March 22, 2011

Tuesday March 22, 6:00pm

On Tuesday's I've been heading to church for staff meetings, trying to stay involved as much as possible. Meanwhile, Nancy spend the day in therapy with Garren. I'll let her share what happened:

March 22, 2011 – Day 47
Today in therapy we worked on more eye movement and strengthening Garren’s eye muscles. More yes/no question time. We asked different questions:

"Do you like to watch Dora the Explorer?" NO.
"Do you like to play Black Ops?" YES.

Then I asked him "Are you at school?" No answer. "Are you at the hospital?" No answer.
We could tell he was thinking hard and getting tired so we let him rest for a few minutes. It’s amazing how much energy it takes to think, process and respond. We take so much for granted.
As we’ve shared with you, we remind Garren each day where he is and why. We always start out by saying “You had a headache at school”. So after a short rest I decided to ask him about this. My question was “Did you have a headache at school?” The response was more that I was ready for. He looked up at the YES card, then his whole face filled with emotion. His eyes got big and his mouth opened. He became visibly upset. This is the first time I have really seen him show any emotion since we’ve been in the hospital. I talked him through the whole scenario again, explaining where we were and why, and he calmed back down.
Later, back in his room, he showed the same upset response again. We talked about his journey again and then prayed together. He calmed down.
We've all been dealing with this for the last 47 days. We've had a lot of time to process, feel, and show our emotions. Garren is just now coming around to understanding where he is, why he’s here, and what this has done to his body. His last memories are probably of playing in the gym at school as a healthy, athletic boy; and now he lays in a hospital bed and can’t move on his own. Big change and lots to deal with!

While it's sad that Garren has to deal with the realization of what he is going through, it's also good news. Garren is becoming aware of his surroundings and coming a little more out of ‘the fog’. But for a mom’s heart it’s hard to see him deal with this. I just want to take all the pain away and make him better. I can’t do that but I can love him, be here for him, and pray for him.
Please continue to pray for Garren; especially for a peace and comfort that only God can give as he heals and deals with his reality.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

We continue to lift all of you every day and night in our prayers... what a mix of emotions that I can't even imagine you go through, while in the midst of being a witness to many of how great God's love and power is.

Sending Love and Encouragement,
Daniel & Melissa Miller

Chris Hogan said...

Continuing to lift Garren and all of you up in prayer each day. The Hogans

Anonymous said...

Keeping each of you in our prayers and thoughts. May Garren be blessed with peace and comfort.

The Skinner's

Anonymous said...

Oh, Nancy...I can only imagine the hurt and pain as his mom....we will be praying for Garren, and you and your husband, and the girls...this breaks my heart for you, and I am not his mom...please lean on our God...please let us hug you and encourage you all through this trial, and please remember that God has a plan...and because it is from God, it is a good plan...cry out to Jesus....love & prayers, Sandy & Russ

Anonymous said...

As a mom my heart breaks for you as well. I pray for you everyday. Good news!God answers prayers and he will answer this one. Be strong.

Sandy

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing that, Nancy. It is bitter-sweet to read about. I'm thankful because it does show progression for Garren, but I'm sad for him too. I suppose he will have to go through the same emotions as you guys did in order to process all of it. I know from a mom's perspective, you'd undoubtably trade places with him if you could and I know it breaks your heart. God couldn't haven't given Garren better parents to see him through this. We will certainly continue to pray for Garren, and for each of you. In for the long haul, The Sisk Family

Unknown said...

As a mother I can and can't imagine what you are going through. I can imagine in the sense that when our child is hurt we want to fix it and make it all better but I can't because you are going through some circumstances that are so difficult. You and your family are showing such strength!! Think about you all every day!

Trisha Crawley

Anonymous said...

We continue to pray for Garren and your entire family everyday! Thank you for keeping us up to date with his progress!
Monica Newsome

Anonymous said...

Still praying to our God who loves Garren more than anybody else.
Love,
The Tripps

Anonymous said...

We are still praying for you & Garren! The Moores

Anonymous said...

Nancy,

My mother's heart goes out to you having to watch your boy struggle like this. I know we want to take their pain away and carry it ourselves if need be, that is the hardest thing to bear as a mother I think. One day you will all be on the other side of this trial, you wouldn't take a million dollars for the faith stretching and the intimate walk with Jesus and all the lessons you have learned, but neither would you wish to go through it again. Standing in the gap with you in Texas.

Donna Lochridge/Metrocrest Presbyterian Church

Anonymous said...

I love reading about Garrens progress and especially today's update about him getting visibly upset...what a huge progress!!!! He is making connections!!! Nancy I can't imagine what you are going through having to endure through his connections but I am so happy that he has you and the whole family, church, community, and many around the world lifting him up in prayers!
HUGS,
Rebecca Lloyd

The Via Colony said...

This is wonderful! I can't imagine how hard this is to have to go through this with him, but man, is it amazing to see the Lord restoring Garren's body and brain!

Love ya'll!

Kitty @ Four Toms and a Mom said...

for a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Brittany said...

I really can't imagine how hard that must be to see his pain and want so much to be able to take it all away...even to bear it yourself instead if you could. Will keep you in prayer for that. Good to hear from you Nancy and hear your heart during this time.
There are still some very cool steps being made daily with great progress right now. Always excited to hear the achievements!

Brittany

Anonymous said...

Nancy, I'll pray too for peace for Garren and for all of you! Loving you, Foniah

tammywingate said...

Oh Nancy!! We will continue to pray!! I am so thankful you are able to be there with Garren and explain to him what is going on each day! I am sure he feels your love and that comforts him! Remember when our children were babies and they were upset ...but couldn't tell us what was going on? That is what I imagine this feels like...all we could do is LOVE on them, pray for them and be there for them...that is EXACTLY what you are doing for Garren right now! Hang in there! We are praying for you all!!!!
<>< t

Anonymous said...

We will continue to lift Garren and your family up in prayer Nancy. No words can take the pain and frustration from your heart and mind. So we will pray that our LORD will keep you in HIS presence and show you HIS love through those around you.
In HIS Service,
Mark, Cindy, Nyan, Dominic & Sophie

Lisa said...

My heart as a mother is filled with emotion as well. I will continue to lift Garren and the family in prayer. ~The Parnell's.

Anonymous said...

We continue to follow Garren's progress (and the entire family) and pray for all of you after each reading. Your writings surpass any novel I could ever read. Your daily writings tug at the heart, bring tears to the eyes, joy in discovery and inspire hope and faith in all who read it.
We love you
Steve and Mary Cioffi

Unknown said...

Everyday we continue to Praise our God for the progress that Garren is making. And any time through the day that Garren and your family come into mind, along with the thought comes prayer. With every tear that is shed for you I pray that our Almighty God will lead Garren back.
Love to all of you
Rich & Sandra

Unknown said...

Nancy & Geoffrey: Still praying for Garren and you all. It is heart tugging to imagine what Garren is now realizing, but what is apparent from your description is he is so aware of your presence with him daily & you cannot doubt God's hand on him and what Garren hears from God through you & Geoffrey. Sending love your way.
Anne McManus

Showalter's said...

Sending so much love, support and prayer your way. We pray for progress each and every day. God Bless.