Formerly "Neil Stone Updates"

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Hold on to Your Hats...

...Neil is looking at us! He can open his left eye quite a bit more, and his right eye a little. It looks like he’s trying to focus on our faces. And his eyes move! He will track a face or an object a little bit. You can tell it’s a lot of work for him, but we’re applauding his herculean efforts. I just get the feeling he wants very badly to interact. He has lately been moving his right leg and lifting his right arm to pick at the monitors taped to his chest. He uses the left side too, but not as much.

We're just as pleased as we can be and so is his doctor. We're hoping this is just the beginning of many more little signs of our awakening giant!

--Lori

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, my gosh! How exciting! Oh, please, Neil, we know how difficult this must be for you, but we're all thinking of you and praying as hard as we can.

Meredith said...

When we heard this news today it brought tears to my eyes. And it was just yesterday that you said "another quiet day...check back weekly...". You just never know what any day will bring. I am positive that he wants so badly to do more and more...that is why he is working so hard! I am crying again. We love you so much. We are thankful for daily little miracles.

Anonymous said...

thanks for the updates :) we're checking them everyday. you're in our prayers and we're so happy for the progress being made.

Jeanette said...

We Kris and Jeanette, are following with great interest Neil's progress here in the Nielsen household. Neil went to Mormon Prom with a group of kids from the Stake in 2007. Jenna Jorgensen was his date and our daughter, Karen, was Jenna's brother, Jake's, date. Karen is now at school in California but checks on Neil and we have all added you to our prayers, as has the Ledgewood ward where Kris is the bishop. Having been through long vigils at bedsides at one point or another, we feel every little success and joy from the little things as you do. Thank goodness for young, healthy bodies and strong minds! Daily prayers will come with our daily checks of where Neil is. Know that we pray for every strength and bit of encouragement for you as a family, too.

Polly said...

Lori,
We are very excited to hear this news. I posted a comment the other day, and it didn't come out. It must be lost in cyberspace? One post suggested putting a cell phone in his right hand to see if he is texting. Have you tried that? Anything is possible!!! Carl and I just watched a movie today called the Ben Carson Story, Gifted Hands, about a nuerosurgeon at John Hopkins Children's hospital. It was inspiring. This DR. prays, and believes in miracles. It was a good movie to watch, and uplifting. As I read your blogs each day, I am inspired with yours and Scott's faith, love, harmony, and hope. We are all praying so hard for a miracle for Neil and your family. I always feel so comforted after reading your posts. It seems like it should be the other way around, we need to comfort you in some way. We are so far away, so our prayers will be powerful. I am so glad you are playing music and reading and all of the different things you are doing to help wake him up.
Love, Cindy

Meghan, Carson and the Kiddos said...

That is so exciting! The prayers are very much paying off and that is so obvious! Knowing Neil's personality, he has to be itching to interact with everyone! I know that he is aware of you and your presence. Tell him to keep up the good work and you guys, I know, will continue to stay strong. Love to all!
Love,
The Mitchells

Sarah Anne said...

this is great news! i know he was trying to open one of his eyes yesterday. i'll still be checking back daily, can't really help it. i'm just so curious. any news at all is news to us. even if it's slight changes. we may come down tomorrow to see all of you.

-sarah

Amy said...

yay!!

Anonymous said...

Thank God! Such good news!!

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear this news! Love you guys...

-Hancock fam.

Anonymous said...

Hi Lori ♥

I know how encouraging and joyous this bit of progress must be for you.......and for you to share this good news lifts our hearts as well! Thank you! We know how strong Neil is...he is fighting everyday to come back to you. I take the sign of him trying to pick at the monitors as him being aware they are there and annoyed by them..and though I hate they are bothering him..that is a good sign! I know he is aware you are there as well. He feels you there with him. Did you try putting a phone in his hand? You just never know! :)

I hope he has been responding to the antibiotics as well and clearing the infection out of his system.

He is your baby and everyday he is taking baby steps again that you get to witness and cheer on! He, and you, are doing remarkable jobs.

I hope Artie will be there later today to visit!

Lots of love and prayers to all of you.

Anonymous said...

This is fantastic news! It made my day. I guess the prayers are working! So keep praying everyone!

-Lisa (the stranger from school haha)

Molly said...

Woohoo!!!

Bethansen said...

It was so good to see Neil the other day. I'm glad he's doing so much better.

Anonymous said...

Praise God!!!

How wonderful.
Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers.

You go Neil!!!

To Neil's family:
You are a wonderful blessing and an inspiration.
We are praying for all of you.
Blessings.
Vicki