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April 28, 2006
Home sweet home!
This morning Courtney and I left Charlottesville at 10:30 and had a leisurely drive back to Harrisonburg. It was an emotional moment for Courntey as she was both excited and nervous about being home. The kids had been well coached with regard to Courtney's appearance, speech with a wired jaw, and the need for caution with her face. After a few moments of nervousness (more with Emma), they eventually warmed up and were obviously happy to see their mommy. They were generally happy to see me as well, but I was definitely the side-show.
Courtney continues to improve. She's very weak and tired a lot -- the fatigue can be attributed to the liquid diet and pain meds, but the swelling continues to subside and her vision still seems to be great. I would guess that she has lost about 15 lbs since the accident. She was already very trim, so it's weight that she didn't need to lose. Gaining weight on a liquid diet is very difficult if not impossible. Her trach hole is continuing to heal although it's been difficult to keep the dressing tight. When Courtney talks and coughs, she has to push on the location of the hole, and it's often difficult to press hard enough. However, I think it's still healing and should be closed back up in a few more days. When that's healed, she'll feel a lot more comfortable.
We're obviously thrilled to be home, but there's still a lot of recovery. She's so weak and tired that the thought of visitors is still something that concerns her. We'll probably keep it to 2-3 people per day, and maybe not start until Monday. That's completely up to her, but I think she'll be feeling a LOT better by Monday.
I forgot to mention that the morning after the surgery when Dr. Park was checking on Courtney said, almost as an aside, that Courtney was "tough as nails." I couldn't agree more. Courtney is doing great handling all of this. I'm sure that she's been internalizing a lot of emotions, which has been necessary up to this point, but I'm certain that the next few weeks of laborious healing are going to be seem long and tedious. Pray that she'll continue to be encouraged with the progress and patient in the next few weeks. You can also pray that the kids would be patient as we continue to remind them to BE CAREFUL and in fact have already asked why mommy doesn't talk much.
A hearty thanks to the crew of friends that mulched our yard. It was awesome to drive up and see such amazing landscaping. Also thanks to the friends who have overseen the mowing of our yard. I'll try to thank each of you personally in the next few days, but please know that it was hugely appreciated.
Posted by mark at April 28, 2006 6:08 PM Subscribe (FeedBurner)
Comments
It's got to be so good to be home Courtney. In your own bed, take a warm shower, etc. We will continue to pray for you. Rest and continue to take it really easy. It can be hard to do with kids who have missed their mommy. I'm so proud of your Courtney. You have overcome so much and I'm continually amazed with Mark's postings - esp the stairs at the Red Roof Inn. That would have been it! :) Love ya girl!
Amy
Posted by: Amy at April 29, 2006 8:17 AM