We went to visit with Bernadette and Stephanie last Tuesday. And I finally got a note from Fr. Selvin (same note, three times -- the joys of modern technology!) Then my computer took a little vacation to see if its CD drive could be fixed. They are still not working because he needed one more day and I had some business that really needed doing -- some of which ended up being a little late.... I guess you really didn't want to know all that anyway.
So, to the news that is a week old already:
Stephanie continues to improve, at an impressive rate. Now, keep in mind that we are not talking about a broken leg, or a surgery where it is a matter of weeks or months to see the 'full recovery." When the brain suffers the damage it has for Stephanie (or Arif for that matter) the recovery is especially complex and unpredictable. It takes years even in the best of circumstances. So, we are hoping that you have made a long term commitment to pray for Stephanie and her family. Those prayers are sorely needed, and deeply appreciated.
When I walked into Stephanie's ward, Stephanie walked up and hugged me. Yes indeed, she WALKED! She is now out of the wheel chair, a month and a half after her accident. It was almost a year before Arif was able to shed his wheelchair, and I know several people with brain injuries who remain wheelchair bound years afterward. We sat and talked with Stephanie for almost an hour. She is still somewhat confused. Sometimes she gets rather agitated, ranting and raving about who knows what. She was not feeling well the day I was there, so was a bit more agitated and aggressive toward the staff than she had been. She is missing Buzz and the children. Buzz has not come to visit since she was first at Mount Vernon. He has only called a couple of times, as well. Stephanie is disappointed that he is not in closer touch. She really wants to see her children, but the social worker does not think they will be able to understand how confused she is and may be upset by it.
Her stay at Mount Vernon was extended until the end of the month since she is still making progress. We are hoping the insurance will allow her to stay as long as she can benefit from the therapy. After that they will probably place her in some sort of Traumatic Brain Injury program. There seem to be many of them in Arizona, where Bernadette's family lives. Missouri does not have a lot to offer. The issue will be how her children will fit into the picture. This is an area which needs LOT of prayer. The whole thing is quite complicated.
Bernadette came home for the weekend. She has borrowed a lot of things for her apartment, but does not like to be in debt to anyone. So she brought a whole bunch of stuff back with her for the rest of the month. She will probably have to have a large truck when it is time for her to return home.
It is still surprising to see Bernadette looking so healthy. She has been so sickly for so very long. It is truly miraculous how much she has improved since May (oh, that's right, I still haven't told you that story
). She is gaining so much in confidence as well. She seems to have so few sensitivities any more. Her apartment smells of mothballs (I had a headache when I left there). Certainly the hospital uses all sorts of chemicals that eight months ago would have sent her into a tailspin (it took her a week or more to recover from visiting her friend in ICU a year ago). We are so thankful that God saw fit to bring her healing of body and mind in time for her to be so present for Stephanie. It is amazing the power of prayer and a good diet.
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