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

MRI Day

This morning when Dad went in the see mom she was more awake than she was yesterday. I think we were all happy to hear that she was opening her eyes on command-and moving her left arm a lot. She has been in a neck brace since the accident and the doctors had told us that they would be taking her for an MRI for precautionary measures. Hopefully all is well and she will be able to remove the neck brace and very soon move to a different hospital to begin rehab. We'll keep you posted.....

Hugs,
Luisa's Family

A New Week

After such a big day yesterday, mom seems to be resting really easy today. Dad has been in to see her twice today and each time she has been asleep. Apparently, she is not on any medication right now-of course, this can change, but how great is it that she has gotten off of all of the meds. The rehabiltation doctor went in to see her this morning and he told Dad that she looks much improved since Friday-she was awake when he went in to evaluate her which is great b/c she needs to be awake so he can start to gage her baseline.

A big hug to everyone of you,
The Rips and Pips

A GREAT DAY!!!

Luisa opened her eyes this morning!!!!!! My dad walked in the hospital this morning and saw those brown eyes again!! She isn't opening them fully, but is opening and blinking a little and then closing them again. As if that wasn't awesome enough, she was also taken off of the ventilator this morning too!!! I have to be honest, all of this good news has given me the best headache of my life.

The road to recovery began today, we have a long journey ahead of us-but are so thankful for the ride. Please continue to keep Luisa, Lola, Weezy, LuBob or whatever name you may refer to her as in your prayers.

Thanks
Her grateful family

A Good Day

Last night Luisa got the trachea and a feeding tube, the procedure went off without a hitch and now the nurses can clean her upper respiratory area easier-since she can't do it on her own. Today Chaz and Claire flew to NOLA to be with our mom and dad. Since it had been a week since they had seen her, they were anxious to see how she looked now. Well, both of them sounded so good after seeing her. Claire said that she looks so close to opening her eyes and she even saw her swallow a few times!! The doctors also took the monitor off of her head, this is GREAT NEWS for my mom as it means that her pressure in her head was stable enough that they don't need to watch it constantly.

She seems to be hearing all of your toughts and prayers-thank you for them all.

TGIF

I don't think I can post this picture without a little explanation here: We are at my grandparents house in Chalemette right before Katrina. Chaz is cooking my mom's favorite, banana's foster, and he had just lit the desert to burn the alcohol off. When he did, it made a huge flame and my mom screamed so loud-this is their reaction right after that.

Dad met with the doctor this morning and he told him that based on where Lu Bob was a week ago, he is really happy with he status now. He is a kind of serious man and even managed to give my dad a little smile when he said that:) The pressure in her head has reached a point where they feel they can take the monitor off-this is great news!!! Also, because her pressure in her head is stable, they are going to remove the ET tube (tube that is coming out of her mouth) and replace it with a trach. All is this is great news in the next step to recovery!

In terms of how she looks, my dad said that this morning when he went to visit he saw her eyes moving behind her eyelids. This is something that we had not seen before-hopefully those brown eyes will be looking back at us soon!

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Thursday

Since the last update, not too much has changed, and we don't really expect it to right now. I mentioned in my last post that the most important thing is to get the cranium pressure stable and it is still going down ever so slightly. All of this may seem like a slow process to us, but when you consider that the brain is just trying to make new connections you can see that it is just going to take time for her to heal on the inside.

For those of you interested, I did speak to the woman who answered her phone the day of the accident. She was just an innocent bystander who acted without thinking and we are forever grateful to her. With all of the negative news and stories out there, it is nice to know that there are still those untold wonderful stories of selflessness and love.

One Week

Well, as you all can imagine, it seems as though a few months has gone by-but it has only been one week since the accident. It can not go unsaid that since I have started this blog Monday night we have had almost 250 people look at it. I can not tell you how much comfort that brings my family, to know that you are all thinking about us it is truly helping us through this difficult time.

Mom had a good day yesterday and last night. It is imperative that the pressure come down in her head, it is seems to be slowly happening, please keep praying and thinking positive thoughts. Last night at the visit, my uncle asked if they had checked to see if she had contacts in (my mom is famous for leaving 24 hour contacts in for 24 days). When the nurse started looking to see, mom was not happy to have the nurses fingers in her eyes-a good sign that she responded to that! The contacts were apparently not in her eyes, but the reaction was positive.

Tuesday Morning

So, I am not quite sure how all this posting is going to go, but during this up and down phase I am going to try and keep it up to date as best as I can. Mom had a really good night last night! My dad said that she looks really good, her coloring is just as it was before the accident. You can imagine that we like to see Lu Bob looking like her beautiful self. She was moving her shoulder this morning, probably to tell us that the machines are really getting to her! Anyway, thanks for all of the well wishes, we are humbled by the outpouring of support.

First Blog

First, I must say that the love, prayers and support have humbled my dad, Chaz, Claire, Brad and I. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We know that LuBob is going to make it through this-and your friendship is a big part of that.

Today, Monday, Chaz, Claire and I told our mom bye for a few days. I went to see her this morning and spoke with her for a while (her sedation was off so she was moving her left arm to tell me that she heard me). She is pretty much at the same place she has been the last few days, her vitals are normal, she is breathing on her own and the pressure in her head is safe yet on the high side. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we have a long road ahead of us-we are grateful to each and everyone of you.

The Ripolls and Pippins