It has officially been 4 weeks since we boarded this roller coaster ride. There have been a lot of ups and downs, unexpected turns and there have been times when our stomachs have bottomed out but we are still here for the ride. When you are here everyday it is difficult to see the progress that has been made. I had a friend point this out to me today. She comes to visit about every week and tells me how much better Charlie looks and what progress has been made since her last visit. I look at how much further we have to go and forget to appreciate how far we have come already. So in the 28 days we have been here this is what we have accomplished; The infection is completely gone, Charlie has come off the ventilator and is breathing on his own. He no longer needs oxygen, antibiotics, pressors, and is weening off some other medications. He is now opening both eyes when agitated, moving his arms and legs occasionally on his own. His "storms" are decreasing in intensity and frequency and we hear him cry when he gets mad. Thanks Whit for helping me realize that we are headed in the right direction. Tomorrow morning at 9:30 Charlie heads to the operating room for his shunt surgery. It's expected to last a couple hours. Then Charlie will come back to his same room to recover but will need to keep things very quiet and mellow for a while so he can heal. (Angel)
15 comments:
i know rob isn't a fan of rollercoasters in general and it has been a rough 4 weeks, but coop is going to keep you guys on the ride for awhile. he is still with us and we comment everyday about what a fighter he is. he'll keep the fight up - however long it takes - and we aren't leaving anytime soon. we love that kid so much.
i was going to come over during lunch tomorrow, but i will stay away and let him heal. my prayers will be with you guys all day tomorrow. love you.
ooh-do you have brockmeyer again?
This isn't the first time sweet Charlie has brought me to tears, but it's so true.....he has come a long way, and so much has been learned. He has allowed me, and many others, to learn great lessons about faith, hope, love, persistence, and priorities. I am grateful I know you guys, and I'm grateful I have been able to be taught, experience, and witness so much goodness that still exists in this world. I love you guys, and you always have my prayers and thoughts.
This kid is going to impact so many lives, he has already begun to do that. He is special in so many ways. He is beautiful and it was nice to be there when he was peaceful. And you know I prefer the sarcastic to the sincere, so that was hard for me.
C Coop, good luck tomorrow, don't do anything to confuse the staff even more. Rob, good luck with you trip, I know it is hard for you. Ang, those Christensen boys are lucky to have you. You are in my prayers multiple times a day and Caroline prayed for "Sick Charlie Baby" tonight, it was pretty cute.
Thinking of you guys constantly. The whole family (husband and four kids too!) ask "How's Charlie today?" every single day. Prayers and positive thoughts for quick and easy shunt placement tomorrow!
I just wanted to thank you guys for keeping all of us updated on sweet Charlie. You are both such fabulous writers and put your thoughts into words so eloquently. Everytime I read oneof your posts I am touched and always want to reply but it is often hard for me to find the words that are in my heart. Thank you for letting Britty sleepover with us last night. He is such a sweet boy with quite an imagination. We are just a text or call away if you need us again.
We will also stay away tomorrow so you can have a quiet and peaceful day as Charlie continues to recover but please know all of us will have a prayer in our hearts as we go thoughout our day. Love you this much!!!
I wanted to share my thoughts on Charlie's sweet grandmas. I have watched as they have loved, prayed, and cried with you during the last 4 weeks of this ordeal. I am amazed with their strength and it is easy to see where Angel and Rob get their awesome attitudes,humility and strength. Love you GK and Gma C! Keep on smiling :) you cute ladies!
Angel and Rob you continue to amaze me with your strength and courage. Charlie has come so far and is an inspiration to me and my family. Although I do not know you I check in several times a day and send prayers multiple times a day for Charlie. He is such a beautiful boy. I will pay very hard for him tomorrow. Stay strong he looks so much better in pictures and is also so much less swollen(one more improvement)
Angel we will try to keep things quiet from the 4th floor! Praying that this goes smoothly. Rob hurry and get back! PCMC doesnt feel the same without you!
troy is jada at PCMC?
Meg- Yes Jada was admitted last night for possible liver transplant rejection. For details go to the Chilton link on Charlie's blog. We are praying for Jada too!
Good luck and God Bless today and always! The pictures are uplifting.Praying for you in Montana. Shyla
No matter what I'm doing on the computer, Ty walks in the room and asks, "How's Charlie?" I do check the blog fairly often, but I think Ty thinks that's all I do.
The house looks fantastic!! Thank you so much to all those who have done so much work on their house. Its so comforting to know that those close by are taking such good care of the Christensens.
Max continues to include Charlie in his prayers (dinner, personal, all of the above..), just as I do.
Hang in there, Charlie! Today is a big day, keep showing us how tough you are!!
Much love!
Auntie Ann
ps- We think we have the right photos of Britty's cruise on a disk now for you, I'll send them today.
We're sending good vibes to Charlie today, he is definitely in our prayers and thoughts every day. Good luck, kids amaze me at how resilient they are. Love you guys!
Jen Baumgartner
I couldn't help but think of one more big thing in this roller coaster ride...he is HERE! I know for a time that was in question, and this little fighter is here to stay! Go to little Charlie and have a good day! Be tough and be nice to those good doctors!
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