Formerly "Neil Stone Updates"

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Blessings--Part One

Progress

Neil wants to wake up...I think. He is off the medicine that sedates him, but he's still receiving something for pain. I'm sure that has some sedative properties by itself. The ventilator is set on CPAP--meaning he is taking his own breaths, but the machine gives him a little boost. Now Neil is moving. Just a little, but hey, we'll take that! His right hand appears to be either texting, or involved in a really intense video game. When I hold it, I get to feel like he's squeezing my hand :-) His eyes haven't opened yet, but the lids appear to be moving almost like he's blinking. He opens his mouth to yawn, and he has a fairly strong cough. Every little twitch gives us a thrill!
He's still fighting the fever, but doctors are on top of it and not overly concerned.

Over and over again we're told it's going to take a loooong time, so we're trying to be patient.

More good news: We've finally located Neil's wallet and awesome shoes! We have been trying to track them down for some time now. Turns out they were stored here at the ER under the wrong name. Many thanks to Jennifer J. and her connections for solving the mystery.

13 comments:

Sarah Anne said...

this is great news. we're so glad to hear he's taking his own breaths and moving. glad you've found his wallet and sweet shoes.

-sarah

Anonymous said...

I prayed for the first time in a while last night. I prayed for Neil, asking for him to get better.

I know he'll get better, God knows he will. Stay strong, everything will work out. I mean it.

Polly said...

Lori,
That is wonderful news! He's a strong boy. Hopefully he'll keep getting stronger, and prove the Dr's wrong. I'm so glad you are there to be with him. Maybe all that texting and video games have paid off. Strong fingers.... small motor skills, and we thought those kids were wasting their time playing games. Ha... :) thanks so much for the updates.
We love you all. The Roberg's

Meredith said...

Every day the girls ask if Fatty is better or worse or the same. I am so happy to report every day that he is a tiny bit better!

We love every nugget of news and it all has been positive so far - all steps forward and not really any steps back, right? Hope you are keeping him nice and comfortable, with what's left of his hair in his eyes - I wonder if PT would approve you putting his phone in his hand to see what would happen!

Love to all,

Meredith

Molly said...

I'd say he's definitely texting! These are all very positive signs, how wonderful to feel him squeeze your hand. I can't believe the machine is only on CPAP, that is incredible! Maybe he really won't need that Trach after all! Keep the good new rolling in...

Anonymous said...

I know you are well aware, but it couldn't hurt to say - I am one of the many who keeps Neil in their prayers everyday. My whole family keeps Neil in their prayers. Thank you so much for keeping this blog, it's wonderful to know his progress.
Stay strong!

Meghan, Carson and the Kiddos said...

That all sounds like amazing promise! I agree with Mer, see what happens if you put a phone in his hand. ;) You sound like you're doing better with a little bit of good news. Hopefully no trach is needed! Go Neil!

Laura Reay said...

Lori,
I am so sorry you and you family are going through this. He seems to have a lot of love and prayers on his side. I wish I could be there and give you a big hug. I know you were there for my family years ago when I was in that accident. Lori things well go the way they should,the Lord loves you and Neil so much. Just remember that. I love you too and will keep you in my prayers. Be strong as you always are, and God Bless you all.
Love Laura Jackson Reay

jeannie said...

Heavenly Father does answer our prayers! I love that we are able to see His miracles in our lives.

My children pray for "fatty" and it will be so nice to report good news tomorrow.

We will continue to pray for a full recovery.

Jeannie Simpson

Anonymous said...

They block all these BLOGS on my computer at work so first thing I do when I get home is check Neal site. Happy to see these little steps in the right direction. It sure puts things in perspective. The miracle of life and how much we just take for granted. Carl

Anonymous said...

Lori,
I'm finally figuring out how to leave a comment on this blog.
We just want you to know that we are checking here all the time (no pressure!) throughout the day for your updates. Austin is probably the most faithful at checking.
I love to hear your voice in them.
I have so many friend here that ask me every day how Neil is doing and I'm glad to be able to, somewhat, describe to them what's happening.
I'm so happy that Mom is on her way there. I told her to personally give you a hug from me. Please give our love to Scott and Eric too. Austin and I would love to come when the timing is right. When's your spring break?...just an idea.
When I think of where Neil was a week or so ago and what's happening now, I see big improvements.
I know this will be a long haul, but we are all right there with you!
Love from all the Hancocks.
-Jen

Unknown said...

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Shauna and Jerry Edgar

Anonymous said...

I don't know Neil that well. I'm honestly not even sure if he would remember my name. But I remember his. He was in my class last year and im not lying when i tell you he had at least one of us, if not all of us, laughing every day. In that class he was best known as Taco :). i want you to know that i have been praying for Neil every single day. and not just once-i pray when im driving, when i go to bed, when i'm sitting at the bus stop waiting for my little sister to come home...i pray for him and his recovery all the time. and every day i pray for you and all of Neil's loved ones. i ask Him to give you all strength and give you faith. and i really hope my words are doing something. Neil has an aura that not alot of kids our age have, and I'm very glad to hear that he is improving. i will most definitley continue praying for Neil every day-multiple times a day. and i will pray for you too. your all in my thoughts. Keep your faith and keep your strength, and as my mother always tells me 'keep your head up'.

---Lisa.