A Tribute to the Deserving...

Two months following a day no one expected, we pay gratitude to the One to whom all credit is due. As I reflect back over the last weeks, I can see the hand of God tangibly working in precious lives of my family, sometimes through many of you. I am still so very humbled to realize that God, in His great mercy and goodness, gives attention to our very minimal needs. God placed a passage on my heart to share with you in closing out this blog… Isaiah 40, the entire chapter. I have included several of the verses below…

"'Comfort, O comfort my people,' says your God. 'Speak kindly to Jerusalem and call out to her that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the Lords hand double for all her sins.'"

"Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, Lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news. Lift it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, 'Here is your God! Behold the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him. Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In his arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.'"

"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens by the span, and calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, and weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales?"

"Do you not know? Have you not heard?... It is He who sits above the circle of the earth and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in."

"Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number; He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing."

"Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, 'My way is hidden from the Lord and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God'"?

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up on wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."


First and foremost, I give my upmost gratitude to God for His plan. With His cross, He gave His son in love that I might have an end to my warfare, a way to escape what I so very much deserve. By His death and with His hand, He has removed the penalty of my sins. For this I am humbly comforted. He loves me enough, loved you enough, loved the world enough, to place in the path of His only son a cross. It is only there we can find true comfort, true peace, true forgiveness. I have prayed for you, reader, that you have met Him there…

Secondly, I thank Him because He rose again, ascended to Heaven and is now there at the right hand of His father pleading for me, for you. What great news! Because He did, we can have a newness of life. There is no greater joy to be found! One day, the One who created, authored, and began a good work in us, will perfect it and complete it. He will tend us like a flock, gathering us in His arms, carrying us and gently leading us. Oh how precious, how sweet to anticipate… I can see in my own life times when He has carried me, gently leading. I can see how He has carried my sister and nieces over the last months in ways they so desperately needed…

He is a God who measures the waters in His hand, marks off the heavens, weighs the mountains, numbers the stars, and calls them each by name! He is the Everlasting God, the Creator of the very ends of the earth, and He does not wear out like we so often do. When I think about the grandeur of the universe, the intricacies of creation, I am so in awe that He who ordained and maintains on such a grand scale would care about one such as me… And yet He does. My way is not hidden from him. He understands all and grants us strength and power when we are failing. The same God who numbers, names, and calls the stars preserved the life of my sister and her family this past July 9th. Next time you are out on an evening and glimpse the stars, remember to thank Him. Thank Him for loving. Thank Him for pursuing. Thank Him for saving.

As the writer of this blog, I have enjoyed recording for you the crevices, rocky paths, and hilltops God brought this family across over the last weeks. Looking back, I can easily see Him moving. In times of despair, the grass was green. In times of uncertainty, the peace was steadfast. In times of rejoicing, the melody was sweet. This God who made a plan for me, for you, for all the world, cares enough about the finite details of our lives. He used His hands to spare the lives of four precious ones and will continue to use His hands to wrought them into something more like Him.

Thank you for the small part you played in this story, for being supportive in so many ways. My sister and her family have been blessed beyond measure in so many ways, directly from God's hand and from yours as well. I know that God brought them through this for a specific reason. While we have yet to understand purpose and plan, we have seen His power. Choose to remember.

While this entry is an official closing to this blog, I will most likely continue to post every month noting the progress of the family. I have wanted to write something conclusive, giving credence and credit where it is most clearly due…

With that said, I would like to ask your help in closing. If you have been following this blog, reading it and supporting my sister and her family, please comment at the end of this entry. You can simply leave your name or you can write a message to Jenny and her family. I thought this would be a great way for her to be able to read just exactly who has been reading her story and praying for her family. Thank you for your willingness and of course for your relentless care and thoughtfulness…

Gratefully moved,
Andrea

Isabella...

Isabella had a few moments at school this week, understandably so, of being overwhelmed. She is raising her hand in class and giving genuine effort, but overcome with frustration at some points because she doesn't know what she thinks she should. She also had a follow-up appointment with her neurosurgeon (who did her brain surgery) and it went well. He was pleased with her progress.
It is wonderful for Jenny now to have her screws out. She has holes in her jaw that will eventually close up. She has to use a special mouthwash to clean them out. She is still working on full range of motion in her jaw. That will come eventually. She is pleased to finally be able to brush her teeth and eat properly without limited motion or rubber bands causing issues...

Tuesday... a big day

Hello, all.
I spoke with my mother this afternoon. Isabella went to school with a smile and came home with a smile. She was able to participate in class, keep up with the group except in a few areas (this is simply because she has missed the last few weeks of instruction). She even answered a few questions. She was able to see friends from last year and thoroughly enjoyed her day. What a huge answer to prayer! Through all, she has proven so resilient that this great start to the school year doesn't surprise me in the least! God has done amazing things with this child over the last 2 months (the accident was two months ago to the day on Sept. 9th)...
Jenny also got the screws in her mouth taken out today! She had several shots in her jaw/cheek to numb her that we apparently quite painful, but she is relieved to have them out!
They are continuing their therapy and are healing in so many ways now that they are back together as a family.
Thank you for reading. Within the next few weeks, I'll be doing a closing write-up and asking for you to sign a comment page for the Laird family! (Just so you know, the blog will remain available to read and I may post additional news occasionally, just not nearly as often.) I wanted to provide for their family the blog in printed form and to do so justifies a closing tribute to the mercy of God and all He has done!
Thank you for reading. And as always, thank you for praying for my sister and her family.

Saturday... a little more

I know it has been a few days since I posted... I just spoke at length with my mother. They were on their way home from watching my dad fly his model airplanes, so we had a good chat. Jenny, Matthew and the girls were at my parents house having some family time together.
Life is slowly creeping back toward what we used to call normal. My dad is teaching again after retiring in June. That was an unexpected blessing for my parents because he is now drawing retirement and a salary! My mom will be returning to work in another week, and my sister, Jessica, is already back at college. Steph is teaching now for a few more days until that baby arrives (due the 16th). I'll post a picture, yes...
Jenny has been having a lot of neck pain. She went to the dr. this week. He said it is very typical for her to be feeling this at this point after the accident. He gave her an anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxer to help. She also went to physical therapy for her leg and neck this week. Her therapist was pleased with the movement in her leg, but scolded her for doing too much too quickly. Apparently she has been "walking" short steps across the room without her walker! Rushing her healing could cause more issues... She told her she had to slow down which was I am sure very hard to hear!
Isabella will be going to school on Tuesday. Please be in prayer for her transition back into that arena. She is still dealing with emotions she doesn't know quite how to handle and another change is around the corner for her. I will post on Tuesday, the 8th, after the day to let you know how she did....
That is all for now. Thank you for reading.

Tuesday...life continues

Good morning, readers.
I spoke with my mother last night for several minutes. I could hear the chatter in the background, so I know things are beginning to creep slowly back to normal....
Isabella's tutor came to the house yesterday; she was very pleased with Isabella and the work she was able to do. I think we all have a bit more confidence in Isabella and just what great measures she will be able to accomplish this year! She does begin her outpatient Speech and Physical therapies today in Dayton. When my sister told her she would be going to therapy yesterday, she got very scared and cried. She thought that meant that she would be going back to stay in the hospital. Please pray for her today that her fears would ease and doubt would subside....
Jenny is walking with her walker a lot, but has not yet started her physical therapy. She did get her left leg caught going out of the elevator the other day (it sounds like it could have been really bad...) and bent it way back behind her. My mom said she cried good tears at that and said that was not the home therapy/exercise bending she was supposed to be doing! She is also ready for the screws to come out of her mouth and is awaiting a call back from her doctor.
Melissa got her cast off a few weeks ago. Also the plate they put in her right clavicle is too big. They will take it out in 3 months and she should not need anything else given the bones have healed correctly :)
On a different note, please pray a specific prayer this morning for my mother. I know she is reeling inside still from all of this. She will be returning to work in a few weeks and able to have some sense of normal life again. Pray for God to give her His strength today, His peace, in a way she can feel and know.
Love you all and thank you for reading once again! I will post again after the weekend or if there are any urgent updates in between :)

Can you view pictures through tears?

Smiles all around. She is home. Enough said.

NOTE: I added some pictures from the twins' birthday on the 8/16/09 entry entitled A Great Weekend for the Laird family. You will have to follow the link on the right side of the blog to see them.

Today is the Day!

Today is the day Isabella comes home. She will be having her graduation ceremony first with all the doctors/therapists/nurses/patients in the program. They will all share something wonderful about Isabella. I hope that I will be able to get some of those comments for you. I am also hoping that someone will be able to provide pictures to me quickly so that I can get them on here for you to see sometime this evening!
Praise be to God who has allowed this progress, fostered healing, maintained life, and blessed us all beyond measure. I know that there will be great things ahead in the life of sweet little Bella -- to come through something like this in the way and measure she did, God is saving her for some great work in His kingdom!
I wanted to share a few verses in Psalms with you this morning in honor of our God and the way He has so beautifully dealt with Isabella during these 7 weeks...


"In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Ps. 4:8

"But I have trusted in your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me." Ps. 13:5-6

"He rescued me because He delighted in me." Ps. 18:19

"Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God." Ps. 20:7

"You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance." Ps. 32:7

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Ps. 34:18

"I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction...He put a new song in my mouth...Many O Lord are the wonders which you have done and your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count." Ps. 40:1-5

"For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; The Lord gives grace and glory." Ps. 84:11

"The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low and He saved me. Return to rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." Ps. 116:7

"YOu have enclosed me behind and before and laid Your hand upon me." Ps. 139:5

Meeting with the School/Doctors

The team of doctors/therapists met with the school and Jenny and Matthew yesterday. The meeting went very well. Without too much detail, the school was willing to accomodate every request the doctors put forth for Isabella's return. She will begin attending on September 8th. Prior to that, she will have someone coming to help her at home. Also, she will have a full-time aid at first. She will be seated in the front of the classroom and away from any distractions. Of course she will not be granted permission to participate in outdoor recess or P.E., so she will have accomodations needed there as well. Academically, they will work with her to determine the best course of action for her, testing strategies, etc. Jenny was very pleased with the meeting and just kept saying how great the school was for being so willing. I am, once again, beside myself with awe in a God who works out details even to the most minute aspect...
You can pray for Isabella that she will continue to develop her cognitive skills, making bridges between questions and answers.
She will begin outpatient therapy soon. Dayton Children's Hospital (where she was initially after the accident) will do physical therapy once a week and speech therapy twice a week. She will also be getting speech/occupational therapy at her school.
Tomorrow Isabella comes home. They will have a special "graduation" for her before she leaves. I wish so much I could be there. My heart is once again torn and aching, but also overwhelmed with grateful emotions that she is coming home.... Praise God for this huge step in development. He is forever moving us forward. If you haven't already recognized Him, acknowledged Him, or praised Him for how He works in your life, do so today. Nothing is more important...
Thank you for praying for the Laird family. I, as writer of this blog, am praying for you, each reader, that you would be somehow touched by this blog and spurred on toward knowing God more...

A new day for Aleacia

Today Aleacia went to school. Jenny said that she was a bit uneasy but did just fine. I know that returning to life as she once knew it will help her tremendously. Please pray for her and her transition. Pray for her not to be scared or lonely without her sister there.

Great News to Share...Homecoming Day

Isabella has been granted a release date from the hospital THIS THURSDAY. She will be leaving just a few days prior to when the expected. They are running several evaluations the remainder of this week and packing in as much in-house therapy as they can. She will be able to return home 7 weeks to date after the car accident. I know my sister, Matthew, and her sisters will be so glad to have her home and that much of the emotional healing that still needs to occur will begin to slowly happen...
As I know you will certainly be, Jenny has once again asked me to add that while visitors will be welcome, please be respectful of their time together as a family for a while until normal life has somewhat returned.
Thank you for the prayers! They have been granted and Bella is coming home! I can hardly sit here and write without jumping out of my chair. It has been a really long 7 weeks for us all, doubtless also for the Laird family.
Rejoice today for the Lord is good!

Another small victory...

I spoke with my mother a few minutes ago. Jenny wanted to share with you that the bone in her mouth that was sticking out from her jaw and causing her much discomfort (the same one they were going to file down after her screws came out) did an unexpected thing last night. It broke off! She was putting wax on it to keep it from cutting her when it just came loose. She was able to pull it out of her mouth and says it is very sharp, thin, and much resembling a shark tooth! We will see what her surgeon says next time she is evaluated about the course of action now that it is no longer an issue! She was so thrilled to be able to have one less issue to manage! Thank God for even small victories... Together they will encompass larger ones and longer gains!

How to say thank you

Now that the initial chaos, confusion, and shock of the accident is settling around Matthew, Jenny and her family, they are beginning to reflect in awe of those many who have given so generously of themselves in so many ways. While they would love to be able to thank in person so many of you, it just isn't possible. They do, however, want to be sure that you, the readers of this blog, are aware of just how much you have impacted five lives.
Praying, interceding, faithfully remembering the Laird family and laying them before the throne of God each day throughout this time is an act of servanthood for which they are overwhelmingly moved. Please accept their sincere and heartfelt thank you. Your prayers have been heard and answered.
For those of you who have given of yourselves in so many other ways, they also would like to offer thanksgiving. You have put aside yourselves and allowed God to use your finances, hands of service and feet of doing to minister to this family. Thank you for allowing God to use you in this way to care for the Laird family.
Eternally grateful,
Jenny, Matthew, Isabella, Aleacia and Sophia Laird

An update for the Laird family

I talked to Jenny this afternoon and got a good update on the family. Jenny still has her screws in her mouth and has even noticed the interior gums/tissue of her mouth (on the left side) "settling" and even growing over the screws in her mouth. She is beginning to be able to feel the plates in her mouth and face. She is able to walk a bit with a walker although without putting pressure on her left leg. She is still dealing with a lot of pain in her knee and moving it in the way she should. It is still very swollen and hard. She can straighten her leg almost 95 percent, but bending it is another story...
They have a meeting on Tuesday with the school to discuss Isabella. They found out the name of Isabella's teacher, and they are thankful because they have heard great things about her and the entire third grade program. Aleacia will be going on the 26th for the start of school. You can pray specifically for her that she will not be nervous and scared to be going without her sister.
They have done extensive evaluations on Isabella this past week. On a cognitive level, she is below average. They do, however, expect that after this year she will be caught up and need no further help (PRAISE THE LORD!) She is in the 5th percentile for children her age physically (balance, bilateral coordination, skipping, running, hopping, etc.), so she has some gaining to do there as well. She is having to relearn how to focus on a task as she is very easily distracted.
We are looking forward to the day when she will be able to be home and with her family permanently. I know all five of them are longing for normal life once again. Please continue to pray for God's strength beyond measure and peace beyond understanding to descend upon them throughout the rest of this ordeal.

A Great Weekend for the Laird Family

Jenny and her family were able to enjoy some much needed family (all five of them!) time this weekend. The hospital released Isabella for a home visit on Saturday. She was able to be there for a few hours and depending on that would be possibly granted the chance to be there again on Sunday. She spent a few hours there on Saturday and then most of the day there on Sunday. They were able to celebrate Isabella and Aleacia's birthdays (tomorrow) with immediate family, complete with pinata and a bit of back to school shopping! Isabella showed no signs of being overwhelmed and seemed to immerse herself right away back into life as she once knew it... Matthew did say that tonight in the car ride on the way back to the hospital, he noticed that she was very sad. He asked what was wrong. She was wondering if that was the last time she would get to go Grandma's house. The hospital feels so much like home to her...
I know that when I ask you to please understand the reasoning behind not announcing ahead of schedule Isabella's home visit, you will. Due to unknown factors in Isabella's situation and the plain and simple fact that Matthew, Jenny and the girls haven't been alone together (all five of them outside of a hospital setting) for several weeks, the visit was strictly immediate family. I spoke with my sister last night after Bella left, and she was so emotional. She kept telling me how wonderful it was just to be together again. This time, so rare now, was and is so extremely important to Jenny, the girls and Matthew and rightly so. Thank you for understanding. There will be a day soon when Isabella will come home and life can slowly begin again. Until then, please be in prayer for the physical healing of the family and also the emotional healing of all involved...
My family would also like to offer a genuine heartfelt thank you to Katina and those at Emmanuel Promise Church who helped to organize the fundraiser for the Laird family this past weekend. Thank you for being the hands and feet of God in a tangible way. I doubt you realize the impact you have had on my family. Thank you again for being so giving of your resources and time.
Jenny also wanted me to note before I go that Melissa is getting her cast off her leg on Thursday and the pins out of her foot.

On a more personal note, I wanted to take a few lines and divulge my heart to you. I have talked about how in awe I am of God, His saving and healing power, His hand of mercy in this situation, and His provision for my family through so many of you. I also wanted you to know that I thank Him every day for those of you who are still faithfully interceding on behalf of my sister and her family. I know that it has been over a month now and the ball is not rolling quite as quickly as before. I recognize that if you are still reading this blog, you must care and deeply. With greatest respect, please continue to uplift my sister and her family. I love them so very much. It is hard to be away from them, especially now, and knowing that there are so many of you praying and helping when I can't tangibly really makes a difference for me. Thank you again.

"But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall, I will rise." Micah 7:7-8

Still healing... Thursday, August 13th

I spoke with Jenny and Isabella last night! Jenny is spending every other day at the hospital with Isabella, so they were both there when I called. It was a joy to be able to hear both of their voices on the other end of the line. I don't know that I will ever take that for granted again...
Jenny said that Isabella is continuing to make progress. Her conversation is becoming more spontaneous. Apparently, the rehab center set goals for Isabella upon her arrival. They revisit these goals each week and benchmark her progress. This week, in locomotion (movement and balance), she has surpassed where she needs to be upon release. She also scored very high on bowel/bladder control. In the others ( including things like speech, social communication, self-care) she is very near where she needs to be. Jenny said that for the first time, she has a peace that Isabella will recover completely. She stressed that she still has a long way to go in some areas, but that she was confident that she will be fine.
Jenny said that Isabella played Sorry and UNO with her therapist yesterday. She had to explain at the outset the rules of the game. Jenny said she was able to do that and was happy with her sequencing/order skills.
The scar on her forehead is looking better and better. It is still really pink, but the swelling is almost completely gone. It seems like she has just a few days left to be in Columbus and then she will be able to be home with her family. School starts on the 21st. There are still many questions in the air about that issue. Nevertheless, it will be good when she comes home for all to have life return to some resemblance of normal again...
My sisters Stephanie and Jessica took Aleacia shopping yesterday for some school clothes. I am so happy that they were able to do something special like this with her. She is so distracted from the life an 8 year old should have right now. She has really needed some special attention. I can just see her eating it up and I certainly know they were able to find some very cute things for her to have! My heart really goes out to her during all of this. I can't imagine having a twin with me all the time, emotionally and physically, and then suddenly having that ripped apart. Even upon return, Jenny stressed to me that it will be difficult because they will both be at different levels of maturity. Please pray specifically for this issue.
My dad took Sophia to do something special yesterday as well. They were going to go play putt-putt. I can see Sophia's smile and I know she enjoyed every minute!
Jenny is making good progress as well. She had an ortho appointment this week. All the x-rays looked good, everything is healing well, and they were pleased she had been doing her therapy/strength training on her own at home. She can now almost fully extend her left arm and turn her hand up. They told her only that she needed to be bending her knee, that she would have to push through the pain and just do it. Also they told her that she will soon be able to put weight on her right leg, as tolerated. That means for her that she will soon be able to try getting around with a walker. She has yet to do that, and there will be no weight bearing on her left leg, but still it seems like a step in the right direction!
She does not have a CAT scan date for her mouth yet. Her cheek is still numb, but she is gaining more feeling around her eye. You will be happy to know that she can now flare her left nostril! She was so thrilled about this development and wanted me to share with you :) Her upper lip on the left side still has no feeling.
Once again, I express thanks for your faithfulness to intercede on behalf of my sister and her family. God's mercies are new each morning. Without, we would be lost. We are each so in need of His love, His forgiveness, His grace, His saving and His healing power.

"Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord is my strength and my song. He has also become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

"You, Lord, will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is stayed on You because I trust in You!" Isaiah 26:3

Update for Saturday

I apologize for the delay between posts. As you can tell, the tide is slowing and the updates will be coming less frequently now that we are well on our way to recovery...
Jenny's mouth is getting better everyday. She still has screws in her mouth and has one in particular that keeps coming loose (she tightens it back herself :). She can not move side to side, her jaw, but feels like she is talking more clearly, eating more, and gaining some weight.
...I talked extensively with Jenny a few minutes. She and Matthew are heartfelt and sincere in their request to offer thanks to you for all of the cards, support, and prayer you have shown through this ordeal. They know that prayers have been heard and answered. They would ask that you would continue to intercede on behalf of their family, especially for Isabella's complete recovery.
Isabella has an expected release date of September 2nd, however she will likely come home before that. They are beginning to discuss where they would like to continue outpatient therapy, possible schooling options, and other things that let us know that the end of the hospitalization is creeping nearer.
Isabella is becoming more spontaneous with her conversation, not limiting herself to only questions and answer discussions. She is running, skipping and hopping (while being held by the therapist) and is now allowed on the outside "playground" in the therapy unit. She is still having short term recall issues, but that has shown improvement in the last week. She still struggles with decision making, right/wrong, and relating socially with her sisters. Her brain is relearning so many things! I have learned so much about how different brain injuries can be, how unusual the recovery period is. I am so thankful for the great strides in progress Bella has made thus far. I have no doubt that the same God who protected her in the accident, held her safely in sleep for 5 days, and brought her to this point in recovery will bring her full and complete healing. What goodness...
Please be in prayer this week for Jenny and her family. There are some really big decisions to be made very soon. Pray for discernment and wisdom for them. Thank you again for being so faithful. Love you all.

Update Wednesday August 5th

My sister and parents were able to visit Isabella today. Isabella seemed very good today. She played Pretty Pretty Princess (a board game) with her sisters after her therapy sessions and is seeming more like Isabella each day. She was able to tell my parents what she had eaten for lunch, so that was great short term recall. Jenny did a lot of prompting today to help her remember to be polite and to know how to act. She was grabbing things from the girls, but would correct herself when asked. Aleacia and Sophia both cried when they left the hospital because they had to say goodbye to their Daddy. They are feeling the emotional strain of the situation as well as young as they are.
Her release date is September 2nd. However, they will not release her until she is ready and they are ready to come home. They will have family meetings, school teacher meetings, etc. before the time to come home arrives. School begins in a few weeks for Aleacia.
Jenny's mouth is really sore. She is still hurting so bad and is hating the rubber bands. She still has the screws in her mouth (this is what she attaches the rubber bands to). When the rubber bands fall out, it hurts a lot to get it back in. She had to tighten one of the screws herself with her hand! She also found a tooth in the back of her mouth that is broken. The teeth that are loose in her mouth will supposedly tighten up. This is apparently normal for the trauma.
There is no date scheduled for her CAT scan as far as I know.
It seems like the story is slowing down, with developments coming fewer and farther between. I am so thankful for how God has carried these two and for how He is weaving their story. I am still and ever shall be so humbled by His grace, mercy, and love. Thank you for praying for the Laird family. Please continue to pray on their behalf.

Pictures from our trip

Here are a few pictures of our trip this weekend. If you would like to see more of the kids, I put more on my family blog www.schlappitimes5.blogspot.com

I also have uploaded several things this morning, so be sure you scroll down through the blog an visit the older posts if needed to be sure you catch it all!

Jenny's visit to the doctor

Jenny called me a few minutes ago. Her visit with her surgeon went well. He unwired her jaw and put rubber bands in place! She was not expecting this for another week, so it was a huge surprise. She can open her mouth now just a bit, enough for a spoon with a small bite to fit through. She is excited to be able to eat food! They talked about the bone in her mouth. He could not see it because he didn't want to pry her jaw open that wide to protect the bones that have healed. She is scheduling a CAt scan sometime in the next few weeks to view it. From there, he will most likely shave it down to a comfortable point and leave it. Until that point, she will have to keep wax on it to keep it from poking her tongue. She is happy to be able to open her mouth to get wax inside there! Thought you all might like to hear the good news!

Isabella's video

I took a small video on my phone of Isabella when I was with her on Saturday. She is looking for her chain with color swatches on it. She keeps it around her pinky finger. It is a little dark, but you can hear her speak a bit. You can also hear Jenny. It is so good to hear both of their voices!

Isabella's writing

I told you I would post some of Bella's handwriting. This one is special to me because she wrote about her aunts coming to see her. You can read the sentence above! Also, you can see where she saw that the words "ho" like santa says and "me" make "home." Thought you might like to see some tangible progress!

Laird family thank you

We printed these postcards to pass out to all the Emergency response units at the scene of the accident. Thought you might like to see it. The text on the postcard reads:

Thank you for giving your time, encouragement, & service to be a part of God's plan for this family. He has covered them with His hand, behind and before, and has surrounded them with people of such high caliber. Thank you for being able, willing, and there when they needed it most. You truly made a difference.

Gratefully,

The families of Matthew, Jennifer, Isabella, Aleacia, and Sophia Laird.

Psalm 139:5

Pictures of Isabella

I have posted two pictures here of Isabella at Children's. She is with her sisters in one at a therapy session where the Bassett hound I wrote about came to visit the children. The other one shows her precious smile. By the way, these are a few days old. Since they have been taken, she scab on her forehead has come off. I can't believe how remarkable they were able to piece her forehead back together! Another miracle for which we give thanks...

Arrival home...

I arrived home a few minutes ago. The kids are in bed, but my coffee, unfortunately, is still kicked in :)
Jenny got to spend the whole day today with Isabella. Jenny said that Bella had a great day. Her occupational therapist even said that she wanted to get 80 percent out of Isabella today and that she did! Also, they dialated Isabella's eyes today to check her optic nerves for permanent damage. There was no swelling on the optic nerve (this is great news because swelling there means swelling in the brain) and her vision is great! Praise God for yet another small miracle! Isabella is still very easily overstimulated, so pray also for her emotional adjustment in the next few weeks...
I spent a lot of time with my other two nieces, Aleacia and Sophia. They had a blast with my chidren! It was good to see them smiling and I have no doubt that they will soon be reunited with Isabella and more happy than we could all imagine...
Jenny goes to the plastic surgeon tomorrow to see about her jaw. Be in prayer for that appointment, for discernment on the Dr's. part and for comfort and peace for Jenny.
I will post more when I know more tomorrow....

Monday

Jenny went to be with Isabella today at the hospital. My dad took her up there. My mom and I have the kids here. We are taking them to do something fun this afternoon, and then we are on the road again, back to Georgia. They have had the best time together as cousins. We are all glad for them, but very anxious to see sweet Bella in the midst of them all again. We have all had several moments of tears welling watching them play.
We also looked at pictures last night and saw several of the twins prior to the accident. I know it was hard for my sister to see them both together. She longs for that day. Jennifer, as any parent would, is having a difficult time emotionally. Pray boldly today for Isabella, in full confidence that God will restore her and bring her home to us... soon.
There will be more pictures posted tomorrow once I am home on my own computer. I hope to be able to include some of Isabella's writing also.
We will keep the updates coming as they progress. It seems like the train is slowing, but we know that God is continuing to work. Thank you for being faithful to support this family in prayer. Love you all.

Visiting with Isabella

So this morning and afternoon my sisters and I drove to Columbus to see Isabella. I will do my best to justify how I perceived her situation. It is very hard to describe because in some ways she is 8. In other ways, it seems like there is much to be relearned. Physical healing has a much more defined timeline and is easy to see. We are learning every day about Isabella's kind of healing...
When she saw us, she called us "the aunts." We got there in time to see her finishing up speech therapy. She was doing a puzzle with her therapist of animals and their habitats. There were actually four separate puzzles, each of about 12 pieces. The center piece was the habitat (forest, ocean, farm, and home). She had to draw a piece, name the animal and then place it in the right habitat. The therapist would ask where the animal lived and she would say, "right there." She got the habitats mixed up a few times, was hesitant to answer a few times, needed a first letter-sound prompt a few times, but other than that, got them all right. We then went to occupational therapy where she had to pull words out of a Boggle game. She could spell some words and not others, but always got them when prompted. She found the word "ho" and said, "Santa says that" and also "me." She had to write them together and realized as they were beside each other that they spelled "home." She also had to finish a sentence starting with the word my. She said, "My aunts came to see me." I have the paper with her handwriting and will post that as soon as I am reunited with my scanner. I have lots of material ready....
At the moment, she can read and pronounce many words, but whether she retains subject matter is still questionable. She is doing things, but still in a juvenile way. She answers many questions in a high-pitched "uh-huh." We feel like we can see the real Isabella when her voice fluctuates back to normal pitch every now and then.
Also, last night she started asking questions to Matthew about her situation, why she was in the hospital. He explained the car accident, but this morning when Jenny asked her about it, she didn't seem to remember the details outside of the fact that she hit her head. We think, however, that it is a good sign to ask questions. We want her to realize that where she is and what she is going through has not always been. She is very present-minded and it is hard to know if she realizes anything else is normal.
Jenny was able to crawl in her bed this afternoon and cuddle with Isabella. They watched a few movies, and we all know this is the best medicine for Jenny. From my point of view (someone who last saw her in ICU 4 days after the accident), I see huge bridges crossed. I can also now tangibly see that there are still mountains to climb. We are praising God for every hill and bump behind us.... Thank you for reading. Please continue to bathe in prayer my sister and her emotional healing and peace. As far as physical things go, she goes back to the surgeon who did her face on Tuesday. She is hoping he will be able to tell her more about the bone sticking out in her mouth (she is saying that she can feel it more now and that it is more pronounced, longer, and painful than before). You can pray for Isabella also that she will continue to progress. Pray for her brain to reconnect in all the ways it needs to, exceedingly above the bright, intelligent child we all know she is...

Friday

I am sitting here with my sisters Jenny and Jessica. It was so good to see and hug my sister today after being away for three weeks. She looks just as good as I thought she would. I will get a picture posted soon for all of you...
Isabella is working hard at therapy every day. She has an expected release date of September 2nd, but depending on her progress, she may come home earlier. She would still follow up with intense outpatient therapy. School for at least the beginning of the year is still very much up in the air. She will have issues upon returning, for example being restricted in physical activity in order to keep her brain safe.
She goes to physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, school, speech therapy, music therapy, and massage therapy (every day!). She does at least 6 hours of therapy total each day. She struggles with identifying objects and people, short term memory, recall and understanding her situation. My dad was able to spend the day with her today and travel to her therapy sessions with her. At the end of the afternoon, they had a time when the kids could ask any questions they wanted. Isabella asked "What state are we in?" You can see that there are many pieces that still need to come together. She has not yet realized that she was in an accident or why she is in the hospital. She hasn't asked. That realization will be a natural progression in her healing down the line. On a positive note, she is reading and doing math problems. She can look at pictures of her second grade classmates and can identify first and last names, yet she can't recall what she had for breakfast without prompting.
We are learning that the brain is an intricate organ. Depending on point of injury, there are parts/functions that can be affected while others are not hindered in the slightest. The doctors are positive because of her age and the fact that her brain is still growing that her brain will be able to affectively reroute itself and completely recover what was lost.
She knows all of us and our names. She is just still seeming confused and hazy. She is, however, leaps and bounds beyond where the doctors expected her to be at this point. Give glory to God.
She has been upgraded to a regular diet! She can eat it all and she is. She is all grins and giggles. I have a picture of her smile to post. I am not at home right now, so I will do so when I have access to a scanner. Thank you all for being so faithful. Intercede. My sister says hello and thanks you with tears.

Jenny was able to spend the night last night with Isabella. She said that it was wonderful!
Isabella is now on a normal diet. We were all so happy that she ate her first pickle since the accident! (My family loves pickles and olives!) She had a bassett hound visit the therapy group today. She went to music therapy today. The therapist played Jeremy Camp music. Jenny was able to help Isabella do percussion instruments with her along to the music.
My dad is building bunk beds for the girls at his house and is almost finished with them. Soon they will have a bedroom all of their own. Life is slowly returning to normal...

An angel in bib overalls

Three weeks today... It has been three weeks. I can't believe how far God has brought my sister. I really can not get over how he protected her in the first place. My aunt Mary (one of my dad's sisters) just posted a comment on my last entry. You can go back and read it if you like. She mentioned that there must have been an angel at the scene of the accident, "an angel in bib overalls." She is referring to my grandfather, my dad's dad, who passed away in 1997 of Parkinson's Disease. He was a builder and wore, almost always, bib overalls. I have fond memories, all of them, of him in his chair and of course the overalls. I included a picture of him above. You can see for yourselves...

It is powerful to think of the heritage we have. In addition to that, it is moving to realize how God has worked all things out in a way that is so beyond our comprehension... We will never know on this side of eternity just why God brought a horrific accident in the path of my sister and her girls that day. We will never know on this side of eternity how He chose to spare their lives. As I have said before, we can, most certainly, know that there was a reason. I am grateful for the time granted them, especially Jenny and Isabella who sustained multiple severe injuries, and vow from this moment forward to live my life always letting them know how much I love them...

I am moved this morning as I remember fondly my grandfather. I am reminded that God promises us complete healing one day. He has done that for my grandfather. One day He will do it for me. He has worked physical healing in the lives of my family in the last weeks, but promises them that one day there will be no more pain, no more tears. The God who authored our faith will one day perfect it. How can you not cling to that promise? The verse below contains the words consider Him. I wrote a few weeks ago about remembering to stop and give God praise for all things. Today, stop and consider Him who considered you worthy of His life. There is no more important choice you could make...

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

Tuesday, July 28th

Not really much new to report today, but I thought I would post anyway. Jenny followed up today with her family physician. He was so very glad to see her walk through the door and was very personable and tender with her. I am still so amazed at how Cedarville (a town in which I grew up) has really lived up to the small-town-steps-up-and-acts-like-family stereotype. Thank you all for being so wonderful to my family. It has helped me so much being here to know that there are so many there who are willing to do just about anything to help my family.
Her doctor changed her pain medication, giving her something more. Hopefully she will sleep better because of it.
Isabella had a couple of golf pros visit the hospital today. She got to "putt" with them. Matthew said that it will air on the Golf Channel. He does not know on what show or when, but I will be sure to sleuth that out for all of us!

A joyous reunion

My sister called me this evening. It was very strange to see her name come across my caller i.d. as I haven't seen that in weeks. It made me once again so thankful for her spared life.... She was calling to let me know that she was able to spend a good amount of time today with Isabella for the first time since the accident. She hugged her, held her, and really just loved on her. I am sure it was good for both of them to see each other. They can begin to heal in a different fashion now... As far as progress, here is an update on Isabella. She is walking (or rather shuffling awkwardly). That happened just a few days ago. She has "upgraded" to a mechanically soft diet (no more pureed food!), including mac'ncheese and fries. Aleacia and Sophia were able to join Jenny and Isabella today. All three girls watched a movie together in the hospital bed (rails up of course!). Isabella recognized my parents today and called them grandma and grandpa.
She also was able to fill in the key words to the very first lines of Grandma's famous "Squeaky" stories. Squeaky is a mouse. My mother tells the best stories to her grandbabies. It is a nightly tradition should a grandchild be there for bedtime. Her story always begins with the children adding the same two words of the first sentences. It goes like this:
"Once upon a time there was mouse named Squeaky. He was so ornery and so cute." They happened to be discussing Squeaky today and Isabella was able to fill in cute and then ornery. I know that moment must have been very special to hear her recall those words...
Jenny said that Isabella is still very juvenile in her actions. She doesn't know how to respond a lot of times so she laughs. Jenny can see that Isabella is working out the difference between right and wrong. My sister said that part was very hard to see. She said that Isabella is doing great, but still has a really long way to go.
I know my sister is struggling with being able to have her life return to being normal again. She sounds very broken on the phone. I pray it happens for their family very soon. Join me in supporting them again in prayer as you have already been so faithful to do. Our family has been overwhelmed with support, love, and encouragement. God has used you in a tangible way. Thank you for letting Him!

Visitors for Jenny

Thank you for those of you who have spent time visiting Jenny. She would like to thank you for that immensely but also tactfully add that you please be respectful of her time. She let me know that she is just not feeling great still and long visits are very taxing. I know that you will respect her wishes and be able to discover the fine line between a refreshing visit and a taxing one. Thank you again for being so supportive in this time. Jenny is anxious for the normalcy of life to return and rest is imperative for that to happen. Thank you in advance for understanding.

Two peas in a pod...

Melissa was able to visit Jenny in the hospital. You can see that there are really no hard feelings between them. I posted a picture of them in their wheelchairs and also a picture of Melissa's cast that Jenny was able to sign. I believe it says 'Whoops. My bad. Love Jenny.' If nothing else, this picture alone is an amazing testimony of Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our healer. I am so thankful to see them both smiling. I haven't seen my sister since she was flat on her back in a hospital bed and very not with it. It sure is good to see her smile. I can't help but weep. God is so good.

Update from the weekend

Big news! Big news! My sister Jenny got to come home from the hospital yesterday. They kicked her out of rehab because there is nothing else they can do for her until she can put weight on her legs (8-12) weeks. They took the staples out of her leg that day. She is home at my parents' house with her two girls. She is hurting in new places and trying to get stronger. She is anxious to lose the wires in her mouth but has a few weeks. She says that she would love visitors now, but would ask that you let her know when you are coming (remember she is at my parents' house). She got to speak to Isabella on the phone yesterday. Isabella said "Hi Mommy" and "I love you, Mommy." It felt good to talk to her, but Jenny longs to see her. The doctors are checking to see if it would be alright for Isabella to have her come.
In addition to Jenny's good news, Isabella has some of her own. She got her feeding tube out. After biting it in half once this past week (it took four people to get a new one back in her) and again yesterday, they finally just left it out. She is seeming to do fine without it. Matthew says that the doctors are amazed at what she is doing, that they are saying they have never seen a recovery like this, so quick. Here are a few of her recent accomplishments: putting on her socks, writing her ABC's, reading a book, drawing a picture, writing her whole name with help, and even completing an addition problem! Pray that Isabella will continue to progress in huge measures like this and that within a few weeks she will be able to come home to be with her family....

Update for today

My sister saw the oral surgeon today. They think now that what is poking through into her mouth is actually a piece of bone. To do something about it would require her wires being undone. She will deal with it for a few more weeks until she gets her wires off. If at that time it is still bothering her, they can shave it down or remove it.
Isabella was able to eat some pudding and drink a bit of apple juice today. I am not sure if she had her swallowing test today. My sister did not know. Also, they were prompting her to write her name. Matthew helped her with part of it and she pushed his hand away and finished the end herself. Please continue to pray for Isabella and her progress. She has a really long way to go, but each day seems to bring something new.

Isabella... we need to pray

And now an update on Isabella... I spoke with Stephanie tonight extensively and then Jenny for a bit. Jenny is asking that prayers for physical healing be focused on Isabella. I believe that she (Jenny) is acutely aware of the situation now and her heart is grieving through much emotion and confusion...
She got to sit in on a conference call with Matthew and Isabella's doctors. This was very difficult for her because she was hearing the prognosis straight from the doctor rather than through a family filter. The doctor told Jenny that Matthew explains things to her more positively than they really are. Isabella has been labeled as a child with a severe brain injury. Her frontal (critical thinking/right vs. wrong/decision making/personality characteristics) and temporal (short term/long term memory) lobes were damaged. They are not saying that she will not recover 100%, but they are not being very positive about it. We need to pray for a miracle.
Jenny is asking that everyone's prayers go to Isabella, that her brain will be healed, that it will reroute itself like it needs to, that she will have her Isabella back. We know that Jenny will heal completely one day with time; now let's pray the same thing for Isabella.
Honestly, we have been having trouble expressing how to talk about Isabella because everything is so unknown. She is advancing better than they thought she would up to this point, but she is not yet recognizing people or is at least not verbalizing it. She is not stating anyone's name. She is crying when she sees her twin. They have said that her eyes are open but that she is basically still asleep.
This week, Isabella will have another swallowing evaluation. It is scheduled for tomorrow or Thursday. Pray that she will be able to swallow. She is not showing that natural reflex as of right now. Please pray specifically for that. She is uncomfortable because the feeding tube is clogging her up.
Jenny is requesting PLEASE NO VISITORS FOR ISABELLA. ABSOLUTELY NONE. She needs no stimulation. The doctors are not allowing even Aleacia and Sophia to come anymore.
Jenny is going to need a lot of help emotionally through the rest of the ideal. She is not on as much pain medicine, so her mind is more aware of the situation. She is dealing with a lot of guilt and anger and her heart hurts terribly for her sweet Isabella. She wants so badly to be with Isabella, but it is not possible right now. Please pray for continued miracles on Isabella's behalf. Pray for God to wrap His arms around my sister in a tangible way and grant her a peace only He can give, one that is beyond all understanding...

Tuesday, July 21st Update

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Today was Jenny's first full day of rehab. They worked her very hard of course, including two sessions of occupational therapy (daily stuff) and two sessions of physical therapy. She also had a psych therapy session. She was unsure about that, but was glad that he came after the fact. He was a Christian and shared a Bible verse with her (included above) She is dealing with a lot of anger and guilt which is very natural. He shared with her what she would be experiencing over the next few months. She recognizes that she has a lot to work through and is willing to have help.
As of 8:30 p.m., she was still waiting for the surgeon to come and fix the screw in her mouth.
Also, Melissa came today. They had their pictures taken together in their wheelchairs. They were able to sit outside in the sun for about half and hour and that felt good to her. She got to sign Melissa's cast, 'Whoops, my bad! Love, Jenny.' She was able laugh with her two good friends, Beki and Melissa. Jenny said her ribs really hurt now, but it was way worth it!
Finally, Jenny wants also to communicate that she would be alright with brief visits from close family and friends after 3:00. She mentioned that she still needs much rest, but a quick hello might be a good way for her to focus on something else.
Oh, and she wants you to know that liquid pasta, pureed meatloaf and liquid broccoli are never good decisions...

Mom and her grandbabies

My mom says she wants 20 grandbabies out of the four of us. I think a bathtub full is a good start... You can see the twins here and also Sophia (on the left). Precious!

The best end to this day...

I was driving home from a friend's house this evening. I had called my mom to get the blog update. She was with Jenny at the hospital. Anyway, we did our thing. She hung up the phone and it rang one minute later. I answered. It was my sister. I could tell that she was talking through clenched teeth, but it was her! It felt so good to hear her voice. I heard it a bit before I left Ohio, but it was very different. Tonight, she sounded more like herself. She cried a little bit of course. There was not much left unsaid between us... She moved to rehab today. She will have the wire (actually it is a screw in her jaw that is too large) fixed tomorrow. They will give her anasthetic and either unscrew it a bit or replace it with a smaller screw...
My mom got to spend time with Isabella this afternoon. She took Aleacia and Sophia to see her. I think it was a bit much for Bella. Mom said that she may have been overstimulated. She cried a lot while they were there.
Thank you for all of you who are praying for this family. God continues to show His hand of healing and mercy to each of them. I will post when I know more again...

Sunday Evening, 9 days later

Jenny had a better night last night. She rested better and was having a better day today until one of the wires inside her mouth popped. It is in between her teeth and tongue in the back left corner of her mouth. It was cutting into her tongue, so she was waiting for the oral surgeon to come and evaluate that situation. I spoke to my dad a few minutes ago and as far as he knew, the surgeon had not been in.
She is expected to move to rehab in the next few days.
Isabella was able to take a nap with her daddy today, "wrapping" her arms around him. She tried to mouth a few words, but nothing came out. She did grab at the nurse with her right arm. This is great news because she has not yet shown much control/strength on the right side of her body. She pointed correctly to a few pictures the therapist provided. They readjusted her feeding tube today and Matthew expected that they would soon be in to test her swallowing once again.
Thank you for tuning in. I will be sure to keep you posted when anything new arises. 9 days later, time is still passing. Healing is coming, slowly but surely. Thank you for praying. God bless you all.

It has been just over a week since my sister's accident. I am still astounded at God's power in protecting them all and sparing their lives. I understand that although I am, as everyone else I am sure also is, still reconciling God's purpose. One thing I do know is this: there is one. Our praise team at church did a concert a few months ago. They sang a song entitled, "We will Remember." I wrote about it to my Bible Study girls in April. Truly, from the first time I heard it, it moved me. It is so perfect for the events in the last week, and I would be amiss if I didn't share with it you....

I sang it through tears in my car ride to Ohio when I didn't know the outcome of four precious lives. I sang it through my head as I watched my sister struggle in pain, questioning. I have been singing it all week. Simply put, it is about deliberately stopping, remembering, and praising God for all He has done and provided in our lives. In this instance, God provided a hand of protection, sustaining four dear lives in a time when despair seemed looming. I have included the lyrics below. I for one will choose to stop, remember, and praise Him for the works of His hands. It was His hands that preserved life last Thursday, June 9th...

We will remember. We will remember.
We will remember the works of His hand.
We will stop and give Him praise, for great is His faithfulness!
He's our creator, our life sustainer, our deliverer,
our comfort, our joy. Throughout the ages,
He's been our shelter, our peace in the midst of the storm.
With signs and wonders He's shown His power.
With precious blood He showed us His grace.
He's been our helper, our liberator, the giver of life with no end!
When we walk through life's darkest valleys we will look back
at all He has done and we will shout 'Our God is good'
and 'He is the faithful one!'

He created us, loved us enough to do so. He sustains us, even when we feel like we aren't worth it. He delivers us from all things imaginable. He comforts us. He hides us in the cleft of His shoulder and keeps us near His heart when we are passing through a shadow. He sees every single tear and catches them in His bottle. He desires to hold us closely. He is our source of joy, filling us past our brims… When the sea gets rocky, He is there just like He was for the disciples. He is in the boat with us! And the most unbelievable bit of it all is that He reveals to us His grace spilled on a cross by choice. He went silently, in humility, empty, to be a perfect sacrifice for us, something we could never do ourselves. He helps us, yes, even liberates us. He is the great emancipator and brings freedom to our lives. He is willing! He gives life unending! And finally, when we are so awash with life, with circumstance, with feeling, with question, with uncertainty, with harshness, He is beside us. In fact, He tells us in Psalm that He is not only beside us, He is before us and behind us and above us. When we are discouraged, He is still there. When we are overwhelmed, He is there. When we are unsure, He is there! And when we emerge from the deluge, we will shout 'My God is a faithful God and He is good!'

I am ashamed to admit there have been many periods in my life when I have been ungrateful, unappreciative, just plain ignorant of what exactly God has done for me. I am choosing, in these moments, to stop, remember, and praise Him for being all of those things to my sister and her family.

I wanted to take you to this place with this song today. It has meant a lot to me and I needed to share. I don't know many details about what you may be going through, but I do know one thing. God is a constant, an absolute. He wants us as children. He esteems us, pursues us, and delightes in us. Let's be honest. Sometimes taking a step, moving one foot in front of the other is all we can do. Other times we find ourselves running to Him. Either way, get those feet moving! And while we are at it, let us not forget to fall on our faces before Him and thank Him, remembering the works of His hands in our lives.

I will be praying this week that we will each stop, be still, and see, really see, how He is moving, even in the midst of this moment right now, even when we might not be able to sense Him clearly. His grace is sufficient for every need we could ever encounter. He has enough reserve for all. On behalf of the Laird family, I am choosing to remember. Join me.

Update on the CT scan and x-ray

The results from Jenny's tests came in. She does have fluid in her lungs, but since she is not running a fever and her white blood cell count is up, they are not concerned. As time passes and she is able to begin to be more "up," her lungs should return to normal. She does, however, have more broken ribs on the right side of her body (this would explain the bumps they found yesterday). They separated from her sternum. She has also started drinking ensure, so that will give her some calories.
I will write more when I hear an update on Isabella's day.

Clarification

Stephanie just called me this morning. We somehow got our wires crossed last night. The x-ray and the CT scan were for Jenny yesterday, not Isabella. Jenny has fluid in her chest and the bumps sticking up below her collarbone. Stephanie was still awaiting results of the x-ray and CT scan this morning. I will update the post as soon as I know anything. Sorry for the mix-up :)

Friday, 8 days later

I spoke with my mother a few minutes ago. Jenny has several doctors pushing her in several ways. The ortho doctors are pushing her to reduce her morphine intake back to once every 3-4 hours so that she can be on her way to rehab. The occupational therapist and physical therapist also want results. They took her off of oxygen yesterday and removed her catheter today so she will be less prone to infection. She had a few syringes full of cappucino today and a small amount of ensure. She is beginning to miss her girls terribly and is fully aware now of Isabella's situation. She is struggling emotionally. She is still in much pain and wishing to have no visitors outside of immediate family. Pray for her as she is beginning to experience just how much hard work she has to endure and is realizing how long it might be before she can see her babies again.
Isabella, on a positive note, walked 70 ft. today with help. She was awake for 7 hours straight as the therapy she is enrolled in takes the form of schooling. She had an x-ray done of her chest/legs today. There was fluid in her lungs (possibly blood pooled or some other fluid) so she was having a CAT scan tonight to see about that. They also discovered two bumps in her chest below her collar bone, possibly bones. They are hoping to know something about those from the CAT scan as well. There are two urgent prayer requests for her. First, that she will develop the ability to swallow again. The feeding tube needs to be removed, but if she can not swallow when it comes out, then she will have to have a GI tube inserted. She did not pass her swallow test today. The second thing is that she has refused to speak today (up until today, she had spoken only a few words). She was refusing to answer even her daddy. Pray for her mental healing as well.
The doctor saw Aleacia and Sophia today. He said they looked great. Sophia had her stitches out. She cried a bit. Both of them need prayer for emotional healing.
I attached a few pictures of Jenny and the girls. There is also one of them with Melissa at her wedding. I am so thankful God protected these beautiful ones and pray for complete restoration. Join me.

Update on Thursday

Jenny is getting her liquid perkaset (I have no idea how to spell that...) 4 hours a day and that has helped to tolerate the pain... some. She is experiencing nausea from meds/no food. They tried applesauce and mashed potatoes through a syringe today, but you can imagine how that went. The physical therapist came and worked with her on a wheelchair transfer. With much help and great pain, she was able to make the transfer to the wheelchair and back to bed one time. The speech pathologist came to do some cognitive tests with Jenny. From her perspective, she viewed all as fine. She will possibly be removed to rehab this weekend and can expect to be there for at least a month.
Isabella was transferred to Columbus this morning. It is a great facility complete with gym and water therapy. She was able to take a few shuffles today with help. There will be a Cleveland Browns player (my sister didn't remember his name or his organization) stopping by to bring Bella gifts tomorrow.
Aleacia and Sophia are still at home, working on recovering. Aleacia is having difficulty sleeping and no doubt misses her twin. Sophia's face is healing and her stitches come out tomorrow.
Please continue to pray for the Laird family in this time. It has been one week today and there is much reality still to set in. You can pray for complete healing, comfort, discernment in decision making, stamina, and peace of mind. Thank you again for praying.

Jenny's friend, Melissa

Many of you may not know that the driver of the car with which my sister collided was a very close friend of Jenny's. Her name is Melissa. She lives just a few minutes from the accident scene. I spoke to her on the phone today. In the accident, she broke her right clavicle, 2 bones in her left forearm, right tibia, 2 metatarsuls in her left foot, and her big toe. She also has 6 staples in the back of her head. She had surgery on her forearm to put in plates on Thursday. Friday, she had plates put in her clavicle and screws in her foot put in place. Hopefully, her left foot will require no more work, but only time will tell. She seemed to be in good spirits tonight. She and Jenny have spoken on the phone. I am so thankful for Melissa. She knows that God had her there for a reason.

Urgent Request

I just talked with my sister, Stephanie. She is with my sister now after her surgery. They are unable to give her medicine, food or water through the mouth. They are working through the pain while she is suffering and decifering another plan. Please pray for her comfort as she is in unbearable pain. Jenny has specifically requested to have no visitors over the next several days. While it may be difficult, we ask that you would respect her wishes, bathe her in your prayers, and hold off on your visits for a good while. Please continue to check the blog for updates. They will be frequent. Thank you for understanding.

Letters to Jenny and Isabella

When I got home from Ohio on Monday, I melted when I saw my daughter's room. She has a bulletin board in her room. On her own initiative, she covered it with pictures of Isabella. She also wrote these two letters to be sent. They are on their way in the mail, but I thought I would post them on the site. From the smallest of the small, people everywhere are praying...

Surgery Update

My sister just came through surgery a few minutes ago. The reconstruction took over 4 hours. Here are the details. The surgeon said her face was very crushed. She has 6 plates (permanent) in her face (3 around her eye, 1 on her cheek, and 2 around her chin holding her jaw) and numerous screws. She has one incision above her eye and one incision below her eye. The doctor also put some mesh under her eyeball to keep it from dropping and falling down. All other incisions were made through the interior of her mouth. Also her jaw was wired shut with 8 screws. These wires and screws will remain for 4 wks. After that, she will switch to rubber bands. Those will be able to come out when the pain subsides. She will be able to eat what she can squeeze through her teeth. Needless to say, that will not be much. She will most likely consume a lot of protein shakes as her body will need the protein to enhance the bones healing and the weight loss she will most likely encounter.
He was confident that she should look pretty normal. She may be able to feel the plates, but no one else should be able to notice them. Her teeth should fit a bit different from how they did before, so that remains to be seen. She has a lot of bone pieces left that will on their own fuse back. Her sinus cavity is in tact. She will be in a lot of pain for several days in her face, not including the other areas of her body where she is broken. Please continue to pray for her recovery.
She is still not awake from the surgery. She had to be intubated again (through her nose this time) and they are hoping to remove that before she comes to. I hope that can be so.
On another note, Isabella will be moved to Columbus tomorrow. Matthew said that today she was able to sit for a few minutes on her own with her feet dangling over the bed. She also took 4 strides (wasn't happy about it), 2 of which were good and 2 of which were weak.
It is amazing how much different each day can be when you are stripped of life being normal. Continue to pray for Isabella, Jennifer, Matthew, Aleacia and Sophia.
I will keep you updated, so check back soon. Thank you for all your kind words to support this family.