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.
More prayers for Carrie's healing on the way.
Awesome news, Gretchen!
Father, we humbly ask that You please continue to watch over this young lady, her family and her loved ones. May You provide a shelter of Grace and Love for them all during this trying time. To You belongs all the glory. In Jesus' Name, amen.
You're the best, G. Thank you for providing us with these updates. (((God bless you)))
Thank God it's only a fracture, it will heal so much faster. Carrie is still in my prayers and will remain there until she is fully recovered.
Good news, Carrie is making progress. More prayers are on the way.
Thank you very much for the update. Saying and sending continued prayers for Carrie and your family.
PLEASE tell your relatives that oftentimes people in a coma can hear everything going on in the room around them. A good friend's father fell and hit his head HARD - was in a light coma for several days - he appeared to be completely unconscious and unresponsive, but he told us afterwards he could hear everything that was going on around him. Positive, loving, encouraging words would be SO good for Carrie to hear!
Prayers for Carrie....~~Pandora~~
Thanks for the news on Carrie's condition. I'll keep praying for a speedy recovery.
O Lord, our Hallelujah's Arise to our Mighty King! Your Greatness, Your Grace, Your Love; how Merciful You are; how Very Gracious! So Filled with Compassions and Peace. Thank You for Covering Carrie with Tender Grace. O Lord, for the Sake of Thy Merciful Love, Make Carrie a Testimony to Thy Name. Bless Many through her; Raise her to Show Forth Thy Praise. Blanket her Family with Comfort, and Rescue this Beautiful and Precious Life.
In the Name of His Majesty our King, we Praise You, O God, amen.