Christopher continues to have symptoms for some sort of stomach ailment. He
has experienced multiple episodes of an upset stomach, it had been isolated to
the early morning hours, however we have recently had to postpone several
therapy sessions during the day. We had to change him twice this morning, so we
put him back to bed to let him settle. It didn't seem to make much difference,
he was just uncomfortable. This is the hardest time for Debbie, it is very
difficult to see him in discomfort and not be able to help. Mom will always be
mom and the need to protect and care for her boy is constant.
The speech therapy team was able to move their session to the room. It was
my first opportunity to see Christopher respond to direct questions, through eye
blinks. Several of the team were in the room to observe, including Dr. Small,
she is the attending Neuropsychologist monitoring Christopher’s readiness for
rehab. It was very encouraging to see him blink appropriately when asked
questions, they were simple yes or no questions but he was able to accomplish
what was asked of him, on each occasion. Christopher was introduced to
chocolate pudding today, we had a long debate whether to try applesauce or
pudding, the pudding won out by default, they were out of applesauce. Cindy gave
Christopher a couple of small spoonfuls of the pudding, he was very slow in
swallowing the pudding but did manage to get some down. Dr. Small was very
encouraged by his progress over the past several days and expressed he appears
to be on the verge of emerging, but also expressed that it is still a waiting
game and that we need to be patient.
We got to see the pudding again later that morning, it didn’t stay down
long. Dr. Dennison has ordered medication that will help ease Christopher’s
stomach. After a short rest we were able to get him up and proceed with his PT.
In this session Christopher was taken to the gym where he was able to peddle the
stationary bike again. The therapist were excited to see his ability to override
the motor on the bike. On several occasions Chris, the therapists, directed
Christopher to pretend he was racing and at the point she yelled go he was to
peddle as hard as he could. From a steady resting pace of 20, he was able to
increase the rate of speed from 20 to between 28 & 30, holding that rate for
ten seconds. He was able to do this on three occasions. This was very good to
see.
We continue to see improvement each day, some very small but it is there,
the difference is huge to those who see him every few days. He has come a long
ways from the days at Grady. We know this will continue to be a long process and
are thankful he is with us as we move forward. We thank each of you for cheering
us on and for being such a special part of this journey.
I am hosting a prayer group for Chris to have a complete and miraculous recovery and for the arms of Jesus to embrace all of the family and friends that have been hurting during this tough time tomorrow at my house at 11AM and will serve a light brunch. I know this is last minute and no one may be able to make it.I understand we are all busy. But, if you are interested, please email me for my address. bhasty1176@yahoo.com. I live between Lassiter and Pope.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 18:19-20 "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Bridget, Would it be okay if I post this on Chris's prayer bracelet facebook page? Let me know. This is amazing. I wish I was in town. denisesegell@msn.com
DeleteDear Heitzman family,
DeleteI have not met your sweet Chris but my son Jude who is a Jr. at Lassiter knows of him. We want you to know we continue to follow this blog and we continue to pray for Christopher to heal and we pray that your family remains strong and knows God is with you all at this time. I want to share with you just how great your son is. He probably does not even know Jude nor may he remember this story cause I think Chris did what I am about to share with you cause it's what came natural for him. When my son was entering High School, he decided to try playing football. Coach Irwin wanted him to play quarterback. Jude had never played football before. Your sweet precious Chris was the upper class man playing quarter back as well. My son told me of a story one day how this boy helped him so much and was so nice to him and told my son who was so discouraged to stick it out and that he was doing a good job. I never forgot that Random Act of Kindness that your son did to my son.The other day I was telling Jude how Christopher was Doing and Jude looked at me and said "Mom, you do realize that Chris is the boy that helped me that yucky day"? I had no idea it was the very boy I am praying for each day When I heard of the accident, I felt compelled to follow Christopher's recovery and pray for him. Not knowing this is the very boy I always said, I hope one day I can pay it forward for what Chris had done for Jude that day. What a fine and faith filled young man you have. I hope I get to meet him one day. We continue to pray for Chris and your entire family. I lifted prayers to St Jude today. He truly works miracles and he will remain with Chris and see that Chris recovers fully. God Bless you all
Hugs and prayers Maureen and Jude Collins
Thank you for the day to day updates, it's good to see Chris is doing more and more everyday, as a mom my heart hurts for you Debbie because I know if you could you would take Chris' place so he wouldn't have to go through it, and I know you would to Randy. Thoughts and prayers are with you'll everyday!!
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