Friday September 1
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?”
Her days are filled with therapies of all kinds including speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Today alone she: walked down the ICU halls with her walker; brushed her hair and put in a bun; expressed disgust with her hospital meals offering them to us and watching us try to ‘enjoy’ them instead; asked about various friends/family; counted; sang songs in French and English; told us she loved us; had simple conversations; monitored the PTs and their work; realized she had upcoming travel plans that needed canceling; and expressed various emotions, including joy, hope, courage, and sadness.
While it’s pretty clear Steph doesn’t understand why she’s in the hospital, she seems to understand her state, which is what often triggers her sadness. She expresses her frustration and confusion and will sometimes shrug her shoulders at the accomplishments her medical team and family applaud and celebrate. And who can fault her, really? When you’re used to winning marathons, it might be hard to feel good about shuffling down the hall. Or when you’re used to being a star physical therapist, being on the receiving end of the care might feel confusing and upsetting.
She really IS making so much progress so quickly (which Steph acknowledges when reminded)! She is rocking a hockey player helmet for protection and is able to get out of bed and move around. So, she should be out of the ICU in the next day or so. And she will likely even be out of the hospital and into an acute inpatient rehab center by the end of the week. And while she has hard moments, she really IS hopeful and will continue to be with all your positive energy, thoughts, and prayers. So keep ‘em coming. Know that with time, however funny and weird it is, things often get better. And Steph has all the time right now. Go Steph Go
https://www.gofundme.com/gostephgo
Comments (19)
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Please tell Ms. Stephanie her former PT clinical instructor, Meg that she needs to be patient and do whatever the therapists say to do. Relish in the ability to use all your extremities and actually walk after what you have been through. You are amazing and need to take it day by day and trust in the staff. You will be back running in no time, my friend. Love to you and Dennis and all your friends and family watching over you. 💖
Dear Steph so much progress you are making! Can't wait to see you and help you along this journey. We will be running together soon and as usual you will be leading the way. Keeping you all in prayer. Love Helen
Every step of progress you makes brings all of your friend and family the greatest joy. Keep it up Steph! We love you <3
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Encouraging update! Much progress has been made; so glad to read that. Keep it going Steph, you're doing great! Love & positive energy to you! Hugs to all, Joe & Min
I realize her progress may feel slow to her, but look how far she has come the last week! Wow- she sang in English and French! As someone that doesn't sing very well in even one language, I am impressed! Thank you for the updates- I truly keep Steph and Dennis ( and all of you) in my thoughts and prayers daily. Go Steph Go!
Such a great update! Thank you! She's such a rockstar!
Steph, you are amazing! I look up to you so much!
So happy she's shuffling around and using multiple languages. It's times like these she will find gratefulness for all the little things she took for granted and that will get her through even the hardest of times. We keep sending positive thoughts and vibes from ohio.
GoStephGo!!! I will be in La Jolla in early October- would love to bring some love and strength to Steph!
Wow! So amazing ! GoStephGo!
Wonderful news, you are really progressing at an amazing speed. Think of you all daily and sending strength and ❤️ 🙏🏻😘🙏🏻😘❤️
It's so encouraging to hear how well she is progressing, even if she doesn't realize it yet. This will be a hard season to live through, but it sounds as if she WILL continue to power through it. Many prayers for all of you as you journey through this valley.
Amazing! Go Steph Go. Sending daily prayers for continued progress.
Dennis, thank you for your continuing updates of amazing Stephanie. We continue to send positive thoughts her way and are so thankful you are by her side. Jim and I continue to pray and send our prayers to both of you on this spectacular journey. We never doubt that Stephanie will conque all tasks and that you will be there every step of the way. Much love to you both.
Leanne - you really are a beautiful writer. I'm so happy to see things are going well. I can't wait to continue to watch her recover. All the best and much love to you all!
So happy to hear how she is progressing. Keeping her in our thoughts and prayers. The John Willson Family
Go Stephanie I'm soooo happy she's doing better and better every day,I'm sending my prayers my love to Stephanie and the family and lots of hugs 😍❤️😇😘🙏👍😻