Today was a big day for the Parker family. Moni's parents brought the girls over for a visit. They all piled into the car and headed to Target where Moni tried her hand at driving the motorized cart with her left hand. Like we said, it was an adventure! The fresh air and getting out seems to have done them both some good.
Moni's mobility continues to improve. She is able to get up and down by herself and the dizzy spells are subsiding. Additionally, Jeremy's strength continues to improve. He went on today's field trip without being left totally exhausted, his right leg is getting stronger everyday and he has started eating with his right hand.
The Parkers are overwhelmed by people's kindness and love and are tremendously grateful for everything that has been done for them. This experience truly has been, and will continue to be, a demonstration of the love that the Body of Christ should have for one another.
P.S. Jeremy and Moni will be relocating to friends' house in Maple Valley on Sunday, May 29. This will put them much closer to their kids and the majority of you who have been helping out.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Home, Sweet, Home ... kind of
Sorry for the lapse in updates. It's been a busy few days as we restructure life. Jeremy at Jennifer and Adam's house along with Moni and the girls are back home in Enumclaw with Moni's parents. Looking at the girls, you would never know that they went through this accident. They are running around, laughing and playing like normal.
Moni continues to heal, although sometimes it feels like a very slow pace. Her pain persists, especially when sitting up and laying down or when anything pushes her right shoulder. There are many simple movements that we take for granted that she cannot do right now. The good news is that everything is exactly where it needs to be to heal.
Jeremy continues to get stronger and more mobile everyday, although there is still a long road ahead. Usage of his right hand is improving, but is still only a fraction of what it was. This is due to stretched out tendons and nerves in his elbow from the dislocation. He has a good range of motion in his leg, but lacks the strength to use that range by himself.
On a financial note, it will be some time before either of them are capable of work. In the coming days there will be a trust account set up in order to receive contributions so that we can make sure all their financial needs are met. Once that is set up, we will make sure to get the word out.
Many of you have visited, sent meals, sent cards and been a huge encouragement to their immediate and extended family. Thank you for all that has been done for them and in advance for everything that will be done.
Moni continues to heal, although sometimes it feels like a very slow pace. Her pain persists, especially when sitting up and laying down or when anything pushes her right shoulder. There are many simple movements that we take for granted that she cannot do right now. The good news is that everything is exactly where it needs to be to heal.
Jeremy continues to get stronger and more mobile everyday, although there is still a long road ahead. Usage of his right hand is improving, but is still only a fraction of what it was. This is due to stretched out tendons and nerves in his elbow from the dislocation. He has a good range of motion in his leg, but lacks the strength to use that range by himself.
On a financial note, it will be some time before either of them are capable of work. In the coming days there will be a trust account set up in order to receive contributions so that we can make sure all their financial needs are met. Once that is set up, we will make sure to get the word out.
Many of you have visited, sent meals, sent cards and been a huge encouragement to their immediate and extended family. Thank you for all that has been done for them and in advance for everything that will be done.
Friday, May 20, 2011
A BIG day!
Today was a big day for both Jeremy and Moni. Moni had a follow up visit with an orthopedic surgeon today. Both her collar bone and her knee cap are lined up the way they should be and should heal easily. Both must stay immobilized for another 4 weeks or so. Mostly, the collar bone and bruised sternum are what continue to bother her. Both cause a lot of pain over very normal activity.
Jeremy stood up today very successfully! This morning he moved over to a chair and sat upright in it for about 10-15 minutes. After that, he got a surprise visit by Moni and Adam. This was the first time Jeremy had seen Moni since the accident. She saw him in ICU but he was sedated. A little while later, he was visited by our uncle, aunt and grandmother who drove 3 hours to come see him and then they visited Moni. To round off the afternoon he pushed through a particularly tough physical therapy session. He stood up, using a walker with an arm rest, walked abut12 feet to the hallway and back! They are really pushing his therapy. The harder he pushes himself, the stronger and faster he will recover.
They are talking about discharging him tomorrow, pending a couple goals met. If not, it should be Sunday. Keep an eye out for more developments!
Jeremy stood up today very successfully! This morning he moved over to a chair and sat upright in it for about 10-15 minutes. After that, he got a surprise visit by Moni and Adam. This was the first time Jeremy had seen Moni since the accident. She saw him in ICU but he was sedated. A little while later, he was visited by our uncle, aunt and grandmother who drove 3 hours to come see him and then they visited Moni. To round off the afternoon he pushed through a particularly tough physical therapy session. He stood up, using a walker with an arm rest, walked abut12 feet to the hallway and back! They are really pushing his therapy. The harder he pushes himself, the stronger and faster he will recover.
They are talking about discharging him tomorrow, pending a couple goals met. If not, it should be Sunday. Keep an eye out for more developments!
Recovery Update
Today Jeremy got out of bed and sat up in a chair! It was very, very tiring, especially after having done his physical therapy exercises and a very restless night. However, this was a huge improvement over yesterday afternoon's attempt at standing. He is still experiencing some dizziness when sitting upright or standing. He has good range of movement in both his elbow and leg. He doesn't have full usage of his right hand, however. This is due to the soft tissue damage in his elbow. His hand and fingers can move through their full range but only when manipulated - not on their own strength. His pain level is fairly low considering what he went through until he does therapy and then the pain level goes up and he gets very tired. Exhaustion is a major factor right now along with appetite and sleep.
Moni had a follow up visit with the orthopedic surgeon today. Both her collar bone and knee cap fractures are lined up well and headed for a good recovery. She needs to continue to keep her knee straight all the time.
Things to pray for:
Moni had a follow up visit with the orthopedic surgeon today. Both her collar bone and knee cap fractures are lined up well and headed for a good recovery. She needs to continue to keep her knee straight all the time.
Things to pray for:
- Pain control
- Quick recovery
- A good appetite
- Quality sleep
- For all the legal and insurance wrinkles to get ironed out quickly
- Encouragement
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A tiring day ...
Today, Adam (brother-in-law) and Jennifer (sister) switched places so Jennifer is back at Harborview and Adam is with Moni. Jeremy's morning was busy and he feels like he "over did it". When physical therapy rolled around, it was very difficult. He nearly passed out when trying to stand up. Needless to say, PT was cut short. After that some dear friends came for a short visit and then a nap. He is not on any pain medication other than Tylenol every few hours which is absolutely amazing! His elbow is doing well and mobile, and he has some physical therapy to do to keep the soft tissue in shape. But as far as his leg goes, standing is the extent of what he can do right. He does some exercises laying down.
Please continue to pray for pain management for both Jeremy and Moni and also that they don't become discouraged in their physical recovery.
Please continue to pray for pain management for both Jeremy and Moni and also that they don't become discouraged in their physical recovery.
Another need ...
We could use a couple electric razors - one for Jeremy and one for Moni. As you all know Jeremy's beard is pretty coarse so he'll need a heavy duty razor. If you can provide one or both, please contact Jennifer at jparker026@comcast.net.
Please pray for encouragement
So far, so good. Moni is staying encouraged. Jeremy has a very tough road ahead of him on many levels. Right now he really wants to get out of the hospital and we are hoping that is motivating him towards his physical therapy. However, it will easily be discouraging and he needs to stay positive and hopeful so that he stays motivated.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Pictures of the car
Today we found the car at the third impound lot that we visited. Our initial reaction was shock. It's so hard to believe that Jeremy and Moni lived! The car has got to be 2 feet shorter, but due to the crumple points none of the engine compartment came into the passenger compartment. We also saw the other vehicle which was next to theirs in the lot. From what we've heard, the other driver's face bent the steering wheel. Judging by the looks of the steering wheel, he hit it very hard. The other amazing thing is that Jeremy's brake pedal is all the way down. It's a testimony to the effort he made to stop the car. I've never seen a brake pedal to the floor like that!
A few pictures are posted here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150175259302237.298337.651677236&l=1e713b0999
(You should be able to click the link without signing into Facebook)
A few pictures are posted here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150175259302237.298337.651677236&l=1e713b0999
(You should be able to click the link without signing into Facebook)
The Parkers need a laptop
One thing I've learned (Jeremy's sister, here) is that people want to meet the needs of others, so here is a specific need for the Parker family. Their desktop computer died a while back and their laptop has some issues, including a screen that only works periodically. If anyone can provide a laptop with Office on it, that would be a huge blessing! We can get all their files transferred from their old one, but a reliable laptop would be an amazing blessing to them. If you are capable of providing this tremendous blessing, please email Jeremy's sister, Jennifer Hill, at jparker026@comcast.net
Jeremy is getting out of ICU!
He is unhooked from everything and being transported to a regular room. He will be able to have visitors, but will need to limit his activity level. More to come ...
Details as of May 18th
Jeremy's blood pressure is doing much better. I (sister Jennifer) stopped by this morning and his BP was 157/92 which may seem high still but was so much lower than last night! His speech is slow and slurred, but his personality is fully in tact. They sat him up yesterday and today which is quite brutal for him. They also unwrapped his elbow and started physical therapy. He knows that all the physical therapy needed is going to be a long and painful road, but he is committed to going for it.
Moni had an eventful day. We tried getting to the orthopedic surgeon but we were late and they turned us away so we are looking for another option closer to where she is at. After that we went to the impound lot and collected their personal effects. It was so amazing to see that car and to see what they walked away from! It was horrifying! We haven't been able to find Jeremy's iPhone but we did find Lucy's blanket, doll and flipflops so she will be particularly happy! Moni was a real trooper today. We found some creative was to transport her more comfortably. Also, today she ate more normally which was really encouraging.
The girls are in Enumclaw for the day so that Shelby can be at school and Lucy can have some play time at home. They are both doing really well! Please continue to pray for Jeremy's and Moni's pain levels as they recover and for all the business, financial and legal stuff to go smoothly.
Moni had an eventful day. We tried getting to the orthopedic surgeon but we were late and they turned us away so we are looking for another option closer to where she is at. After that we went to the impound lot and collected their personal effects. It was so amazing to see that car and to see what they walked away from! It was horrifying! We haven't been able to find Jeremy's iPhone but we did find Lucy's blanket, doll and flipflops so she will be particularly happy! Moni was a real trooper today. We found some creative was to transport her more comfortably. Also, today she ate more normally which was really encouraging.
The girls are in Enumclaw for the day so that Shelby can be at school and Lucy can have some play time at home. They are both doing really well! Please continue to pray for Jeremy's and Moni's pain levels as they recover and for all the business, financial and legal stuff to go smoothly.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
High Blood Pressure
Please continue to pray for Jeremy. His blood pressure is climbing and there is only so much medication they can give him because he is no longer sedated.
Jeremy is awake and breathing!!
Sometime shortly after noon today Jeremy's breathing tube was removed and he was taken off any breathing assistance. The took him out of sedation and he became alert and talkative. He talked to his wife and kids and then mom and sister. He sounds a bit more like John Wayne - low and slow - but his personality is very much coming through!
At this point we don't know what kind of timeline for recovery to expect for either him or Moni. As soon as we do, we'll post. Thank you for the flood of love and support for them and our family! It has made this time so much easier. Thank you!!
At this point we don't know what kind of timeline for recovery to expect for either him or Moni. As soon as we do, we'll post. Thank you for the flood of love and support for them and our family! It has made this time so much easier. Thank you!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)