Making Progress

Larisa had a really good weekend. Her wake up time is increasing each day and so are her questions. She has been given more details about the accident and the severity of her injuries. Chantel said she kind of knew she had been there for awhile. All the information is beginning to process and she is handling it well. She is able to have conversations and be mostly understood. She has even been awake enough to have movies on and listen to music. All great signs of progress.

She has not had any other surgeries since Saturday, when the closed up her stomach. The Dr's had originally planned to do her ankle and foot surgery tomorrow. However, after looking at it today, he said it was still to swollen for him to operate on and it would have to wait. Instead, he is going to go ahead and repair her pelvis on Wednesday.

Her temperature is back to normal which is great news. They did reposition her medication pic line from in her chest into her arm. This helps eliminate infection and is a little more comfortable. She being weaned off the ventilator gradually. Her lungs are really weak and sore, and will require a lot of effort to strengthen them. They turn the ventilator off for 15 min intervals, and so far she has been able to hold her own. The have continued to wean her off the sedation medication, which is enabling her to be awake and more alert. Chantel said, she is anxious to move, but knows she is limited.

Today Larisa made a new friend. At the hospital, and even in the trauma unit, they have PET THERAPY. Larisa's Dr. wrote her a prescription to receive pet therapy. Today she was visited by a golden retriever. The dog spends a few minutes in the room with the patient. She was able to pet it with her good arm. Kerlina, her sister, who spent the day with her today, said Larisa LOVED IT!

Larisa has been asking about her friends. One of her friends, came by and talked to Chantel. Apparently, Chick-Fil-A sponsors a fund raising program where a group, school or club comes to eat from 4-6 on a specific day, and Chick-Fil-A will donate 20% of proceeds to that group or club. Her friend is going to arrange for this to take place and the proceeds will be donated to Larisa. The date and time has not be determined, but it will be in Martinsburg. As soon as I have that information, I will be sure to pass it a long.

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 2 weeks since Larisa's life changed. So many blessings have been given, so much love and support have been poured out abundantly, and our perspectives and priorities have maybe been changed. Chantel commented that when she first heard about ALL the bones and things that were broken and damaged, it was so overwhelming and she wondered if things were going to be alright. Over the past several days, as she has watched Larisa go into surgery after surgery and talking to her doctor, she realized how much could have gone wrong, and yet the doctor has reassured them that everything is fixable. What a blessing to have been placed in the hands of a good doctor and more importantly what blessing Larisa has been to their lives despite the tragic events of the past 12 days.

Chantel recalled a story about Larisa when she was almost a year old. She had been really sick. Chantel was laying down beside her on the bed. Sergio came in to be next to them and was rubbing her back when Larisa grabbed her Daddy's hand and put it on her head, indicating should wanted a priesthood blessing.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we believe that the priesthood, which is the power and authority to act in the name of God can be give to a worthy man by one who is in authority. As a priesthood holder, Larisa's Dad can give blessings of peace, comfort, guidance and healing to those who seek for that divine help. Larisa knew early on and had the faith that a blessing from her Dad would make her feel better. And I know she continues to seek for that same Spirit as she has been able to receive blessings from her father and grandfather over the past several days.

The joy we all feel, to know that she is waking up and progressing so well, makes us all excited for the healing process to begin and to know what steps are next. The healing process has begun and yet, there is still work to be completed to help the healing move forward. I know many are wondering "How long will she be there?" and "What next?" As of right now, there is no time frame for when and where she will go after the trauma unit. They will just take each day as it comes.

It has been amazing to hear the stories of people all over praying for her to be well. Our family has felt so overwhelmed with the out pouring of love you have shown. I have even received messages from people who do not even know Larisa or the family and have anonymously, indicated that they were praying for her. I suppose just just a little reminder to each of us that the world is still full of great people who just want to share their faith and love. And for that we are all grateful. Thank you so much to all of you who have continued to pray on her behalf.