Thursday, June 12, 2008

"I Want My Mommy"

6/12/2008

As Cris mentioned, we are going to visit Jessie briefly throughout the day to ensure she gets her rest. When she hears our voices, she wants to respond and that stirs her up a little too much.

On our last visit a little bit ago, the nurse reported that they had to change her sheets and she said her first post-surgery words! "I want my Mommy." Awesome! They said she went right back to sleep but what great news!

Papa Kelley also sang Jessie a couple of their favorite songs. She responded by opening her eyes some but was very relaxed.

She is doing so well, we are walking on clouds! I'm know we are going to have some challenging days ahead but she has so much support from our family, WONDERFUL ALEDO!, old and new friends - she will rock on baby!

Thank you all! Your support, prayers and comments/emails are keeping us going!

Kristi

77 comments:

Anonymous said...

What blesssed news! I know that must have been music to your ears! My heart just melted. I know how relieved you must be. It is so amazing how wonderfully she is doing...she is definitely in the hands of our Savior. He is watching over her and protecting her. He is aiding in her recovery...Jessie is such a miracle. She will go on to do GREAT things. You guys just keep your amazing faith and give Jessie some big Texas hugs!

Continuing to pray for Jessie....

Kristin
Grapevine, TX

Anonymous said...

We are all praying for everyone of you! Even my teenage boys who dont seem to care about to much are checking on her!

Anonymous said...

The best words a mother could hear. Hang in there Cris and Kristi. Yes, you have a long road ahead but the strength you both have shown is amazing. Now we know where Jessie gets it from. We are praying for you all. Keep the updates coming.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts have been with you over the last few days especially. I'm so glad to hear that things went so well. Hang in there! We all love you guys and pray for you daily.

Brenda

Anonymous said...

im glad you wok up and had your rite side of your brane out. and i prad for you. see you in first grade. max davis

Biatriz said...

I got goose bumps reading this! How wonderful to hear her speak!

Unknown said...

Wow! Praise God for his mighty deliverance. What joyous news. Cris and Kristi-y'all get a little rest too. This news is putting a big spring in my step and I only wish y'all could see the all the high fives my family and prayer group are giving each other tonight. Just for fun, I think we'll write Texas Tech on each others heads! Jessie, go girl go! See you soon. Love, Maura

Anonymous said...

I first read about Jessie's story yesterday in the newspaper and so I spent my evening glued to my computer laughing and crying while reading her entire journey.
I am so proud of the way ya'll are handling everything ... I only hope that when I have children that I am able to be as strong as ya'll.
I am so glad to hear the good news! Recovery will be a test of your patience, but remember small steps are HUGE when it comes to the brain. It just amazes me that God has given such talent to these doctors who have researched this surgery and also for being able to perform it.
I will be praying for Jessie and the family.
- MM

Anonymous said...

i just found out about jessies story yesterday. I am very curious to follow her progress because my daughter Jailynn has an abnormal right side of the brain that is causing her seizures. Her neurologist at John hopkins has mentioned that in the future if we cannot keep the seizures under control she may need the right side removed. This scares me. Jailynn already has limited mobility and use of her left side of her body, i know surgery will make the left side weaker. I am curious to see how much and how fast jessie regains use of her left side. I hope she becomes the best recovery story ever. she is a beaftiul little girl and I will pray for her.

Anonymous said...

Music to your (and our) ears! Go, baby go! We have been on our knees and He deserves all of the glory! Jessie is so special to all of us. Hang in there and keep on rockin' sweet angel!

Anonymous said...

Music to your (and our) ears! Go, baby go! We have been on our knees and He deserves all of the glory! Jessie is so special to all of us. Hang in there and keep on rockin' sweet angel!

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news... that sweet Jessie is going to be just fine... And I want my mommy... what more could you ask for... thank you for taking the time to let us know how she is... I know you have lots on your mind, but letting us be a part of it is truly special...love ya.. susie

Anonymous said...

Praise God for what is a wonderful start to recovery!!! Continuing prayers for a swift and full recovery!

Anonymous said...

I am positively speechless... Teachers at my school have been praying for Jessie, asking me for updates constantly... I can't get any teaching done!!! ha ha ha...
You go Li'l Red Raider!

Love you all, Eddie

Anonymous said...

I heard about your journey on the news and it is so wonderful that everything went as planned and she is doing well. I actually work at Hopkins and it is simply amazing what doctors can do. Good luck to you and Jessie!

CountryintheBurbs said...

I am so happy that Jessie is resting peacefully! I have been following her story and I am sending prayers and healing thoughts her way. God Bless Jessie and keep her safe and on the road to a quick recovery!!

Anonymous said...

My name is Leanna and i wanted to say this to jessie,

What a brave beautiful little girl you are, dad and mom, thank you for sharing your little girl with us,here in maryland, you must be sooo proud of her! we could all use a lesson in how to handle things from jessie, she is the very example of how not to give up, and go forward no matter what, i have 4 kids of my own, 3 boys one girl, my daughter brittany, has been following jessie with me, and sends all her love and best wishes for jessie, she said jessie is precious! our family is praying for your family, and we are humbled by such a beautiful little girl, and your family's courage, again thank you for sharing jessie with us, and god bless you...
I wrote this for jessie



Jessie....

Hair the color of a warm summer day,
A smile and a laugh that chases the blues away,
Dreams of the future, and promises to come,
A challenge faced bravely,a nightmare to some,
this beautiful girl,teaches lessons untold,
her soul a light, a wonder to behold,
she has taught us so much,with her courage and grace,
through a smile, a look , a laugh on her face,
touched by god, this brave one it seems,
keep your heart open jessie,follow your dreams..


god bless all of you

Jenny said...

I'm so excited to hear the good updates. :)

Continuing to pray...

With Love,
Jenny B.
Arlington,TX

Anonymous said...

The entire Texas Tech family is keeping Jessie and your family in our prayers. We would like to send her a big Red Raider goody basket if that is possible.

Jessie is an amazing child.

Go Tech

Margaret Lutherer
Executive Director of Communications
Texas Tech University

Unknown said...

Cris and Kristi,
We are so happy to hear the wonderful news! The kids and I watched the feature on her again this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all always! Let us know if we can do ANYTHING!

Robert, Tracy, Laramie and Landon Reed

Anonymous said...

I am so excited to read the outcome of the surgery thus far. My four year old son, Logan, is scheduled for a right hemispherectomy on July 9th in Detroit MI, we are from Lake Worth, TX. I have felt many of the things that you have felt and appreciate you putting your emotions into words. We all are Blessed and whole in His name.

Mary Sylva
realtor.marysylva@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I first heard your story the other night on channel 13 and was immediately touched. I have a 18 month old daughter and cant imagine going throught this and hope I never have to. I am not a religious man But I did ask God to take care of your little girl and she seems like an angel. God speed with her recovery and may every day spent with her be a great one.

Anonymous said...

As Paul wrote to the church in Corinth;

The God of All Comfort:
2 Corinthians 1:3
3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God”.

As one that has shown me on more than one occasion, I can only offer these two versus that Paul wrote back in 55 AD that describes that God is the great comforter. In him, you will find peace. My prayer for you is that God be with you during this time of great concern. I pray that God put his arms around your family and cover you with his blanket of love. May he pour out his blessings upon you.

C. Tucker - BNSF

Anonymous said...

First of all I want to thank both Cris and Kristi for allowing us to love their angel. Our prayers were answered regarding Jessie's surgery! My prayers and thoughts are with you all! Your courage, strength, faith and love is so inspiring! May God give you the strength to continue caring for this amazing little girl! XOXOXOXO

mominaledo said...

I'm so glad to see a picture of Jessie! We talk about her all the time. My son said yesterday, "Jessie is funny and laughs a lot on the bus. There are a lot of orange ribbon downtown so he's trying to keep a mental note of what's for Jessie and what's for the Ladycats. Hope you guys are getting some rest. Carrie

Anonymous said...

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys get some rest too.

Anonymous said...

Cris and Kristi, so good to hear the good news: asking for Mommy, squeezing of the hands, and movements on the left. Sharing this with many oversees in Holland and Suriname, as well as nationally in Ohio, Connecticut and Tennessee. All those prayers are not goign unanswered. God has many special angels watching over Jessie.

Dave

Anonymous said...

What great news!! I have been praying for Jessie and thinking about her constantly. God is truly with you and your family, and I am so thankful for his blessing on you all. Keep up the great work Jessie, you're doing wonderfully!!! Cris, Kristi, and boys hang in there, things are getting better!!

Jonna
Plano, TX

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! We will continue to pray for you all. Reminders of Jessie are all over Aledo - pink ribbons, signs made by children in yards saying "Pray for Jessie" and "You go girl!", a sign at Sonic, etc. We are so proud of you all - what courage and strength. Know that your hometown loves you and is continually praying for a fast recovery. Thank you for keeping us up to day on Jessie's progress. God is good all the time!!!

Anonymous said...

The power of prayers is so strong and thank God for such a strong little girl and wonderful doctors. I wrote the other day - I am the mom of a 5 year old boy that was operated on twice by Dr. Carson. My son is doing great and I know Jessie will as well. Children are so amazing! We live about 7 miles outside of the city so if you need a home cooked meal or anything else- please feel free to contact us. I will continue you to check on Jessie's progress.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news!

She loves you and is responding to your voices and asking for you. Such sweet music!

Thank you, Cris and Kristi, for sharing this journey with us. It has heightened awareness in so many areas - of the disease itself, of the resources available, etc., but most of all, of the power of faith and prayer. Prayer is so powerful.

Anonymous said...

I rarely watch TV and don't always get a chance to read the paper. Last night's news was the first I had heard of Jessie (apparently I lead a pretty sheltered life as well LOL). I was up until after 3 this morning reading Jessie's blog and crying and praying and rejoicing. I will continue to pray and am certain that there will be more rejoicing for Jessie's accomplishments in the future. I will be wearing a lot more pink in Jessie's honor too. Which is fine-it's my favorite color, too.

Praying and rejoicing for Jessie.

Laurie
(from just up the road in nearby Ft. Worth)

Anonymous said...

I rarely watch TV and don't always get a chance to read the paper. Last night's news was the first I had heard of Jessie (apparently I lead a pretty sheltered life as well LOL). I was up until after 3 this morning reading Jessie's blog and crying and praying and rejoicing. I will continue to pray and am certain that there will be more rejoicing for Jessie's accomplishments in the future. I will be wearing a lot more pink in Jessie's honor too. Which is fine-it's my favorite color, too.

Praying and rejoicing for Jessie.

Laurie
(from just up the road in nearby Ft. Worth)

Anonymous said...

I live a little over an hour from Balitmore and heard about Jessie on WJZ. Praise God that she came through surgery OK. She is a beautiful little girl. I have two children of my own and I can't imagine what you must be going through. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You have a long hard road ahead of you, but with your strength and the support of your family, friends and community, you will make it through. God Bless you, Jessie and your family.

Anonymous said...

Hello Cris and Kristi and of course Jessie, My name is Carla, I am from Lewisville, TX. I have read Jessies blog from the beginning to the end, and followed it on the news. You are so strong. I have 2 daughters, one that resembles Jessie, and from the sounds of it, has the same personality. I dont know where you find the strength!!! Im sure God has alot to do with it. You and all around you are in my prayers and always on my mind. I had brain surgery when I was 17 years old for a tumor, luckily it wasnt cancerous, but still tramatic. I was told that due to the surgery, I would never have children, but as you read above, I have 2 angels. Yes, miracles do happen. Keep posting as you have, I keep checking to see how she is doing. She is a beautiful little girl and Im sure, God has special plans for her in this world.

Love from Texas God Bless You

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear that Jessie is doing so well. I have been following the story from day one and every day read the blog to see what is going on. I work for a religious organization and will ask them to say a prayer so that the next couple of days will go as well as these past days. God Bless Jessie.

Debe
Westminster, MD

Karen said...

We live in Baltimore and have been following your story for awhile. As a mom of 4, I can't believe the strength you are showing. As parents we do what is necessary for our kids, and your faith and love for her will keep you going. We will continue to pray for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Wanted you and your family to know that we are praying for Jessie and you. God is our Healer and He is working as we speak. We give your family lots of hugs and prayers from Grapevine, Tx. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus and keep your faith. Looking forward to reading more wonderful and blessed news.

Joyce
Grapevine, TX

Anonymous said...

That awesome to hear that Jessie is moving and speaking.I've been keeping up to date many time's a day,your story has touched me deeply.I will continue to pray for your wonderfull Angel!

Anonymous said...

To the Hall family:
I am so grateful to God for allowing Jessie to come through her surgery just fine and for the beginning of what will be a nice recovery. Your family is so blessed to have this little girl, and the rest of us, stangers and friends, are blessed with you telling her story. She has certainly touched a lot of hearts and I hope for nothing but the best for your little sweetie, she deserves everything good coming her way. Prayers for your whole family from Baltimore. You are all amazing!

kitykity said...

"I want my mommy..." How wonderful! Will make any mother's heart melt. I am so happy for you all!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear that she is doing well. I first heard of her story on WJZ and have been following and keeping up with the happenings! I will keep her and your family in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how a little girl I don't know has touched my heart the way Jessie has. I'm so glad to hear she's doing well and asking for Mama! I will continue to pray for you all.... Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us with so much going on!! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

So there is a June 12th.
For so long you/we have focused on June 11th only....and what that day would bring.
This,too, is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoyce and be glad in it. AMEN !!!!

Debbie Henrietta - A L E D O TX
Maryland IS more than you imagined isn't it?11

Anonymous said...

Our Lord is soooo awesome! What blessings He has given so many through Jessie's story. She has touched so many lives including ours. We are praying not only for her but also for your other children. This is so very hard on your entire family. We will continue to wear our "Pink for Jessie" and also support in any way we can. Give your little angel hugs and kisses from Texas. You are all a true blessing to this community.
God Bless your entire family!

The Patino Family
Weatherford, Texas

Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD!!! So proud for your family. You are all in my prayers. Keep your eyes upon the Lord and He will continue to bless you. Keep us posted.
With love,

Terri
Paris, Tx.

The Sissney's Kirk, Brandi, Bree, Keegen, Reed said...

As I read your blog from the beginning yesterday, I was reminded how scared my husband and I were when we found out our youngest boy(who is 5 now) has Childhood Absense Epilepsy. We had so many questions and was more afraid of the unknown. I have never met ya'll, but somehow feel connected to you at the heart. I don't know if it is because we go to Cook's on a regular basis for checkups and our doctor is Dr. Malik or because my step dad work at ALCON, too. The holy spirit reminded me often that God does not give us more than we can handle and He knows that you, your husband/wife, family and mostly Jessie can handle this. We don't know what His plan is for Jessie, but we do know that it will be for His glory. Romans 8:28....All things work together for good to those who are called according to his purpose. I am so glad to hear that she is doing so well. I will continue to pray for Jessie and you guys to have strength and peace.

Brandi Sissney
Aubrey, Texas

Anonymous said...

What a relief! Bless Jessie's heart. She is such an amazing,inspirational little girl. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as her recovery process begins.

Julie, Dallas, TX
Also a fellow Red Raider

Ron and Dena Bell said...

Your families story has had me filled with every emotion in the book. Thank your for being so willing to share your story with the world. It is amazing to see God's thumb prints in all you have written about. May HIS all powerful peace be with you guys.

All our love,

Ron and Dena Bell
Forney, TX

Anne said...

How wonderful!!! What sweet words to hear. We pray for Jessie and your whole family daily. Elizabeth, my daughter who goes to Stuard, ask several times a day if I have heard anything. She will be delighted to hear the good news. Keep the faith and know we are all praying and loving you all!

The Netherton family,
Aledo, TX

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news......I know as a mom it would melt my heart to hear, "I want my mommy". I want you guys to know that you all our on our prayer list at church.
May God richly bless you and give you both as parents strength. And to Jessie complete healing and speedy recovery.

Anonymous said...

I've just finished reading your blog/story. What's most amazing is that, although you, as parents have to, and have already been through, terrible emotions yourselves, you make the time to care for others in similar circumstances. That's amazing. That's true love. God Bless you all. So good to know Jessie's come through the surgery so well.

The Meiers said...

We are so glad to hear Jessie's surgery is over. We are praying for a full and speedy recovery, that God's glory will be revealed throughout her recovery. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions at all. We met one family who's daughter had gone through a R hemispherectomy before Zachary's surgery and it was so nice to have someone who has been through it to ask questions. Know we're praying for Jessie and your entire family.
Blessings!
Jason, Mary Lou, Zachary and Lexi Meier

Jaime said...

Sending you hugs and prayers from Boulder, CO. God Bless! <3

Brandy said...

HOW WONDERFUL!!!! Can't wait to hear more good news!

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to send everyone well wishes and many hugs. You don't know me but I also work at Alcon and heard about Jessie today. I spent most of the day reading all about this beautiful little girl. She seems to be a fighter I can only see good things ahead for Jessie and I know that she will have a successful and speedy recovery. Take care and you are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Kristi and Cris,

I am watching your updates. You are such a wonderful family and a source of hope for all of us other RE parents. I am sending all my positive thoughts and prayers to you.

Ann

Anonymous said...

Jessie,
You are a very brave and special girl. We will continue pray for you, your brothers, Mom and Dad during your recovery. May God watch over you and your Family and keep you strong.
LOVE,
David, Dawnne, Skylar and Samantha
Aledo, TX

Anonymous said...

Knowing that Jessie asked for her Mommy brought tears to my eyes. I have so many people all over the country praying for Jessie. It is so thrilling to see God working through your wonderful family. We pray without ceasing and feverently for Jessie's continued recovery and rehabilitation, and we pray just as earnestly for the strength of the family.

The Schmidt Family
Aledo, Texas

Unknown said...

We are so glad to hear this!!! My thoughts have been with you for the past few days wondering how you all are handling this. Us RE parents are probably more overwhelmed than the kids that are put through the wringer with this horrible disease. We are thinking of your family on a daily basis, and I hope you know that Jessie is one of our shining stars. I hope this new beginning in Jessie's life brings nothing other than hope and a positive future.

Rock on, Jessie!!!

Sande and Dan said...

I heard about Jessie on the Weight Watcher's spiritual message boards (of all places)...

My grandson Ben has Sturge-Weber Syndrome, another rare disease, and may need a hemispherectomy one day also. Ben is 6 too.

Although we live on the West Coast, Johns Hopkins is one of the leading research facilities for Sturge-Weber. Did Jessie see Dr. Ann Comi, or Dr. Ben Carson? We heard that Dr. Carson doesn't do hemis any more...

Please feel free to contact me if you ever want to share. I'd love to hear about your surgery experience.

Praise God Jessie is doing well!

sandekw@yahoo.com
www.benespinola.blogspot.com

Chris R. said...

Hey guys - Sounds like a promising day. Jessie is an amazing kid...we have always know that. Zach and Gabby want me to tell Jessie to feel better so she can come play on the beach with them.... that is going to be fun! take care of yourselves...

Love,

Chris and Cody.

Anonymous said...

If you have a chance Toby's dinner theatre in Columbia, MD has an excellent play on Dr. Ben Carson. I bet for you when you come back with your family to visit Baltimore they would put a production on for you. Keep that in mind after your daughter's miraculous recovery!! She will enjoy it to!! Way to go Jessie!! Keep on fighting you are the angel!!

Sandy W said...

The Lord is so good. I am so happy for the wonderful news. I will put Jessie on our prayer concerns at my church in Arlington. Bless you all.

Anonymous said...

Keeping all of you in my thoughts!!
-New York

Anonymous said...

Cris, Kristi, Gary & Nancy:

We've been following Jessie's story and updates and are so happy everything's turning out so well.

Tell Papa Kelley not to give up his day job (we need him back in Cheyenne)! He actually sings a little better in Baltimore than he does in Wyoming.

Our Best to you all.

Rex & Carol

Anonymous said...

We keep checking the blog, emails, and tv to gain any news about Jessie; it was so wonderful to see last night's picture of Jessie sleeping and a smiling mom by her side. We saw more news coverage of her sleeping in her room on tv today. We continue to uphold all of you in our thoughts and prayers and will keep checking hourly, and daily, for news about how Jessie is doing. Psalms 139:1-6 was from the Daily Bread today. Lord, you've searched me and known me. You know when I'm up and when I'm down. You understand my deepest thoughts. You are with me in the day and when I sleep. You know every word I speak. Your hand is upon me. This knowledge is too wonderful that I cannot fully understand it.
God bless you Cris, Kristi and sweet little Jessie, and your family here in Aledo. God's hands are upon you and holding you up.
Love from your hometown,
Michael & Angie Owen

Anonymous said...

Jessie - You are a beautiful ray of sunshine! We are so thankful to hear how well you are doing!!! We can't wait to see your beautiful smile back home in Aledo and we're praying for the most amazing recovery ever.

Unknown said...

What wonderful news and from one mom to another who could ask for anything more then to hear their angel ask for mommy.....Get plenty of rest you will need it in days to come once she is back on her feet you wont have a minutes rest....again glad to hear that she is doing well and remember you may be miles away from home but you have plenty of "family" here in maryland....best of luck and may god bless each and everyone of you.

Angela Union Bridge, MD

Anonymous said...

Where can we get the pink bracelet? We live in Baltimore and would love to show our support, thought and prayers for Jessie!

kpykat said...

PRAISE GOD! I am so happy for your family. I know that this is the beginning of a long road trip. Your family will remain in my prayers. God is with you. Thank you for sharing your situation with all of us.

with love and prayers,

Terri
Paris, Tx.

dootsy said...

I am thrilled to hear that Jessie came through her surgery with flying colors and is doing so well. It is a miracle that she is able to speak and move her left hand! What blessed news! God is watching over her and protecting her. He will help her body to heal and will aide her in her recovery. Jessie is an amazing little girl and she will go on to achieve great things in her lifetime. God bless her and your family. I met Dr. Carson at a Grant A Wish event a few years ago, and he is truely a brilliant, gentle, calming soul with the most beautiful hands I've ever seen. His long, slender fingers are incredible and enable him to have such precision. Be confident that you have chosen the best team of doctors in the world to operate on your special little angel. Please give her a gentle hug and kiss and remind her every single day how brave and corageous she is. Jessie is an inspiration to all of us who have read about her story. Your family is strong and will come through this ordeal because you have faith in our Savior who will continue to watch over you and guide you. I will continue to pray for Jessie...
Lindsay
Timonium, Md.

Unknown said...

This is so amazing. The only reason we watch the news is to hear about jessie and her recovery. i'm convinced that soon she'll be saying supercalifridgilisticexpealadocious
(it's a real word)
all my hope, Grace.

P.S you parents need some rest too. take a while to rest.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news!!! It gives me great joy to see that Jessie has such a good start on her recovery. As a parent, I know those words are precious.

God bless you all. I will continue to keep Jessie and your family in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

God is so GOOD!!! We just saw the 10pm news here in TX and were so happy to see our sweet little angel for ourselves. She looks very good...good coloring and very peaceful. I am praising God every second of the day for what He is doing and will continue to do for Jessie. We miss you guys and can't wait till you are back home!

In Him,
Kim Brewer
NRF

Anonymous said...

I just heard about Jessie's story earlier today when looking at the wjz website. I came home and read the blog to get the full story. I have been at the computer for the last 2 hours reading the entire blog!!

This is an amazing story and I am so happy to hear that things went well today. Dr. Carson and JHH are the best people to come to for treatment. I am certainly keeping Jessie and your family in my prayers. You all have the prayers, and support from friends and family to get Jessie through this. I look forward to reading about her progress.

Anonymous said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! I just found your blog tonight and have read the entire story--you are an amazing family! How exciting for so many people across the country to bear witness to God's hand at work in Jessie's life. I'll be praying for a quick recovery and that you all can come home soon and be together as a family.
God bless you,
Melissa Marx
Fort Worth, TX