Saturday, 9pm

Weekends seem to be laid back here.  Brittany had only one session each of physical, occupational, and speech therapy today.  She is still looking for an accomplice to get her out of here!  She campaigned for one this evening.  Sawyer and Sheila Collins stopped by for visit.  The Finley's (Allen, Kristi, Dustin, and Makaela) brought us some wonderful award winning White Chicken Chili and corn bread.  There was also a couple games of Uno played.  It was great to visit with old friends.

Sorry the picture is sideways.  Brittany had a visit from "Dr. Abe", a therapy dog this morning.

Erika was able to having a special outing today, courtesy of Mitchell Taylor.  She had a busy day and should sleep well tonight.

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

~ Ephesians 2:10, NLT

Michelle Mondelli

Saturday, 8am

Sorry, Folks!  I have been having difficulty with the internet at the Ronald McDonald House. 

Here is a picture of Brittany on her outing yesterday.  We took it in honor of Vicki's birthday.

Brittany is also asking for any accomplices for a jailbreak to contact her.  Are there any takers?  Aunt Rocky?  Kaylee?

Brittany seemed to have another good night.  She has gone almost 24 hours with no more than Tylenol for pain control.  Yay!

Michelle Mondelli

Friday, 11pm

Brittany had another busy day!   The morning was pretty easy with Occupational Therapy.  Recreational and Physical Therapy combined forces and took Brittany on an outing.  We all went to a "California-style" mall (with more stores than all of Fairbanks) for lunch.  Brittany choose the restaurant and bought us lunch (courtesy of Brian, the Recreational Therapist). As soon as we got back, Brittany had another Occupational Therapy session followed by two Speech Therapy sessions.  She was wiped out! (I have a special picture I was going to put here in honor Vicki's birthday, but I'm having technical difficulties.  I will try tomorrow.  Sorry!)

Brittany finished her day with a visit from Allen and Kristi Finley. Allen, I know the only reason you came was to make the blog! :)  The Bennett family was able to Skype and visit with each other.  It was fun to watch the kids interact with each other.

We found out (via Facebook) that Erika is able to stand with crutches.  She may not walk yet though.  She also had her tutoring today.  Erika and Kaylee with the new and improved, decorated crutches.

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalms 29:11

(Thanks, Kris!)

Michelle Mondelli (in Seattle)

Thursday, 10pm (PDT)

Brittany had an extremely busy day!!!  She checked into Seattle Children's Hospital around 9am and it was not stop all day.  She had two physical therapy sessions, two recreational therapy sessions, and sessions of speech therapy and occupational therapy.  She also met with her physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist) and the resident physiatrist, social worker, and psychologist.

Physically, Brittany also hit another milestone.  She was able to begin using crutches!  She's been very excited about this new development.  She let her Facebook friends know even before mom.  (Once again, we stepped out to get some lunch.)  She handled all the activity well, but was very tired when we left this evening.

Erika continued with her physical therapy and speech therapy at home today.  (Granddaddy is a real slave driver so I'm sure she did her PT "homework" as well!)  It seems like both girls have had a lot of assessments, including another speech one for Erika today.  I'm assuming it's to measure the improvement they have both made!

Jennifer was able to get a room at the Ronald McDonald House here in Seattle.  We are within walking distance if it's not raining.   We will be here through Wednesday, September 21st at least.  The address is:
  Brittany Bennett  BLDG A/RM 263
  Ronald McDonald House
  5130--40th Avenue NE
  Seattle, WA 98105

Psalm 23 (NIV)

A psalm of David. ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.
 ⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.

Michelle Mondelli (in Seattle)

Thursday, 1am

We are finally settled in Seattle!  It seemed like a long flight (for both Brittany and Michelle, for different reasons) but we survived and made it through the car rental and hotel process.  It was a long trip for Brittany but she was a good sport.  Morning will come early.  Check-in at the hospital is at 9am.

There was a nice crowd at the airport to see Brittany off.

Kaylee, Don, Roxanne, Brianna, Granddaddy (Don), Donald, Jennifer, Jesse, Grandma Jo (JoLynn)
 and in front, Brittany and Erika

Psalm 31:19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. (NIV)

Michelle Mondelli  (in Seattle)

 

Wednesday, 11:45am

It's official!!  Jennifer, Brittany, and I have plane tickets for Seattle on an afternoon flight today.  Please pray for safe travel and wisdom for the evaluation team once we get there.  Also, pray for God's peace during this stressful "prep" time before the flight.  Thanks.

Michelle Mondelli

Tuesday, 10:30 pm

Hurry up and wait has the mantra of the day!  Brittany is still in Fairbanks awaiting final approval of the insurance company.  (It was supposed to be a 99% sure deal.)  Brittany is hoping this means she gets to stay in Fairbanks, but Jennifer has told her it is just prolonging the inevitable. 

Erika seems to be more and more frustrated these days.  It appears she wants to do more physically, but is limited by the splinted broken femur on one side and the casted broken foot on the other.  It's only 2 more weeks before they think the foot cast will be removed. 

Since we are waiting on the Lord's timing, Jennifer thought the following verses were fitting.

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

 ¹ There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens:  ² a time to be born and a time to die,
   a time to plant and a time to uproot,
 ³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
   a time to tear down and a time to build,
 ⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
   a time to mourn and a time to dance,
 ⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
 ⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
   a time to keep and a time to throw away,
 ⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
   a time to be silent and a time to speak,
 ⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
   a time for war and a time for peace.
 ⁹ What do workers gain from their toil? ¹⁰ I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. ¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet^[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. ¹² I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ¹³ That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. ¹⁴ I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.
 ¹⁵ Whatever is has already been,
   and what will be has been before;
   and God will call the past to account.^[b]
 16 And I saw something else under the sun:
   In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
   in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
 ¹⁷ I said to myself,
   “God will bring into judgment
   both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
   a time to judge every deed.”
 ¹⁸ I also said to myself, “As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. ¹⁹ Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath^[c]; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. ²⁰ All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. ²¹ Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”
 ²² So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?

Michelle Mondelli
(still in Fairbanks)

Monday, 11:30pm

Brittany had an orthopedic appointment today.  She can now wave like a princess!  The cast on her right arm and hand was removed.  The incision has healed up nice, also.  She  has permission to begin using crutches and/or a walker (instead of the wheelchair) when she gets to Seattle.  She will probably (not definitely) leave tomorrow.  She is resigned, but not happy about having to leave home.

Erika continues to do well.  Her tutor came today and left homework for tomorrow.  Granddaddy has been diligent in helping Erika with her physical therapy "homework".   All this homework really wears Erika out!

I know I've used this verse before, but it is appropriate for today also.  On my way through town I saw a bald eagle circling high about the business district.  This verse came to mind.  Thank you, God, for the reminder.

New International Version (©1984)
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, 10:30pm

The Bennett family had a good day but Donald and Brianna both have colds.  Please pray Erika and Brittany stay healthy and don't get it. 

Jennifer should hear tomorrow about plans regarding Brittany's trip to Seattle.   Jennifer is beat (physically and emotionally) but was able to spend some time in reflection today about how 9/11 affected her life. Her cousin, Frank John Niestadt Jr., died in the World Trade Center. We are remembering all those who have made sacrifices.

New International Version (©1984)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Michelle Mondelli