Saturday, 9pm

What a wonderful day!  God is so good!

The girls have had a good day.  Erika had her feeding tube removed this morning.  They were able to turn down her oxygen enough for both girls to take a field trip.  They were able to ride in wheelchairs/stretcher chairs to go across the skywalk and into a couple of other towers.  The nurse even took them outside to the top deck of the parking garage!  The girls really enjoyed it!  Erika wanted to go back out tonight.

There was a lot of excitement after as the field trip was ending.  As we were coming back into the peds unit when we met up with James and Andrea Smith (and their girls) and Jeff and Beth Reichel, TJ and Leiah.  Brittany was so excited!  They were able to visit for a minute before the girls went back to their rooms to take a nap.  Walking (even while being pushed in wheelchairs) is exhausting!

Brittany was moved to a regular bed in the pediatric unit, but visitors are still limited.  Both girls are eating better and they weren't quite as oppositional as they had been.  They thought the Chinese food brought in for them was "great"! Erika finished off the McFlurry her nurse last night brought for her.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
                                                                 Proverbs 3:5

Michelle Modelli
(in Anchorage)

Saturday, 1am

It is so good to see all the positive changes in Brittany and Erika for myself!  A lot can happen in a week!

Today was a hard day for both girls.  Brittany's leg was really bothering her and she was very uncomfortable.  By this evening, Facebook and medication helped to create a diversion.  She was resting peacefully when we left for the evening.

Posted on Brittany's Facebook this evening:
     Frm Britt's mom. Thank you all for the prayers & concern for Brit. Brit & Erika are both here today because of God's miracles & the great medical care they received. I would ask you to please continue to support Brit with laughter, thoughts, & prayers, but limit talking about the accident/injuries for now as Brit is just beginning a long recovery. Part of recovering frm a head injury is "relearning" how to do certain things. Please ignore any comments that may be inappropriate.  (Please also consider limiting the length and amount of posts so Brittany is not overwhelmed.)


Erika was having a very tough day and evening.  She's tired because she is working so hard to breathe.  She's uncomfortable and ornery.  She was also running a fever this evening.  It was pitiful to watch her.  On the positive side it was good to hear her voice.  It wasn't even whiny!  What a tough girl!

When you pass the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you  will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior.
            Isaiah 43:2-3 (NIV)

Michelle Mondelli
(in Anchorage)

Thursday, 10pm

Brittany had a pretty good day.  She was able to remember her Facebook password and methodically tried to answer all her posts.

Erika had a very tough day.  She is very uncomfortable and is being forced/encouraged to cough. Please pray for a restful night.

Don and Jennifer enjoyed a vistit by Trixie Lee, of Fairbanks.

Michelle  Mondelli
(in Fairbanks)

Thursday, 7pm

Here is the latest (as of today)

 

Kaylee was excited to be able to venture away from the bed and recliner today as she has been housebound all week.  Unfortunately, nothing too exciting except an xray and some blood work.  She is really getting used to her crutches and can exceed speed limits when needed.

 

It was also a good day for Jesse.  This morning, he was able to get his NG hose out. Although it was also uncomfortable coming out (not nearly as much as going in), he is glad it is over. The constriction on his intestines is opening and he no longer needs his stomach pumped. They will keep him in the hospital on an IV diet to ensure all things are working properly. He has been given strict orders to get up and walk every hour so his stomach (which has been idle for some time) can start doing its thing. If you visit, take him for a walk. He is also excited to use the fancy scale in the hospital to see if he is gaining weight. He gained 4 ounces yesterday. Yea God!

 

Tim Stickel

Thursday, 9am

Early morning news:    Brittany not longer needs to be on oxygen.  That's one less tube for her!

The bigger news is they took Erika off of the ventilator this morning!  She needs prayers that she can keep coughing and have enough energy to keep breathing on her own.  This is a big positive step.

Michelle Mondelli
(in Fairbanks)

Wednesday, 5pm

This news couldn't wait!  Once again good things happen while Don and Jennifer are away eating....The neurologist came by.  He was "unimpressed" which in medical talk is good news.  He believes Brittany will eventually make a full recovery!!!  Praise God!!

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
Whose trust is the Lord.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
...For You are my praise.

Jer 17:8, 14

 

Michelle Mondelli (with help from Kevin Knight)

(in Fairbanks)

Wednesday, 12:30pm

There is good news already today!  Erika had her last chest tube and catheter taken out.  Jennifer asked for prayers because Erika is "fiesty" today.  Pray for patience and wisdom for everyone interacting with the girls.

The work for Brittany is just beginning:  the physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, neurologist, and the rehabililitation specialist are all coming to see her.

Brittany would appreciate recieving messages on Facebook.  She is not able to comment, yet.

Brittany was allowed a short visit with Erika this morning.  It was very emotional.  Brittany told Erika she was "beautiful", she loved her, and she was proud of her family.

Please pray for the pyschological health of all the kids involved.  Erika was able to write and ask, "Why did this happen?"  I'm sure the others are feeling the same way. 

Michelle Mondelli
(in Fairbanks)