Coming Home

Yesterday was a big step forward, and a remarkable one at that. The surgeons removed her chest tube, drainage tubes from her back, arterial line, three IV’s, and sent her straight to a regular floor, skipping the step-down unit. Better still, the rehab doctors came in and ascertained that there is very slight sensation in the area around her left knee, and perceived very slight movement of her right thigh when asked to squeeze her knees together.

They are dim neurological flickers so very soon after two major operations. However, in the dark night of a young girl’s heart such dim flickers shine with a brilliant luminescence.

Elise has a very long way to go, but these developments are by all accounts nothing short of miraculous. I know that God is there with her, and that He will use this event in her life to great good for her. I just hope that in her heart she can begin to see this as well. The generous prayers of so very, very many people have lifted up our niece and sped her progress to date, and I have no doubt that they will carry her through. Regina and I have no words to express the depth of our gratitude for all of the prayers and support from so many. You are all in our prayers this weekend.

Yesterday, Elise posted the following on her FB account:

Everyone on my facebook and on my uncles facebook im so thsnkful for everything. it means the world to me what everyone has been saying. to everyone thats been calling my parents and me i love you all and really hope to see everyone very soon. ♥

Later this week, we’ll begin the journey into rehab. It is a journey that is not only profoundly grueling, it is also profoundly spiritual. Elise starts from a position of great advantage. Jefferson Memorial is one of the finest Neurological hospitals in the world, and their affiliate programs are no less spectacular.

And then there’s the love…