Saturday, September 3, 2011

Saturday, 10pm

Erika had a good day until bathtime.  She didn't want to take a shower.  She had a visit from Mr. Wiegend, her third grade teacher.  She also had her evaluation and her therapies will begin next week.

Brittany was able to rest more today due to a medicine change.  She did take a "stroll" outside with a friend today, but thought it was too cold to stay out for very long.  She is getting stronger and is able to transfer from the wheelchair to the bed with only a spotter.  Her pain is still persistent.

Please pray for Jennifer.  Tonight is the first night she has left the hospital premises in the last week.  The doctor told her to go home for the evening.  Brittany was not happy, but Jennifer needs the rest.

‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10

Michelle Mondelli

Friday, September 2, 2011

Friday, 10:30pm

Erika had a good day at home.  She worked on her US map and did some math schoolwork.  She also spent quite a bit of time on the computer.  She was able to travel back to the hospital to see Brittany in the evening.  A nurse will be visiting and conducting an evaluation for therapies in the home tomorrow.

Brittany is still having a difficult time.  The doctors have changed her pain meds but she is still complaining.  She does not like to be touched or have a lot of noise around.  She will continue to be in the hospital until Monday, at the earliest.  If you visit, please make it short and quiet and no hugging or touching Brittany unless she asks.  Thanks for understanding.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37

Michelle Mondelli

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Thursday, 10pm

The biggest news of the day is Erika went home!  She was excited, as were Donald and Brianna.  Erika will begin her therapies tomorrow.  Please call before visiting.

Brittany's medications were changed today.  The doctor is trying to find the correct combination to keep Brittany comfortable.  We are seeing the manifestations of the TBI, such as anxiety, irratibility, frustration, and some other physical symptoms.  These need to be taken care of before Brittany can go home.


2 Corinthians 4:16-18

New International Version (NIV)
 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Michelle Mondelli

Wednesday, 11pm

Erika had a great day.  She spent a lot of time in her wheelchair.  She was able to do several transfers (between the bed and wheelchair) with minimal assistance.  She did have a slight fever this evening but is resting comfortably.

On the other hand, Brittany, had a harder day.  She is still complaining about her pain level and is very irritable and frustrated.  We are told this is all part of the traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Tomorrow will be a day of decisions for Don, Jennifer, and the doctors.  The girls' regular pediatrician will be on duty.  There is a possibility the girls' will released.


Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 NLT
(Thanks, Kris.)

Michelle Mondelli








Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Tuesday, 10:30 pm

Lots of visitors for the girls today.  Erika took several rides in her wheelchair.  Mrs. M, PJ, and Jesse were able to take her on "her most fun ride yet!"  Erika and Jesse also had wheelchair races in the halls.  Watch out, nurses! 

Jennifer has been busy meeting with various professionals.  There are lots of insurance forms to fill out and decisions to make regarding the girls' care.  Please continue to pray for healing for the girls, and wisdom and patience for Don and Jennifer and the hospital staff.

Michelle Mondelli


Monday, August 29, 2011

Monday, 11pm

After a rough night (last night) for Brittany, it was a busy day for both girls.  They had visits from the speech, physical, and occupational therapists today.  Brittany had several friends from school stop by also.  Erika was able to "escape" on a field trip to the orthodontist.  The family has eaten several meals together in the hospital cafeteria.  The girls are able to move and help themselves a little more each day, but it is slow progress.  Right now it's all about "waiting and deciding".

Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Michelle Mondelli

Sunday, 11pm

What a difference 24 hours (and some pain meds) make!!!  Both Erika and Brittany were alert and talkative for the couple of hours I was there this evening.  They had many visitors today.  Some even played "monkey catch" with the girls!  Tomorrow will be a busy day with several therapists coming to visit.  Erika gets to "escape" the hospital and go to the orthodontist to fix the wire that has been bothering her. 

It was a joy to see the progress the girls have made in the past couple of days.  Please continue to pray for wisdom, patience, and healing for all involved.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Michelle Mondelli

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sunday, 12;30am

After much consideration, Erika was also admitted to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital tonight.  She had a good day at home, but there is concern about her food and liquid intake.  Also, it is difficult to care for the girls at home since they need help with everything.  It's not so easy to lift 50 pounds, especially while trying not to aggravate her injuries!  I did see her beautiful smile several times this evening.

Brittany's pain meds were increased and it has helped a lot.  She was able to take several naps today.  Pray she can sleep tonight.  She seemed calmer and not agitated tonight when I left.

Jennifer wanted me to reiterate this re-admission to the hospital is not necessarily a step back.  It was taken to get the girls comfortable and  get them the services they need.  (Perhaps they were discharged a little too early.)  The girls will be evaluated to see what the next step should be.  They will probably be there until Monday, at least. 

Please say a special prayer for Donald and Brianna.  I think Brianna is feeling a little left out.  Donald cried when he found out Erika was going to FMH.  He was very upset.  He has been a big helper:  carrying the baby monitor around and helping bring food and run messages from the girls.  It can't be easy having your sisters home and then gone again.  Pray, also, for Jennifer, who is spending the night at the hospital.  Pray for sleep!  Sleep is good!

Michelle Mondelli

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Hosea 6

The Response to God’s Rebuke
 1 “Come, let us return to the LORD.
For He has torn us, but He will heal us;
He has [a]wounded us, but He will bandage us.