Polynesian Princess

Sorry we have not updated the blog in a couple of days, but good news is Jess is doing well and continues to amaze us with her strength and up beat personality. On Wednesday evening, Jess was moved to a regular ward room, she appears to be enjoying her own space and the door is now open to all visitors. Alternatively, if you don't have time for a visit but would like to speak with Jess, she has a phone in her room and can be reached at 787-8888 ext 44074.

The physiotherapist continues to work with Jess on a daily basis and has her sitting in a wheelchair for part of the day. Yesterday she was able to leave her ward and took a tour, I think she really enjoyed the change in scenery.

Today, some of Jessica's friends thought it would be fun to help her 'dress up' her Halo by decorating it with flowers. Karter and Klint showed up for a visit and Karter was very amused by Gramma's new look, she was a Polynesian Princess. I think we may have some pictures to share in the near future.

FIX YOU

So last week, I (Kristie), had told Kyle that the song "fix you" by coldplay reminded me of my mom. I wanted to share the song with her because it so clearly speaks of God "lights will guide you home", the work he is doing in her body "and ignite your bones" and then says what we are all wanting to do,"I will try to fix you"

Lately, I have been wondering what God is up to, and I have been wanting to feel His presence and warmth a little more tangibly. When your world is shaken it is only natural (I think) to want God's comfort. This Sunday at church all these things came together. We had a guest artist leading us in worship and the last song they played was "Fix You".Well the tears streamed down my face.

I have been so clearly reminded that God is with us always and He is listening. As Susie mentioned, mom is looking great, she has come so far in such a short time. The miracle healing is happening because God loves her and He is listening to your prayers for her. Thank you for your continued prayers, they make all the difference in "fixing" her.

"Fix You"

When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I...

Tears stream down on your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I...

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Wow...

...that pretty much sums up how Jess is doing today. Klint and I (Susie) took the boys to see Gramma again this evening, she is looking amazing. Mitchell noticed that Gramma had fewer cords.....she is not hocked up to any monitors and the doctors are trying a pain patch to eliminate the need for IV pain meds....once the IV is gone, she will be free from all the cords!! A physiotherapist worked with Jessica this morning and had her sitting in a wheelchair....she wasn't able to sit for too long but the physiotherapist was very pleased with her progress. Kirby spoke with a few of her doctors today and they all agreed that she is healing quickly, there is even talk of the Halo being removed sooner than expected (however nothing has been officially confirmed). The dressings have been removed for her right leg and the surgical incisions are looking great.

With every visit, I can see she is another step further in her recovery. God is amazing, and I know that all of your prayers and well wishes have helped Jess get this far. So please keep them coming! Until next time.....

Weekend Update

Klint & I (Susie) were finally able to take Mitchell and Karter to see Gramma on Saturday morning!! It was great, the boys (particularly Mitchell) had been asking to see Gramma since they heard of her accident. In a way I think he needed to see for himself that she was okay. Like any other 4 year old, he had a million questions.....what's that, where does this cord go, why....and the list goes on and on. Karter was fascinated with all the buttons and sounds. Jess was a great sport and let the boys discover the world around her.

Speaking of family visits, Jessica has been reminiscing about a very special family gathering she had in the Toronto area a couple of weeks ago (just before the accident). For the first time in many years Jess had dinner with her parents (Ron & Alice), and her brother (David), sister-in-law (Trish), niece (Colleen) and nephew (John). She is especially thankful that David, Trish and family have moved back to Southern Ontario and she is looking forward to many more visits.

Again, we would like to thank everyone for the love, support and prayers! Caio! :)

Friday AM Girl talk

This morning a couple of my Mom's friends and myself (Kristie) all stood around my mom and chatted about life. It was refreshing to just talk and not focus on the medical end of things. As we gabbed it up, I noticed that mom's hands and feet are becoming smaller. (The swelling made them look like little round pillows)Everyday there are new things that show she is getting better and better. We are all amazed by her strength and her ability to care for others during this time. For example, when I hold her hand, she squeezes to give me reassurance that she is o.k. and not to worry. She is wonderful and we are so thankful that she is still with us. Thank you, mom, for putting up with us chit chatting, it was fun to hang out. In the next couple of weeks she will be up for more little visits. For those of you who would like to visit, the time is coming and she will love to see you. Oh, just a note: She can only have 2 visiters at a time (we sometimes squeeze in 3). Thanks for reading!

Progress

Jess made some significant progress again today. She started eating solid food, mostly soft foods that are easily digested. She wants to let everyone know that she is committed to eating well.....the healthier she is, the easier the recovery. Another HUGE accomplishment she made today was sitting up with her feet on the floor she said it was fairly easy and comfortable, however she did say the Halo brace was heavy and affected her balance. We are all confidant that this is something she will get used too (probably just in time to remove the brace...LOL). A physiotherapist also worked with her today, giving her some exercises to perform (her exercises include moving all her limbs and wiggling her toes mainly to promote circulation).

I think that is everything for today. To be continued....

In the beginning....

On Friday, July 17, 2009, just before noon, Jessica Watson was involved in a very severe car accident. While attempting to avoid a collision with another vehicle that was unexpectedly pulling out of a parking garage she ran into an apartment building. She was immediately rushed to HSC (Health Sciences Centre).

To date she has suffered numerous broken bones (just above the right knee cap, just below her right hip, pelvic bone, many ribs, sternum, collar bone, right big toe and finally two broken vertebrae). The good news is that there was no damage to her spinal column and she avoided any internal bleeding/injuries. On Friday night, Jessica underwent surgery to repair the pelvic bone and upper leg brake (a metal plate and screws were inserted for support). She is conscious and able to move all of her limbs, breath on her own, talk, feel, etc. Presently they have her heavily medicated hence she drops in and out of sleep quite regularly. The broken vertebrae will heal naturally with the assistance of a Halo brace which will likely be on for approx. 12 weeks.

Yesterday, Jessica received what we hope was her last accident related surgery. The bone just above her right knee was repaired by inserting a metal rod. Her improvements already today have been incredible, she is in great spirits and appears to be healing well. A speech pathologist was in to see Jess today to evaluate her ability to eat/drink.

Issues at this point include keeping her lungs clear, avoiding infection and blood clots. So far so good.

Given the sensitivity of her current condition and the unit where she is presently located, visitors are discouraged until later (maybe another week or so....we will keep you updated).

Last but definitely not least, we would like to thank everyone for their support, thoughts and prayers. We will keep you posted! :)