Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Update: 10:45pm on 8/24

Forrest has had a few great days. He's more alert and focused since the cranioplasty. It has definitely been great to see doctors and nurses who haven't seen him since the surgery come in and say how great he looks. We're actually transferring across the street back to the National Rehab Hospital tomorrow, if everything goes as planned. Today, while sitting up on the side of the bed with assistance, he held his head up high for several minutes, which is monumental in the world of progress measured in infinitesimally small steps! He's doing great and while his care, his nurses, doctors, and therapists, have been extraordinary at WHC, we're excited to get back to NRH where he can get back to work and his journey home.

All the best,
Austin and Team 44

Forrest and I watching the new Star Trek movie

11 comments:

  1. Hi Forrest and Team 44, How great it is to hear that you are doing so well since your surgery Forrest! WONDERFUL!! It's great to hear that you are already sitting on the edge of your bed and you are able to hold your head up high for several minutes, too! GO FORREST, GO! We're all rooting for you!!
    Love,

    Joyce and Wilbur Ellis Still praying!

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  2. Thank you for your message. We just wonder all day what is happening. And it is so wonderful when the news is positive. Small steps...yes...but stepping forward is just the best news ever!! I know NRH will be glad to see you again. And I can't wait to see a picture of that handsome new profile. Keep it up Champ and team!! Love you all...Aunt Lynn

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  3. Great to hear the update and the progress!! Hope the transfer tomorrow will go well! Keep up the great work Forrest and Team 44!!

    Lots of love,
    Kelly and family

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  4. Grandmom Norma AllenAugust 25, 2011 at 1:35 AM

    Great news Forrest. You are such a wonderful hard worker when it comes to doing what you need to do to get yourself well. I'm so glad you and Austin get to spend time together seeing movies you both like. Your Dad would be right there watching with you guys if he could. But he does have to keep a lot of horses doing well at the Clinic and check out things around the farm. Bet he will see you and that super Mom of yours this weekend.

    I am so happy you are looking so good and that you get to move over to the Rehab Hospital so close by and get started doing exercises they know will make your recovery go better. Know that I love you boys so much. Sweet dreams. Granma Norma Keep it up team 44!!

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  5. Great news Forrest. We think about you every day! Keep moving forward, minuscule steps are still steps forward. Love and hugs from the gang at Rabbit Hill XXOO

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  6. One thing I've learned is that there is no such thing as a 'small step' -- especially when it's in the right direction!! GO FORREST!!!

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  7. So glad to hear about the progress, Austin. Thinking about you guys every day... keep working hard at getting better, Forrest! Love you!

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  8. I am a good old friend of Aunt Lobie, who alerted me to Forrest's accident back in January and I've been closely following his progress ever since. My wife had two aneurysms burst just before Christmas and then, after suffering vasospasms, had a stroke shortly after New Year's Day. She spent ten weeks in intensive care and then 9 weeks in a rehab facility. She's home now and is walking with assistance. She requires full time care, but we are trying to move beyond that. She doesn't speak yet except in fragments, but she's communicative, smiles frequently and is showing signs of a strong will to recover.

    I wish Forrest a speedy recovery, although I know that may not be in the cards. As you know, brain injuries require patience. Please know that I am praying for him and your family on a regular basis. People around the world are praying for my wife Joy, since she worked in an international field of business. When people tell me that they are praying for her, I thank them and tell them it's working. Sometimes I joke with them and tell them "she's got more people praying for her than the Pope." I'm sure Forrest has similar support.

    God bless you, Forrest. And God bless Team 44.

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  9. Yahoo, yahoo, YAHOO!!! I've been checking the blog regularly looking for new news and man, you delivered, Austin! :)

    I have goose bumps, truly. More alert, sitting up? Holding up his head? Watching movies? I'm just so darn grateful to read this post.

    It was a week ago today that all of us sat vigil mentally and in prayer with your family that Forrest would come through the cranioplasty safely. I am happily stunned to think he's already about to return to rehab.

    My prayers for continued progress will continue - no doubt about it, but right now, I'm pretty focused on thanking God for this miraculous week. :)

    Much love to all of you.
    YAHOO!!!!!
    Shannon and the Davis party of 5

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  10. What wonderful news! This could be a major turning point. Forrest is lucky to have such a devoted family and friends, and his family and friends are lucky and privileged have such a determined young man to which to send thoughts, prayers, positive vibrations and hugs.
    Stay strong.
    With love,
    Jim and Gail Wofford

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  11. Hey Forrest!
    I can't wait to see you...heading for the airport soon to head your way. A day late, due to the hurricane..but on my way. As I always tell your amazing Mom, "I'm standing beside you, holding your hand"...and soon it will be more than just words. I'm so eager to see your smile in person!
    Love,
    Aunt Lobie

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