Tuesday, June 24, 2008

A Full Day at Rehab in Kennedy Krieger Institute

http://www.prayforjessie.org

Jessie finished her first day in rehab today. She is now in the Kennedy Krieger Institute, which is right across the street from Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

She has a very full day of Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Speech Therapy, and Neuro Psychological testing. She is exhausted when the day is done.

Sometimes, I don't really see how she will ever walk again. She is just so limp on the left side of her body. It is literally like a noodle, total left hemiplegia. It's not like we weren't expecting that, but you don't really understand it until you pick up that limp body. The same body that WALKED into the operating room 2 weeks ago.

I pray and pray that the left side of her brain will begin taking over some of that function, and rewiring so that she can at least walk again. Being able to move independently is so important to kids.

I look forward to writing positive reports from Kennedy Krieger over the next weeks. Thanks for all the comments, emails, and prayers.

God Bless You. -Cris

http://www.prayforjessie.org

26 comments:

Kersta said...

Congrats on the move to rehab!! Fever must be gone!?!

Whether or not Jessie is ever able to move her left side again - God knows! Through all I have read from the first blog entry it seems that Jessie is a girl who has spunk and energy and will power; it's gonna take more than a Hemi to hold that girl back! And with God on her side - Watch out world!

She is such an encouragement and example of bravery to EVERYONE and I just pray God's continued blessings on her (as well as the rest of you!)

I'm sure it's much easier said than done, but don't get discouraged...God is still with you all, holding you, helping you and most of all loving you. I wish I had some verses to help with the encouragement but I will find some!

Sleep well Hall family,
Colorado loves you!

Anonymous said...

Matt 7:7 "Keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Cris & Kristi,
Keep your hopes up. I know it's hard not to get discouraged, but God hears you and all that is being Prayed for you, Jessie, and your family. You have all shown such courage and strength through all of this! Some day you will all be able to look back on it all and say "We made it!"
My family still Prays for your family every day and will continue to do so.
Much love & Prayers from Georgia

Anonymous said...

I absolutly believe that Jessie will be restored to what ever degree that God decides and she will be granted the Grace to use her talents and abilities for His work. I will be praying for a complete recovery. God bless you all.
From Mineral Wells...Rita Tupin

Anonymous said...

Cris and Kristi...
remember the Power Twins? Faith and Patience!!!

This is where you must put your faith and patience into action. Jessie is already healed, that was settled at calvary. My dad used to say, "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." I guess this was his way of keeping those negative thoughts out of his mind.
Just when you decide your gonna step out in faith and believe
God for something that looks or feels impossible, is when that thief trys to come steal it from you! Don't let him get away with it! Put him under your feet, (in his place)!!!

It is ALWAYS God's will for all of us to be healed and restored, his word says so! His word never lies! We are told in His word that All we have to do is ask in faith, and believe without wavering. The problem with our healing - comes when we start letting doubt and worry in. That's not receiving it with very good thoughts. Remember the story of the mustard seed and the mountain? Know that we are all banning together together, gathering our faith up with yours. I know it's not easy to do this, but I believe you can! A cord of 2 is easily broken, but a cord of three is strong. Know you have WAY more than 1 or 2 cords bindiing themselves up in agreement with you on Jessie's bahalf!

remember to NOT be moved by how things appear in the natural. It doesn't matter how it feels, looks, appears, or seems! He word says to Stand Firm and not be moved by how things appear. God is SUPERnatural. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than all we could hope or dream in out "natural" world.

So just keep on SPEAKING those faith words and patiently wait with EXPECTATION for his word to come to pass. May you feel nuts for doing it, ummm yes. I guess that's where thay saying comes in that we are "fools for Christ".

Do not waver. Stand Firm on God's word!

Get those healing tapes and books out! Decree it, Declare it, Receive it, Believe it. Settle it!

Faith cometh from hearing..... hearing from the Word of God. Stay in His word. Do not be moved by how things appear.

The word says "let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Teach Jessie this simple verse. She may need to rely on it heavily:


Philippians 4:13

I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength!

We love you and we're with you. We got your back! You can do this! Jessie is healed by His stripes. Praise God! We receive your word and your promises for Jessie!

We're here for you and are still praying for you all and believe God for some MIGHTY things!


Hugs and prayers,
Lee Ann Adams
Aledo, TX

sorry so long everyone!

Anonymous said...

How does one follow the inspiring words of Lee Ann Adams!!! She gives such encouragement!

Know that our family is still praying daily (many times a day) for your sweet little girl. We saw Jessie on Fox 4 News last night, and were amazed at how fabulous she looked. I think that I could see that sparkle in her eyes. I have faith that God is going to use that sparkle to help her walk again! God is good all the time. Praying for encouragement and healing today....

Love from Aledo

Anonymous said...

I was so encouraged reading about Jessie this morning, that she is beginning her journey in rehab. We saw a story about her last night on Fox, and she looked great! My husband said "wow, look at her!" You are all amazing and we pray for you every day, and before bed at night. I must say that the last post by Lee Ann Adams was also so encouraging and uplifting, and blessed my heart. We also live in Aledo, and I'd love to meet you someday, Lee Ann. You are a special "grace giver":) Thank you to you as well.

Please give Jessie a big hug from us; we can't wait to hear about her steps toward recovery! :) The homecoming to Aledo will be incredible!! Go Jessie!!!

Love from Aledo,
Angie Owen

Anonymous said...

Hi Angie,
I am headed to NRF tomorow morning for the new Beth Moore women's bible study. You are welcome to come! I'll be there at 8:50 am!

I would love to meet you too! If you can't go to that, we could meet some other time! Let me know!

:-)

Lee Ann Adams
leeannadams@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hey guys! Praise the Lord that Jessie is doing so great! I, also, saw Jessie on Fox News last night! She looks incredible!

I am sure that the days are long and exhausting. Lean on God to carry the weight for you. He is there and holding each of you in His hands. He alone can bring you the comfort you need. I find that "Let Go and Let God" helps me to rely on His truth, love and faithfulness. I am certain that all of this is much easier from where I am sitting...You have been so strong and I am praying that God will continue to strengthen you. The road is long and tiresome so let Him carry you. Only God knows what is in store for Jessie...surely His plan must be amazing. Look how incredible she has done and how many lives you all have touched as a result of Jessie's illness. Please know that I am inspired DAILY because of your tremendous faith and courage. God is working through you in so many countless ways.

Jessie is looking incredible. She has a beautiful sparkle in her eyes. I continue to pray for you all for strength, grace and courage. Jessie has come so far and she will, no doubt, continue to amaze each of us.

I continue to check Jessie's progress daily. As always, thank you for your continued updates and willingness to share your experience with everyone...especially us "strangers" :)

Jessie~ You are such a beautiful spirit. Keep on working hard! You are doing an AWESOME job. I am continuing to pray for you everyday. You are an amazing young lady.

Great big TEXAS hugs and kisses,

Kristin
Grapevine,TX

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for her photo "journal"! It's great to see her smiling, feeding herself, and helping Mom make the visor. We're so happy she has moved to rehab! We will pray specifically for daily improvement on her left side. Can't wait to "take" my daughter shopping at the Pinkalicious Boutique! What a fun name... Give Jessie a hug from her Aledo friends - we're some of the many that have never actually met her but are so pulling for her complete recovery.
Blessings,
The Britton Family
Aledo, TX

Anonymous said...

What can I say that Lee Ann didn't already say! What a wonderful post! Just know that there are SO many of us out here praying for Jessie and you guys. Don't get weary and don't lose faith. Look how far she's gotten in 2 weeks! I'm just amazed every time I come check on her!! God is SO awesome!
Keeping you in my prayers every day!

Lorisa in Arlington

Anonymous said...

"Come to me all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest". Matthew 11:28

Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall. Psalms 55:22

But Jesus spoke to his disciples at once. "It's all Right" Jesus said, "I am HERE". Don't be afraid. Matthew 14:27

Give all your worries and cares to God, for HE cares about what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:7

The Lord himself will fight and heal for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense! Exodus 14:14.

HE will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you can hide. HIS truth will be your shield and protection. Psalm 91:4.

HALL FAMILY ~ I just know God has Jessie in the palm of HIS hand right now keeping her safe and giving her faith and the ability to heal in time. He has not taken her incredible smile just temporarily a side of her that needs resting, but I know he has great things in store for sweet Jessie.

Remember that faith is tested by what we do with fear, not whether or not we have it.

I read your blog every morning and YOU have blessed my day right from the start with miraculous news on Jessie. I have never met your family but I am familiar with your situation as I too am from Aledo, in fact, we played Jessie's team in tball this past season. You know how many people are praying for Jessie, but we are also praying for your strength, faith and committment. The feeling of the unknown is a very frightening thing and I know all the emotions you are going through are completely normal and to be expected. I know deep down you are NOT discouraged - you are blessed to be able to hold your sweet baby girl - but it's nice to know that you are human & have thoughts of doubt or question - that's just part of being God's child on earth. GOD BLESS you all and we appreciate you keeping all of us informed! Remember to rest whenever you can, rest for your body helps your spirit!

Thank you again for sharing your life with us. We love being able to lift you up when you're down and celebrate with you when your up!

On a side note, sweet LeeAnn, your words touched each of us and taught me a new way to pray for this family! Thank you for sharing your words and committment to our Lord Jesus Christ with us. God Bless you and your family!

God Bless everyone reading Jessie's blog - your sister in Christ in Aledo!

Anonymous said...

Jessie looked amazing on Fox 4...love the wagon filled with goods!

Wow, the post with all those scriptures are some great promises to stand on! Thanks for posting them all!

Praying in agreement with y'all!
Lots of Love from Texas!

Anonymous said...

If nobody ever got sick, how could God prove that He was a Healer? If she would have come out of surgery walking, jumping and dancing, how could God show others where He can bring them from? He wants to show what He is capable of, taking someone from the bottom of the bottom and putting them on top again. There is a song that says "If you can use anything Lord, you can use me." I believe you have just this kind of spirit and God IS using you, to show the world who HE is and that HE CAN HEAL! He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Anonymous said...

Good morning,

I want to tell you guys that God has a plan and all of you are seeing that plan out...the strength, warm and courage that all of you have shown us is more than anyone I know.

You know over the past two weeks things have moved so fast and it sounds like in your blog from Tuesday that you have taken a breath and your emotions are catching up. Rehab will be hard, very hard, and things will work out I truly believe that.

As much as I enjoy reading this blog, I truly feel it is theraputic for both of you as well. It is important to share your feelings and thoughts. Know that everyone is praying and supporting your entire family every step of the way!

Love,

Jane, Samie & Nickie

Anonymous said...

I just read the last week of your updates. I just want you to know that I have not forgotten you and that you are in our hearts on this journey. Keane is doing ok. He has been sleeping more and his seizures have increased a bit since his surgery. We still are waiting for his radio active treatment. May God Give you the strength for today.

Anonymous said...

GO JESSIE! She will walk just fine, but start with sitting up and standing. Think about having a new baby (that knows a LOT)... she has to go through the same developmental milestones again: Eating, holding up her head, rolling over, sitting up (Abby skipped crawling), standing holding on, walking with help, walking and running. Wait until those brothers show up next week and she wants to keep up with them. Use them in the therapies too - we used to take in at least one sister for Abby to keep up with, she was very motivated if her sister could do it but she couldn't. It made her work harder.

You can do it Jessie, it's scary, but every movement means something. Hang in there Cris and Kristi. We're thinking of you everyday.

Anonymous said...

Cris and Kristi,
My name is Jan Cobb, and I live in Nacogdoches, TX. My daughter lives in Weatherford and attends church in Aledo......hence, she shared with us Jessie's story. I've not missed a single day of her blog since I first logged on the day of her surgery. I've been very, very prayerful for Jessie and you all, and we've followed Jessie's story with great interest and compassion. Her story has really brought back some memories for us. On June 11, 2005, our 20 year old son was in an automobile accident, leaving him with quadraplegia from a spinal cord injury. His body was limp from neck down. Our friends and family and our town really pulled together for our son, Bret. Prayers were constant, as I know they are with Jessie. Bret spent the entire summer at Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation in Dallas. But this is what I feel you need to hear........after about a month of having to have someone rub his nose for him when it itched, etc., he THOUGHT he wiggled his thumb. He worked tirelessly just trying to wiggle that thumb until he KNEW that he was voluntarily, but very slightly, moving it. After lots of amazing occupational and physical therapy, but not too long after that original thumb twitch, he
gained arm movement and some hand movement. He was in BIR for 3 months, and he walked out of there, just as he told us he was going to do. My point......don't lose hope! He met friends at Baylor that did not have the same fortune, but you, as do we, have a relationship with an Almighty God who still works miracles. Keep the faith! Our prayers will continue.......

Anonymous said...

Jessie,

You are such a cute little girl. I am praying for you and thinking of you and your mommy and daddy every single day. I ordered a bunch of bracelets from the Pinkalicious Boutique. I also ordered a shirt for my 2 year old daughter. Also at work I find myself contributing to all of these organizations I know nothing about. Next year it is all about the Hemi Foundation for me.
You know it might take all day or week but I sure hope someone is printing all of these blog entries for Jessie's scrapbook so she can look back one day and realize what a strong little girl she was!
Yall are such a wonderful family and an inspiration to all of us.

Anonymous said...

It's great to hear Jessie is in rehab! I'm sure it is very exhausting for everyone, especially Jessie, though. Hang in there. When things get rough with Jamie I try not to look to far into the future-today has enough trouble of its own, you know? I think when it's hard to find hope it helps to let other people's hope carry you for awhile. Thinking of all of you...
Tannis, Canada

Anonymous said...

I am glad to see that Jessie has been moved to rehab! Every little improvement is a positive move forward.

I saw Jessie's website. What a beautiful thing you have going. You are so lucky to have such tremendous support for Jessie and your family. It is amazing and so are all of you.

Take care,
Ann

The Meiers said...

Yeah! Great to hear she has started rehab. Go Jessie Go! It's hard work, but Jessie sounds like a hard worker and the therapists will make it fun for her. Zachary loved his therapists. Praying for her to make big gains in every session.
Love, Jason, Mary Lou, Zachary and Lexi Meier

OneofSix said...

Dear Cris and Kristi,
You need to know that your home town LOVES you and, many other people all over the US love and adore you. We are all praying for you and Jessie. When you're worn out and tired and it's hard to see your daughter's progress, please REMEMBER all of your friends, your new friends and your family who are praying for you daily. We pray that our love, faith, courage and strenth for you will reach up to Baltimore and envelop you tightly. With Love, The Jennings family

Anonymous said...

I don't really have anything further to say that hasn't already been said. Just know that we love you all with our entire hearts and, more importantly, He loves you all too!

In Him, Eddie S.

Anonymous said...

I pray all the rehab work starts paying off quickly. It would scare me as well. We are praying for Jessie!

Holly Lefevers

Anonymous said...

Dear Chris, Kristi and Jessie,
I am so glad you are out of the
hospital and into rehab. It will
be baby steps to start, don't lose
faith. I just know God has huge plans
for Jessie. I loved the photo journal
you made! Mom and Jessie looked so
peaceful... I am sure that both of
you are wiped out. I hope through our
prayers and good thoughts, that we
can keep you going strong. I have
said this before, but I want you to
know, that I pray for you and your
family daily. Keep up the good work
Jessie. Thanks to your Mom and Dad
for sharing you with us. I now call
you "my" little princess!

brianna said...

Its really great to know about that Jassie has started rehab ,, It will definitely help her.

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brianna

Alcohol Rehab