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April 19, 2006
Thanks and update on Courtney
Before I give you and update on Courtney, I want to thank everyone for their prayers, phone calls, and support during this ordeal. It has been a huge help to experience the overwhelming expressions of love for Courtney. Thank you!
Considering the magnitude of what happened, Courtney is doing really well. The swelling in her face and neck has continued to reduce, she is on a smaller diameter trachiostomy tube that should allow her to breathe more and more through her nose and mouth (which is wired shut). They are still confident that she will retain full unimpaired vision in both eyes. I don't know the exact count, but she has a number of titanium plates in her face. They had to rebuild her right eye-socket and has a plate behind her eye to keep it positioned in the right location on her face. Even though she has at least 5 plates in her face, there isn't a single incision, other than the two cuts from the accident (above the right eye and lip). Amazingly, they were able to do most of the work through existing lacerations and through the jaw. One of the things that the doctors are monitoring as the swelling goes down is the mobility of her eyeball in that reconstructed socket. They are also checking that it's on the same horizontal plane as the left eye. If mobility or level aren't correct, they may have to go back in to make some adjustments. It's too early to tell. As of today, she can open her left eye about 90%, but she keeps it closed most of the time. The right eye only opens naturally about 10%.
The dental work she's going to need will probably be the most signifigant long term recovery task. I just found out this morning that the damage was even more extensive than I had originally thought. However, this is most certainly a secondary concern. There are extremely advanced methods of restorative dentistry and orthodontia that will most certainly be able to help us out.
They moved Courtney out of intensive care yesterday morning, which is nice because the visiting hours are more relaxed. For the last few days Courtney has been in and out of restless sleep. When awake, she's generally alert. I don't think she's sleeping very well, and is growing more and more restless. It's easy to get really confused when your on so many narcotics and you haven't opened your eyes for 4 days. Since she has a head injury, they aren't able to give her any sleep medication. Hopefully, being out of intensive care will help to re-orient Courtney back to a more normal schedule. I think they also start the slowly reduce the narcotics. Both of these should hopefully alleviate some of her distress and impatience, and hopefully she'll get some restorative rest..
We're hoping that she'll be able to start swallowing better today, as this will precipitate being able to start on real food (blended of course), and water. She is desperate for liquid in her mouth, but they can't start that until they are convinced that she'll be able to swallow correctly, as they don't want it to end up in her lungs instead.
A local news station did a piece about our accident. I post this with some reservation, but they did a nice job, so ... for what it's worth. I was extremely reluctant to do the interview, as there were obviously other things on my mind. Also, I have an inherent distrust of the media, especially stories about personal tragedy that don't really effect other people. However, given that she asked nicely, the obvious highway safety issue, and my desire to give God the glory, I decided to relent. You can ignore the hero title, that's obviously a little much. ;-)
The kids are back in Harrisonburg with our awesome network of friends who have childcare lined up through June. I'm sure they can't wait to see their mommy, but we want to wait until she's a bit more presentable and can talk.
Anyway, I've got to get back to the room. I'll try to post some more updates here, as I have time. Thanks again for your prayers and support. It's been huge.
Posted by mark at April 19, 2006 10:39 AM Subscribe (FeedBurner)
Comments
My little girls have been praying every day. :)
Posted by: Topher at April 19, 2006 12:37 PM
Thanks, Mark for posting this, please tell Courtney we love her and have been praying for her. Our Growht Group, my parents, my grandparetns, the staff here at the church are all praying for quick, healthy and full recovery.
I believe I am it, so I'll try calling you again tonight to touch base.
You're a good man, I am very proud of you. Take care and keep taking care of that wonderful wife of yours! ;)
Posted by: Nate at April 19, 2006 2:36 PM
It has been such an incredible blessing in my life to know Courtney. I have really valued her friendship and enjoyed my time with her in February. I have been really "shook" up by all of this. I am so proud of how God is using you and this experience. I thought your interview was really good.
I am so amazed at how God protected all of you. As our family is learning...he is a miracle worker yesterday and TODAY. Please let Courtney know how much I love her. I wish I could race out to VA to help with the kids.
Much love.
Posted by: Kara at April 19, 2006 4:02 PM
My prayers are with you both and especially for Courtney's full recovery! Thank you for keeping us informed so we know how to pray. It truly is a miracle that she wasn't injured more severely - praise God for His protection! Take care and know that many, many prayers are being lifted up on your behalf.
Posted by: Bethany at April 19, 2006 10:39 PM
Mark - We love you and Courtney and are praying fervently for her full recovery. Please let us know if there is absolutely anything more we can do. Thank you so much for this update.
Posted by: Crista at April 20, 2006 8:18 AM
Mark, thanks so much for the update! Jamie and I have been so concerned, and are praying for your family. It sounds like you guys have wonderful local support from your church, friends and family, but please call or e-mail us if there are any other specific needs you may have as they come up. Evan and Colin are praying for James & Emma, too!
Beth & Jamie Raymond
Posted by: Beth Raymond at April 20, 2006 9:07 AM
Mark:
Beth Raymond has been keeping me and my wife Heidi Maxim Barker informed about Courtney. Heidi's mom worked with Courtney's mom for a long time and we both know Courtney from our Covenant College days. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that we have been praying and will continue to do so. We are praying for a swift and complete recovery for Courtney and for comfort and encouragement for you and the children.
God Bless You!
Sincerely in Christ,
Ned & Heidi Barker
Posted by: Ned Barker at April 20, 2006 9:19 AM
Hey Mark,
it's me Nikki from ornagewood..Scott Climmer informed me of the tragic news last week and immed. looked on the internet for info I could find..I was able to locate Courtney's mom and with that Meg also..We are praying for you and so much for Courtney as well..you sound like a hero and I know that you are hers and your children I can just tell..I will keep on checking your web site..I talk to Scott every day and I will inform him also of your site..
please if you can forward me any info.where we might could send a card or flowers..
my email is bimlee34@yahoo.com or call 336-992-7210
my current name is Nicole Brian..
ps your child is beautiful..my Riley girl is 19 months..funny enough we go through very similar things..
Posted by: Nikki Daubresse at April 23, 2006 7:54 AM
Hi Mark,
We're friends of the Seefried's and have been praying for Courtney and your family since the day of the accident. I truly do believe that "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose" Rom 8:28.
Our Constant prayers along with those of our extended family's are with you all. :)
Erin and Jay Sullenger
Posted by: Erin Sullenger at April 25, 2006 8:56 PM