Sunday, February 17, 2008

Good Update :-)

Hooray for Charlie. Today has been w/o doubt Charlie’s best day at Primary Children’s. He has been so good. Slept mostly, but even when he has been awake he hasn’t gone crazy. He might cry and grunt or posture a little but nothing like days past. The coolest thing is that when he is awake he seems to be much more alert and even opens his other eye for a change and his vitals stay steady and don’t go through the roof. We are starting to see other small steps also. He’s not as stiff or spastic as before but whether that is him improving or the drug levels being appropriate we don’t know but right now I don’t think we care we’re just happy w/ the result. Every day here in the hospital the Doctors and RN’s review Charlie’s neurological condition and one of the things that they do is the old shine a light in the eyes trick to check his pupils and normally this phases Charlie zero but tonight he actually flinched and squinted his eyes shut. He didn’t like it. It wasn’t a big thing but it was a change in response. We’re hopeful that these little improvements will continue. None of us are expecting Charlie to just wake up and be fine but we are praying that his little thinker will keep on repairing/rewiring itself. This is a long road ahead of us and tomorrow may be completely lousy but if we’ve learned anything up to this point it’s that sometimes you have to take a few steps back before you can take one ahead. Charlie has an old Norwegian proverb that is in his room back home and thanks to my sis and an old High School friend they made a similar sign for his hospital room; “A hero is someone who holds on just a minute longer.” Charlie is my hero.

16 comments:

SkylineHIghClassOf2000 said...

i am so glad you finally updated i have been dying....Charlie is amazing and so are you...keep the upward trend...you will be out before you know it!

Anonymous said...

I'm happy with the news. I was going insane wihtout it. I'm very happy about his baby steps, I'm so happy he flinched, it's a big deal for me! Keep on fixing his little thinker!!!! And Charlie really is my Hero!
-Sara L

Jody Knapp said...

That is really great news you guys! Such a touching proverb too. We'll keep the prayers coming for more great news!

Wilson 5 said...

Hooray for neurological rewiring!! Thanks for the updates!! I chatised Sean for turning off the computer making it take FOREVER to click 'refresh' and get updates. This computer stays on all day for the sole purpose of checking EVERY time I walk by the computer!! I hope you all rest well tonight and get some much needed rest! Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely Charlie is a hero! And he has heroic lineage as well...such an impressively strong family! You all inspire me! Good for Charlie and Good for all of you!

Meghan said...

well hells bells, you made me cry for the first time today. char is a hero. and to way more people than just our family & your friends. i told ang tonight that i ran into a friend at the pediatricians office who doesn't know either of you but loves charlie. and we cried as she told me about how he has touched her life. i told you both that he is going to hang around to teach us all, and that he is.

ps...tell him i said sharp work on the eyeball activity.

whit said...

That is HUGE! I saw that right eye opening yesterday and was so happy and today to flinch? Big steps. Nice job C Coop.

Jay said...

Strong work little man keep on fighting we are all here with you for the long road.

Anonymous said...

Great news.

B

Anonymous said...

I almost cried when I read that Charlie flinched at the light! It's amazing the things we take for granted everyday, and Charlie is reminding us what a precious thing life is, and the little but amazing things our bodies can do. I am so happy for Charlie, Rob, and Angel right now, and pray the little steps keep going forward, and not too many back.

A bunch of people were at my Grandma's house tonight, and Charlie came up in conversation. Britty said how impressed she is with Rob and Angel. She pointed out how strong they have been, and how their attitude never seems to fail. I know you guys must be having a hard time, but your unfailing humor & love shines through. I am sure all the support has helped, and I hope it will continue long after Charle has gone home, as I know he will. I know your love for Charlie, and constant devotion has helped him more than you realize. Keep strong, keep loving, and keep the humor!

We all love you, and can't wait to hear more news, good or bad... we'd prefer good.

Love,
Jamie

Bill & Jen said...

You guys don't know me but I have been reading your blog since charlie was admitted. Then I saw that my cousin had posted on your site. (Megan & Alyvia) I just have to tell you that you guys are amazing parents staying strong and hopeful when I know without a doubt it can't be that easy....Charlie what an adorable little boy you are, and keep giving your mommy and daddy good news to post. "After difficulties, grows miracles, and that miracles happen to those that believe in them"...After reading your blog, there are so many out there that are touched by this and that we all know that miracles happen. Keep it up JACK JACK!

Anonymous said...

This is great news.. I am so happy for you all. I ditto what Jamie said (she writes a lot like her mother, don't you think?). Your story has obviously impacted people all over the world. Charlie has done more for most people's love of Christ and faith in God than a thousand Sundays in church could (which is good, because Jace didn't go today).

Thank you so much for sharing your story and strenght with all of us.

You truly rockin' sockin' awesome

Jill B

Anonymous said...

WOW, My computer has been down at home so I didn't got to read any of your updates all weekend so I was so glad to get back to work so I could see what was going on. What a great day, for all of you. What a huge step for Charlie and for all of you. Charlie is truly a hero to all the people that keep up with him. I pray you have many, many happy days in to come. Love and prayers from Missouri

Anonymous said...

Charlie is a hero. I am so happy to hear he had a good day yesterday. I hope that these baby steps toward healing continue. Angel - you amaze me. You wow me. I cannot imagine what you are going through. You really are an outstanding mom. Continue the fight.

Pam said...

So glad that Charlie had a good day. It's those days that can make up for all the bad ones.

Love the moon boots, he is awfuly cute in them.

I hope things continue to progress.

We are keeping you guys in our prayers.

((HUGS))

Pam and Rhett

Tim, Crista and Addy said...

YEAH!! What wonderful news! I have been following your blog for a few days now (I went to WX and I'm friends w/ Rox and Whit) and sending out the call to friends/family for prayers for your little guy. My baby girl is Charlie's age so I've been especially concerned with how he's doing. What an incredible inspiration YOU are as parents. I pray I could be as strong and have the amazing spirit you do. Please know you are inspiring others and I pray for Charlie, his recovery and for your family to comforted by our Savior's love. Keep the updates coming, we're sending prayers your way from Oklahoma!! Way to go Charlie!:)