Today is three weeks from the crash. Originally, we were told the best case scenario Sheryl would be out of the hospital in three weeks and here we are still in ICU. In every way, I let go of my preconceived idea of things moving forward with in a certain timeframe. We've been told her surgery might happen on this day or that one, and it did or it didn't. It felt like Sheryl was snowed under for 4-5 days, when we thought she would be coming out sedation. Each day, I've checked off the milestone or had to move the check box to an undetermined spot further down the road. Originally, I had in my head that days, weeks or hours would define Sheryl's progress.
What defined Sheryl's progress today came in the simplest, most mighty form—a smile. yes a smile. Geoff and I went in tonight and she smiled when she looked at us. Then we told her a joke (albeit a stupid one) and she smiled again. We told her the story of our day and put Jennifer on the speaker phone and her expression indicated she obviously followed what were saying. We told her we love her and she mouthed back I love you. The difference a day makes, in this case even a few hours.
Dr D came in this afternoon and took off her cervical collar. (Somehow this seems less significant now, 2 days ago it would have been one of the biggest things for the week.) She has been in the chair again today, and breathing on her own for a while throughout the day. They also raised the head of her bed so she is more upright and able to see out more. All progress. and we are all smiles.
Please send us jokes to share with Sheryl. Our repertoire is pretty thin.
Heather
4 comments:
Great news!!!! Isn't it just great what a simple smile can communicate. I am so happy for her now that she is comprehending the world around her and that she has that collar off. I would loved to have had a picture of that smile. You have done a great job of monitoring and taking care of her. You are to be commended for your efforts. Tell her that Thatcher and the birds are just fine. Pruella has only gotten out of the cage once. Fixed that quickly. I checked her house Thursday and all is well. Empty but well. Jokes will come in the email system....Fred
Great news about the collar and the smile. Thanks for keeping us posted on her progress. We continue to think of and pray for all of you! Michelle and Larry
smiles make me smile
silly (but original) joke:
why was the grizzly bear wearing socks?
(bear feet)
A SMILE...that is great! I will be happy to see that smile and hear Sheryl laugh again. Finally,
it sounds like she is coming around.
Thanks so much for keeping us up to date on Shery's condition. It is greatly appreciated.
I checked the house today and everything is fine there.
Love,
Patsy
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