Thursday, July 31, 2008

"Give Me a Break!"

Hi Friends!
What a great day . . . Kathi "showed off" a little for me and I was amazed at the progress in just the last 3 or 4 days. 

The first thing I did today was check her sleep log from last night - and she had slept the entire night. Praise God! When I walked into the room, Kathi looked at me and said "The doctor told me I would be in the hospital for a few more weeks." 


Now, the significance of this is 1) She finally remembered she was in the hospital. 2) She remembered talking to the doctor this morning and 3) She's right about the time frame. 

Kathi proceeded to tell me that she had walked in the hallway today with a walker and it was hard. She expressed amazement at the length of time she has been in the hospital and that she can't remember any of it. Her self-awareness was greatly improved today. The down-side of this self-awareness is now she recognizes that she has pain in her leg and some of her joints. 

I was shown some of her work from a few weeks ago when the therapist asked her to outline the letters "A, B & C" that were pre-written for her. She couldn't do it. Today, she wrote the entire alphabet without any problem. When she forgot her therapist's name, she said "Hey - I have a traumatic brain injury, give me a break!" What a hoot!

We sat for a while as she opened, read and talked about the various cards and notes she has received. She was flabbergasted that so many people had written her encouraging cards and had been praying for her over the last six weeks.

After 90 minutes of working hard, her ability to concentrate on the present started to suffer a little. She asked me to help her pack her things up so that we could get home. But today, that minor glitch in her thinking was the exception and not the rule.


21 comments:

Sally-Girl! said...

Oh sweet Kathi keep working hard, you are making such great progress. You are simply amazing and such an inspiration to all of us. You are never far from my thoughts and are always in my prayers for recovery and healing. Can't wait to see you and squeeze you!

Dana Lookadoo said...

Kathi, Still praying for you and have friends praying for you, yet we only met so very briefly at Lakeside. A huge part of the cycling community in Sac/Folsom are praying for you!

And the alphabet is more important than your therapist's name any day!

Dana

Cindy said...

Kathi,
I can just see the look of determination on your face as you work to piece your life back together. What great news on the Blog tonight. You are making such great progress, and I know that it will be such a great story of victory for you and God! I pray for your peace and healing throughout the day and love to read stories of your sense of humor and feistiness. You are such an inspiration to so many.
God Bless You! Love you~
Cindy D
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30

Katie said...

Kathi I am so glad to hear that you are working so hard and accomplishing so so much. Praise the Lord for your perseverance and improvements! We miss you so much and hope that you get to come home soon!

Praying for you!

Brandon and Katie Steele

ucdgrad said...

What a party we'll have when you come home! Jen

A said...

Awesome job Kathi! You are constantly in my prayers and I am thankful you are getting rest! I read "Cold Tangerines", the book you loved from last year! I thought of you through the entire book and it was inspiring!
Lord Jesus, we KNOW you ARE with Kathi and that you never leave her side. Please reveal yourself to her and let her feel your presence!
Annie Holt

Cherie Denna said...

As I read the latest article about the young lady that hit you, I continued on to read the comments posted in the blog on the News10 site. So many are praying for you, Kathi. Great numbers of people who have never even known you! Entries on the blog describe who you are in Christ and others witness to the blogging community how important it is to pray for Brandi Thomas as well. Your light shines everywhere girl ~ What a blessing to witness the Lord's work in your life and the miraculous healing taking place in you. Be strong and rest in the Lord (when they let you!) Slave drivers!

In His Light ~ Cherie LaLanne

Ralph and Diana said...

Kathi,

Diana and I are so proud of you and know that this will be nothing less than a huge testimony for our Lord. You just hang in there and keep doing what you already know how to do; "work hard and keep the faith".

Love,

Ralph and Diana

Heather Bystrowski said...

We love you Kathi and our prayers are with you daily!

Unknown said...

Good Morning Kathi,

If a person's wealth is measured by her loving and caring Christian friends, then you are extremely rich! I'm gratified to see them visit with great interest as to your well being and progress. I've done much research into TBI's since Sam's incident in Iraq and you're at a great place already in the terms of recovery. God is showing himself strong in your weakness and your determination is making him proud...Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and he'll lead you back into total restoration... God Bless You Kathi!

Eric

T2 said...

Dear K4~
R5 & I are still praying for you every night. So many people here in Hawaii are asking about your progresss, too, having never met you. The body of Christ is at work for your benefit. Keep working hard and we'll keep praying!!

SandyL said...

Reading this story and seeing your look of determination just puts a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon. Lots of Love and Prayers! Sandy (aka Rockstar!)

AmyB said...

Kathi --
Your tenacity and determination just amazes me. May all the glory be to God. I will continue to pray and can't wait for your homecoming. Jen's right -- it will be a big party! Happy dances all around!! I miss you very much! Keep up the great work!
Hugs,
AMY BRASIL

Kelly said...

Thanks for the encouraging update! God is good and very evident...praise Him. Keep up the good fight, Kathi!

Gonzales said...
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Gonzales said...
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Gonzales said...

Praise God! We're so happy that you're continuing down this road to recovery. You will continue, as always, to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Chris and Marcia

Anonymous said...

Kathi - I'm so excited to hear the great news of your recovery! Praise God!! Keep up the hard work. You continue to be in my prayers!

Debbie Werolin :)

Cindy K said...

OOOOOH Kathi,
Wow I am so amazed at what God is helping you to do!!! Thank YOU GOD!! I so miss you and look forward to the day when I can say Hi in person, but until that time please know that you are loved and missed by all of us here on the sidelines! We will continue to pray for you.
Sincerely,
Cindy Kapki and family

Lil said...

Kathi, what a wonderfull day it is today to see your beatiful "Kathi" smile. I praise God for the courage, strength and determination that you have because you are truly an example to us, that our God is great. We will continue to pray for your recovery and know that we think you are so special.
Hugs,
Lil

Heather said...

Kathi - It is so great to see the progress you are making. I thought of you as I read Oswald's teaching for today. As usual its a bit above my head but he says the "idea of prayer is not in order to get answers from God; prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God." This particular line struck me: "We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God's grace." And what a glorious monument you are! I think of all the prayers in and around you and all that oneness with Him and see it in your smile. Peace and joy be with you and yours today. xoxox Heather