December 23

Dec. 23, 2012

We found out through Carissa's connections with the ambulance service that we can have free accommodations at an Honor House ( minutes away from RCH).  We moved out of the Best Western and will set up tonight.  God is a Wonderful Provider!  There are people working behind the scenes that we do not know personally but we are thankful for.  Special thanks to Andrea, one of Carissa's paramedic colleagues for her relentless efforts to make everything "normal."

The efforts to wake Jordan up did not go so well this morning.  He became very agitated so more sedation was needed.  He became so relaxed that he stopped breathing on his own - frightening for us but he had the ventilator to work for him. After coaching him, he did resume breathing. They are altering his medication trying to find the right balance of "waking him up" and yet keeping him calm.   He needs to be aware of where he is and keeping him safe before they can risk extubating him.  So we wait again.

The oral surgeon met with us. His plan is to wire Jordan's jaw shut once he is extubated.  He assured us that he would not proceed until he is confident Jordan is breathing on his own ( we do not need complications). He is not concerned about the broken bones in his face yet.

We met with Dr. Sharpe who assured us that there is minimal damage to Jordan's brain - all the important areas that control movement, speech, cognition, and major functions appear unaffected.  He is confident that Jordan will make a full recovery - it will just take time.  He will have short term memory loss and confusion.

Jordan's breathing tube is out!  He put up quite a fight and I had to leave the room as it was not a pretty picture.  He seems much more comfortable and relaxed.  He is even snoring now!  That is music to our ears!  There are times that he is responding with movements and we know he recognizes our voices.   

It was his Oma den Boer's birthday today and she even got to see him - the best present ever!  Jordan also opened his eyes briefly for Grandma Stam.

Here's the best news of the day!  This evening we were surprised to see his arm restraints off and he was trying to get comfortable.  He started coughing and he even moved his hand to cover his mouth (I guess his manners are ingrained after all!).  He opened his eyes (very hard work for him) and when Carissa asked him if he knew who she was, he nodded!  When asked "Does it hurt to talk?" he nodded again!  When Doug asked "Can you say hi to Dad?" he mumbled two syllables that sounded like "Hi Dad"!  We were ecstatic!  Exhausted, he snuggled up and went back to sleep. This was beyond our wildest expectations.  Each little step is a small victory.

Our God is a miracle working God Who hears and  answers prayer not because He is obligated to but because He wants to.  All honor and glory goes to Him.  We are meeting many different people, each with their own trials and personal tragedies.  This is when God's promises become so precious:

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?  And one of them shall not fall on the ground

without your Father.But the very hairs of your head are all numbered, fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matt. 10: 29 - 31.