I have to say I am so impressed with the specialist. Melissa met with the girls in her office first for about 45 minutes to explain what they were going to see when they walked into the room. First she asked them what they knew and how did they feel. She was great about about letting them take their time to talk and express themselves. Then she showed them a doll that had a breathing tube, let them feel it and explained how it all worked. Melissa had pictures of what the different equipment in Chris' room was and again explained what each thing did for their daddy. Lastly, she showed them a picture of Chris to prepare them for what he looks like.
By the end of the 45 minutes they were really excited and anxious to see him.
We walked into the room and Chris' face just lit up! Caitlin walked right over to him, leaned on his bed, hugged and kissed him. Regan was a little more hesitant but after about 5 minutes she was all over it. They read his lips quite well, it brought tears to my eyes (okay I was tearing up the whole time). They turned into little nurses giving him ice chips and putting lotion on his feet.
After 30-40 minutes Regan asked when we could go home, it had been a long morning. Then wanted to know if we could take daddy with us. I said not today (again with tears in my eyes).
It was a relief for me to have the girls finally see daddy and start to understand a little more about what is going on.
My mother in law is going back to Connecticut tomorrow and I am very sad. She has to go back to work. I know she will be back as soon as she can.
On another good note, they are going to start to wean Chris off the breathing tube and give him a (oh, forgot what it's called!) thingie to help him talk. It will also help expand our options for rehab centers because a vast majority of them will not take patients on a breathing tube.
It has been a long, emotional day (a good one though). I am off to sleep (and maybe read a chapter or two of Twilight, so good!)
Hi Christy,
ReplyDeleteWe haven't met but I'm a friend of Chris' from high school. Thank you for keeping this blog to update everyone. I had tears in my eyes reading about the girls visiting - what a great thing for all of you. You're doing a great job and just know that so many people are sending love, positive energy and prayers your way.
-Jen Peterson (Hildenbiddle)
Hi Christy,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the girls had a great experience. And is great to here about weaning the breathing machine from chris. You are amazing! You are all in my thoughts and prayer's all the time.
Susan