No trach, no tubes in the mouth, no ventilator! Since his extubation at around noon today, Neil has had a little oxygen through his nose. Little by little, the nurse has turned the oxygen down, and soon he will be completely on his own. Thanks to Dr. Bagner’s unconventional call on the breathing tube, looks like we won’t have to deal with a trach. Yay!
Neil has a new favorite game. Some friends brought him a valentine balloon tied to a little monkey. We put it on the end of the bed and Neil kicks it with that amazing right leg of his. This is not as easy as it sounds. It takes a great deal of concentration, a few false starts, and several agonizing minutes before he makes contact. Even though we call it a game, it’s a lot of work for Neil. We’re so proud of him for his persistence.
As I write this post, Scott and I are sitting by Neil’s bedside. We are talking to him and singing him some old family favorites. Neil is reaching his foot over his left leg to touch us and it feels like the sweetest caress. We are literally kissing his feet. I can’t express how much we love this boy.
The Family Stone
We started "Neil Stone Updates" in January 2009 as a way to let friends and family know how Neil was faring following a car accident. Neil sustained a truamatic brain injury due to severe head trauma. In the days, weeks, and months that followed, the support we received from readers of this blog comforted and lifted us through the trials and difficulties of his healing. In January 2010 we felt it was time to make a change in the blog, and "Stone Soup" was born. Now, along with updates on Neil's progress, we've included family photos and activities. It's time to get on with life! Thanks for being a part of it!
9 comments:
Praise God! This is wonderful progress. We'll keep praying for full healing.
i'm soo happy neil has come so far! i pray for him and you guys just about everyday. i think you guys are wonderful parents and i love to read your blog everytime i get the chance. this blog was very sweet.
-Alyssa
That is more great news. I am so glad you were both there to witness his progress and determination today.
Sounds like a loving Valentine Day for all of you, filled with sweetness. WE are so glad he is breathing on his own too. :)
Love, The Roberg's
A woot woot from the Hancock's!!
Yay Neil :)
I don't know your family personally, but my parents (the Yips) are your neighbors on the street where I grew up years ago. They heard there was a blog spot to get updates on Neil and asked me to check it for them.
Please know that Neil and your family are in their thoughts, and that they are pulling for a speedy recovery for him.
Jill
Wonderful! Dave & I are so glad that Neil is making progress... It sounds like everything is, although slow, going great. We both enjoy reading the blog and seeing how Neil is doing - you are in our prayers daily. Stay strong!
Love, Dave & Jen Christensen
That sounds so wonderful! I'm so glad that there's no trach! What great news. Tell Neil that we're all cheering him on over here in Colorado and there's a new little dude pulling for him! Love to all!
We feel so thrilled for this next huge leap of progress - that is one awesome doc for believing in him to breathe on his own. He is lucky to have such wonderful parents sitting at his feet.
Love you all, Mer and the family
Hi Lori! ♥
I can not tell you how thrilled we all are to read this! I knew Neil would surprise everyone and he is continuing to do so everyday! How great to have Dr Bagner stand his ground and give Neil a chance to show what he can do. That is a wonderful thing that he went against the standard usual
"protocol". Hooray!
And the other wonderful news is Neil himself working so hard and pulling himself back to you! He has made such miraculous strides each day. Look back to all the machines that were once in place and the uncertainty you were facing as to when they would no longer be needed and see where he is now!!! It is such a short time..though I am sure seems like forever to you.
Kissing his feet reminds me so of when they are babies and you naturally do that all the time... you dont usually get a chance to do that with your teens!! It is a small joy to take from this and to hold onto.
Thank you so much for keeping us so informed and still on the journey with you. You all are always in our thoughts.
Lots of love and strength and prayers for all of you!
Ali
PS... Hello and love from Artie as well!
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