Posted 2017-08-28T17:51:00Z

Monday August 28

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.

She does get worried and anxious about where she is and her situation though, so the nurses and doctors continue to play a bit with her sedation levels to keep her comfortable and this initial road to recovery a bit more smooth. The doctors are still monitoring her brain and its ability to process/drain fluids (not sure I'm getting this fully, but I think this is largely why she's still in the ICU).

In any case, she's made so much progress in this past week, it really IS miraculous. And we are hopeful that every little thing is indeed gonna be alright. Please continue visualizing Steph more and more alert and able to understand and express herself. Please visualize her brain healing, and with time, making a full come back. #GoStephGo

Thanks to all for your support that we've felt and continue to feel in so many ways. https://www.gofundme.com/gostephgo

I leave you with the song to sing and dance to as you think of Steph (I'm not sure the YouTube embed is working correctly here, so click link if you want to be taken to the song).

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LEEANNE GODFREY 20 Comments

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Stephanie Berger McKenna

Monday August 28

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