Holding On

Its hard to believe that it has only been two weeks since mama's accident. It feels like I have not talked to her in forever, but in some ways, it also feels like it was just yesterday.

Mama has made huge progress in the last week. Although, some days it seems that nothing is changing, every little movement she makes is a reason to celebrate. She is continuing to respond to familiar voices. When we visited her in the hospital last weekend, she showed signs of recognition for each of us older kids who came in. She even returns my dad's kisses which is the absolute sweetest thing to see! On Saturday, she opened her eyes for the first time, and has opened them various times throughout the week. She still has not regained full consciousness, but that is not a concern. It is normal and expected for her body to wake up slowly and not rush the process. Sunday morning, mama was moved from ICU to critical care, so she now has her own room. On Tuesday, her trach was changed to a smaller tube that the doctors can place a cap on and it will not hinder her from being able to vocalize. That being said, she has not reached the point of speaking yet. We are currently waiting for a bed to become available so that she can be moved to another floor in the hospital. At that point the younger children should be able to visit her, We all look forward to that day! I know Faith (17 months) misses her mama very much, as we all do!

Yesterday (October 29th) mama was evaluated by representatives from one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the country. They had to go through their procedures to see if she qualified for their program. They are rather particular about who they accept. Unfortunately she is not quite ready to move up to that point yet. The way I understand it, they sort of grade her condition, and in order to move to their facility the patient has to be at what they call 3. Mama is at 2. On a positive note, this gives us the opportunity to fill out required paperwork and work on a schedule/chart of who mom's caregivers will be once she is able to come home. This is something the rehab center requires to insure that their patients will be returning to a committed and beneficial environment.

Things at home have been a ride. Last weekend was pretty fun getting to spend so much time at Michael and ShyAnn's house, clothes shopping, birthdays party, and seeing mom. Sunday night we got a late start on our way back home, and the hour drive actually took two and a half because hosanna got sick and we had to make several stops. As it turns out, the stomach bug has decided to make its rounds so we are having fun with that. Tuesday our septic tank decided that now would be a good time to cause problems, but thank you to wonderful friends, that is being taken care of. This weekend we are looking forward to spending a day at the fair.

Each day has brought new hurdles and challenges, but we've also experienced so many blessing, from the food, to the money donations, to repairs around the house, to people just being there to talk to,the support that our family has received continues to encourage us. This is one of the hardest times our family has ever experienced, but because of friends, family, and God it is bearable, and we will come our of this stronger than before. We appreciate each and everyone of you for everything you have done, and please know that no deed is too small!

Much love
Sarah

Ps: You can see ways to help by clicking on the following links.

GoFundMe Account

Meal Train Plus

If you would prefer to donate money directly to the family you can mail your donation to the following address.

Philippi Baptist Church
Attn: Smith Family
125 Steeple Road
Johnston, SC 29832