered and that the wedding will happen without him.

The highlight of the day - Jordan was mobile!  He had a wobbly short walk today with the physiotherapist down the hallway!  He keeps amazing us with his progress.  Afterwards, he was totally exhausted so we left him to sleep.  On this ward, it is quiet time from 2:00 - 4:00 and it is strictly enforced (lights out).

Later in the afternoon he was wheeled down to a waiting area in a wheelchair so he could visit with all his siblings at once.  Jordan's humour is still there - he was bragging to everyone that he was not going to follow the hospital's system as he "skipped" a ward (high acuity) when he was transferred from ICU to the neurological ward.

We found out that yesterday's supper was a mistake - he is on a soft food diet only.  So Christmas dinner was shredded turkey and squash and in Jordan's words "pretty good".  He had quite an eventful, tiring day with many visitors so we closed the day with the Christmas story from Luke 2.  We wish all those who are following this blog and who are praying for Jordan a blessed Christmas and pray that He may work wonderfully in your lives as He is in ours. 

Dec. 24, 2012

Jordan was disoriented and cranky this morning as he has been weaned off all his sedation and pain medication. Jordan and bed sheets do not get along.  He keeps tossing and turning trying to get comfortable but keeps getting twisted up in all the lines.  He accidently pulled out both lines in his arms but we were able to calm him so the nurse could put them both back in.

We asked him “Do you know where you are Jordan?”  He mumbled “In Mom and Dad’s room”.  When I said “No Jordan” he answered “Whatever.  In your old room”.  Later when he was more coherent he asked “When can we go?”

We are so amazed that he is actually talking in sentences!  He keeps asking “Can I go home?” and when I told him “No, you need to stay here to rest and get better” he responded “Is that a maybe no, a no, or a 100 percent no?”  Since he does not remember much about the accident, he doesn’t understand why he needs to be in the hospital.  He is very aware of his pain though – he told me “Man, have I got a headache”.  Yes, Jordan you have more than a headache!

Jordan was quite restless in the morning.  His feet keep sticking out over the edge of the bed because he is too long for it.   He is quite a sight with his “bed hair” sticking out all over the place.  His facial lacerations are healing well though and he looks so much better without his breathing tube in.

Jordan had family visitors throughout the day and was able to talk to each of his siblings.  They were all so excited to see his progress.  He does not realize that they been here for three days waiting and praying with us.  He even told Nicole “Mom said that maybe I can go home today”.  He told his brother “Man, I’m so wasted... I haven’t slept in days” (little does he know).  After each short visit though he falls asleep exhausted so we have to monitor the visits carefully.  We told him that his friends were very concerned about him and so many people were praying for him and he liked that very much.

Jordan’s CT scan showed good results and around 3:30pm we were told that he was being transferred to a neurological ward on the 4^th floor.  We actually got to walk beside his hospital bed as they wheeled him down the hallways.  Jordan now shares a room but has a 24 hour caregiver.  This is very reassuring as we were concerned about the level of care on this ward.   We left to eat some supper, and when we came back he told us he had supper.  We thought he was disoriented but he insisted, “No I did eat supper – chicken, potatoes, and corn – but it sure hurt though”.  I can’t imagine eating with a broken jaw that has not been set yet; he must have been awfully hungry.  For a nineteen year old with a big appetite four days without any food is a long time!

We share some of the joy Mary and Martha must have felt when their brother Lazarus was raised from the dead.  Although Jordan did not die, he was on the brink of death and God miracously gave him back to us!   Although Jordan does not remember who was all with him at the time of the accident, he is trying to piece everything together.  Details are foggy to him.  We have told him that everyone is OK, and that some had more injuries than others.  He does know that today is Monday but cannot remember what day the accident was.  He tries to orient himself by always looking at the clock.  When we said good night, Jordan had had quite an eventful day and was asleep before we left the room.  We are exhausted too – so much to process in one day!  God has been so good to us.