Saturday, June 21, 2008

A Field Trip to the Johns Hopkins Cafeteria

Today was another good day. Honestly, each day that passes is a good day, because we have Jessie with us. She is still very weak, but the fire is building...you know the fire that I'm talking about if you have read much of this blog. We have a long way to go, but Jessie is on her way back.

They removed her feeding tube (Nasal Gastric tube) today. That felt so good for her to get that thing out of her nose. This means that the Doctors believe that she is getting enough nutrition without having to worry about NG feeding. Hooray!!!

Also, they took out the central line in her neck and disconnected the IV in her arm. That means that the doctors think that she is getting plenty of fluids without an IV. They left it in her arm just in case, but Jessie is free of lines. It makes going to the bathroom and moving her around MUCH easier. We have to carry her everywhere and move her by hand anytime that she needs to be moved. Believe me, this isn't an easy job after she put on 20 pounds of steroid weight!!

We are also working with her left arm, and left leg continuously to see if we can get ANY strength and/or movement. Not much yet, but we're still praying. Right now, she has complete hemiplegia on the left side. from her tongue to her toes, it's all limp on the left side. In addition to what Hopkins is doing, we are doing the Hall Family Rehab until we get over to Kennedy Krieger Institute for in-patient rehab.

The highlight of our day, was a visit from Kelly Dawson and her family, including Kelly's mom. Her daughters, Alex, Tarin, Abby, and MacKenzie were with her. They were sweet girls, and very well behaved. The brought some nice gifts for Jessie. We all went down to the Johns Hopkins Hospital Cafeteria for lunch. Jessie's first field trip out in the general public went well, but really wore her out. She got some major stares from those looking at her scars and staples, but we beamed with pride. We were so proud to have her out and her wheel chair was decorated with a pink feather boa!!

What really makes this trip special, though, is the hope that it brought us. Not because Jessie went down and ate with friends, but because Abby Dawson (6) had a hemispherectomy 3 years ago. She walked down with us for lunch and ate with Jessie. She's just a regular little girl, with a slight limp and a brace on her left leg. She smiles and plays and laughs and loves life, and she is missing the right half of her brain. God Blessed us with the gift of hope once again and brought the Dawsons to visit us. Thanks to God and thanks to the Dawson family for taking the time to drive from out-of-state and spend some time with us today.

Little Macey, from next door, came over to play Candy Land with Jessie today. She is such a sweet little girl; soft spoken and well mannered. I prayed over and over today for her and her family. I pray that her body responds to the treatment and her body begins nourishing itself and the color comes to her face and she is healed.

I'm praying for her again tonight. Cris

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

keep up the good work!!!!!!It really does get better day by day!!!!!!!!! from krista ricky and gabby yambo

Anonymous said...

Yeah Jessie! Yeah Mom & Dad!!! You must be so thrilled to be getting Jessie back. She is definitely on the road to recovery. It will all take time, but she is getting there. Each day will get a little easier. Each day she will get a little stronger.
You are both the best parents, you
should be very proud of yourselves!
I am so happy for both of you, you
have been through so much. I am a firm believer in prayers... I have been praying my little heart out for all of you. (all the other kids too!) I look forward to the next update... I check all day long! I'm so happy the "little princess" got to go on a field trip! Keep up the good work Chris and Kristi! God Bless all of you.
P.S. I forgot to tell you earlier
in the week how sorry I was for
your loss. Jessie has her own
Guardian Angel now.

Unknown said...

Hi,
I am Sarah Alward's grandfather. Just to let you know that I am praying for Jessie and your whole family. I now have three other children on my prayer list with RE, Megan, Jessee, and Addie along with Sarah.

Rusty

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that the good days keep coming! The Lord is blessing you for your perserverence and faithfulness.

What good news to hear that Jessie is "line-free." I know that must make your heart sing!

It is such a blessing that you have had visitors off and on throughout Jessie's hospital stay there!

I will continue to pray for your entire family, including your sweet boys! Macie will be in my prayers as well.

Y'all take care!

Big Texas hugs to you all....

Kristin
Grapevine, TX

Anonymous said...

I check your blog daily to see how Jessie is doing. My nieces and nephews go to school with her and I get such a good feeling when I hear about how the town is coming together to show their support of Jessie. Have you considered turning your blog into a book? I think it would be a great fundraiser as well as a good way to give support to other families that are going through similar situations.

Anonymous said...

My name is Ellen and been reading your blog daily. Thank you for this chance for me to know what is going on in a precious girl's unique six year old life. I have joined the ranks of those who pray for your little Jessie. May God bless your family so, so much and I hope you will be happily surprised with the coming day's turnout.

Anonymous said...

God is soooo good. Hey Jessie! Good job im so proud of you. Your whole family is in our prayers at the Pentecostals of Fort Worth. www.pofw.org. Please tell Jessie that Miss. Lashonda is missing her so much. And God bless the two of you. I know that you are going throug a lot. God will continue to lead you. Love you guys take care. Cant wait to see Jessie home.

Anonymous said...

Such good news every times I check here! It's so good to read how well Jessie is doing! We will keep you all and the other children in our Prayers. Thanks again for taking the time to update us all and for sharing with us your family, pictures, and good news! Lots of Prayers from Georgia!

Anonymous said...

we all eagerly read jessie's blog every day. We are still praying for your family. Much love & pink wishes!
Aledo, TX

kitykity said...

Oh that must have been so much easier, and more comfortable, to be tube-less! Hooray, one more little step today! :)

Kelly said...

WOW! I didn't know we were part of the first trip out... WOOHOO. We posted a pic of her on our blog, and have a few to send to you if you would like.

Keep it up Jessie, that left side won't always be asleep. Be brave, work hard. Your Daddy is SO silly, I bet he can get you through anything, and then Mom will be there with hugs. What a great family you are.