A Christmas surprise...

We have been blessed to have Sherrie home and with the children being around for the holidays she has responded well to their love and noise. Christmas eve was special at our home. We had some good friends come over to sing carols to my sweetheart and the family. I was not there, but those present said that as they sang songs, Sherrie was visibly moved starting to cry and kept saying "beautiful, beautiful". Needless to say, many tears were shed that night and the spirit of the season was felt.

Christmas morning I awoke with great anticipation for a good day with the family. We had Sherrie with  us as we opened presents and then moved to make preparations for our traditional Christmas breakfast. We had just sat down with my sweetheart by my side when she made a noise and I turned to see her body going into a seizure/ It didn't last long, but brought terror to my heart. We called 911 and were then transported to the hospital where over the next couple of hours she would have 2 more episodes. We would then spend the next 3 days in the hospital. Words can't adequately express my feelings at that time. Fortunately, I had one of my sons with me and we gave her a blessing that continues to bless her life today.

After many tests a couple of scans and an added infection in her bladder, we returned home friday evening hoping that things would get better. Seizures are not uncommon with TBI, but since Sherrie had not had any for over 7 months, we thought we were in the clear. We don't know for sure what triggered the episode, but when it does happen it can effect neuro responsiveness.

We have been watching and evaluating to see what impact she has realized. We did see some change, but over each passing day we have been very grateful to see her regain much of the functionality she had prior to Christmas Day. We will remain hopeful this will continue and accelerate.

This is not the Christmas I had planned, not even close. I don't know why it happened and I wish it hadn't, but I know she continues to be watched over by a very loving Heavenly Father. An already interesting journey has gotten even more interesting this week. My sweetheart is doing better today, using her voice more and I still get my "I love you".

Season's Greetings...

It has now been 7 months on this journey and I am very grateful for continued health and strength that blesses my sweethearts life. We have been home 3 weeks now and things have been going fairly well. Being around family and friends has brought new light into her life. I can tell when her children, grandchildren or friends come to visit that she enjoys their being around. It is not uncommon for someone to walk into her room, say hello, and hear her return an audible "hi" and "how are you". Hearing her use her voice more and more is one of the big differences we have seen since returning home. The real reward for me is having her, unprompted, tell me "I love you".

We continue to see new capabilities. It may be a hand being able to fully extend all fingers or being able to reach her arm up to head. many things we take for granted, but for her and for me they are all signs of hope and progress. No doubt, I wish with all my heart that this journey were over. We have a long way to go, but I am so grateful for each day that she remains healthy, strong and showing new signs of continued healing.

Next week we will celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Christmas has always been a very special holiday at the Labrum's. It is full of traditions and time spent with family and friends. For 34 years I have looked forward to enjoying this time with the most important person in my life. She is really the one who makes the "season bright". As my daughter reminds me, "it won't be the same, but mom will be with us and that's most important". She is right! It is a miracle that we have her with us and that gift has been given to us by Him who offered His life for us. I am eternally grateful this and many other blessings sent our way.

We are grateful for continued wishes and prayers on Sherrie's behalf. I know she would want all of you to have a very Merry Christmas and holiday season. From our house to yours we wish you great happiness in the coming year.

OUR FIRST WEEK HOME...

It has been a week since we have been home and for the most part things have gone well. Sherrie is responding better while being at home. She has certainly become much more chatty. We don't always know what she is trying to say, but there are many times that she will surprise us with a very clear comment or request.

She started therapy the  following monday at the RIC facility in Wheeling. I have been concerned that going from 6-7 days of therapy to just 3 would limit her progress. We are looking for therapists to come into our home on her off days. In the meantime, I am her resident therapist so I have her up each day working on every thing from brushing teeth, combing hair to standing and walking. Watching the therapists each day for the last 6 and 1/2 months have given me a little training that I use with my sweetheart to keep her muscles as flexible as possible.

We are doing our best to get settled in. Knowing we have no more surgeries planned and praying we have no illness or issues that would take us to the hospital, we are busy making connections with local doctors for ongoing care. We pray she will flourish at home and that we continue to see the tender mercies of the Lord manifest in her life. My Christmas wish would be to see her beautiful smile and have a long conversation with her...I would settle for a short conversation!

Thank you for your continued interest and prayers for my dear wife. She is blessed to have such a wonderful cheerleading squad!