Reflections

As I look back on the last year, specifically the last 2 months of 2007,
I feel like our family has grown so much,
loved and been loved so much.

When I think about the cliche sayings that people have said over time,
I can't help but wonder if their lives were touched with tragedy.
Although I had heard ALL of them before, they mean something completely
different going into 2008...

*Life IS precious, it IS a gift
*We don't know what tomorrow will bring
*Life IS what you make of it
*God does hold each of us in his hands
*Love IS truly the only gift

**Pic taken at The Royal Sonesta 12/2006 for Chaz and Claire's engagement party.

God Bless and have a wonderful safe last night of 2007.

Resting Day

Sunday is a rest day for LuBob. She does not have any therapy on Sunday's so she gets to relax and not have anyone ask her to get out of bed if she doesn't want to. Today, mom was in great spirits-I know because I spoke with her twice. She told me they were watching the Saints game and managed to tell me they were loosing. Dad said that she seemed to really understand the game, when he wasn't paying attention and something interesting would happen, Lu would nudge him and nod to the t.v.. She bleeds black and gold even after her accident!

We hope you have a wonderful last day of 2007.
Charles, Luisa and the kids

**Pic taken at Ousie's in Houston, 12/2006

Memory

Tonight I asked my mom if she remembers us telling her why she is in the hospital---and she did!!! Since her accident, her short term memory has not been in tact and tonight was the first time she was able to verbalize to me that she was hit by a car in front of Harrah's Casino. Of course, she still can't recall quite a bit, but she showed tonight that she is starting to have the ability to do so.

We heard from the nurses that she had another great day today. Tonight she seemed really tired, but we managed to giggle a few times over silly things. Andrew and Ava came up to see her as well, Andrew talked to her like she was a little girl and Ava wanted to eat her dinner. She loved every minute of it!!

Much love,
Luisa's Family

**Pic at the Hilton in Austin 08/04

My First Observation Day

Today I went an observed Luisa for the day. What a day we had! She talked more today than she has since the accident-to me and to the other therapists at the hospital. We talked back and forth all day, she told me she liked my sweater, told me the water I got her was hot, almost bit my head off when I cut her finger giving her a manicure (I am just a novice)-and lots of other amazing conversations.

During speech therapy, she got lots of fill in the blanks correct, and also was able to identify what people were doing in pictures. She did get some of the memory questions wrong, but it was the first time doing that exercise-that will come as the identifying pictures has. She walked twice today, very slowly but if you know my mom she walks slow anyway-she did great, I was a proud child standing beside my amazing mother.

I hope you all had a very special Christmas, thank each of you for keeping us in your prayers-they are very appreciated.
The Whole R&P Gang

**Pic taken today during physical therapy.

Mom's First Day Out

What a day! I would be hard pressed to find words (an occurence almost as rare as a lunar eclipse) to describe all of the emotions that we all felt today. It was such an amazing day to have mom right where she should be at Christmas, with us. The love in the room was so palpable, our Christmas miracle sitting right in front of us.

A few of the pictures from our Christmas 2007...

Merry Christmas!!

My family hopes that each and every one of you has a wonderful Christmas. I hope that you are able to find a moment today to feel the grace that blesses each of our lives.

We are in the process of checking Luisa out of the hospital for the day. Check back later tonight for a full recap on the day!
The Ripoll's and Pippins

**Christmas pics from 2003-2006 in no particular order.

Andrew and Ava's First Visit

Today we brought Andrew and Ava up to visit mom and she had a smile from ear to ear when she saw them. It has been a little over two months since she saw them last, I am pretty sure we watched her have the best 10 minutes since the accident.

It has been about two weeks since I last saw mom. She continues to look really great and seems to have increased her ability to concentrate some as well. She and I had a few hours alone and we spent that time laying next to each other in her bed, I talked most of the time (I am pretty sure I talked too much). I found a magazine dad had brought up ( a New Orleans mag.) and started to go through it asking her if she knew what certain things were. She knew some things and others she knew but couldn't find the word for-I would tell her the word and ask her to say it back to me, most of the time she did repeat it to me. She knows that she has a BIG birthday coming up this summer, when I asked her she said "60" with about as much enthusiasm as anyone answering that question.

We hope that this season is bringing you lots of love and laughter.
The Ripoll's and Pippins'

**Pic taken at my grandma's (ain't there no more) Christmas 2004, right before we sang the 12 Yats of Christmas (a very fun night!) If the last sentence confused you, it is a very local sentence, I am sure I am getting a few chuckles from the kids reading this from NOLA.

Meeting Day

Today dad had a meeting with mom's team to evaluate her progress. "Team Luisa" feels that she is doing very well, in dad's words, "they are not ecstatic, but are happy with her progress." He has watched her do a lot today as he had a few weeks ago and she is definetly stronger, she walked up stairs and was walking better as well. She is feeding herself and eating really well now. Apparently, she reached up and felt her head today and asked dad "What's going on up here?" Dad started to tell her and she was confused after he said how she was involved in an accident. All in all, she is doing wonderful, or we think so.

I will be out of blogville touch for a day or two traveling.

Best to each of you.
Team Luisa's Family

**Pic taken in mom and dad's apartment, NOLA 06/05

Readin' A Magazine

Tonight on my nightly call mom was reading a magazine about New Orleans. It is unclear how much she actually understands about what she might be reading, but when she told me she was reading it sure seemed like she was interested in the topic. We talked about how excited we are to see each other this weekend, I am counting down the days. And she talked to Andrew and Ava and laughed at them while they were talking/singing.

I know that I write a lot about my conversations, but this is all I witness while I am not there. Please know that while it is amazing to talk to her, there are moments of confusion mixed in with the conversation, they are getting less and less but are still present.

And I guess with that, it's goodnight.
Lola's gang.

**Chaz & Claire's rehearsal dinner 03/06 NOLA.

Chatty Cathy

First, the business stuff.
The surgery went off without a hitch, mom got a little sick after, but has rebounded beautifully.
She has moved rooms-again, she's really taking a tour of the rehab facilities at Touro.

Now the exciting news.
Mom's cousin, Renee went to visit today and had a great conversation with her. Renee walked in and mom said, "What are you doing here?" Renee asked her how she was doing and mom said, "Well, I had a little surgery today on my trach." That is really the most consecutive words she has used, how thrilling. Her doctor came in and quizzed her a little bit and she got all of them right but the last one when she asked her if she was there because she is sick or was hit by a car and she shook her head no for both options. When Renee left and when her visitors, the Caro's left she told them both "Thank you for coming." She so polite, that mom of mine!

Miracles are occuring everyday in her life, but they also occur in all of ours too.
Peace
The Rips and Pips

*Pic taken at Barton Creek Resort 04/2007

I'm Busy

Yesterday dad went to Houston, so I talke to mom on the phone while Uncle Jerry was visting mom. I was talking to her and getting a little more than yes and no answers out of her. Suddenly I realized she was laughing and I asked her what I said that was funny, she said "I'm laughing at Uncle Jerry." I told her I was sorry to keep her from her guests, she told me ok and then I believe she hung the cell phone up (pretty iimpressive if she knew how to do that).

She is having a little surgery on her trach scar, the doctors feel that it is not healing properly so the surgery is mainly a cosmetic procedure more than anything.

Her rash is gone!!! After 2.5 weeks with it, thank goodness! Now they can take her off of the benedryl so she will not want to sleep all day.

6 days til Christmas, we hope to get a day pass to spend some time with mom outside of the hospital.

Best wishes on this humpday.
Lu's crew

**Lola and Andrew 11/04, in a restaurant in NOLA (of course).

How About Sushi Instead? (Mom Loves Sushi!)

Today was a big day for mom. She was switched from pureed foods to solids-so tonight she ate food that actually had shape rather than babyfood. It sounds like she enojyed every bite of it, my Lord wouldn't you if you hadn't eaten food in 7 weeks?

Last night dad and Uncle Jerry were joking around and dad said that mom was totally in on the conversation and at one point was cracking up laughing (he said harder than he has seen her laugh in a long time).

Some days are better than others in terms of her spirits, but we are constantly reminded of how blessed we are since she is really only about 3.5 weeks into rehab. WOW, it's overwhelming to think of how far she has come.

Keep the prayers coming!
LuBob's family

**Pic taken in our packed car 07/06

Pleasant Weekend

Luisa has had a good weekend. She had a few visitors this weekend-her lifelong friend Jeanne went up and saw her for the first time since she was in ICU. I know that she was so happy to see mom looking like mom. When I spole to her yesterday I told her I was shopping and asked if she was ready to get out there and spend some money, she said "Oh yeah!"

Today they were late bringing her tray of lunch to her and she looked at dad and said, "What's taking them so long?" Dad said that she seems to understand most conversations as people are having them around her. Today, Mrs. Cathy, Mr. John, Aunt Jan and Van were all talking about old times and she was laughing with them enjoying the stories.

I found this online today, if you have a chance, check it out. It is an amazing story about a man with a brain injury.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22279449/

As someone told me right after the accident, we are all in this life together.
Lola's crew

**Pic taken at Column's Hotel, NOLA 06/04

Mmmm, Sweet 'Taters

Tonight mom had her first pureed food that she enjoyed. She loved the sweet potatoes that she was served, which is no surprise because she was a fan before the accident. She is eating really well, so that can only be good news for her strength mentally and physically.

Andrew, Brad and I spoke with her tonight on the phone and she sounds really good. She is not much of a conversationalist, but I don't mind talking and telling her how much I and all of you care.

Since this is the holiday season, and it seems all of you enjoy this blog, I have an idea. All of you through this journey have asked God to help mom and us, so in order to give thanks for his blessings I ask that you do something nice for a stranger. Our lives have been touched by friends and strangers alike in this time, we all make a difference in others lives-the impact on someone can be huge!

Thank you friends.
Rip's and Pip's

**Ava's baptism 02/07

Superwoman

Good Morning Luisa's Loyal Bloggers. Sorry that the blog is late, had a dinner last night-and as they say 'tis the season!

Dad saw mom last night after missing Wednesday night because he was in Houston. He said that she looked better after just one day, she was more alert and could understand commands easier. He asked her to hold up two fingers and she did it, but looked at him like -can you give me something challenging here. That was the first time that she held up anything other than her thumb for us. She's also laughing a little bit, so evidentally she still thinks my dad is humorous.

Well, I guess this a two post day, so stay tuned for tonight's post.

Hope each of you has a nice Friday.
Luisa's Loyal Family

**Pic taken Ava's birthday party 09/07

Lu's Getting The Real Stuff Now

Today my cousin Rebecca went up and spent time with mom b/c dad is in Houston. She fed her tonight and said that she did really well swallowing her food. Luisa had 3 trays of food today, her first full day of food yet, of course with suppliments of tube feedings.

Her rash is getting better, I am sure she would say thank goodness.

Dad talked to her on the phone briefly tonight. She said his name for the first time!!!!!!!

Hope each of you has a wonderful day tomorrow!

Thank you family and friends (new and old) for taking the time to enquire about mom,
Charlie and gang

**Pic taken Dec. 2004 at Brigtsen's-NOLA

1st Observation Day

Today was dad's first day to watch mom go through her daily therapy routines.

First was occupational therapy. The OT came in and dressed her this morning, she told dad that she can pretty much put her top on by herself. Her bottoms are a little more difficult because her strength is still not there when bending her legs.

The speech therapist came in and worked with her for a while. She was holding up flash cards for my mom and they were pictures of things like a dog, horse, etc... Mom could not get the words out to name each thing. There is of course some confusion in her brain telling her mouth what to say-dad said she was just really frustrated bc he could tell she knew what the objects were. They served her lunch today, her first time to eat food (pureed) since the accident! He said that the ST was really impressed with how well she did. She chewed and swallowed really well. She even took the spoon and fed herself a few times and drank a little ensure by herself too.

The rash is hives we found out. The dermatologist told dad that since they have removed her off of any medication it is just going to have to take it's course, but it could take a week to clear up. The rash is not that big of a deal in the scheme of things, it is just really distracting to mom b/c she itches so bad.

Physical Therapy had mom last today. Dad watched her walk with a walker and therapists there to guide her. He said that she was supporting her own body and did pretty well with it. They took her on stairs for the first time and he said that she is just really weak, it was hard for her to bend her legs and lift them up the steps. She did this with full assistance.

All in all it was a really good day. It made dad realize that her road is long, but that there is a destination.

We are so thankful that there is a destination!


Picture is of my mom and my dad's mom (she passed away 01/2006), I can safely say they would both kill me for putting this picture up for all of you to see.

Step By Step

Dad talked to the case worker this morning and she told him that mom took 111 steps today with assistance. I guess she really is walking!

This update is kind of short b/c mom still has the rash, in fact it is worse today than it has been all week. Dad said she seemed really preoccupied with it tonight, itching it a lot. But, tomorrow he is going to be with her all day to observe her therapeutic treatments. I am sure there will be lots to say tomorrow.

Quite a few of you have emailed me wondering how to leave a message on the blog-I will try and explain the process to you.
1. When you log on to Lola's page and see the entry for the day if you want to leave a comment click on the comment areadown below, but before yesterday's post. Don't forget to sign your name!

2. Leave your comment and then type the word verification in the box (red distorted letters)

3. Choose your identity, if you don't have a google account just choose anonymous

4. Click publish your comment

Hope this helps, I think I have brought a whole new generation to blogville!

Best,
Lola's Family

The Talkin' is Startin'

Luisa is really starting to communicate, and doesn't seem, at least yet, to struggle for the proper wording. Today she talked on the phone to a few family members-the best was her conversation with Andrew. Andrew said "Hey Lo" and my mom said "Hey Love!" (she always calls him love and I wondered if she would ever do it again after the accident). To each person she spoke on the phone with, she spoke to them they way she would have before the accident, her inflections were the same and called each person the name she gave them before as well.

Oh, and she can read perfectly. I was reading the names on the tv and I felt her looking at me as if she was frustrated. I stopped and looked at her and said "Can you read?" She gave me the look that only a mother could give and said "Yes". We tested her and sure enough, she can read just fine. I asked her where I lived and she told me like nothing.

Later on today, while I was at the airport, I saw Reggie Bush. I called and dad gave her the phone, when I told her I gave him a thumbs up she said, "Does he have a nice personality?" How funny is that???

The blessings just keep coming from above!

Thank you friends for your continued support through this journey.
The Ripoll & Pippins Crew

**Missing from pic, Claire!

The Best Day Yet

This picture was taken today (Saturday)-to really give all of you a better idea of where mom is we thought we should share this with you.

When we got to the hospital today she was sitting (in a wheelchair) in the room with the rest of the patients while they were eating. She gave us a big smile and we all went to her room to visit. She told Chaz "I like your shoes" (LSU sandals) this was the longest sentence she has said yet. While the nurse was feeding her, the tube started to leek and before she could get there mom had already clamped the feeding tube. Thumbs up is not a task that is hard anymore-in fact she makes a face when we ask her to do it.

We were able to take her outside today (her first time since Oct. 31) we had a nice time and she really enjoyed the change of scenery (can you blame her). There were so many amazing moments in our visit-words are escaping me (yes me!)

Faith, Courage, Love
Luisa's ecstatic family!

Come On Kids

Alright, you know that we have a book already started for Luisa's progress-keep the comments coming. She doesn't just want to hear from Dad, Brad, Chaz, Claire, Uncle Jerry and I-leave a message for her!

Today Chaz and Claire arrived to see Mom and Dad. At one point Rachel, our cousin, told mom that her brother was coming to see her and mom responded "How do you know?" Talk about initiating converasation on her own! Mom's favorite expression before the accident was "Cher" to all of you non-cajuns, that is pronounced Sha. Today, Claire said that Mom said Cher over and over.

She looks awesome, but has a rash right now-all is good-


Keep the Faith.
LuBob's Family

*** Pic taken at Mr. B's 2005

Not Quite

Today mom had her first swallow test and she failed it. Not because she could not swallow but because she did not know what to do with the food when they put it in her mouth. Once she figured it out, she did swallow OK-it will come as all of the other blessing have.

Today mom's first cousin's visited her and she was very alert for them (b/c they were not my dad:)). She saw a picture of Andrew and said "Cute". Great response because that was just looking at him and not a prompted conversation.

Day by day.

Make That a Latte Please

Tomorrow they are going to start doing swallow tests on Lola. Evidentally today she had a small spoon of pudding and wanted the whole thing. Soon enough she will be asking the nurses to change her coffee for a latte with 1 equal and 1 sweet and low:)

Dad told her that when he was in Houston he had dinner with some friends and mom looked at him and said "Where?" That was all he got out of her tonight, but Chaz, Claire and I are going in this weekend so hopefully we can convince her to talk a little more.

Hugs,
The Ripolls and Pippins

She Did What?

Tonight my Uncle Jerry was visiting my mom and an aide came in and said "Hey Mrs. Ripoll, I saw you walking today." So my uncle asked the aide to tell him about it and she told him that mom walks with two physical therapists holding her, but that she is putting one foot in front of the other. WHOA!!!

It seems as though physically LuBob is coming right along. We were told that the physical aspect does seem to come back faster than the mental-our thoughts and prayers now need to be focused on her getting back to us mentally.

Until Tomorrow,
Luisa's Family

Short Update

Just a short update on this Monday night. Mom's fever has not come back-awesome news. Last night when my dad got back from the Saints game he walked in the room said hi and he got his first smile and also a thumbs up!!!!

I wanted to clarify the speaking to me yesterday by saying that it seems kind of reflexive at this time-if you ask her to speak she does not. BUT how great that she responded to me and said the right things at the right times!!! A month after our conversation was interrupted, I got to tell her I loved her.

I've said it a million times in the past month, but what a gift!

The Trach is Trash!!!!!!!

This morning mom's pulmonologist took her trach out!!! Not only that but she said hi to Chaz when dad held the phone up to her! Oh wait, there's more! Dad held the phone up later for me to say hi and she said "Hey Ra (she always calls me that)" I said I love you so much and Luisa said "Love you".

What a day, and it is only 1:00!!!

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Chin Up

MORE BREAKING NEWS 7:35pm!! Tonight dad asked mom if she wanted to put some lotion on her hands, she nodded yes, he put the lotion on her hand and told her to rub them together----- and she did!!!!!!!

BREAKING NEWS 6:45pm! Today dad said that mom took her glasses off, itched her nose, and then put her glasses back on.

This picture was taken in July 06 and we would chant "March, March" and Andrew ate it up. He and mom would march all over the place saying this for hours.

Since the accident, mom has been favoring her right side and dad said yesterday she has started holding her head straight. I guess her tone is starting to come back-yet another bit of great news.

Aunt Jan brought a Christmas tree to her room-she had a big smile when she saw it.

She had therapy this morning starting at 6:30, so she has been sleeping on and off all day today. She is watching in the LSU game right now with dad-Geaux Tigers!

***To view past posts, you just click on November.

Put A Cap On It

Great day for Luisa! They not only changed the size of the trach, but they also capped it off too!!!!!!!!! Early next week, if all goes well, the trach will be trash!!!!

Today dad said that he put her glasses on her and she was trying to adjust them with her left hand. That right hand is really starting to move, she can get it up to her nose now.

Her fever was normal this evening, this is another bit of great news.

It really is amazing how many miracles have occured in such a short time for mom. We take so much for granted physically on a daily basis-the human body and faith are a testament to how generous our Maker is.

Many blessings to you and your family.

4 Weeks To The Day

So much has happened in such a short time, it is hard to try and imagine where we were just 4 short weeks ago.

I haven't talked that much about our mom from a medical standpoint so here we go... Since she has been at rehab, the doctors (and she has a team of them) have been trying to get mom "medically stable". You can imagine that from such a trauma that the body is trying to find it's normal rhythm. Things have been resolved and some things haven't. She has been running fever since the accident and so the doctors are wondering if her body is trying to react or if it is something more serious. Please say your prayers that this fever goes away-this is our MAIN concern right now.

Physically, she is starting to move her right hand more, dad said she moved it up to her chest today! Tonight she woke up and watched the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockafeller Center (or she was looking interested), NYC is her favorite place besides NOLA.

In just a small amount of time Lu Bob has come such a long way, we appreciate every single one of you for reading and praying for her.

Let's all keep the faith!

Wonder Woman

Tonight mom''s pulmonologist was in her room when I got there and he said she is doing really well. Tomorrow he is going to move her trach size down (to the last size before they cap it to see how well she can cough, etc...). That is really encouraging, we may be hearing her say dammit out loud soon!

Dad found out that today in rehab when the PT went to transfer mom, she actually used her left hand to try and push off of the bed. With her injury this is good b/c she realized she was able to distinguish that she was getting out of the bed and of course that she used her hand to do it.

We are so grateful!

Coming Up With Title's Everyday Is Hard

Today mom had therapy all day so we expected her to be getting some rest when we saw her this evening-and much to our delight, she was wide awake.

It is normal with brain injuries for patients to enjoy seeing some people more than others, and mom enjoys seeing me and Chaz and not so much Dad and her brother, Jerry. It is starting to be a joke between my Dad and uncle to see how many smiles they can get out of her a visit-let's just say they have to try REALLY hard. BUT everytime we (her kids) go to kiss her goodbye, she puckers her lips when we go to her cheek.

We thank you for your constant thoughts and prayers.
Lola's Family

Did You Just Say That?

Today Luisa was awake for almost the whole day. Sunday's are a rest day so we think that weekends are going to be the times we are able to visit with her while she is awake for now. We talked for quite a while today, I asked her if she remembered different stories and people and to most of my non-stop talking. We laughed a bit over an article that one of her favorite columnist wrote for the Times Picayune today. Her right arm, that she had not moved since the accident, is starting to move a little bit-nice to see for sure.

Her nurse, Jennylin, went to adjust her tonight and she completely mouthed "Dammit". I gave her a hard time for saying it, it was so funny. So, so far she has said "hey" a few times and "dammit" twice-we will take any words right now, even curse words.

If anyone is wondering how she looks physically, she looks amazing. Her nurse practitioner came in and commented on how beautiful she is today-and she really is. At one point today we put her glasses on and she was just lying in the bed quietly-looking just like our wife, mom and Lola.

Hope you have a wonderful tomorrow.
Luisa's Family

Awakenings

This afternoon, Dad, Chaz and I went to visit mom. She was sitting, dressed in an outfit we bough her last week and was alert as we spoke with her. She communicated with us the whole time! Communication was either yes or no, or a smile or the look of sadness. She moved her right arm for the first time since the accident and also managed to laugh a few times when we shared stories with her.

I will tell you that to see my mom and us in the situation we are in, makes me (and I am sure anyone) wonder what God's plans are in all of this-but it seems that a miracle happens in front of our eyes each day. I guess the lesson is not to question what the purpose of all of this is, but to rejoice in each day of her (our) lives.

With Thanks,
R & P

Thanksgiving Smile

Yesterday mom was awake for about 2.5 hours and was responding to the questions my family would ask her (not everytime). She is shaking her head yes and one time yesterday Claire thought she was hurting her so she asked if she was and mom shook her head no. My aunt was there yesterday and told her a funny story and she even smiled a little bit. Lu seems to be becoming more aware, but seems very confused about her situation.

As she becomes more aware-we ask that you pray for her strenght, both inner and outer.
Best
Ripolls and Pippins

**I am obviously choosing flattering pictures of mom.

Gratitude

The title is In An Instant
the book Bob Woodruff and his wife wrote
about his brain injury
and the effects on each of their lives.

Mom and I were intrigued
by his injury and rehabilitation
In An Instant
we could not grasp those 3 words.

In An Instant
on the day we dress as someone other than ourselves
moms self was ripped out of her hands
laying on the street in the city she so loves.

In An Instant
family and friends (angels) were calling
some we hadn't spoken to in years
somehow in that Instant you lifted us up.

No one knows what tomorrow may bring
but on this thankful day,
In This Instant
We Honor You.

Happy Thanksgiving.
Charles, Luisa, Chaz, Claire, Robin, Brad, Andrew and Ava

Three Weeks

One side of me feels like the accident was yesterday and the other feels like it happened a year ago. We are so thankful and joyous to be at this stage in mom's life.

Today dad had a talk with mom's doctor and she briefed him on her state today. The doctor said that Lola made eye contact with her today and even nodded a little-this is great b/c it shows that she is slowly processing information. There was no speculation, since brain injuries are so hard to predict-but he did feel better after having learned the rehabilitation plan.

When we walked in her room he said that she was more alert than she has been since the accident. She had her eyes wider, looked great and tracked my family as they walked across the room with her head and eyes. She has not had great head control and tonight her head dropped to the left a little and she was able to straighten it out on her own.

Every day she has a million little miracles-everyday we have a million thank yous.

First Full Day of Therapy

Evidentally, the therapists are not sitting and waiting for mom to become more alert-they are taking the bull by the horns. Today they put mom in a wheelchair and also stood her up-we don't really know many details, I have a feeling this may be the way it goes for a while-so three cheers for LuBob!

Sleepy Day

With all of the moving around mom has been doing, today she decided she needed to nap all day. We tried to get her to stir, but she did not budge-she was peacefully sleeping.

We were able to meet with two doctors and they were happy with the status of mom this soon after her accident. With brain injuries, the doctor told us, it is not uncommon for patients to be drowsy for the first month or so. Her pulmonologist came in and was pleased with her breathing-he said that if she continues to gain strength that she could get her trach out (no time frame was given).

She's Lookin' Good

Our visit with mom went well today. She was awake for an hour and a half and did respond to us when we would ask her to try and do things. Now, when I say respond, it is not every time, but she does seem to grasp things when we challenge her to try and do something like moving her foot if she hears us. It is great to spend time with her and the only thing I can tell you is that with all of the uncertainty that lies in front of us, I can feel her spirit in that room-it gives us great hope.

Just in case you didn't read the post I put up earlier this morning, we are asking for no visitors at this time-she needs all of her strength to become more aware and start rehabilitation.

Your support is carrying us through this.

Momma Can You Hear Me?

I couldn't wait to post this! Last night we went to see mom and she was not fully awake, but we could tell she is starting to become more awake mentally. While we were talking to her, I asked her to give us a thumbs up-AND SHE DID! Lu also had a tear on her left side and she took her pointer finger and wiped it. I don't have to tell everyone that that was the best thumbs up I have ever seen-to see that she is starting to comprehend was truly a miracle unfolding in front of our eyes.

The Road to Recovery

This afternoon mom was moved to Touro to start rehabilitation. Brad and I got here this afternoon and went straight to the hospital to see her, let me say that she looks beautiful. I know I am partial because she is my mom, but if any of you looked at her I think you'd feel the same way.

For now, we are asking that she not have any visitors. Once she is more cognisant, we will welcome any and all of you-and of course you can count on the blog to keep you updated on her progress.

We are so thankful to all of the doctors, nurses and ems crew that saved our wife, mom, grandmother, sister and friends life. Now, we look to God (and Lu's new crew) and ask to heal her emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Luisa's Hopeful Family

Another Blessed Day

This morning the physical therapists went in to work with my mom again. Dad did not see them but the nurse told him that the pt's said mom seemed to have more strength than yesterday. At the first visit of the day she was awake (more than she has been so far) but is still looks confused. The second visit she was more drousy, but a few times lifted her left hand all the way up to her face-dad said it is like she is trying to tell them something (if I know the both of them she's saying "Charles, you're talking too loud!"

Thank you for the kind messages and prayers, I have found a place that will turn this blog into a book, what a great keepsake for our Lola.

Milestone

I think it is safe to say that mom has had probably several dozen milestones in just two weeks. This morning my dad was walking in her room for the first visit and the rehab doctor stopped him and said "Man what a difference a day makes." He had no idea what he was talking about and then he walked into the room and Lu was sitting up on the edge of the bed with 2 physical therapists. Of course, the pt's were doing most of the work, but if you would have told us that after only 2 weeks mom would be 1. awake and 2. sitting at the edge of her bed we would have probably laughed.

We are guessing her MRI came back OK because the neck brace is now off.

It looks like mom will be moving to Touro some time this week-we'll keep you posted.

For those curious folks out there, we took this picture in Destin 2 years ago this summer. My mom's brother and his family are in it with us-I felt like I needed to have them here because they have been with us every step of the way-I can not begin to articulate how grateful we are to these 4 people.

Best,
Ripoll's and Pippins