Help Holli Heal

Home 1 year later

2012-01-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since Holli has been home. She and I are both so much happier being here. She is now standing up in physical therapy with assistance. Each time we stand her she tolerates it for a longer period of time. It will take awhile to build up her strength. She appears to be getting stronger, especially her left (unaffected) side but I am seeing some improvement on her right side. We finally after about 3 tries found a good foot splint that she wears daily for about 8 hours that is helping her foot drop. She is continuing to get botox every 3 months in her right arm and leg. We now have to put her arm splint on when she goes to sleep or she will take it off!! This way we can get some benefit from the arm splint. Holli is talking more and more but still confused most of the time and continues to have the short term memory loss. She continues to get agitated easily and will cuss you out in a heart beat. Her appetite varies from day to day. Some days she will eat and drink really well but then other days she will not eat anything. We still have her on nightly tube feeding to be sure she get adequate nutrition. She loves watching movies and believe it or not football. This is funny to me because before her accident she could care less about sports. When Heather has asked her during the play offs who would win , she has picked the winners every time!! It will be interesting to see if she picks the winner of the Super Bowl on Sunday. Her 34th birthday is coming up on Valentine's Day. She has come along way these past three years but she still has a long way to go.

Holli 6 months at home!

2011-06-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that I have had Holli home for 6 months. It is so wonderful to have both of my girls back home with me. I am still grieving over my husband's death but having Holli here to concentrate on has really helped. Holli and I am both so much happier with her being here. Holli has nursing assistants come here twice a day to help with her care which gives me a break and enables me to go to the grocery, run errands or make appointments for myself. Holli is still getting botox injections every three months so we get to go on a "road trip" whenever she has an appointment. Even though she enjoys going in the transportation van to the doctor these trips tire her out. She gets a shower once a week, which she still does not like, and get up in her wheelchair for several hours 3-5 days a week, depending on when I have someone to help me get her back to bed. Everyday she wears her high top tennis shoes and right arm splint for 6 to 8 hours. She is being fitted for a splint for her right foot to help with her foot drop. Physical therapy comes twice a week and nurse once a week. It seems like we are always having company with everyone coming in and out. Today Holli was visited by her good friend, K T, from Oakland, Ca. It is always so great whenever Holli's friends come and see her. It makes her so happy to see her friends. I know Holli gets tired of just looking and being with me all the time!! I appreciate all the love and prayers that we are still receiving. We have come a long way on this journey but we still have a long way to go. I want to wish my 91 year old Dad Happy Farther's Day, love you Dad.

Franny's Visit with Holli

2011-03-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, On my way back from the Gon KiRin roadtrip to Detroit I stopped in Nashville on my way to Austin to visit with Holli and Diane. I arrived late and Hollis was asleep so Diane and I had the chance to catch up. The last time I saw them was when Hollis was at St. Lukes Hospital in San Francisco before I moved to Mexico in July 2009. Wow times flies and Hollis has progressed tremendously!!! She suddenly woke up and was eager to see who was there. I walked down the stairs and she was smiling. She thanked me for coming to visit her all the way from California. She was amused by my 100-pound rottweiler and wanted to see her up close. Osa Perez jumped on her bed and licked her face multiple times as Hollis giggled. She laughed and said "you've got a big pooch but she's a big baby!" She asked me if I was going to spend the night. I said "Yes, we are going to have a slumber party!" She told me to get on her bed thus I did. I told her that everyone misses her and loves her and she said "It's not the same without me is it?" I agreed. Later that night I was sleeping in her room that she grew up in and I noticed the glow in the dark message that she wrote on the ceiling as a child. It said "The stars don't shine when your eyes are closed!" It really touched me because I could hear her saying it as I read it. The next morning we watched TV together and I played with her beautiful dark brown long hair. I gave her my silver guatemalan jade ring that I made in Chiapas and she thanked me. She liked looking at the bling. She was talking a lot and she listened and absorbed very word I said sometimes repeating my sentences taking it all in. She even had a conversation with my pops on the phone. She made his day and he told her that she's a tough cookie. Harry called and sung her a song. She recognized the song and said it was beautiful. She enjoys watching Disney movies and listening to her mom read to her. She still has her sass and doesn't always like it when the nurses put her in the shower. I encourage all of you to stop by and visit her whenever you are near Nashville. She loves the company of her friends . Diane has renovated the entire downstairs for Hollis including the shower room. She receives Botox every few months to help with the flexibility of her muscles. Holly told me that she loves her mom and that she's her main inspiration. Diane is very happy to have Hollis around. It's been really rough since Doug passed. Heather and her two girls will be moving in soon. I am pleased to know that the Hawthornes are together once again. Love and kisses, Franny

2 Year Anniversary

2011-02-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

I will never forget that phone call in the middle of the night two years ago. The one that turned my world upside down as well as Holli's . It is hard to believe that it has been that long and all we have gone through, the heartaches, the ups and downs of our journey. Thank you Lord for being with us every step of our journey and for giving me the strength to get through each day. Through this journey I lost the love of my life two months ago. It is hard some days but having Holli home gives me a purpose and a joy and makes the heart ache a little less. I am so thankful for how far Holli has come and look forward to her continuing to improve. We are so blessed by the love and support of our family and friends. Just the encouragements and love that was given helped me get through the rough days. I pray a year from now that we will still be rejoicing in Holli's continued progress. I just want to say thank you for your continued love and support.
Diane

Holli's Home

2011-02-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

For those who do not follow Holli on her caring bridge site, I was finally able to bring Holli home on January 15th. We totally remodeled the downstairs to make it Holli's living area. For the most part Holli is very content and happy being home. She still forgets that she is at home and asks when we can go home. We have been home 3 weeks tomorrow. Holli was greeted that day with family and friends to welcome her home. It has been a comfort for me to have her here so I don't get lonely. It has been hard since Doug died and I miss him so much but having to concentrate on Holli has been a blessing and is helping me to heal. I pray that this coming year will be filled with happiness. We will be celebrating Holli's 33rd birthday on Valentine's Day. We will definitely have ice cream and cake.

Back in the Hospital

2010-08-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Holli was admitted back to the hospital this past weekend. For details please log on to caringbridge.org/visit/hollihawthorne where I have posted the latest on Holli's condition. Thanks. Diane

Discharged from Hospital

2010-07-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

Today Holli was discharged from the hospital back to Madison Health care. She has a PIC line in that will stay for the next two weeks to receive IV antibiotics. Holli seemed glad to be back in her room but was very tired and just wanted to sleep so I left her alittle early tonight. I am needing some rest myself and hope to be able to recuperate in the next couple of days. I had forgotten what little sleep you get sleeping at the hospital. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Friday

2010-07-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today makes a week that Holli has been in the hospital. She had a rough night and day with pain and nausea. She is finally resting comfortable this evening and was able to eat some supper without any problems. Holli had a PIC line put in her left arm this afternoon so she can continue to receive IV antibiotics for several weeks after we leave the hospital. She continues to run a low grade fever that they have been unable to identify the source. When her blood cultures were drawn she had already received a couple of antibiotics which can mask anything that might be growing. The doctor talked like we will be going back to Madison Health care this weekend. I should know more tomorrow.

Feeling Better

2010-07-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Holli is doing better. Yesterday she was very talkative and laughing but today is very quiet and sleepy. She is still running a low grade fever even though she is getting 3 different antibiotics. An infection control physician is now seeing her trying to find the source. Her blood count is slowly improving but is still not in the normal range but at least is holding. Heather stayed with Holli last night so I could get some sleep. I never slept the night before because Holli had a restless night. I am back now and will be with her for the rest of her hospital stay. We don't know how long that will be before she is discharged. I am thankful that she is improving. While we are here she is being seen by speech, physical and occupational therapy which is wonderful. They sat her on the side of the bed yesterday and is working with her left hand coordination to help her learn how to brush her own teeth and wash her face. Today when they came in she was too sleepy to be able to do much but hopefully tomorrow she will be more awake.

Hospital Day 3

2010-06-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

Holli's color has been better today with her blood level improving. We waited all day for her to be taken to xray for her special procedure. We finally went down at 4:30. They called up to the room to say that she did very well with conscious sedation. They have inserted a drainage tube that is hooked up to a drainage bag located near her left groin. The drainage looks like blood instead of infection but cultures will be sent to the lab. Heather will be staying tonight and tomorrow day with Holli so I can go home and get a little rest and get ready to come back tomorrow evening.

Day 2 Hospital

2010-06-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

The doctor feels pretty sure that Holli has had a retro peritoneal bleed in the psoas muscle. Her hemoglobin and hematocrit dropped even more this morning so she is now receiving 2 units of blood and will also get some more plasma today also. Because her blood is still too thin she will go tomorrow to have the aspiration and drain inserted in xray. She ran a fever all night and they will continue her broad spectrum antibiotics. I can tell she is very weak because she is very quiet and sleeping alot. The nurses were in and out the room all last night giving plasma, starting another IV, drawing blood and doing vital signs. So it was another night of very little sleep. They did at least bring in a cot for me to sleep on. It brought back memories of St. Lukes Hospital in San Francisco of me sleeping on the cot next to Holli for almost 6 months. I will continue to keep you updated during our hospital stay.

Holli in hospital

2010-06-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Holli started complaining about her left leg hurting whenever she would try to move it. Her left leg is her good side that usually she has no trouble in moving. Last evening we decided she needed to come to the emergency room since she has a history of DVT ( blood clots). When we got here after several xrays and blood work drawn we discovered that she had a urinary tract infection and that her blood level was too thin and running a fever. She was still having alot of pain in her left hip so the ER doctor had her admitted to the hospital. We got to our room about midnight and then at 2:30 AM she was taken to xray for a CT Scan. The CT scan showed fluid in her psoas muscle. The doctor said it could be either be due to a hematoma or abscess. Since her blood is too thin they are giving her frozen plasma today to thicken her blood so she can have that fluid drained tomorrow in xray. She is being given 3 different antibiotics and has a foley catheter in because her bladder was distended. We will be here at least several days depending on what they find from the aspiration of the fluid. Neither one of us got much sleep last night. I am having to sleep in a recliner by her bedside. The good thing is that speech, physical and occupational therapy are all seeing her during her stay here. I will keep you updated on her status. Please keep her in your prayers.

Update

2010-06-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been awhile since my last update. Holli had a swallowing test several weeks ago that she passed. She is now starting to get meal trays that we feed her. She is on soft and pureed foods with thicken liquids. Usually she take but only a few small bites of her meals but her therapist said that she is not concerned at the moment about how much she is eating but getting her use to the process. We are continuing to work with splinting her right arm. It is getting a little easier to do range of motion on her arm and she will relax it at times to about a 90 degree angle.
Last weekend I went to my parent's home and my childhood home town to celebrate my Dad's 90th birthday. We had a great family party. Holli called me while I was at the party and sang Happy Birthday to her Pappy!! It thrilled him as well as all of us there. When I got back this past Wednesday Holli had made me a water color sign ( with a little help) using her left hand that said I Love You. It was my welcome back present. I now have it posted on my fridge at home.
I still have not heard back from my appeal to her insurance company concerning her going to Shepard's Center in Atlanta. Hopefully I will hear something this month.
Holli's friends in San Fran are wanting to use the money they have raised recently for Holli to get massages. I am in the process of lining up someone to come out here to give regular massages. Her therapist here thinks this is also a good idea and should help the tone in Holli's arm and neck. She knows someone that I will be talking to real soon.

Mothers Day

2010-05-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

This Mothers Day weekend I stop to thank my Lord for all my blessings. Both of my daughters are very precious to me and I am so thankful for all the joy that they bring into my life. It is so wonderful that Holli has come so far and this Mothers Day is able to talk and laugh with me as a year ago I was just blessed to have her alive. Heather is such a wonderful daughter and has been there for me in so many ways . She has become my best friend and rock over the years. I don't know what I would have done on so many days when my strength would falter and I needed her strength. And to my Mom, I thank you for your love and showing me through your life about our Saviours love and how you are always there for our family no matter what the situation. You taught me to be strong and to keep the faith. I love you, Mom.
Therapy has started the serial casting of Holli's right arm. They have it at a 90 degree angle and Monday will take it off and stretch her arm more and recast it. I pray that with the botox and casting that her arm will improve. She has tolerated the casting well so far. She still has her good days and then her not so good days and gets very emotional at times. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Diane

First Botox Treatment

2010-04-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Today Holli went for her first botox treatment to her neck and right arm. I pray that these treatments will make a big difference. She will get her next injections in 3 months. Holli tolerated them very well. Therapy is to restart working with her arm again next week.
Holli has been in a good mood for the past week. She is laughing more and seems calm. Some days she gets fixated on certain subjects and can get really upset about her "disability". We are all stressing that she does not have a disability but a brain injury with some physical challenges. She will quickly forget what we tell her and we just have to keep reminding her. Then on other days she will say "funny" things and just laugh at herself and sings songs along with her Ipod or the Arts station on tv. She enjoys being read to and playing Uno card game. She also loves going every Monday to get a manicure. The weather is starting to warm back up so we will be able to spend more time outside before it gets too hot and humid.

Botox injections

2010-04-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Good news Holli's botox injections have finally been approved!! She should be getting an appointment soon for her first treatment. It has taken 5 weeks for this to happen. I am so thankful that we can now start again to get Holli's right arm straightened. She has so much tone in that extremity that she desperately needs botox for us to be able to accomplish this feat.
Holli had a good friend, KT, from San Francisco visiting her this past week. They watched "The Little Mermaid" which they love to sing the songs. We have been having some beautiful spring weather. Holli and I have been going outside and ejoying the sunshine and fresh air.

Eliza's Visit

2010-03-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

This week Holli has been back to her old self of smiling and laughing. Her best friend from San Francisco, Eliza, was here to spend three days with Holli. Holli was so excited about Eliza being here. Before Eliza arrived on Wednesday, Holli dictated a letter to Eliza telling her that she was glad she was here and that she loved her. Holli was parked in the dining room at the big window watching for us to arrive. Eliza entertained Holli for the next three days, reading to her, giving her "gifts" and letters from friends back in SF. When Holli's roommate was out of the room , we would put on the music and Eliza would dance with Holli in her wheelchair. Holli again was laughing and trying to make jokes. Holli's big punch line was that she has "spinal myalgia" whenever she couldn't remember what she wanted to say and then just die laughing!! We were able to take Holli outside yesterday and enjoy the sunshine. Thanks, Eliza, for being here for Holli.

Not Giving Up the Fight!

2010-03-08T12:34:00.000-08:00

I received a phone call this morning from Holli's insurance, Amerigroup, that the doctor denied her going to Shepherd Center. I have already appealed the denial but may not know anything up to 90 days. I am reaching out to resources for help to see if there is anyone we can contact that could help with our case. I need once again your prayers for Holli and for guidance as we continue to pursue this fight to get her into Shepherds Center. I appreciate every ones love and support. I will keep you posted.
Diane

Holli Starting to Remember

2010-03-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

For the last several days Holli has been very sad and having very negative thoughts about her past. She has been remembering many childhood memories that have been upsetting to her. She repeatedly talks about remembering having bad feeling about people and people being mad at her and getting upset about "stupid things". She is talking constantly about all these thoughts and feelings. I keep reminding her that no one is upset with her and that she is truly loved. She gets so worked up at times that she gets a very rapid heart rate, sweaty and her skin is blotched. I know this is part of the healing process but it breaks my heart when she gets so sad and starts bawling or so anxious about her negative feeling. I pray that she will soon find peace and strength to get through this phase of her healing.
Diane

Shepherd Update

2010-03-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

Got a call this morning from my social worker that Shepherd Center has agreed to negotiate with Holli's insurance company. It will be a hard road to get them to agree to send Holli out of network to Atlanta. We still need your prayers.
Harrison is in town to visit Holli and his friend Brody. Harrison was so shocked to see how well Holli was talking last evening. He will be in town until Wednesday and plans to visit with Holli again today. She told me that her memory is fuzzy and it is frustrating not to be able to remember. I know with time that this will get better.

Shepards Center Evaluation

2010-02-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Shepard's Center from Atlanta is sending a representative to evaluate Holli to see if she is a candidate for their facility. They are specialized in brain trauma patients and hopefully be able to help Holli progress with her rehab. Of course they have to get her insurance to agree with this move to Atlanta. I am praying that this door will be open to Holli so she can hopefully regain more use of her body. She is doing well with her talking and taking thickening liquids and yogurt. She has been having a very hard time the past several months with severe leg cramps and spasms that causes her to get very agitated at times and other times to cry. We have been trying different medications to try to control her discomfort but she still has been having several rough days lately. It breaks my heart to see her suffering and upset. Please keep Holli in your thoughts and prayers.

Diane

Holli's Birthday

2010-02-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Valentines Day, is Holli's birthday. We plan to have a small birthday party for her at Madison with friends and family. It is hard to believe that on the 24 th of this month that it will be a year since Holli's accident in India. What a journey it has been for the both of us.
It is so great that in the last three weeks that Holli is talking more and more and she has begun to start eating again. This weekend she ate strawberry yogart, apple sauce, thicken apple juice and a couple of bites of banana. She thinks they taste "great" but she keeps talking about steak & shrimp, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli..... It is great that she is wanting food. As soon as we get the okay from her speech therapist I will do my best to get the foods she is craving! She is also wanting red velvet cake for her birthday.
Holli got her new feeding tube inserted this past Thursday at the hospital where I worked for 37 years. It was good knowing the nurses and staff that took care of Holli for the procedure. They did a excellent job and everything went very smoothly. Now I am trying to find a physician that will take her insurance to start her botox injections that she needs for the tone in her right arm ,leg and neck. I am also trying to get Holli accepted to Shepard's Center in Atlanta which is a special facility for brain injury patients that do great work rehabbing patients back to their full potential. I am needing your special prayers again that she will be accepted. They are in the process of reviewing her case and making a decision.
Diane

Benefit for Holli

2010-02-02T17:54:00.001-08:00

I know this is short notice but I just got a text from Holli's good friend, Curtis, who lives in San Francisco and is giving a benefit for Holli this Thursday, Feb. 4th at 8 pm. He wanted to be able to get the word out to her friends there in SF. It will be at McTeagues Saloon 1237 Polk SF, CA. They will have Matt the Electrician (from Austin, Tx.), the Mission Street Stranglers and then
Whiskey Pills Fiasco with Jinx Jones. Donations at the door. I hope you can be there.
Diane

Snow

2010-01-29T16:34:00.000-08:00

Holli and I are enjoying our big snow tonight. We already have several inches and they are calling for it to snow until tomorrow morning. We have not had significant snowfall like this in a long time here in Nashville. I will be spending the night with Holli and sleeping in a chair. I know I will not get much sleep tonight.
Holli has been doing so well with her talking. She usually greets everyone that comes in the room and is usually so polite. At times she can get very angry and shakes her fist or says inappropriate words. When I ask her why she is angry , she will calm down and say...."I don't know". I know this is a part of her brain injury and that we will have to not take it personally when she says or acts inappropriately. She has also been taking alittle nourishment by mouth and doing well. She only wants a couple of spoonfuls at a time but at least this is a start. It is so much fun being able to talk and sing with her. She loves singing along with her music on her Ipod. She still enjoys watching the Simpsons and Friends and laughing every evening. I read her a book tonight that was really funny that really made her laugh hard. What sweet music to my ears!

Holli Sings!!!

2010-01-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

I am on cloud nine!! In the last week Holli is starting to talk more and more. Yesterday while Heather, her sister, was with her they called me at home and put Holli on the phone. She said "Hi Mom" and "I love you". Today I have been with her and she has said no and yes when I asked her several questions very loud and clear when she was up in the chair. Once we got her back in the bed I asked her could she say her name....she said Holli. I asked her could she say Hawthorne and she said it very clearly. It is not all the time she is talking but it is happening more and more without her sleeping medication. She has said several more words and short sentences today. Tonight when her sister, Heather, came by to see Holli, we got her abc letters out and Holli would say the words that Heather was spelling. I decided to try and see if she could sing the ABC song. She started immediately when I began and did not miss a letter! Of course we had to sing it several times!!!I feel so blessed that this is finally happening and prayers are being answered.

Along with this blessing I am saddened by the loosing of a dear friend last week, Mark ,who was Harrison's Mom's love for so many years. He was such a wonderful man who loved Karen and her family dearly. He was so kind to me while I was there in San Francisco. I will truly miss him. I send my love and prayers to Karen , Harrison and Riley during this difficult time in their lives.

Diane

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T13:15:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that this year is already gone! This has been such a hard year for us. I pray that Holli will have a great year in 2010 and continues to heal and improve to get her life back. She got her new custom made wheelchair today. It gives her good lateral support but she does not have the head support. She can hold her head up straight when she wants but it only lasts a few seconds and then she lets her head drop. We are also going to find a neurologist to take Holli for Botox injections in her right arm so we can really stretch her arm out and be able to leave on a sustained brace to get her arm straight again. Both of these is an expense out of our pocket. I am so thankful we still have some funds left to help out. If it wasn't for friends and family and even strangers that have helped us we would not be able to give this extra medical care that Holli really needs. Thank you so much. I also want to thank you again for all the love and prayers for Holli and for me this past year. It has really made a difference. Happy New Year!!!

Diane

Christmas Eve-10 months

2009-12-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 10th month anniversary of Holli's accident but today we also celebrate Christmas Eve. Holli has started the last couple of days to move her left leg really fast, like she is shaking it. Yesterday she was doing this while in bed and fell out of bed on her knees. There was no one in the room with her at that time. The nurse heard someone yelling "HELP" and came into the room to find it was Holli!!!! Thank goodness she was not hurt but it is also great to know that when in distress that she was able to call out and SAY help!!!! She is also getting into the agitated stage of her injury. She seems to loose her patience very easily and will definitely let you know she does not want to be bothered. Thank goodness you can still get her to smile and laugh when she is not tired or agitated. My mom and dad, sister, Joy and niece, Jill with her two boys are coming up from Mississippi on Sunday for a couple of days to see us. It will be great to be with family and I know Holli will be glad to see them. I wish all of Holli's friends and family and all that have sent their prayers and thoughts to Holli this past 10 months a Very Merry Christmas from the both of us. God bless each and everyone of you.
Diane

December 12, 2009

2009-12-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry I haven't updated this blog since Thanksgiving. Holli has been in good spirits this week. Her sister, Heather decorated her room with a small Christmas tree and red garland. I am enjoying it since I have decided not to do any decorating at home this year. Since I will not be home but with Holli this year I just can not bring myself to put up a tree at home.
Holli has been sitting up in the chair for longer periods of time this past week. She has tolerated it well. She usually dozes in the chair each day. We are getting her a custom built wheelchair that will give her better lateral support. She has been measured for it but I am not sure when it will be ready. It should help her build up her core strength. She is getting more muscle movement in her right leg. One of our main concerns is her right arm that still has alot of tone in it and she is unable to straighten. She is also making more "sounds" with her mouth instead of nasally when she laughs. She tries really hard at times to speak but it is hard to understand what she is trying to say. We had the Salvation Army and children come by last week to sing carols and bring Holli a Christmas stuff animal. There will be several Christmas activities here the next couple of weeks that I hope to get Holli involved with them. On Christmas Eve Santa will be visiting each room and bringing presents from the Angel Tree. I hope that everyone is enjoying the Christmas season.
Diane

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T13:08:00.001-08:00

My heart is so full this Thanksgiving. As I sit here with Holli today I thank God for all the many blessings that we have received. Through the love, prayers and support of family and friends we have been able to endure this journey. I have been blessed in getting to meet and know Holli's west coast friends and have made some life long friendships. I will never forget your kindness and love. My family has been my strength to help me through my darkest days. I know without your love and support that I could not have been strong for Holli when she needed me the most. Holli still has a long way to go this next year. Please continue to pray for her strength and healing and to give me strength to be strong for her. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you took the time to give thanks for your blessings.
Diane

Friday, November 13,2009

2009-11-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

It was great having Holli's friend, DA, from San Francisco here with us for 4 days. Holli really enjoyed him being here entertaining her as well as trying to figure out another way of communicating. Holli still tries at rare times to say something but it is so faint. She did tell her sister, Heather, the other night after Heather told her that she really needs to work hard in therapy....Holli told Heather "no problem"! It is usually now after she has her night time meds before she goes to sleep that she will try to talk. She continues to laugh more and more which is great. Sometimes as she is watching tv she sees something that tickles her and will laugh.

Well, as of today we are having to adjust to something new. Holli has a room-mate for the first time since her accident. I can tell that it is bothering her....she has gotten very quiet and solemn since her room-mate arrived. It is different having to share the room and having to be quieter and considerate of her needs too. I am sure that Holli will adjust but that it will take some time.
I bought Holli some high top tennis shoes for therapy....they are silver with pink shoe laces and trim....they are so Holli! Everyone in therapy love them.
Diane

Good News!

2009-11-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

Holli is starting to talk again. This Sunday Holli was trying her best to whisper something to me for about 45 minutes. It sounded like she was saying "forgive me". It was frustrating for us both because it was so faint that I had a hard time hearing her. Today when her sister, Heather, arrived Holli grabbed Heather's arm and pulled her to her mouth and said in a voice that you could hear "forgive me". Heather and I both reassured Holli that there is nothing to forgive and that we are here for her and that she is loved. It is exciting to know that she is on the edge of being able to communicate with us and will soon be able to tell us how she feels and her needs. I can't wait to hear what she remembers about her journey thus far. I have missed her voice.

Diane

8 Months

2009-10-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked 8 months since Holli's accident. She has come so far since that terrible day. I pray that she will continue to make progress in the coming months. There isn't really anything new since last week. She had a good week and continues to smile and get really tickled at times. Her speech therapist had a duck call that she was wanting Holli to try to blow....Holli could only laugh hard when she heard the noise. I have noticed her reaching up to her face more than before this week. She was able to go outside a couple of times. In fact she had therapy outside one day in the beautiful sunshine.
I went to see my former co-workers and doctors that I worked with this past Monday and that night I started back to jazzercise. It was great seeing everyone at work and in class but it was also very emotional for me. You never know when at any moment everything in your life will change. I pray everyday for continued strength and for Holli's healing. She still needs your prayers.
Diane

Saturday, October 17, 2009

2009-10-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Holli has been quieter this week but she is still smiling and laughing appropriately. I am not sure if she is quieter because we are trying to wean her off some of her medications or that it is just a mood that she is in at this time. The weather has been gloomy, rainy and cold the past several days. I know that effects my mood! Today it feels like winter outside not getting out of the 40's. I will be glad when it warms back up next week and we are able to go outside. One thing this week that Holli did in speech therapy that I have not seen her do is when Kelly, the speech therapist, put a toothette in her mouth then told Holli to pull it out. Holli reached up with her left hand an pulled it out of her mouth. We are not sure if she is having some dental problems but she is set up to see the dentist in the mobile unit on the 26th. I hope if it is a problem with her teeth that he can fix the problem and then hopefully she will open her mouth so we can do proper mouth care. On Monday while she was watching Ellen on tv, there was someone riding a bicycle on the show. Karen, her step-mom, said Holli perked up, started smiling and then moved her legs like she was riding a bike! Of course it was mostly her left leg but she was trying to move her right also. I am sure she misses riding her bike. I want to thank the DPW gang for the present they sent Holli. We got it in the mail yesterday and I brought it out with me this morning. She was very intent looking at all the signatures on the plagues. I am sure it means alot to her to be remembered by her friends. I showed her pictures on facebook of her friends and family that I am linked with and she really enjoys looking at all the pictures. Keep on posting pics so I can show them to her. Hope everyone has a great weekend. I will post again next week. Diane

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

2009-10-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

Holli continues to smile and laugh whenever someone says or does something funny. It is so great to see her happy and to hear sounds when she gets really tickled. The therapy team as well as the staff are so thrilled that Holli is smiling and laughing. She has really made progress this past month since we have been home. There is less tone in her extremities and neck. She is consistent with moving her left arm for yes answers and keeping it still for no. I can't wait until she can verbally tell us the answers.

After several days of gloomy and rainy weather we are having a beautiful sunny day. Holli and I went outside and enjoyed the great weather. I can't wait to see the leaves change colors. After all the rain we got this past month we should have a beautiful fall. The nights are getting cooler but the day time temps are nice. I hope it stays that way for awhile so Holli can go outside and enjoy the fresh air.

I am going to Chattanooga, Tn tomorrow for my nephew's wedding so Holli's dad and family will be staying with her until I return. I am looking forward to being with my family since I will not get home for the holidays. I will be here with Holli during those times. This will be like a mini vacation for us. The first one since last Thanksgiving. I will miss being with Holli but I know she will be taken good care of while I am away.

Diane

Holli Laughs!

2009-10-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

Today Holli was visited by Jessica from San Francisco and Nichole and Kevin from Louisville. They were here yesterday to visit Holli but I think she slept most of time. I was glad to be able to meet them since Heather and Dick were here yesterday with Holli. Today Holli was very much awake during their visit. She started smiling really big when they came in the door. As they were telling Holli funny stories and jokes Holli started laughing! She would get so tickled at times that you could hear a throaty sound coming out! It was amazing....this is the first time I have heard or seen her laugh. She has smiled before but never laughed. This went on for the three hours of their visit. They were here to watch Holli on the standing table. This was the first time she had done this in therapy. After she was put in the chair we took Holli outside in the courtyard to enjoy this beautiful fall day. I am so thankful to her friends for making Holli happy today. You have truly blessed our day.
Diane

Tuesday, September 29th

2009-09-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

Just talked to Heather, Holli's sister, who is staying with Holli today along with her dad, Dick. Holli has had another good day today. They started yesterday turning off Holli's feeding during the day so she can have some freedom. Now we can lay her flat during this time and take her outside when she is up in the chair. Today Holli was put on the tilt table and she was tilted up to 70 degrees and tolerated it very well. Then she was put in the chair and Heather took her outside to get some sunshine and fresh air. The weather today is beautiful....a crisp fall day with blue skies. Heather told her when she was ready to go inside to lift her left arm. She was very content for about 30 minutes and then started lifting her left arm. Heather took her back in and they got her back in bed and she immediately fell asleep. She was tired from her very active afternoon. I will be back with Holli on Thursday and will be with her everyday until next Thursday. Doug, Heather and I will then be going to Chattanooga for my nephew's wedding. Holli's dad and family will be taking care of Holli during that time. I can't wait to see my family at the wedding.
Diane

Good News

2009-09-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Today in speech therapy Holli was given yes and no signs and asked several questions. After each question she would take a moment and then move her left arm up and over and place it on the appropriate sign!! We are so excited...now we will be able to communicate better with her. This is another blessing and step in her road to recovery.
Tomorrow I meet with the Tennessee human services to apply for her long-term care financial benefits from the state. That is who will be paying for her stay at Madison Healthcare and Rehab. I asked for your special prayers.
Diane

Friday, September 18. 2009

2009-09-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that I have also set up caring bridge site for Holli. The web address is www.caringbridge.org/visit/hollihawthorne . I will try to keep this site updated along with this blog.

Holli has had a good week except for a brief episode Monday of an elevated temperture. The urine culture came back negative and she has not had any more problems. Therapy has tilted her twice this week and she tolerated it fine. They only got her up to a 40 degree angle but will try to tilt her up more next week. She is moving her left arm more and more but still has not talked. She smacks her lips and yawns really big at times. She enjoys watching tv, especially the arts station.

Heather had it arranged for me to have 3 days at home this week. Holli's father, Dick and his family, Karen and Penny, Heather and my good friend, Meg helped stay with Holli those three days. It was nice being able to get some rest and errands taken care of which I am unable to do when I need to be here with Holli. I will be with her the rest of the week. The therapist said they thought that Holli missed me....I know I missed being out here with her and that I called alot checking on her.... thanks guys for putting up with me!

We have had alot of rain this week....4 inches so far and they are calling for possible rain this weekend. I missed seeing the rain in San Francisco but I have made up for it now! I am ready for sunshine.

Looking forward to seeing my sister, Deree, from Starkville, Ms this weekend. Her son plays football for Miss State and they play Vanderbilt here tomorrow night.

I also want to wish my Mom a very, very Happy 83rd Birthday tomorrow. Hope you have a great day! I love you.

Diane

1st Week at Madison Healthcare and Rehab

2009-09-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Can't believe we have been home for a week. Holli seems to be adapting to her new environment. She is in a semi-private room but does not have a room mate at this time so we have a big room. I hope it stays that way so Holli can get her rest and have her quiet times. Physical and Occupational therapy are really excited about Holli and how she works really hard to do what is asked of her. I am so happy that she will be getting therapy 5 days a week and that they are being aggressive with her. That is exactly what she needs. My husband, Doug, decorated her room with the pictures, posters, etc. that was in her room at St. Luke's hospital. She can look on her wall next to her bed and see pictures of her friends back in San Francisco.
As for me, I am so happy to be home with my family and sleeping in a real bed! I usually come out everyday for now except Tuesdays, Heather stays with Holli, and stay until she gets her sleeping medication and sound asleep. I always have her music playing softly encase she wakes up during the night. It is hard for me to leave her but I know it is what I must do to keep myself going . I thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts.
Diane

Video interview

2009-09-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

To see the interview with Channel 4 go to www.wsmv.com and then under headlines- Antioch Grad back in Nashville.
Diane

Tv Interview

2009-09-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

Channel 4 in Nashville did a follow up interview with me, Heather, Doug and of course Holli. It will be aired at 10 pm tonight but will be on their web site tomorrow. www.wsmv.com. Thanks to Deanna Lambert for doing this story on Holli. I think Holli slept all the way through. She went to PT early this morning and they said she did great on the mat. She sat up in the chair all morning and was very tired this afternoon. Of course she is wide awake now that the tv crew is gone! I will keep you up dated on her progress.
Diane

Holli's New Home

2009-09-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

Holli seems to be making the transition to Madison Healthcare Center fine. Everyone at the center has been very friendly and welcoming. The therapy team is very excited about working with Holli which makes me really happy. They plan to start standing her up on the tilt table this week.
Holli is in a semi private room but there is no one in the other bed so right now it is like having a big private room. Doug decorated her room today with all the posters, pictures, etc that she had at St. Lukes. It really made the room more personable.
Friends of Holli have been visiting everyday. It is good to have her friends and family there with her to give her love and support. Tomorrow we have an interview with Channel 4. They were suppose to do it today but the reporter had another assignment so it was postponed . They did a story on Holli when we were in India and now they want to do a follow up. I hope I make it through this interview. I get nervous just thinking about it! Wish me luck.
Diane

Holli is in Nashville!

2009-09-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

It was a very long and tiring day for Holli but she is such a trooper. She had been sitting up in either a wheelchair or airline seat since 7:30 this morning CA time until 9:00 this evening TN time. Holli could not hold her head up for very long but the flight nurse, Diane Risoti, was so good with Holli and used rolled up blankets, pillow and towels to make Holli comfortable. She had to be transfered from one wheelchair to another so many times that I lost count but Diane, the flight nurse , was able to do it without any problems. When we got off the plane we were met by my daughter, Heather, and two of my jazzercise friends, Karen and Darlene. It was a tearful reunion. Then there was Matt who is a dear friend of Holli's waiting outside by the van that was picking us up. I was so thrilled to see him. He has been like a brother to Holli since high school. Holli is now at her new facility. We stayed with her until she had her sleeping pill and was sound asleep. It was so very hard for me to leave her tonight. This is the first time I have left her alone. I left in tears. It will be adjustment for the both of us.
Diane

Saying Good- bye

2009-09-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

I write this note with mixed emotions....happy and thrilled to finally be able to go home and very sad to leave all my new friends behind. I want to thank everyone at St. Lukes Hospital for taking such great care of Holli and taking care of me also. It isn't easy living at a hospital 24/7 for 5 1/2 months but you made my experience bearable. I made some friends at the hospital that I will never forget. Thank you for your kindness and support. Also meeting, getting to know and loving Holli's friends. You have been so supportive of both Holli and me. She is so blessed to have such wonderful friends. I want to say to Harrison....I will always love you for saving my daughter's life. You will always have a special place in my heart. I hate having to leave my San Francisco family but I will cherish the fond memories we had together. You are very special people.
Diane

Another Blessing

2009-09-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

Just found out this morning that Holli had the clearance from her doctor to fly commercial airlines instead of having to fly by an air ambulance. We will be flying American Airlines in first class leaving San Francisco at 11:30 am with a 2 hour lay over in Dallas and then arriving in Nashville at 7:45 pm. The company I am dealing with will provide ground transportation bed to bed and a nurse escort. I am so thrilled that everything is falling into place.

Tonight Harrison came to tell Holli good bye. When he walked into the room Holli broke into a big smile and kept on smiling as he talked to her. It was so touching to see. The hard part about us going home is having to tell such wonderful people that I have met here good bye. I will never forget their love and kindness. They have helped me through a very difficult time with such great support. They will always have a special place in my heart. Love you guys!

Diane

Flying Home September 5th

2009-08-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

Holli got her trach out today and is doing great. I know it must feel so much better having that out of her neck. We have gotten the okay from Holli's doctor and Madison Healthcare to take her to Nashville on Saturday, September 5th. I am in contact with an air ambulance service and we will work out the details tomorrow. I can't wait....only one more week. The sad part is leaving all my new friends behind. Everyone has been so wonderful to both Holli and myself. I could not have made it these last 6 months without your friendship and love. I will never, ever forget you. Holli has been so blessed to have wonderful friends that truly care about her. You have helped her get through these past months with your songs, music,laughter, stories and touch and I have made some wonderful friends. I will keep up the blog as we continue this long journey. I hope that you will keep in touch. The address for Holli will be Madison Healthcare and Rehab, 431 Larkin Springs, Madison, Tn, 37115 or you can send it to our home 600 Sue Drive, Antioch, Tn. 37013. May God bless each and everyone of you for being there for Holli.
Diane

We Are Going Home!

2009-08-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord! Holli has been accepted to Madison Health Care in Nashville! My prayers have been answered. We probably won't leave until after Labor Day. She has to have her trach out and do okay with that for before we leave. I will post when I know the exact date. I want to thank every one who has helped me in trying to get Holli back to Nashville. I appreciate each and every one who has made contacts and for all the prayers. This is a great birthday present for me!
Diane

Sunday, August 23,2009

2009-08-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

As I write this update, Holli is intently watching a Harry Potter movie on tv. I am happy that she can enjoy watching tv at times. I am sure she gets bored otherwise. She has smiled a couple of times this week without the aide of her sleeping medication. Once was when I was acting goofy and dancing to a song on a commercial , I turned around and she had a big grin on her face! Then yesterday when Harrison came to see her she smiled at him. It is so good to see her beautiful smile. Physical therapy came Thursday and re-evaluated her and they will be starting to work with her again now that she can follow some commands. That thrills me so much because she needs the stimulation. She had just been getting some stretching of her neck and some range of motion this past month. Her step-father, Doug, is flying out next Saturday for a week. I can't wait to see him....it has been since April since he was out here. We had hoped that Holli and I would be back in Nashville before Doug and my birthdays. Now Doug and I will celebrate them here with Holli in San Francisco. The only thing that matters is that we are together. I still do not have any word on a facility in Nashville. I pray that something will turn up really soon. It will be 6 months tomorrow since the accident. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayer. I pray for Holli's continued improvement and that the Lord will give her peace and strength throughout her journey.
Diane

Monday, August 17

2009-08-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Holli is still very quiet but she is focusing very intently on people and her surroundings. She checks out the staffs name tags when they come in to care for her. She will look right at you and usually follow you with her eyes around the room. Today when Eliza came by and played music and danced in the room, Holli watched her every move. Holli also is now reaching up more and more with her left hand to her face and this weekend she watched the movie Aladdin on tv. These are little things but they are small positive steps. She has again started moving her mouth, smacking her lips like she wants to say something but has not made any sounds. I feel like it is around the corner that she will start talking again. Her doctor keeps on adjusting her medication to help her get more awake. I can't wait till the day that she talks with me again.
On a personal note I was unable to get my leave extended so as of August 26th I will be taking early retirement from my job of 37 years. My first priority is being with Holli and making sure she is getting the proper care. I am still trying to find placement for her in Nashville. I was hoping to be home for Doug and my birthdays but nothing has fallen into place yet. I want to thank everyone that has been trying to make contacts for us in finding a facility. Your help is so much appreciated. I ask that everyone continues to keep us and our getting home soon in your thoughts and prayers.
Diane

Thursday, August 6,2009

2009-08-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

I wish I could report that Holli has continued to talk but she has been very quiet for the past 4 to 5 days. It is almost like she has regressed back to her previous state of just being very quiet. She does still focus on people but does not try to speak. I still encourage her everyday to try to talk. She is being seen by another physician that does healing hands therapy with meditation or what they call reike (rei means Divine and ke means energy). I was told by one of Holli's visitors that when she went through breast cancer that she had reike therapy and it helped her recover twice as fast. She highly recommended it for Holli. This therapy was suggested by her primary physician. I am still waiting to hear something about a facility in Nashville but so far no word. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
Diane

Friday

2009-07-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

Holli had several friends visit her today. She would have rare periods when she would try to say something but mostly would focus in on her friends and seem to really listen to what they were saying. Her voice is barely a whisper and I can not read lips. I want so badly to be able to understand what she is saying. I know that day will come, hopefully soon. I think it is good for her friends to be here and stimulate her. The last two nights after she is given her sleeping medication, Holli has gotten the biggest smile on her face and twinkling eyes. She almost looks like she wants to laugh. I try to get her to tell me what is making her so happy but she just smiles. It is a beautiful sight!
Diane

Eliza's Visit

2009-07-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

I am so amazed...Eliza has been here visiting with Holli. She has been lying beside her talking with her and coaching her in yoga breathing. Holli is constantly talking with her but it is hard to understand her Eliza told her not to hold it in if she wanted to cry ....Holli all of a sudden started whaling....crying loudly for a few minutes which made me burst into tears....she is still trying really hard to "talk" to Eliza but it is so hard to understand......she is coming back to us! She has had several episodes of loudly crying....I think she has realized what has happen to her and she is distraught. This is so hard to watch but I know it is something she has to go through....her grieving......please pray for Holli to have peace.
Diane

FYI

2009-07-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to clarify that it is not Franny Corsick that moved to Mexico but Holli's friend Frannie from the Derailleurs. Poor Franny has been swamped with calls....sorry Franny! Holli intermittently has been trying to very softly talk. It is so soft at times that I am having a hard time trying to understand. Last night she did say I love you too and mm hum when I asked her a question. I will keep you posted. Keep up the prayers!

Diane

Holli talks!

2009-07-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

I am on cloud nine! Today when Holli was in the chair and I put her speaking valve on her trach , in a very soft, quiet voice Holli said "I love you, Mom" " I love you!" She has not said any more at this time, but this is a start. I thank you Lord for answering so many prayers. I know this is just the beginning.....
Diane

Doing Better

2009-07-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

Finally Holli has had some good days after several weeks of problems. Her electrolytes are back in normal range and her IV fluids have been stopped. She continues to be very quite. She has not tried to make any sounds for the past several weeks but she is very calm. For a couple of days I found her focusing on the tv that is hanging from the ceiling. I started finding movies for her to watch but today she did not seem interested in the tv. She has started tracking more with her eyes at times and focusing on people more.

I boxed up the last of Holli's belongings here in the room to be shipped out on Tuesday. The walls seem so bare and depressing without all the posters and pictures of Holli hanging on the wall. It was really hard telling a couple of Holli's good friends good-bye today. Frannie is moving to Mexico and DA will be leaving for his job at Burning Man tomorrow. They both promised to come see Holli in Tn. I told them the door will always be open. The hard part about leaving is having to tell Holli's and now my friends good bye.

I am still hoping to hear from Bourdeaux or Trevecca but will try other facilities to see if they will take our application pending tenncare. I pray something will become available soon so Holli and I can go home. I am so homesick for my family. I will be missing my twin grand daughters birthday this Tuesday. Happy Birthday Sarah and Rachel...Gran Gran loves and misses you so very much!
Diane

Not a good week

2009-07-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Holli is still having some complications due to her previous vomiting and then needing to have enemas and laxatives. This caused her to get dehydrated and her electrolytes imbalanced. She is receiving IV fluids along with her feeding trying to get her blood work back to normal. This has been a hard last several weeks for her as well as myself. She is very quite now and does not try to make any sounds but still opens her eyes and moves her left side.
I am still trying to get Holli placed in a facility in Nashville. Bordeaux is where I am trying to get a bed. Because of her not having insurance until we can get to Tennessee and apply for tenncare and no beds at this present time has become an issue. The admission's nurse has given her case to her supervisor to review but did not sound promising. I need special prayers at this time for Holli's medical problems and for us to find a facility. I am trying not to get discouraged but it is really hard sometimes not to feel very low and helpless. It has been 5 months since the accident. I pray that something good will happen soon.
Diane

Update

2009-07-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

It has been several weeks since I last posted a note. I was hoping to get some responses from the posting that my niece, Jill made regarding helping us get Holli back to Tennessee.
Holli has not had a very good week, she has been vomiting and it has become more frequent in the last several days. We are trying to figure out what might be causing this to occur. The doctor has stopped the last medication he started to see if this is the culprit. I can tell she does not feel good...they are giving her medication for her nausea and vomiting which helps. It makes it very hard to figure out when she can't tell you how she is feeling. I pray we can get this figured out soon.
I am still trying to find a facility that will accept us in Tennessee. I have a doctor who is willing to accept her but because lack of insurance makes it harder to find a skilled facility for her that will meet her needs. I keep praying that the right door will open to make this all possible. I need to get back home to my husband and I need to take Holli with me. She has a ways to go to "wake up" and even longer to recover from this brain injury.
I am in the process of mailing home Holli's personal belongings and moving her storage to a warehouse that will store her belongings and will not charge us with the help of her loving friends. I could not do all this by myself and I am so grateful to those special people who have helped make all this happen. I love you guys!
I hope the next time I post on the blog that I will have a positive update for you regarding Holli's progress.
Diane

Call for Help!

2009-06-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. This is Jill posting. I know you haven't heard from me in a while. I handed the reigns over to Diane shortly after they got to California. The time has now come to bring Holli back to Nashville. Diane has been so devoted to Holli and her care, but it is getting to the point where she will no longer be any good to Holli if we don't get them home. Holli's extended family in San Fran have been wonderfully supportive and loving to Diane, but we all know that there's NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
So.......... this is what we need. We need contacts in Nashville. Holli will need an accepting facility and an accepting physician in Nashville. Please if anyone has any connections within the health care community in Nashville, we could use your help. If you aren't comfortable communicating through this blog, you can email me at jilllyle@hughes.net. Everyone was soooo helpful when we were trying to get Holli to the states........ so let's do this now for Diane. Holli will certainly be in good hands in Nashville also, but if Diane is going to be her caregiver, she needs to get back home.

Thanks again for all your support,

Jill

4 Months

2009-06-21T21:09:00.002-07:00

As we approach the 4 month mark since Holli's accident, I can see that even though it is a slow process , Holli is making progress. We have been so blessed to have so many friends, loved one and even strangers that have helped us this far with their love, prayers and contributions. I know God has had his hand in every step of the way and that He will continue to be with Holli and me as we continue this journey. I want to thank everyone again for everything they have done. I really appreciate the calls, cards and emails. I pray that before long that the door will be opened for Holli and I to return to Nashville where she can continue to improve and hopefully wake up soon. I know that is where we need to be for many reasons but I do not know how or when that will occur. I will continue to pray for guidance and strength. Holli is still being very vocal at times with the same sounds that she has been making. There really is not much to report that is new. The doctor is trying a couple of medications again to try to help wake her up. I can tell she is getting frustrated at times trying to "talk". She is saying the M sound and at times the word Help. I was so blessed to have had my Mom, Dad and sister, Deree here with me this past week. It was bitter sweet....great being with them but sad because of the circumstances. I know Holli knew they were here and tried to let us know that in her own way. It was very hard for me to tell them good-bye. It has helped that her good friend from Nashville Wendi is here for the next several days. Holli and Wendi lived in the same neighborhood and found each other again several years ago. She has been a great support for me. I also have made some great friends here in San Francisco that has really been a comfort for me and is always looking out after me. I also want to wish my 89 year old Dad, Happy Father's Day. You are a great inspiration and I love you and Mom dearly. Well, Holli is finally asleep for the night so I guess I can also try to get some rest. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Diane

4 Months

2009-06-21T21:09:00.001-07:00

Update

2009-06-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

Holli has taken apple sauce as well as liquids by spoon this week. Also in the past three days Holli has been very vocal...saying more sounds, one with the M sound and then at times it sounds like she is saying "help". I feel she is trying to communicate and is very frustrated in doing so, she is constantly and loudly repeating herself. I know this is a step of progress but it is also hard to hear her so frustrated. We now have to keep the door closed when she really gets loud so not to disturb everyone else. My family will be here today. I am looking forward to spending time with them. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Holli

2009-06-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

Holli has been doing well with her liquids by spoon. She had apple juice which she seems to really like. I have noticed that when she smacks her lips together like she is chewing that she wants some liquids. I am sure that her mouth gets so dry. She has seemed more restless the last several days being more vocal and moaning more....is this a sign of her trying to wake up alittle more? It is so hard to tell if it is that or that she is just more uncomfortable and letting me know about it. I have to be her advocate and to communicate her needs which is not a easy task somedays. I hate to think she is uncomfortable and in pain. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement.
Diane

Holli

2009-06-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Progress is so slow. Holli is doing well with her swallowing. She takes several sips of grape juice or tea from a spoon. The therapist tells me that probably next week we will try some pudding or yogurt and see how she handles it. Otherwise, Holli is much calmer and spends her daytime with her headset on listening to her music. She seems very content during these times. They get her up in the chair daily but she still can not hold her neck up straight so we have to use a strap across her forehead to keep her head upright. I will be glad when her neck muscles are strong enough to do this. I want to say thank you to everyone for your phone calls, cards and emails. It means alot to me to hear from you and to know that Holli and I are still in your thoughts and prayers. I get homesick and lonely for my family and Nashville friends. I am so glad that my parents and sister, Deree will be here in a week. I am looking forward to spending time with them and showing my sister some of San Francisco.

Update

2009-05-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Holli has had a quieter week this past week. She has seemed more calm for the most part. She still has her restless days but not as much. The newest progress is with her swallowing. At the end of last week she was swallowing more in speech therapy. When the therapist put a lemon glycerin swab in her mouth she started sucking on it which she had not done before. Then the therapist put a lemon wedge to her mouth and she sucked on it. Today the therapist put a few drops of lemon juice in a spoon and Holli was able to swallow it without any problems....small steps...small steps. I am always so thrilled with these "baby steps". I am still waiting to hear about her acceptance with medi cal insurance. They did not send all the paper work to the board and had to resubmit it again. I pray that it will be approved to help pay her medical bills. Hope everyone had a good and safe Memorial Day weekend. Ours was very quite. Looking forward to my parents and sister coming out in June for a visit.
Diane

Holli

2009-05-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

Holli has seemed more peaceful and relaxed this week. She is not doing the frequent moaning cycles very much anymore. I hope this is a positive sign. She lies in her bed or up in the chair during the day very quietly and listens to music on her Ipod with her earphones. We have not had to give her pain medication but very little this past week which I am glad about. The doctor has taken her off the Ritalin since it has not given us the results we had hoped of waking her up. He is talking about trying a different medication soon. I wish there was more progress to report, but this is such a slow journey. Please keep up the prayers for her.
Diane

Mother's Day

2009-05-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is tomorrow and as I look at my youngest daughter, Holli lying here I know I have been truly blessed. I know that I came really close to loosing her. She could not have come this far without Every one's love, prayers and help. I will never be able to thank everyone for all they have done for us. To be a mother is truly a blessing. I have two great daughters, so very different but both so loving and kind hearted. I cherish every memory that we have had together and look forward to the loving memories that we will make in the future. I also am blessed to have such a wonder Mom. She has always been there for me and has taught me that family is so precious and should always come first. She has also given me spiritual guidance in my valleys of my life as well as the mountain tops of happiness. I thank God for both of my parents as well as all my relatives who have always been there for me.
Holli seems to be better today. Much calmer and quietly lies and listens to her music on her Ipod with her beautiful brown eyes wide open. I think the medication if slowly getting out of her system that she could not tolerate and she has not been requiring as much pain medication for discomfort. The best Mother's Day gift for me would be for Holli to wake up but I know that it probably will not happen tomorrow. I will keep the faith that it will be soon. I hope all you moms have a wonderful day tomorrow. Happy Mother's Day
Diane

Holli

2009-05-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

I am sorry I haven't posted anything lately. Holli for the past week was started on a different medication to try to help her hopefully wake up. We noticed that she was getting very sensitive to touch or sound and kept drawing up in a fetal position and drooling. After it was decided it was the medication the doctor backed off of it yesterday and today stopped it all together. She is much better today...able to straighten her out and not as "jumpy" to every little stimulus. It is disheartening to have her go backwards this past week but hopefully now she can continue to go forward in her progress. I had a meeting with the doctor, staff and therapist on Tuesday. They would not give me much encouragement. I guess you could say I had a "melt down". Even though I know what the future might bring, I will not give up hope until Holli finally wakes up and we know for sure. I continue to ask for your thoughts and prayers for Holli and for myself for strength and guidance. It is so hard being away from home, family and friends.
Diane

9 Weeks

2009-04-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today marks 9 weeks since Holli's accident. So much has happened during this journey but we still have a long road ahead of us. Sunday and Monday were not good days for Holli. She was very restless and agitated and very hard to get her settled down. Today was so much better, she has been very restful. She tolerated being up in the chair for 2 hours and then working with physical therapy. Tonight she had another scalp acupuncture session with Dr. Zhu. If you are interested in reading about him the web site is www.scalpacupunture.org. This was the second time he has stood Holli up beside her bed using leg braces and a support belt around her waist. She stood with help for about 10 minutes tonight. It was great to see. I have been fighting a sinus infection for the past several days. Holli's good friend Eliza came today and brought me vitamins and other healthy products to fight colds and last night another friend, Frannie, went out and bought chicken noodle soup from the deli for me. It is so nice that Holli's friends want to take care of me too. Thanks guys!

Holli's Day

2009-04-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

Holli made up for her quiet day yesterday by being very vocal and restless today. She had a busy day. She worked with speech therapy this morning. As she was constantly moaning during the session her therapist started singing the ABC song, Holli stopped and listened quietly which is something she had not done before for the entire song. She sat up in the chair for 3 hours and then went to to the PT gym for her work out on the mat. That was the first time she had gone to their department. She was exhausted by the time she got back to the room. She had several visitors tonight....one from Canada who had met Holli 2 years ago at Burning Man. She was the one that organized the Canada benefit for Holli . I am touched by all the lovely friends that know and love Holli. She has finally gone to sleep so I will do the same.
Diane

Quiet Day

2009-04-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

Holli has been very quiet today. It was good to see her relaxed for the majority of the day, even when she was up in the chair for 3 hours she was sleeping. Tonight she had a group of about 50 of her friends that were on a bicycle run come riding by the hospital stop on the street below and yell up to Holli. It was great! She has such wonderful friends here in California. We just finished her acupunture tonight and the acupunturist doctors told me tonight that she is getting better. I know it is just small steps but I cling to those words of encouragement.
Diane

Holli Update

2009-04-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

Holli has been slowly progressing. She is now pumping both legs up and down in bed and trying to lift her head off the pillow at times during the day. She is vocalizing more making different sounds and showing more expression on her face. She definetly responds to certain voices by the way she moans and looks like she is going to cry. She is now sleeping at night with the help of sleeping medication. We have been trying to keep cool with the extreme warm weather the last 3 days. We don't have air condition but we do have 2 fans that have been a great help. It has been 8 weeks today since her accident. I know she has come a long way but that she also has a long way to go. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.
Diane

2009-04-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

It has been a quiet weekend. The weather has been great getting into the 70's with sunshine. Feels like a summer day outside. Holli didn't sleep well Friday night but did last night. I think at times she fights through her medication at night no matter what she is given. The afternoons and early evening are her more agitated times with moaning and constantly moving her left leg up and down. Her morning are usually quiet times with her dozing off and on. The acupunturist came yesterday for a session. After they left she rested quietly. I am really enjoying having a laptop and being able to communicate with the world again.

The latest from Diane today

2009-04-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

Newest update from Diane! We love you Diane! and tell Holli, we love her too!

Had a great night! Holli slept all night with the assistance of a sleeping pill which meant I got a good nights rest too! The doctor wants to try and straighten her days and nights out and also not give her any sedation or pain medication during the day. That way therapy can adequately evaluate her progress. She was again on the tilt table today and tolerated it well. She seems to have alittle more of quiet, relaxed times today without the aide of medication which I feel is good. I hate to see her agitated all her waking time. I want to continue to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, love and cards that we have been receiving. We could not make this journey without all of you and the many blessings that have come our way. l thank our Lord everyday for all His blessings and to give us strength everyday. I want to wish my great nephew, Sam, Happy Birthday!

Love
Diane

Email from Diane

2009-04-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

This is an email I received from Diane last night. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.

This is the first day to spend without Heather and Doug. They left yesterday afternoon flying back to Nashville and got home about 1 AM. It seemed very lonely here today without them to keep me company, I know they will be back whenever they can. Holli had a very restless night last evening never going to sleep until about 5:30 this morning and only sleeping a couple of hours today. The doctor does not want her to have sedation or pain medication during the day and try giving her something to make her sleep at night. Tonight wll be the first night to give this a try. They want her awake during the day so they can work with her better in therapy and not having her fall asleep during her session. They stood her up for the first time today on the tilt table....just think ....the first time to stand in 7 weeks. She tolerated it really well. But this afternoon she was really restless and was found to be running a fever again. I'm afraid it might be another urinary infection....waiting for the doctor to find out for sure. I canceled her acupuncture for tonight due to the fever and rescheduled it for Friday night.

I will keep everyone posted on her progress.

Post from Diane

2009-04-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

Heather, Doug, Michelle (Holli's friend since 5th grade from Pheonix) and I were invited to Karen's home which is across from the ocean for Easter brunch. It was so nice. We went for a long walk down the beach with her, the dogs, Mark and her sister Gail and friend Ruth. It was a beautiful day here...sunny and only needing a light jacket. Doug and Michelle collected shells while we enjoyed seeing surfers, hang gliders and people and dog watching. We then went back to her home when her other sister from Syracuse, NY Donna arrived and had a delicous brunch. Karen said a beautiful toast celebrating Holli and how far she has come and to the near future of when she will awaken. She had both Doug and I in tears. I only wished Holli could have been there with us. We are now back in the hospital room with her. Michelle has gone back to Pheonix and Heather and Doug have gone to get some Mexican food for dinner. I am sad to think I only have one and a half day left with Heather and Doug before they head back to Tennessee. Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I praise the Lord for all his blessing and love. Happy Easter

Reunion!

2009-04-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

Heather, Holli's sister, and Doug, her step-dad, arrived in San Francisco today. This was the first time Diane had seen either of them since she left for India in late February. I'm sure it was a great reunion! Heather said that Holli is now opening both eyes very wide and looking around alot. She is also kicking her left leg really hard. She said that it seems sometimes as if she's trying to get out of bed. When Heather first arrived and was speaking to Holli, Holli grabbed her hands and squeezed them really tight. She said that she then "got really worked up" like she's trying to communicate but can't. She felt that Holli is getting frustrated at not being able to talk to them. She also said that Holli can definitely hear and recognize voices as evidenced by her reactions to them. Diane says that just in the past few days, she has noticed subtle changes in Holli for the better.

Diane now has a laptop, and as soon as she gets it up and running, she will be able to post as well. Please be looking for these, and let her know how much we are all praying for her. As someone who has dealt with something very similar, it makes such a difference to know you are being lifted up in prayer.

Thanks

Jill

Restless

2009-04-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Diane said Holli has been very restless for the past 24 hours. She is moaning a lot and seems uncomfortable at times. The doctor has started adjusting her medications in attempts to wake her up, but this will take time. She is running a fever again, and they have started her on antibiotics again. Please continue to pray for both Holli and Diane.

Holli has moved to a new room

2009-03-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

Holli has been moved to the sub-acute area of the hospital. Diane said that they sat her up on the side of the bed today and propped her up with pillows. She said Holli has been more verbal today. Her doctor said that he would soon start adjusting her medications in attempts to wake her up. Diane thinks they will aggressively start working on waking her up now that she is in this new area. Speech is working with her also, and Diane says that she seems to be swallowing well so far. She's not taking anything by mouth yet, but they are doing swallowing exercises and she is doing fine with them.

For those of you who would like to send Holli and Diane cards and/or letters, here is her address:

St. Luke's Hospital
3555 Cesar Chavez St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
Room 835A

phone number is 415-641-6885 ( this will send you to nurses' desk- ask for room 835A)

We will post this on the side also.

Uneventful weekend

2009-03-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Holli has had a good weekend. Diane said that she has required less medication to calm her down from her "episodes" She has had lot of company. She is still running a fever, but the doctor thinks this is a result of her injury rather than an infection. They are expecting a visit early next week from a physician who will be involved in her care at the rehab facility. I will keep you posted.

Another good day

2009-03-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Holli has had a full day with lots of visitors. Diane said that she sat up in a chair for about 3 hours today. Her condition is pretty much the same. She is still having the "storms" or 'episodes" as we call them. They will be on the telemetry unit at least through the weekend. Holli's friends have been so good to visit her and provide lots of stimulation through music and conversation. Diane said it seems like a party when they are around :) We are so thankful for them and their loyalty and love for Holli.

Diane with Holli

2009-03-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

This is a picture Doug sent me today of Diane and Holli. She's been at Holli's side continually for a month now. When you pray for Holli, please remember to pray for Diane, too. I know she appreciates every ounce of encouragement and support.

With joy and thanksgiving,
Colleen

Better Day

2009-03-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

Diane said Holli has had a better day today. She rested well last night after the pain medication, and has continued to do well today. All of the therapies are starting to get involved with her care. Physical therapy came today and speech will start tomorrow. Diane said she still works very hard when she's awake. HR goes up, respirations go up and she works up a sweat moving around in the bed. I tend to think that she is just working very hard at trying to wake up. She is still on the telemetry unit, and Diane thinks they will be there for another day or two before she goes to rehab.

An offer of Apology

2009-03-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

It has been brought to our attention that perhaps we have offended some of the readers of this blog by posting pictures of one of the hospitals where Holli received care. Let me start first by apologizing for this. While we stand by the honesty of what was posted, we want to convey that we never intended to offend anyone. The country of India will always have a special place in my family's heart (especially Diane's). There were "angels" there who cared for Holli and did everything they could to help her, and most importantly, saved her life. We have learned a lot through this situation, one of them being about the kindness and generosity of the Indian people. Our world view has definately been opened up through this experience. Please accept our apologies, we tend to forget how very far-reaching this blog has become.

St. Luke's

2009-03-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

Holli is at St. Luke's hospital in San Francisco. She is on a telemetry floor. They will evaluate her and then decide when she's ready to go to rehab. Diane said that her heart rate, and blood pressure have been up for about 24 hours and she has been sweating profusely. They have started IV fluids and are monitoring her closely. Diane said that she hasn't been as verbal today, and that she seems to be in pain. They had just given her pain medication when I spoke with her. Diane seemed to think that she was starting to settle down and possibly rest a little since getting the pain medication. We are praying for a better day tomorrow.

Tomorrow is move-day!

2009-03-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Holli has had a big day with lots of visitors. When I spoke with Diane, there was a room full of Holli's friends visiting her. Holli does well with this. The stimulation is good for her. She makes lots of verbal noises during these times.

Diane said they will be moving to St. Luke's in San Francisco tomorrow. They will evaluate her and decide if she needs sub-acute care at first or can go straight to rehab. Diane is excited, but also sad to be leaving Stanford. She says Holli has received exceptional care at Stanford. We are very thankful to the people at Stanford for accepting Holli and providing such first-rate care. Once they are settled in at St. Luke's we will post an address for them so that you can send Holli and Diane cards and letters of support.

A better day today

2009-03-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

Diane said that Holli has had a much better day today. She has rested better and has not required as much pain medication. The staff got her up in a wheelchair and Diane took her outside. Diane said she slept through it all but tolerated it well :) Diane also said that they have worked out the details to having Holli sent to a rehab facility in San Francisco. If all goes well, this move could take place this week.

There was a question from an earlier post about Holli's condition and prognosis. Holli remains in a comatose state. She is however, doing more and more as time goes on. Brain injuries are very hard to predict and the waking up process is usually very slow. It is very rare for someone to just "wake up' from a brain injury. It is usually a slow progression from comatose to fully awake. When my brother had his brain injury, he was only able to make "cow-like" noises when he first awoke. It was several weeks before he was talking again, and even then he had to be taught how. We just simply don't know what Holli's prognosis is. No one does. It truly is a 'wait and see" situation. We do know that there is a good chance that she will be different, but just don't know what those differences will be. We are, however, very sure about the fact that whatever the outcome, Holli and her loved ones will be O.K.

Please let me know if you have any further questions. I certainly am no expert on brain injuries, but do know a little from my own experience with my brother's brain injury 7 years ago. Every case is different though, so it can only give us a small amount of insight into Holli's injury.

Status Quo

2009-03-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today has been a status quo day for Holli. She is becoming more and more verbal. Diane says she moans a lot, especially when she seems to be in pain or her fever is up. They are waiting on culture results in order to pinpoint the source of the fever. They are still working on getting her into a rehab facility in the San Francisco area. This will happen when the doctors feel she is ready. We are not real sure when that will be. Thanks for continuing to keep up with her progress.

Exciting news!

2009-03-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

Diane said that Holli had a rough night last night. She is having frequent episodes with increased heart rate, tremors, and grimacing. They medicate her for this, but they return as soon as the medication wears off. They did get good news from the MRI done yesterday. The doctor said that it looked better than her previous studies done in India. She is still running fever and they are in the process of trying to find out if she has an infection. Now for the exciting news!!!! Grandmom was on the phone with Diane just now and Diane put the phone to Holli's ear. Grandmom told Holli that "we are praying for you and hoping that you will get well soon." Grandmom heard a moan on the other end, and Diane excitedly got back on to tell Grandmom that Holli had tears in her eyes!!!!!!!! Please keep praying for both of them.

Busy day for Holli

2009-03-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Holli had a busy day today. She went to xray for several scans and xrays at around 1230 pm today. Diane said she got back to her room at around 3:00 and then left at 3:30 to have her peg tube placement done. She returned back to the room at around 7:30 pm. Diane was just getting her settled when I spoke with her. We should hear something tomorrow from the xrays.

Surgery cancelled

2009-03-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

Holli's peg insertion got cancelled today. They will try again tomorrow I suppose. It had nothing to do with Holli's condition, they are just very busy. They are going to do more xrays on her brain either today or tomorrow. They moved her to a regular room late last night. Diane is staying full-time with her. She is having these "episodes" where she seems to be in pain. Diane says that she has tremors, grimaces her face and her heart rate goes up. (I remember Matt doing the same thing) When this happens, they give her pain medication and she settles down. She is being treated for a staph infection that she acquired in India. She also acquired a bedsore while she was in the first hospital in India and they are treating this. As anyone who has been through a traumatic event with a loved one knows, there are good days and bad days. It is such a roller coaster ride. I think today has been a "down" day for Diane and Harrison. Please continue to pray for strength and peace for them both.

Always in prayer

Jill

Meeting with Holli's doctor

2009-03-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Diane had her meeting with Holli's doctor. He came on board today, so he really hasn't had much time to familiarize himself with Holli. He basically told them possible scenarios for Holli's recovery. He told them that he felt that Holli would surely have residual effects from this injury, but was unable to say exactly what they would be. This is pretty typical. In our past experience with head injuries and comatose states, no one can predict what the brain will do. It is basically a "wait and see" type of situation. They are planning on surgically implanting a feeding tube tomorrow and moving her to another part of the hospital. She will be moved to a room that doesn't require as much monitoring. They are already discussing possible rehab facilities and working on getting her moved in that direction. This will be a good thing for Holli. They are talking about moving her to a facility that specializes in brain injuries. Diane said that the doctor mentioned that she may have to pay up front for these services until they are able to get Holli financial assistance. Please continue to spread the word about Holli, and encourage help towards their needs.

Always in prayer

Jill

Here is a link to a first hand account of the accident and the angels that were present to take care of Holli. It is truly amazing! God is soooo good!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/13147555/Saving-Hollis-Hawthorne

2009-03-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

As of 9:30 central time last night, Holli had been moved to a step-down unit. She is now in a private room where Diane can stay with her. Diane said that Holli was making lots of faces last night. She seemed to be grimacing somewhat, as if she is unhappy about her situation. She was sqeezing their hands very hard to the point where it was painful for them! They will meet with Holli's doctor at 1:00 pm pacific time today. Will post an update sometime after that.

Day 1 at Stanford

2009-03-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with Diane. She sounded much more rested than last night. She said that she spoke with Holli's doctor briefly this morning. In his words they are "getting to know Holli today". They will be running lots of tests and getting a clear picture of what is going on with her. She is planning on going to the hospital later this afternoon and hoping to get to talk with him at that time. She and Harrison are playing catch-up on their much needed rest. She didn't feel like Holli would be in ICU for very long. Please continue to pray for Diane. She is needing to get back to work in the near future and understandibly having a difficult time with the thought of leaving Holli's side. It is a great comfort to know however, that she will be surrounded by friends who love her deeply and that Harrison will be there for her. We are also comforted by the fact that our Heavenly Father has had Holli in his hands throughout this ordeal. I know He will bring comfort to Diane also.

Safe at Stanford

2009-03-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

I just spoke briefly with Diane. Holli is in ICU at Stanford. They are getting her settled in her room and giving her a work over, I'm sure. Diane is so relieved, thankful and just overwhelmed by everything that everyone has done to make this happen. She is also very exhausted. I don't think she has slept since Saturday night. She is going to see Holli for the last visiting hour and then go to Karen's and crash. She did tell Heather, Holli's sister, that as they were loading Holli onto the plane, she saw tears in Holli's eyes as if she knew they were bringing her home.

We will continue to post on Holli's progress as information comes to us. Now that we have Holli back in the states, we are changing our focus to get her back to her home. Feel free to check in with us to keep up with her journey on the road to recovery.

They are home!

2009-03-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Just spoke with Doug. He said Diane called real quickly from the plane at about 5:00 central time to let him know that they had landed. She said that Holli tolerated the trip well. They kept her sedated for most of the flight. Will let everyone know as soon as I have more information.

Harrison sings to Holli

2009-03-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

She's well on her way now!

2009-03-16T04:47:00.001-07:00

Holli is in the air!! I haven't heard from Diane since they left Chennai yesterday, but I checked their flight information and they are enroute. Their flight got a little delayed in Dubai, so they will be around 2:30 pm getting to San Fransisco. Karen, Harrison's mom, worked very hard yesterday making phone calls to arrange ground transport for Holli from the airport to Stanford. Rick Lamark at American Medical Response Ambulance DONATED their services to get Holli to the hospital. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! They are located in Burlingame California. So please all of you west coasterners remember this good deed and let them know how much we appreciate this gesture to take care of our Holli. As I have mentioned a thousand times already.... the outpouring of love and support has been tremendous and we are soooo appreciative. Keep those prayers coming and I will update as soon as I hear word of their arrival!

YAY! Our "Yo-Yo" is coming home!

Here is a link to a newspaper article in the Palo Alto area about Holli:

http://paloaltodailynews.ca.newsmemory.com/eebrowser/frame/check.2612/rss/showArticle.php?pSetup=paloaltodailynews&date=20090315&edition=Palo%20Alto%20Daily%20News&page=0315150XA004.pdf.0&id=1&device=std

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

2009-03-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

I spoke with Diane this morning. Holli is well and Diane is counting down the hours until they leave: ) They will be boarding at around 3 am their time which will be about 10 more hours.

I did want to take a minute and share what is on my heart this morning. This journey has been such a blessing for us. Yes, it's tragic and we aren't sure what Holli's fate will be. Yes, Diane has been through a nightmare with her baby girl, BUT....... "If God is for us, who can be against us!!!" It is times like these that are a true test of faith. It is so easy to talk the talk and walk the walk when all is well, but when everything looks so bleak around us we MUST look up! I am saying this all most humbly, because I have been guilty throughout this journey to take my eyes off the Lord and allow myself to feel helpless and alone. Thanks be to God that He is faithful and will find some way to remind us that we are HIS and we can be victorious even in the midst of a tragedy! What a blessing! My prayer is that the Lord will use this in a way to glorify Him and spread some Light.

Please continue to pray for Holli, Diane and Harrison as they embark on this trip home.

THEY'RE COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-14T04:35:00.000-07:00

It's official! They will fly into San Fran on the 16th! Diane is soooooo very relieved and glad to be coming home!!!!! Thank you for all of your prayers! She said that Holli is still doing well. Her fever is improving as they are treating her for a UTI with IV antibiotics. The hospital staff got her up in a wheelchair today and they rolled her down the hall. She did require a neck brace for support while she was up, but tolerated it well. But most of all............ they're coming home!!!!!!!!

2009-03-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest article from "The Hindu".

http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/13/stories/2009031356970400.htm