Forrest continues to receive IV Antibiotics to control the infection that started this decline. His blood work is doing well and he continues to make slow improvement.
On the home front we continue improvements on the house that will let us manage Forrest in whatever ambulatory capability he can manage when the decision is made to bring him home. Austin made it home briefly with a couple of his friends and Dad got to cook for them. Mom made it home to briefly to oversee construction and see the hunt off. I will try to post one of the pictures Katherine Elgin took of Rae at the Orange County Hunt.
The videos and pictures and emails that his friends send are huge at this point. I know you guys are busy with school work and we do want you all to study and graduate. The high point of many of these long and tiring days for him are the videos and messages from friends. Even when he is down he can still manage a smile for his friends. Austin and Maylin make sure that he sees every one of them.
So our goal continues with all of us pulling together and getting 44 home, smiling, riding, watching football and visiting friends. Please continue to pull together to help us get there.
Dad and Team 44
Forrest smiling at messages from friends.
Glad to hear things are going well - Forrest is strong and pushing through! Sending the very best thoughts, positive energy and lots of prayers always. :)
ReplyDeletexo,
Berkeley and Thomas Gunnell
ps - love the smiling pic!!!
Dear Friends, my son and I met Forrest in the barns at WEG - we learned of his injury only last week on a trip through Middleburg. Our family is praying for Forrest. His journey has been so difficult it is hard to imagine the strength required, both for him and your family. We are in awe.
ReplyDeleteWe are lifting all of you up in prayer, especially your warrior Forrest. We see the light in his eyes!
Karen Armstrong
Lexington, Kentucky
I, too, am so happy to hear that things are moving right along with you Forrest. You look good in the picture with that smile on your face. I can't get over how fast your hair always grows back in after your surgeries! Evidently, it is as strong as you continue to be!! It just keeps bouncing back!
ReplyDeleteLove and Prayers to all of you!
Joyce and Wilbur Ellis
As Berkeley said above, we too love to see that gorgeous, smiling face, Forrest! And I marvel at your hair growth with Joyce. I wonder if it has something to do with the nutrient packed food your awesome team insists upon. I gotta get me some of that.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I love getting the 'deets from Kent so that I can focus my prayers on finding the right shunt setting and CSF balance that will allow Forrest to get back to rehab and making greater strides again. I will also intensely focus on prayers that Forrest remains infection free.
Lastly, and most importantly, I pray that you will soon be able to bring Forrest home, to get him back amongst familiar surroundings, "home germs," puppy love, and surrounded by all of you.
A message to Forrest's awesome friends - God bless you for your messages and videos! The time that you are making for your good friend is humbling and inspiring and will be returned to you ten-fold in your young lives. THANK YOU!
Our entire family is continually humbled by the example of Team 44. Your patience, devotion, sense of hope, strength and tenacity inspire us in so many ways. Forrest is indeed blessed to have all of you, but so are we who read this blog.
Thank you for the gift of your example.
With love and constant prayer,
Shannon
" In my opinion, family members and loved ones hold the key to a patient's recovery. You know them better than any doctor, therapist or nurse, and they know you better than anyone. They are affected by your praise more than you can imagine, whether you are a husband, wife, father, mother, sister, brother. son, daughter, or other loved one. In my opinion, you have the power to stimulate their brain and to help in healing it." Betsy's Support Site for TBI
Today's picture is beautiful - for so many reasons, the best of which are the calmness of your face and the hint of sparkle in your eyes. We are grateful for the post, the photo, and for your progress, Forrest, and continue to hold you close. Much love from the Shermans
ReplyDeleteI also loved today's picture Forrest. It is so nice to see that great smile. I know it will be even bigger and better when you get to arrive on the home front one of these days. Sure looking forward to that. So, hang in there team Forrest and we will be praying for the fluids to balance and all infections to stay away!! Granma Norma and Aunt Bev are coming to see you this weekend. They are excited.
ReplyDeleteIn re: the quote Shannon closed with above....when Austin shared this picture with me on Saturday, I texted back to him that I loved it because of how present and connected Forrest looks in it; there is no doubt that in HIS deepest and darkest moments, his amazing and ever-present Family Team 44 is what has pulled him through.... And kept him present and connected, when he surely at times has felt like giving up. We love you all and are proud and grateful to be your backup and support.
ReplyDelete