Saturday, July 26, 2008

saturday afternoon

from davey:

As I mentioned earlier I thought today would be a slow one, but we ended up having our best day yet. It all started with the speech pathologist coming in and starting Katie with some ice chips and then moving to malt cup (remember lizs' formula for success...Prayer, malt cups, and Tom Petty). Katie was slow to start but warmed up with the malt cup. While she was eating I went to the cafe and grabbed a sandwich with lots of onions (that will come into the story later). When I came back the therapist was just wrapping up and leaving. She was very pleased with Katie's response and her coordination. At one point Katie grabbed a hand towel and wiped her face. So, after the therapist left Kyle and I were there talking to Katie.

It was so funny as I went in for a kiss or two, Katie took her hand an waved it in front of her face because of my onion breath. Kyle started dying laughing and Katie along with him. I told Katie that she couldn't complain to much as every time I kissed her I had to deal with someone who had not brushed her teeth in a week!! Katie had her eyes open more that any other time to date and interacted with Kyle and I for about 10 minutes. This was really the first time that Katie had initiated the interaction. Up to this point all the interaction has been her responding to my requests (Katie squeeze my hand, Katie open your eyes). Needless to say I did not ask her to protest my breath (again I blame it on the sandwich as I did brush this morning!). It's so much fun, kind of like your child laughing for the first time, or taking a first step.

I can't wait to have my Katie back as I miss her so much!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Davey, Katie, Tayler, Aubree, and Sawyer,
I read through the blog trying to think of a bible verse I could offer for strength. You would think after spending a week at a Worship Leader Conference in Austin this would be easy. Still I took out my bible and started to read. Then it suddenly occurred to me or rather Jesus was tapping my shoulder me saying, "Do you really need to flip through the bible to find a verse? You are holding the answer in your hands." Duh, any page you read is a testement to his miraculous ways. God still has plans for Katie here on earth. She is a fighter and one of His warriors. God has proved time and time again he doesn't let go. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
In Christ,
Amy Jo

April said...

Davey:

You already have Katie back :-) She is just giving you bits and pieces at a time and she is reminding us that God does produce miracles. We forget to rejoice in the little things in life that mean sooo much! I treasure every word in this blog and that you are allowing (not the best word to use but you get my drift) so many people to go through this experience with you and your family. It truly helps to know what to specifically pray for and knowing that there are so many people talking to God you know he will hear us! God doesn't have a choice but to produce (not that he wouldn't anyway...)!

I was talking to Kyle the other day and I told him that all we have to do is file Katie into "God's File" and He will take care of the rest......and look...He is, we just have to remember He has to do it on His time not ours, as he knows better than the rest of us!

God Bless and Katie....keep up the good work!

April Tufano (work with Kyle and Katie in real estate in Des Moines)

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart dear Davey, for sitting right there by your wife's side. You are an insperation to all!!

Praying in Ames!

paulette said...

Davey~

You are so funny !I'm so glad your so open and real with your comments ...

Kyle i love you...

Heather said...

Davey,

Its so good to see the sense of humor you two share coming out in the midst of the challenges.

Praying...

Heather Piszar (Davey's cousin) in Michigan

Anonymous said...

GO KATIE GO!!!!!!!!

stacy in ankeny :)

Shawna said...

YAY! We have been specifically praying for her to initiate. Praising the Lord with you guys!

love,
shawna, rex and kids

Doug said...

Jeremiah 29:11 came to my mind as I was reading the updates. His plans are just mind-blowing, as how He is using faith and tribulation (at the same time) in unexpected ways to touch others, aren't they? Davey, the volcanoscopy question sounds like something I'd do... good call on leaving it for another day.

I may have said this already, but I'm going to say it once more. When we heard the initial news, we mourned, grieved, and stressed out right alongside your family in spirit... and now we get to rejoice, praise and worship the Lord for seeing His healing hand and perfect will in action. Tears of sorrow turning into tears of joy as trial shows its counterpart as triumph.

Outstanding Katie!

Doug Engle
Hutchinson, Kansas

Anne said...

Davey, Katie, and kids,
What an awesome thing to see the Lord as our great physician. We have loved watching Him alone work and heal in our family.
Our family has been praying and to see how her progress is coming is a wonderful gift from the Lord!!!!

We will continue to lift you up before the Lord and watch His amazing miracles.

Lord bless and keep you all!!!

Micah and Anne Daniel (DeGroff) and family

Topeka, Kansas

Reagan said...

That is so awesome to hear about how she is interacting with you. It's such a blessing to hear about her activities, just a week after she's had this major surgery and complication.

Thanks for the update!

Reagan, Topeka KS

Anonymous said...

I literally can't read this blog everytime without crying...it's so amazing to see God's miracles firsthand! I am among the tons of people praying constantly for Katie and the entire family. I will continue to pray for you guys even long after Katie is home. It's truly an amazing testament to see your faith in action! :)

Kelli Kirkman (went to DMC when Kyle was there)

Anonymous said...

Although you don't know us, our families have a connection. Your dad counselled and performed the ceremony for our son's wedding in OK City over 20 years ago!
My husband, Richard (80 years young) had cranial surgery-twice-in March of this year. He was not expected to live but is fully functioning now. God's mercy has been so evident and we are blessed and humbled.
Katie's progress reports are "deja vu all over again" for me. Eyes open but not seeing, limb movement on command but not comprehending lasted for the 4 to 5 weeks he was in ICU as well as some behavior that was 180 degrees away from his normal actions--being combative, removing tubes and restraints, IVs many times, etc.
Extensive stimulation--massage, smells, sounds and "tough love" of trying to keep him away worked wonders (Drs. assessment!)
All the rehab (10 days inpatient and 6 weeks outpatient) was great. Great positive reinforcement and encouragement!
And what an epiphany, hallelujah, praise the Lord moment when after 6 weeks he really woke up and spoke!
It was/is a long haul. The prayers of untold fellow believers was all that sustained me. Drs were great but often told it "like it is" but not how the Lord saw it. Your MI, Dunning Park family and Richard and I (fellow suffers) are praying much for you all.

Margaret Schiete
Dunning Park Bible Chapel
Redford, MI