Carrie's mom said they think Carrie looks good today. [Her sister, L, said they think she looks like she's made a week's worth of improvement for each day she's been in the ICU.] She is holding her own and her vital signs were stable today, which is good. She remains in an induced coma. They are checking fluid from Carrie's lungs to be sure she doesn't have the start of pneumonia.
The right side of her face is still swollen. Her arm or hand is still swollen, but they have it elevated.
Her dad took the children to church this morning.
Their neighbors report that when they went to their churches, prayers were said for Carrie's complete recovery. Four of their neighbors got together and went to their home. They cleaned the house, did the laundry, and helped so very much. What wonderful new neighbors they now have.
People from college came today. One professor called to find out about Carrie. She always talked about her family. Of course, he saw pictures of them that she had painted for school and her gallery show.
Tomorrow Carrie's mom is going to enroll [the two children she'd been homeschooling] in public school. Dad can take time off work as needed.
We will keep Carrie and her family in our prayers, and we thank all of you for your concern, care, and prayers.
Love, [my aunt and uncle]
My aunt sent this separately regarding some of the prayers and positive comments I've copied from this thread to send to her and my uncle: "Thank you so much for all your prayer contacts and all the people you have praying for our dear Carrie. I have read over everything you've sent so many times." From me to everyone who is praying and also posting on this thread, I am very grateful for your warm, positive, and heartfelt input that is making it easier for Carrie's grandma and grandpa to weather this storm.
She's starting to look very much like Caroline after only 3 days. Yesterday Carrie was struggling to breathe with the ventilator - but the good news is that her spinal cord doesn't seem to be damaged because her brain is telling her lungs how to breathe.Even though she's unconscious I still tell her about everyone who is stopping by the ICU and how so may people we haven't seen in years are coming out because they love her so much. I try to think of funny things to tell her so subconsciously she'll laugh :^)
One of the doctors had twin girls that were friends with Carrie in high school; another doctor is my sister L2's soccer coach! We feel like we're in good hands with people who really care about Caroline.
Thank you for persistent prayers. I'm so happy she's alive.
The last I heard, they were going to start weaning Carrie off the machines and starting to waken her tomorrow. Brain injuries are so complicated. I learned yesterday that her neck has a fracture rather than a break, so that's good. Her spinal cord in intact.
Gretchen, thanks for the update. I am praying for Carrie and I will continue for as long as she needs them. ~~Pandora~~
My thoughts and prayers are with Carrie and her family ...
It is great news that her spinal cord is intact...and every hour that she is here...means she is healing.
May God bring you comfort in the days and weeks ahead, Gretchen as you all wait for Carries healing...
sleuth
continued prayers
Gretchen,
So Proud to hear that Carrie is healing, It is awesome what wonderful people she comes from . Glad she is breathing on her own, and can not wait to here about tomorrow. Prayer said!
Thanks..
Prayers continue.
Keep talking to her.
What wonderful news!
Praying hard that her recovery continues smoothly.
Thank goodness there are so many loving people around to help. One of St. Francis of Assisi's bits of wisdom is, "Labore et orare." "To work is to pray." Carrie and your family are being bathed in all manner of wonderful prayers. :-D
Every day is looking like a step forward, doesn't it? We will continue to pray for His healing. As I said before, He has still more work for her on this earth. Her family's faith is an inspiration - May God bless and keep you all.
what encouraging news, Gretchen, thanks for the updates. Prayers continue for Carrie
I'm really glad to hear that her spinal cord is ok. That's really good news. Continuing prayers...
Continuing prayers for Carrie and family. God bless.
re: 356
Thanks for the update Gretchen.
Continue to trust in God's promises and lean on the Father continually by praying incessantly.
Bless you and your family, Gretchen.
love in Him,
Kristin
aka MeekMom
You can count on continued freeper prayers for her and her whole family.
love, jan
So glad to hear optimistic news! Prayers will continue for Carrie, you and your family.
The news sounds cautiously optimistic. More prayers for Carrie.
Prayers up again for Carrie and family.
Notre père, qui êtes aux cieux!
Que votre nom soit sanctificié. Que votre règne vienne.
Que votre volonté soit faite, sur la terre comme au ciel.
Donnez-nous aujourd'hui notre poindre ce jour.
Pardonnez-nous nos offenses, comme nous pardonnons aussi a ceux, qui nous ont offensés,
et ne nous soumetez pas à la tentation, mais délivrez-nous du mal.
Car c'est à toi qu'appartiènne, le régne, la puissance et la gloire, pour les siècles des siècles.
Amen.
Je vous salue, Marie, pleine de grâces,
le Seigneur est avec vous, vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes,
et Jésus le fruit de vos entrailles est béni.
Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pauvres pécheurs,
maintenant, et à l'heure de notre mort. Ainsi-soit-il.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
Gretchen, thank you so much for keeping us all updated. My husband and I have been praying for your niece and will continue to do so. Today will be a rough day if they are taking her off the vent and other machines. She will be in my prayers.
One Day at a time!
May God continue to hold Carrie and your family in His embrace.