I apologize for the long silence.  But, as the saying goes, no news is good news.  And indeed there is so much good news!  In the first hours after Steph’s accident, I clearly remember the surgeon saying she wasn’t sure Steph would make it out of the hospital.  But, did she ever! And as I reflect on the past few months and all the ups and downs of Steph’s recovery, a few things really stand out:[...]

Just a quick update to let you all know that the cranioplasty surgery was succesful & Steph was alert post surgery.  Steph is being closely monitored and will stay in ICU (as planned) for the next few days as she recovers.  Thanks for your continued support & well wishes![...]

I apologize for the silence.  I know people are wanting updates and the latest on how Steph is doing. The truth is, the news is more of the same.  Steph is continuing an amazing recovery and makes little steps of progress every day.  She recently met with her neuro team and they reminded us all that it is a miracle that Steph survived the accident and an even bigger miracle that she is doing as well as she is.  She is adjusting to her outpatient program, during which she meets with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech/language therapists.  According to that team, Steph is regaining her balance and getting stronger every day.  While she can’t to run yet, she’s  able to do some walking and able to get some movement.  Some next goals in terms of occupational therapy, will be to help Stephanie regain some of her independence and ensure that she can do things on her own (e.g., shop, cook).  And with speech, she will still continue to work on being able express her thoughts accurately and to be able to more consistently match words with people, places, dates, and things.  Basically, Steph is making slow but sure progress and she continues to be more and more herself everyday.  [...]

After just a short stay at the inpatient rehab clinic, Stephanie is back at home.  She is sleeping in her own bed for the first time in over a month.  Dennis too, for that matter.  (He had been sleeping on hospital cots every night just to stay close to Stephanie and be there as she needed him.)  She is enjoying meals outside on their little patio, some even that she helps to prepare.  She, with help, strolls down to the beach near their apartment and watches Dennis catch a few waves.  [...]

For us, this past month has been rather emotional and cruel, especially when you consider all the natural disasters and some current events (and 9/11, of course).  But, Stephanie has no recollection of any of it.  She has no memory of her devastating accident.  No memory of her two brain surgeries.  No memory of being in the ICU.  (She's asked for evidence and can hardly believe that the few pictures we have from the ICU are of her.)  She has only vague memories of being in the hospital and the room she was moved to from the ICU.  No wonder she doesn't fully understand why she's in an inpatient rehab and needs to stay there a bit longer, especially since she's rather 'with' it.  She still has to wear her helmet when out of bed, but she is able to do most of her normal living tasks on her own (e.g., brush her teeth & hair, get dressed, tie her shoes, walk around).  She rocks her PT sessions and is loving the 'workout' they provide.  She was given the ok to eat and drink what she wants.  She and Dennis can go for walks outside on their own.  They eat their fave take-out.  Play games.  Watch TV.  Laugh.  Check Facebook.  Talk about the day. Talk about the future.  Talk about the past.  She's still a bit confused and tires more quickly than before, but all in all, Steph is making an amazing recovery.  [...]

You all are amazing! The power of your thoughts, prayers, vibes, positivity, and belief in Steph along with the great care Steph has been getting from her medical teams is truly magical.  Sure, Steph is strong, determined, incredibly healthy, and positive, but there is no doubt that all the love & healing vibes coming you're sending have been so integral to her ongoing recovery.  The doctors, nursing staff, and various therapists are in awe at Steph's progress.  But, then they walk into her room and see all the cards, posters, and pictures that are pasted around her room.  They feel the love coming her way.  And that love is powerful.  Miraculous, really! Thank you and keep it coming![...]

Time is funny.  And weird.  Minutes can feel like hours and years can flash by in the blink of an eye. Today marks three weeks since Stephanie’s devastating accident.  To us it feels like forever.  But, despite being somewhat obsessed with looking at the clock in her room and watching the time go by, I’m not sure Steph really understands how long she’s been at the hospital.  Nor does it really matter.  She’s got a new sense of time.  It’s focused on the here and now and often centers around the questions, “What are we going to do now?" and "What do YOU want to do now?”[...]

At Steph and Dennis' wedding ceremony, Dennis played and sang an original song that had the catchiest beat and cutest lyrics, adding an extra sweetness to what was an already perfect day on Madeline Island. The refrain went something like this, "I can't stand, not being around you, love to hold your hand, I'm so glad I found you."  We too, are so glad they found each other and feel lucky to have Dennis as part of the family.  [...]

Steph has a tattoo of 3 little birds, inspired by Bob Marley's song "Three Little Birds" (as I understand). I heard the song today and thought of Steph.  The refrain of the song includes the lyrics "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be alright".  These days, it's starting to really feel like things ARE gonna be ok.  Steph has ditched her respirator and is breathing on her own.  The speech therapist did a swallow test, and she passed with flying colors, which means they might be able to take out her feeding tube and let her eat normally.  (She really hates that feeding tube.  It's up her nose.  And when no one's looking, she's yanking on that tube to try to get rid of it.) They've given her ice to try sucking/chewing, which she likes to do.  She tries to speak all day, and so far she's been able to say a few things in a clear and understandable manner, including "Where's my husband?" She is able to express emotion, answer yes/no to several questions, and is slowly able to communicate basic things.  She knows her first name.  She knows the year.  She's super strong and with the help of her physical therapists is able to sit up, stand, and move her limbs.  And, in true Steph fashion, she's waving to everyone in the ICU and giving hugs to family.  [...]

Steph has always been able to light up a room and blow people away.  Now is no different.  Steph’s progress continues to amaze all of us, including her doctors.  She is nearly off her sedation medication, has gotten rid of the neck brace (MRI confirmed no neck or spinal injury!), and is waking more and more.  She has opened her eyes and is tracking people in her room.  She is following simple commands (e.g., squeeze left hand, wiggle toes, blink your eyes, etc…).  She is nodding yes/no.  She is even smiling appropriately and showing facial expressions.  She’s started a number of different therapies including music and physical therapy.  [...]