Angels Among Us

We know that heavenly angels attended Kimberlee during her terrible accident.  This is my tribute and thanks to the earthly angels that assisted in her care and recovery:

• EMS in Snowflake
• ER in Show Low
• Ground Transport in Show Low
• ER in Flagstaff
• Neurosurgeon Dr. Nichols & OR Crew in Flagstaff
• Neuro ICU in Flagstaff
• Taylor House in Flagstaff
• City of Phoenix and Scottsdale Osborn
• Family  &  Friends in Australia, US and Croatia
• Durango Ward Family

As David and I prepare to go back to work on Monday, there is not a day that has gone by that we have not counted our blessings and felt gratitude for the fasting, prayers, food, assistance, time off and love that has been shown our family.  There truly are angels among us.

"I know that He loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." 1 Nephi 11:17

I never would have imagined that just one short week after Kim's terrible accident that we would be attending church with her.  We went to Christmas services late and left early but we attended.  Before going to church we tried a couple of looks for Kim.

This  is the cowboy look........
We finally settled on the gypsey look.........
What is amazing is that we were able to laugh about this at all.  

 

A Visit To The Hospital

We took Kim to have her 40 staples removed today.  I was greeted by my co-workers Seana Blazey RN and Charles Larsen, PA.  
Dr. Jorgensen offered to take them out for me.  I am so glad he did because there was a 2 inch site that had not healed properly and needed re-approximation.
Charles is so good at suturing and approximating skin for a beautiful finish.  He placed 4 sutures that I will take out on Christmas day!

This is the final product (with a little betadine still on her skin).  Thanks to all my wonderful co-workers for their care and support.  We are in the doctors parking lot, as evidenced by the snazzy cars:)

Signs of Life

David says this is his favorite picture of Kim.  It is kind of morbid but it was our first sign that she had normal brain function.  She is just waking up from surgery after 6 hours.  She hasn't even opened her eyes.  She is trying to pull her tubes out so her hands are restrained by the nurse.  She mouths that she wants to write.  So here she is: intubated, restrained and writing her thoughts.  

"Poor Mom and Dad"

"Can I have this tube out for just a second"

"My back isn't broken?"

" I feel so bad for Scott"

"I love you"

 It was at this moment that we knew that our miracle had occured, that against all odds she had normal brain function.  

Christmas Miracle

Kim was transferred out of the ICU yesterday and to the neuro unit.  We met with the neurosurgeon and he felt like we could care for her at home.  I will remove the 40 staples in her head, she has some follow up xrays on her neck and he will see her back in Flagstaff in January.  We can hardly believe that just 4 short days ago we were told she may not live.  It is truly our Christmas miracle!

It was snowing all day in Flagstaff when we left.  It was a winter wonderland for our trip home.

Her sisters, Kiersten and Lucy, greeted her with tears and love when we arrived home.  Lindsay arrived a short time later.


Kim could hardly wait to shave her head when we got home.  Her remaining hair was matted with blood.  I am cleaning her scalp with a washcloth.  She was in good spirits but extremely tired.  Thanks to all that emailed, texted, called and dropped off food and goodies.  Our Bishopric came to the house that night to see if there was anything they could do.  We are so blessed.  

Tender Mercies

Kiersten with Kim on Sunday
Pictured left to right: David, Scott Crosby, Kiersten, Heath Hart

Tender Mercies shown to our family during this time:

A child alive

Taylor House for rest

Family and Friends love, generosity and support

Skilled and caring Healthcare Professionals

A nursing infant that will take a bottle

Kiersten and Heaths loving care for Thurston

Employers and c0-workers that are generous and caring

Kim is still in the ICU.  Sleeping is her main job but when she awakens periodically our Kim is still here.  She is struggling with nausea but overall stable.

The Taylor house is a home-like environment hotel offered to families living outside of Flagstaff that have a loved one in the ICU.  It is a comfortable, healing environment while our family heals. 

It is snowing today and will through the week.  Thank goodness for Uggs!

Opposition in All Things

I write this from the Neuro ICU at Flagstaff Medical Center.  My daughter, Kimberlee, has suffered a terrible accident.  Through these trials we are tested and come to know God better if we choose.

 She had an epidural bleed and broken neck after hitting her head while galloping on a horse.  We were in Pinetop on vacation.  She could not be airlifted out because of bad weather.  She was taken by ambulance to Flagstaff where a neurosugeon was waiting for her.  After a very dark night, the light broke to find her making purposeful movements this morning.  

We have seen the Lord's hand in her care every step of the way.   We appreciate your continued faith and prayers in her behalf.  Yesterday I took the role of nurse to make sure she was taken care of.  Today I am her mother.  Broken hearted yet hopeful for a full recovery.