Saturday, June 14, 2008
Unbelievable Progress
Olivia came off the ventilator yesterday she is breathing well on her own. She is also off most of her medications and is doing well. All of the nurses and doctors are amazed at her progress. Olivia may even be able to leave the ICU today or maybe tomorrow. Olivia slept all day yesterday and slowly should start to be more and more like herself. Rachel will update the blog later with all the details and insight I (bill) just am filling in the basics.
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14 comments:
We are so grateful to hear the good news and stopped to thank our Father for the loving arms he has extended to Livi and your family. I think all of us have looked at life a lot differently since we have watched Livi and your challenges. Thank you for your example and taking the time to share with us. We have been reminded of what is important and not important in this life. Thanks for telling us about the fast and for sharing your beautiful testimony with us. We love you, Kevin & Cheri Blomquist
Way to go, Olivia!!!
Hugs to you, your mom and dad, and to Aaron!
Love,
Aunt Sandra
We are so glad to hear this news! Way to go Livi! Stay strong! We will continue to check in on your progress. Lots of hope and prayers will continue with you and your family. Take care.
Marc, Barbara, Tyler & Caleb
Way to be strong and brave, Livi. Heavenly Father sure is watching over you and your family.
Todd is super excited to come see you soon.
Good job, Bill. You are definitely a competent blogger.
Steph
I wrote a poem as I thought about all that your family has been through and wanted to just share it because I have been hit so strongly with the realization that what we define as love and how we define love in our society is so surface and superficial. The kind of love that is coming out of all that you are going through is the deepest love there is and how many do not even know it exists! Many have not even experienced it. So here goes...
Love Is...
*a parent crawling into the hospital bed w/their very sick child so that when they wake up, they will not be alone
*The parents who pray ceaselessly for the health of their child to the point of sheer exhaustion
*Seeing just the weak smile of your child as they lay in Intensive Care, with tubes coming out everywhere
*parents who stand vigil night after night, day in and day out, as they watch their critically ill child struggle for life
*when your child wakes up and is able to smile
*when your child squeezes your hand
*when your child has the ability to just squeeze your hand
*the doctors & nurses who work w/their spirits & hearts first; & their intellect right behind that
*endless food and casseroles that are sent to your house by neighbors and well-wishers
*Your family who drops everything in their life 2 be with you in your hour of need
*The hospiral staff who are gentle and tender with your pain-wracked child's frail, limp body
*the peace that at times permeates the room which is sent from above
*the many people you don't know personally but who are praying for you as if they do know you personally
*unseen hands that help you to make it through yet another day of ups and downs, procedures and pricks, setbacks and ominous news
*The e-mails, phone calls, cards and visits offering and giving support
*priesthood bearers who act for God and who come to give needed blessings
*all of the angels whom you ask to watch over your child just in case you happen to fall asleep while you stand watch over her
*found in the simplest of things: a nod of Livi's head, a wave of her arm; just seeing her fingers and toes move, seeing her precious body stir
*those who cry with you and for you when you have nothing left inside to let out
*knowing and understanding that each little hesitant breath she takes is a miracle in and of itself
*sensing with every fiber of your soul the sacredness of your daughter's life
*people, anyone, who cares
*the incredible bond you have with your own child no matter what you are dealt with
*anytime she wakes up
*the exhausted parents, bleary-eyed and ready to do or go or get anything that their sick little girl wants
*comprehending the incredulous, valiant nature and spirit of a child
*realizing that Livi's life all along, is and continues to be, an incredible gift from God to you and now to so many others
*that earth's time cannot separate us from eternity nor prevent our continued existence with our families hereafter
*knowing that truly, the only important things in life all center around our relationships with our family and with others & how we treat them & support them & love them
*a power in and of itself that permeates all understanding and comprehension and that at times you can almost reach out to touch, like a thin film
*the total realization that crises ultimately bring up within us, the deepest, most spiritual yearnings, potential blessings, spiritual ponderings, life lessons, cherished experiences and understanding of spiritual principles
*seeing parents & others shift their whole lives, their way of being & existing, over to the spritual quadrant/realm & dimension of life
*hearing the sweet sound of your daughter's name called softly by others
*realizing that Livi is in the hearts of so many of us, changing us, showing us, how we should live our lives
*the intricate network of people who have already been touched by one sweet, little girl's life
*IS OUR LITTLE LIVI
Dear Rachel and Bill,
Congrats to Olivia! We're so happy to hear she's off the ventilator. She seems as if she is getting stronger by the minute! Thanks so much for keeping us all up-to-date with her progress. We are all with you, now and always.
Love,
Pat and Frank
Yea, such wonderful news to hear that Livi is breathing well on her own. lots of love
cara
That is amazing news! I'm Lance's wife, Aubrey...Lance works with Bill. I am excited to be able to check your blog and keep up on how she is doing. We have been keeping your family in our prayers. I've been sitting at home the last couple months trying to figure out if there is anything I can do, but I know you don't even know me. If you send me your email address I can invite you to read our family blog...and maybe we can get to know each other! geetaraub@yahoo.com
I hope your family has a great weekend!
Way to go Liv! We knew you could do it! When Papa called this morning and told us that your last line came out this morning we were so happy for you! I'm glad that Gee could be there with you now. We hope you can have some fun girls sleepovers with her! Stay strong and continue to fight hard you are doing an amazing job!
We love you very much!
Ryan, Gretchen and boys.
My special Princess Olivia, you will probably never remember how much time we spent together, but I will. Though we have rarely talked in conversation (I always tallk to you when I'm with you), you have touched my heart deeply. I can't believe how far you've come in so short a time! You are such a fighter, so strong, and you have a wonderful, loving, supportive family! You all are in my thoughts and prayers everyday, and will follow your progress here, but hope you will come and visit us in the PICU every once in a while. Keep fighting,
all my love,
Lisa (your PICU nuse)
Livi Love...You are fighting so hard and staying so strong. We are so proud of you! We just wanted to send tons of loves, hugs and kisses your way. Can you feel them? We love you with all our hearts!
Uncle Garrett, Aunt Kristi, Cody, Logan and baby Emily
I have chills! We are so happy for your family! Those prayers can truly work miracles. Thank you so much for the updates. It helps us to remember all of the blessings that we have in our life.
Love, Heidi and Jeff
that's really good news! she's an adorable little girl. we'll have to hang out sometime-ashlyn would love to play with another little girl her age. --we're keeping you guys in our prayers
katherine (jason wood's wife)
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