First Day at Shepherd Center

We're a little behind in updating the blog as we have been busy nonstop for the last two days. Leaving Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit was actually very hard for us. The doctors and nurses became family to us. We knew the names of their kids, the churches they attend,their backgrounds, etc. Each nurse spent twelve hours shifts with Shea, and for the first few weeks they barely left the room. We can't begin to name names as we would forget to thank someone very special. Again, a big "thank you" to all our wonderful nurses in PICU. We had a beautiful farewell that afternoon. The nurses flooded Shea's room, and she received gifts and cards from all of them. We took pictures and received lots of hugs. Soon the paramedics came with the gurney and Shea was wheeled away. I was so happy that they allowed me to ride in the ambulance with her. She slept most of the way, and I visited with Bill and heard interesting stories of his thirty years of experience as a paramedic. Great compassionate guy.

Soon we arrived in Atlanta at Shepherd Center. On the sign out front it says, "A Catastrophic Care Hospital." I swallowed hard at the realization of our daughter's next experiences. I have to admit that it was a little scary as we rolled her upstairs to the double doors where overhead it reads," Acquired Brain Inujury Unit." Lots of wheelchairs, helmets, highly brain damaged people. We arrived in the late afternoon when most of the therapists had already gone home, so we sat quietly in her room for awhile. Dr. Kaelin came in soon after and welcomed us warmly.

Our first night was restful except for a young man a few doors down. He has an extreme head injury and screamed and yelled profanities over and over. That seemed a little creepy to us, especially at night, but I was so thrilled with Shea's response. "Oh mom, that poor man -- he can't help it,can he?" We prayed for that family -- how their hearts must break as they cannot yet reach their son's mind. We rejoiced that, by the grace of God, our daughter is fully here in mind. Shea may be moved to a more secluded room today where it will be quiet at night. Everyone here at Sheperd Center is very accomodating and wants to make our stay here as comfortable as possible.

Yesterday was filled with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. Many tests by the doctors as well. It was hard for Shea to wheel into the lunch area where each patient is brought their tray. The room is very quiet as most of the patients do not speak. Shea will be on a liquid diet for some time as she has so many wires and rubber bands in her mouth. She has a hard time speaking sometimes as the bands are pulling her mouth shut and there are still stitches inside. There is a plastic plate right at the front to leave space for her front teeth. There is still no feeling on the left side of her face, but we are seeing small flickers of movement close to her mouth. It's becoming harder for her to see herself in the mirror as her entire face is very swollen and, to her, somewhat distorted.

Last night, Luke and Jess, Uncle David, Aunt Joy and Jonathan (Shea's cousin) came to see her. She was very apprehensive about seeing anyone but was encouraged by their remarks as they had seen her at her very worst. I think it's comforting for her to have family here at the hospital. Jess handed Shea a Christmas bear to hug and then cuddled up to her himself. Luke sat on one side of her holding her hand, and Jonathan held her other hand. The first week after the accident, Jonathan was here and spent most of his time in Shea's room. He would come up early in the morning, pull up a chair by Shea's bed and rub her hand. They were swollen and ice cold. He always stayed until the nurses asked him to leave. Shea was quite emotional when we told her of her cousin's love for her.

Last night when everyone left the room we handed Shea her cell phone. I told her that her dad and I called many times during the last month just to hear her voice on her voice mail. She looked at all the messages and realized there was a text message from Mike that she had never gotten. It said ". . . no matter what happens, just remember that I'll always be there for you." Many tears followed.

Today was another busy day so we'll try to write more tonight. We are encouraged and blessed, but we know the road ahead is long. Shea keeps expressing her appreciation for all of you who are continuing to pray for her recovery. Again, we are overwhelmed by your continued interest and love.

"O, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel."

Our love to you,

Steve and Susan