Two groups have been thru this morning and areas of discussion include the persistent fever and it's origin and the stabilizing Red cell and platelet count. The cat scan of the brain showed no worsening but no significant improvement either. He is on Tylenol and a cooling blanket for his fever.
The new news is the gradual reduction of the anesthetic agent and corresponding reduction of the potent pain meds. We continue to be very careful on turning him because of the back fractures and the nursing staff is wonderful in their care of him.
Rae and I meet daily with various doctors and specialists to talk about what we can do to help Forrest. Some of the discussions are hard to have but we continue to focus on the positive.We continue to depend upon your prayers, best wishes and funny 44 stories to read to him and get us thru these challenging days. We have become believers in miracles.
With Love,
From Forrest, Austin, Rae and Kent and Uncle John
Forrest and all of you are so much on our minds, few of us in CO are getting much sleep. We hope you are getting the positive energy that we are sending your way in the wee hours of the night. We'd be honored to help you in your shifts of care for "44" since we know you all must be exhausted. We could all be zombies together!
ReplyDeleteWe believe in miracles, too, and envision Forrest opening his eyes, smiling his winsome smile, and saying "what's up guys? You all look terrible!"
Please squeeze his hands for us and soak up the love and support coming to you from all over the country. We'd like to be able to hug you tightly in person.
Love, Diane and Jay
Thanks for the updates. It sounds like things are hanging in there. We also continue to pray for healing and fever reduction. I didn't know 44 was his nickname but I like it. The room decorations look good and I know he will like those. It is hard to support from this far away, but please know you are never far from our hearts and minds and prayers. Bless you all. We love you Forrest. Aunt Lynn and all the Lauterbachs
ReplyDeleteSending BIG LOVE, POSITIVE ENERGY AND LOTS OF PRAYERS your way today Forrest! Keep resting, healing and use all that tenacity, precociousness and delightful stubborness to pave your way to a full recovery! Hugs, Laurie T.
ReplyDeleteI must add to the 44 Riley comparison made in last nights blog.
ReplyDeleteOn the ride Austin, Forrest, and I took together two Sundays ago Forrest said something to me that has been stuck in my head. Now I must share it because I think it says a great deal about Forrest, his character and his fight. It was a frigid day and the wind chill was around 15. The horses were no doubt cold – and so were the riders. Austin was leading on Finn – our fearless leader, I was on Bentley ponying Lance, walking side by side with Forrest, who was on Riley. Forrest was holding the buckle of the reins, as we approached water and a cement crossing I told him that he may want to shorten his reins – that I wouldn’t trust Riley, he may spook. Forrest said to me “Confidence Robyn, Confidence”. Well as Forrest AND Riley love to do, they proved me wrong – no spook and I just had to smile. As we proceeded up the hill Forrest asked if he could just lay down on Riley’s neck and close his eyes to see if Riley would just take him home. I said no, that I was pretty sure Mama Bear (Rae) would say that it wasn’t a good idea, and that Papa Bear (Dr. A) would say “Go for it Forrest” – which would be followed by the sarcastic smile that Dr. A is SOOO good at. Forrest said again to me “Confidence Robyn”. Then he proceeded to close his eyes and lay on Riley’s neck – He got up a few seconds later saying that it felt “weird”. Again, I just had to smile.
As we neared home, Forrest took his own path thru the high grass while Austin and I stayed on the groomed path. I looked back and as the distance between Austin and I, and Forrest grew I worried but I just let go knowing that Forrest was completely confident in what he was doing. He and Riley together are a team – Riley loves his 44 – and I can almost see a smile on Riley’s cute face when Forrest rides him. Forrest believes in himself and in Riley, and I think that is what Riley loves about his 44.
Forrest is going to take his own path to recovery but I have no doubt that in his dreams he is saying to all of us “Confidence, Confidence”.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – I think this quote perfectly explains what Forrest was saying to me that day.
So Forrest – it is my turn, I have confidence in you. Now lay down on Riley’s neck, rest, and when you are ready Riley will bring you home. (To the other Virginia;).
Beautifully said, Robyn.
ReplyDeleteAnd to the Allens -- I'm not family, but I would gladly 'spell you' all if I were there. Positive thoughts and the stuff of miracles are coming your way. Kathy
Robin, very well put. And I remember him saying "Confidence, Robin, Confidence" with such conviction and strength. Riley will lead him home soon, he loves his grain too much to do anything but that.
ReplyDeleteBill Wolden sent a beautiful email I'll share here. Along with Mom's response:
Rae, Kent, Austin & Forrest –
I have been following the updates on the blog every day to see how Forrest is progressing and I’m glad to hear that he is doing a little better each and every day. I’m not surprised by Forrest’s strength as he has always been a young man of endless energy and optimism with a strong heart and supportive family. I’m sure this is a scary time for everyone but it also allows the family to stop everything else in the world around them and just be with one another which is a beautiful thing. Making the time to talk, to listen, to hold, to love, and just be with one another is a very special gift and this event will only bring your family closer and remind each other of the love that you share. I have always felt as though Austin and Forrest were kind of like little brothers to me as I have seen them grow up over the past 19 years into smart, energetic, genuine, and caring young men that make their parents and all of us very proud. So when I heard that my little brother Forrest was hurt in a snowboarding accident, it struck deep, but I knew that he would receive the best possible care, would be surrounded by the most loving family, and is strong enough to fight through this. I know that Forrest will be fine. And I know that Austin is there to support and take care of his little brother. And I know that Rae and Kent will do everything in their power to care for their family, just as they have always done with their extended DQ family. Meanwhile, just know that we are all thinking of you and sending our love, and we look forward to seeing that smiling face back on the slopes again someday soon.
Take care of each other and know that we are here for you.
Love,
Bill
Mom:
Thanks for the beautiful message. I know they both look to you as a DQ brother too. Forrest and Austin both have literally grown up in the DQ fold….All their lives, they have been challenged, inspired and shaped by you and their other DQ brothers and sisters. For that Kent and I are both grateful. I talk to him every day about DQ and the dolphins. We go swimming, snorkeling, diving together. We feed the eels and walk on the beach. I know he hears us and hopefully it sweetens his dreams… We'll read it to him now, and that way he'll have it to read himself one day soon…
Forrest,
ReplyDeleteYou've been the talk of the hallways today at school, so it's almost as though you are here with us. The Senior Class has been busy writing notes to you on a banner which we'll send to you tomorrow. We hope it's one of the first things you'll see when you wake up.
Peace and love,
Cassin Bertke
Kent, Rae and Austin
ReplyDeleteForrest and you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We can only begin to imagine the moment to moment challenges as you listen to the counsel from his doctors and nurses and as you stand vigil over him, talking to him and reading the thoughts of his friends and family.
About ten years ago we had an adult friend go through similar treatments (he suffered an aneurism, not a trauma). He went through the swellings,the procedures to relieve the swelling, the medically induced coma, and the slow recovery from that coma. As a close friend who took part in a similar vigil over him, i can only begin to imagine taking part in the same process with my child.
I can only say that Mike's recovery was full and that we all believe that will be the same for Forrest. I truly believe that the constant companionship, conversation and reminiscing that you are engaged in is truly positive and will be an important part of his recovery.
Forrest is lucky to be part of a strong and close family. He is fortunate to have had so many experiences to look back on as he heals. Please make sure to recount to him some of the wonderful times our family has had with yours. Swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii, diving in the Caymans (even sometimes coming up without air), riding out Hurricane Francis in Turks -- "Why's the rum gone", and treking around Manhattan. Let him know that we are ready to plan the next adventure -- this time with the rum!!!
Love
The Selfes
Dear Rae, Kent, and Austin,
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you constantly, and can't imagine how difficult this period of waiting must be. We believe in miracles too, and know that Forrest will prevail. He is young, fit, and healthy, and, as everyone of his friends and admirers know--has a great life force.We believe in his strength, and that of all of you. We're with you all the way-stay strong-We love you,
Jim and Gail
Kent, Rae, Austin, Family, and especially Forrest
ReplyDeleteI've known Kent and Rae for years, probably more than we all want to admit. I remember you boys, as, well, boys. Kent showed me photos of you guys during AAEP this year, and we talked about family and kids and he said how proud he is of you guys and what great futures you have.
Forrest, there are people whom you might not even remember or know who love you through association, and we are praying for your quick and complete recovery.
Love to all!
Kim in Kentucky