April 01, 2011

Friday, April 1, 2011 4:00pm

Day 56. It's hard to believe Garren went into the hospital 8 weeks ago. So much has happened, and it all seems like it started so long ago.

When I got up this morning and started talking to Garren, I was asking him a few questions. As I was joking around with him, I looked him in the eyes and said "Are you awesome?" Of course, he looked up, indicating yes. And I am positive I saw the left side of his mouth curl upwards, the beginnings of a smile! O yeah!

Wren continued to work on Garren's swallow, and a little with his voice. With his trach capped, we were able to help Garren engage his vocal chords. He made a couple of sounds today. Wren said that once he catches on, the talking will follow. It still takes a lot of work and a lot of concentration to try and breathe out and make noise at the same time.

Tara worked on Garren's left shoulder. She put his arm in a little contraption that helps overcome some of the gravity. Then she attached a sucker to his hand. The goal was to move the arm inward and up, to get the sucker into the mouth. Garren was working hard, moving his shoulder more than ever before.

Union County Weekly wrote an article about Garren today. Check it out here.

As we wrap up another week I want to let you know about a couple of fundraiser events that have been setup for Garren:

Skate Night
On Wednesday April 27, from 6-9pm, Kate's skate is hosting a skate night and silent auction. Admission is $4. All proceeds will go to benefit Garren's medical care. Click here for more details.

Miracle Miles 5K
Get your running shoes ready! On Saturday May 21 there will be a 5K and fun run at Porter Ridge High School. To register, or for more information, click here.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Eight weeks...how faithful and trusting to our God you have been!!! Be encouraged, and continue to lean on Jesus as He supports you...Garren....you are doing such a good job...we are proud of you...love, Sandy & Russ

Kim Peck said...

I've been praying for him to smile or at least smirk. So glad that he is trying to smile...and he is awesome! Loving you all and praying!

Anonymous said...

Geoffrey please tell Garren that we will miss him at The Closet tomorrow. Love Carol

Anonymous said...

Today is April 2nd...spring is in the air...and in creation...one gets a sense of a fresh start...Garren, always be willing to begin again..another fresh start in your therapies that will lead you to recovery...it rains in the spring, and yet that rain is needed for creation to be watered and nourished so that it will be more beautiful..you have some rain in your life right now (some times it feels like a monsoon) however, this "rain" will help you to grow and be all that God has created you to be..just a beautiful person...and your family and friends will put up umbrellas, walk through puddles, and be in the rain with you and your family...because there is always the promise of the sun (Son)...have a great day!.love and prayers, Sandy & Russ

wendypoovey said...

That is so exciting that Garren is starting to be able to smile. It is so hard to put your mind around how he will be relearning so many things. Our entire family is so excited to be able to participate in the fundraisers. The kids are very excited. We are actually going to get off our rear ends and start walking every day and even try to run a little to particpate in the 5K. Obviously we will be walking most of it. It is just so wonderful to see a community pull together. Praise God!

Anonymous said...

I know you're anxious to see Garren's smile and hear his voice...we will pray it's in the very near future and that he keeps gaining strength in order to reach that goal. In for the long haul, The Sisk Family

Unknown said...

Lord, we praise you for every step and pray for bigger steps to come. We pray for a smile, Garren's voice, and a special surprise to encourage The Janes Family. We thank you that when we are weak, you are strong!

We are now praying for big steps.
The Kanipes

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear of Garren's progress. We know you will be glad to have him home. What a blessing to have the nursing care there too. We think about you every day and say a prayer for complete recovery for Garren and strength for the family.
Love, Cathy and Aunt Juanita