A New Year and More Possibilities

2010 is fast approaching. To the side of the page is Christie's progression in pictures. In 2008 and 09 Christie has surpassed every ones expectations. Christie was at near death and couldn't do anything for herself. As of today Christie is speaking, eating, writing and other things she had lost the ability to do. If Christie has progressed this much in almost 2 years, I wonder what she will be able to do in another year? It is my hope and Prayer that in 2010 Christie will walk and be home. Christie has spent 2 Birthdays, 2 Thanksgiving,and 2 Christmases in a nursing home.It is time for her to come home.

Happy New Year

Christie Walking

Happy New Year everyone. Here is a great way to start the new year. Richard sent me a video of Christie walking. I sure hope I can see it for myself the next time I am there.

Merry Christmas from Christie

Hello everyone,
Please know this is going to be a long entry. So much to say about Christmas with Christie. We went to see Christie for Christmas. We got there before she got off the bus from school. We spent our time waiting talking with Chris. He is another resident at FCC. Chris is a young man whom Mama and I have adopted. He calls us Mama and Mam maw like Christie does. We visit with him when we see Christie.
Christie was meet at the bus with her Santa hat in hand. Christie and I have always worn Santa hats at Christmas. We spent a few minutes outside looking at a new born kitten that the mama cat was trying desperately to find a safe spot to put her kitten. They must have been born the night before but it appeared that one had drowned in all the rain that Miami had Thursday night.
We went inside to the " Christmas Party" it was a beautiful but sad event all at the same time. It reminded me of a movie scene set at an orphanage. All of the children were set in a semi circle in front of a table laden with gifts. The gifts where handed out and each child received one gift. They spent a little while looking and playing with there gifts. There was also some finger foods provided for the ones that could eat it. Then the children returned to there rooms or to the hall way and Christmas was over. Christie had a great time. She kept asking " is it Christmas" I would say "yes" and she would say "Is there a present for me?" I said "yes, you have a lot of presents" Christie had a great time opening her gifts.
We where also ecstatic to find out while we where there that Christie is now eating 3 meals a day even at school. They are still pureed but she isn't receiving anything from the feeding tube at this time. If this continues with no problem the feeding tube will be removed at a later time. We where also more happy to learn that all though the surgeons and doctors have said Christie will not walk, CHRISTIE IS WALKING. Christie can walk with assistance half the length of the hall way. Pillar the physical therapist said she was going to surprise us with Christie walking on Christmas day. I know Richard will send us all a video of such a happy and monumental moment as he did when Christie first stood.
After the party we hung out with Christie, had supper with her then tucked her into bed. She was exhausted. She gets up for school about 5 A.M. I think I was told.
Saturday we went back. and spent the day with Christie. We just chilled out. We both drew or colored with her new art set. While she drew I treated her to a day at Mama's Spa. I brushed and braided her hair, shaved her legs and applied a nice smelling lotion that Christie liked the smell of, and I cut her toe nails. It was fun to see her admiring her fresh pampered look. Sometime during that day we watched "second hand lion " on TV. I got up in Christie's bed and she sat beside me in her chair with her feet propped up on the bed next to mine. We also had lunch and supper with Christie.
Sunday we spent most of the day with Christie. We had lunch together. Mrs. Patricia the speech therapist was there. Christie ate very well. After lunch Christie was to have therapy.Mrs. Patricia was going to let Christie chose which kind of chips she wanted. Christie is working on eating crunchy things in therapy. When asked what kind she wanted, Christie raised her hand as in school and said actually I really don't want any I'm full.She made a face like a chipmunk with checks full. It was really funny. Christie is so much like the girl she has always been. There's still pieces missing that will never return but it is awesome to see what is.
The whole weekend was great, It was also great to see Brittany, Christie's roommate before she left. Brittany got to go home Saturday for good. She has progressed enough to where she was able to leave. I look forward to the day when Christie to gets to come home.
I can't wait til the next visit with Christie.

Christmas

Hi Everyone,
I have no new updates at this time. I will be going to see Christie for Christmas and I will update and add new pictures then.

Giving Thanks

I just talked to Christie she was very talkative tonight. We talked for 56 minutes. I told her bye and she said " no bye yet" so we talked some more. As always she talks of coming home, wanting a job and asking where she is. Talking to her reminds me of the wonderful Thanksgiving I had this year. The only thing that could have made it any better would have been for Christie to be home with the rest of the family. I got to have my first meal and Thanksgiving with Christie since before the wreck. Then on Thanksgiving my son was here from the Navy to spend Thanksgiving with me. it really was wonderful.
I can't wait for Christmas so I can go see Christie again.Scheduling is a little harder because Xander and Christie are in school and I don't want Xander to miss days.It was easier before they started school. I would just pack up and we would go when I could. It is well worth the effort and the trip. I look forward to the day when Christie is back home and we can see each other everyday. Please pray that day comes soon.

Thanksgiving Dinner

The dinner with Christie was GREAT!. I was so happy getting to be with her. I got to let her have the middle of a deviled egg. She loves them and we always have them at Thanksgiving. It was wonderful to see such enjoyment from something so small that we all take for granted.I also gave her a bite of potato salad that was a pre packaged salad. Christie has always loved my potato salad. She made my day by exclaiming " It's not like home" I think she was saying it's not like Mama fixes.Either way close enough. This was the most wonderful time. I knew I would be happy but that doesn't even come close to the emotion I was feeling I could hardly contain myself.
I would also like to say Thank you to Mrs. Patricia, Christie's speech therapist. It was so nice of you to be there so Christie could be with us on such a special occasion. Mrs. Patrica has done a wonderful job with Christie. I will post pictures but in one of them. Patricia was checking on Christie's swallowing and she was very close to Christie to hear Christie speak to make sure her throat was clear and Christie hiccuped right in Patricia's face.It's one of those shocked, embarrassed and funny things all at once. It would have made a great Master Card commercial it was indeed priceless.
It was a long trip for a day but worth every mile. Round trip was over 1600 miles I would gladly do it again to see Christie so happy.

Will be a Great Thanksgiving

FCC will be having their annual Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday. I found out today Christie will be there and will be able to eat dinner. Patricia the speech therapist will be there to help Christie.I will be there to eat the first meal with my daughter in a year and a half. What better time to get to eat with her than Thanksgiving. I also found out today Christie will be up graded to 3 meals a day now but she will have to be feed by a CNA. Christie can feed herself but she doesn't understand not to put to much in her mouth and she chokes herself. Richard and I will also be trained to feed her. I will start my training Thursday at the Thanksgiving dinner. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I hope you all have as great a time Thanksgiving with your families as I will this Thursday with Christie.

Visit with Christie & Court

Hi everyone,
I just got home and know everyone is anxiously awaiting the outcome of court. Court was canceled again. It has been decided that Richard and I should go before a mediator discuss and try to decided the best placement for Christie. If we can't come to a agreement then it will go back before the court for a judge to decide.
The visit with Christie was great. I even got to take her on the swings. I don't know which of us enjoyed it the most or who was the most tired afterward. Christie also remembered how to write her number 1-5 in Japanese. Joy bear got new pink tennis shoes and Christie has started drawing again. Christie still thinks she is 13 and she said she wants to stay the same forever and not have to grow up. I have included new pictures at the bottom. Please continue to Pray.
Becky

Christie Went to school

Christie finally started school. She went Thursday. Sure wish I was with her to see how her first day of school in 1 1/2 years went.Time stands still for no man. It breaks my heart to think of all the time and memories she has lost. I wish I was there for her to tell me all about her first day of school just like she use to do.

Song Titled... " Time after Time"

How much longer does Christie have to beg before she is allowed to come home?Life really isn't fair. The people who hurt no one are the ones that are hurt the most.Christie has never hurt anyone.But her life has changed forever.People responsible for it no consequences

One Step Back

Here is an email Richard or Dave sent me...


Becky,
Patricia has told me that she is going to have to scale back expectations regarding Christie's progression in eating on her own. Christie is going to have to comprehend that she is having problems and not lash out and argue over it. Yesterday Christie began eating too fast and became agitated when corrected and tried to hit Patricia. Even when starting to hurt herself with her actions, Christie does not listen to directions that can help her. It was also stated that Christie needs to feed herself instinctively without assistance and that is why no one needs feed Christie but herself. It would nullify all therapy if someone did. As it stands now, for safety's sake, Christie will be staying on a one pureed meal a day diet for a while with only assistance from the Therapist.

Continuing to improve

I got an email from Richard. Christie didn't go to the neurologist Friday, she went and got her cast off. Why he couldn't have just said that before I don't know. Anyway to the GREAT part. Christie had a soft p-nut butter sandwich today. Her therapist says she is doing really well and progressing well. If all goes well Christie will be getting 3 meals a day by mouth sometime in the next 2 weeks. Christie will continue to have the feeding tube in but it will not be used. The feeding tube must remain in for a least a month while she is eating in case she should aspirate. They would have to put in another feeding tube so this one will remain in place until we know Christie can do it completely on her on. You go girl. She gets her determination or as some would call it her stubbornness from her Mama. Just ask anyone who know me. ;)

Randomness

I talked to Christie as I do everyday. Today the first thing she said was I want to come home. She is getting more consistent with asking to come home. Christie went to the neurologist Friday. I emailed Richard as he prefers to ask how the appointment went and for an update. Richard responded today with ... What makes you think she went to the neurologist? This is crazy a Mama shouldn't have this much trouble trying to find out about her child. please keep us especially Christie in your prayers.

CHRISTIE'S FIRST MEAL

Thank You Jesus. My Faith has been renewed. Here are more details from Christie's swallow study. Christie will be allowed 1 meal a day Monday thru Friday with the therapist only. Then an x-ray will be done to make sure there is no pneumonia or problems. If not then the nurses will be allowed to give Christie the one meal a day.
Today Christie had pureed meat, pureed vegetables, mashed potatoes, a banana and thickened orange juice. Christie was so happy she thanked everyone who came close to her. Christie will continue to have the feeding tube for now but certainly in time it will be removed.This truly is a start and a Blessed Day. Thank you Lord for the day thou hath made, be glad and rejoice in it. I can only hope Christie will continue to do well and I will get to get a meal with her the next time I am there.

Swallow Study Results

Woohoo. Christie PASSED her swallow study. She can now have thickened liquids. She is still on the feeding tube. Richard has told me that thickened liquids does nothing to quench the thirst but it is a start. I remember when Richard was on the thickened liquids but it does make way for the thin liquids next. Please continue to pray.
Thanks for all of your Prayers,
Becky & Christie

Results

Here we go again. 1 step forward and 3 steps back. The swallow study has been rescheduled for Oct 13

Swallow Study

Please pray for Christie's strength and guidance today as Christie goes for her swallow study. I believe due to miss or no communication Richard has gone to Tennessee and with the court date changed I was unable to go. So I think Christie will be there alone. God be with Her with his realm of Angels.

Trying This to see if it works, Christie Standing

Richard sent this to me threw his my space. I don't have my space so a friend had to open it and email it back to me. Hope it works

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=63746079

Court

Court has been rescheduled for November 9TH

Newest updates

Hi all,
I got an email back from Richard last night and haven't had time to post until now. Christie has a swallow study on Oct 5Th at 9:00 AM. I want to go with her but Richard says only one person can go. I will still be there if I have to stay outside the door. I am hoping he will let me go since he has been to all the others and I have not been able to.
2)Christie has started with therapy with machine assistance for balance and steadiness to transfer her weight from a seated to standing position and has done a few sessions. Christie is strong and able to stay in a standing position for 30 minutes. Also, The occupational therapist is working with her as well and Christie can, with minimal assistance, go from a laying to sitting in bed position under her own power. 3)Christie, as well as 5 others, are still in staffing stage for school, Richard will get more information from the Miami Dade Liaison on Tuesday.
4)Christie's hearing aides are not back from being repaired. They where being repaired the last time we where there and are not ready yet. I have never seen Christie with hearing aides. Seems they are always being repaired.
ALSO PLEASE REMEMBER WE GO BACK TO COURT ON OCT. 6TH. PLEASE PRAY CHRISTIE COMES HOME.

Christie's Surgery Update

Well we are back from Miami. We drove the 800 miles Monday and went straight to bed. Tuesday morning we were up early to spend as much time with Christie as we could. We didn't leave the nursing home until after Christie went to bed. Wednesday we were at the hospital at 6:00 AM. We got to stay with Christie until they took her through the OR doors. They took her back at 7:30. Surgery started late at 9:00. I don't know what took so long to start. Surgery was over around noon. We got to stay with her in recovery until she got into a room. We stayed with her until around 4 or 5 I think. Christie did really well after surgery. The nurses wrapped " Joy Bears " feet in cast to so Christie would have company. It is really cute.We went back to the hospital Thursday morning and stayed with Christie until transport arrived after 5:00. We then met Christie at the nursing home and got her settled back in bed and stayed with her until around 9:00 when she was ready for bed. Christie was very tired. Christie is my trooper.They will start standing exercises with Christie in a few days.
PS please remember we go back to court Oct 6 for the hearing.Please remember us in Prayer

Gods Wings...or a Mama's Love

God's Wings -
After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park , forest rangers
Began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.
One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched
Statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat
Sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.
When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under
Their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of
Impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the
Tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing
That the toxic smoke would rise.
She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her
Babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her
Small body, the mother had remained steadfast ...because she had
Been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.
'He will cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you will find refuge.'
(Psalm 91:4)

Christie's Surgery

Please keep Christie in your prayers. Christie is having surgery September the 9 Th. They are going to cut the tendons in the back of her legs. The Achilles tendon. By doing this surgery Christie will hopefully be able to stand and with help move from her wheelchair to the bed or the wheelchair to the couch etc. This surgery is in no way going to make it possible for Christie to walk but at least when she is sitting down her toes will not be touching the floor and it will help her to stand with help. Even with her not ever being able to walk ( I've been told the chance of her walking is slim to none) if she can stand she will feel she has some Independence.

Court Date

Dear Prayer Warriors,
The court date has been rescheduled. It is going to be some time in October that gives us more time to Pray that Christie gets to come home.
Thanks for all your continued Prayers and support.
Becky

Christie's Orthopedic Followup Details

So many people have been asking about Christie walking here is an update. I am posting the email from Richard so I don't get any of the details mixed up. Please continue to pray for Christie.

Christies' Orthopedic Followup details,

After the surgeon performed an examination, he stated this: Christies' Brain will never allow the returned angle to her feet. Its not all up to the brain now. At this point in time there is extreme muscle atrophy and her bones have been weakened. If Christie is going to have a shot at some kind of mobility, it must be done now before her bones deteriorate further. As far as risks go: There is always a chance due to Christies injury, that she could aspirate, suffer a fracture, or not react well to the anesthesia. The Pros out way the Cons here. Christie will have her tendons lengthened and wear casts for 6 weeks. Two weeks after the casts are applied she will start standing therapy to reintroduce the new position/posture to her equilibrium. He made no promises further than: Christie will probably be able to stand on her own with limited mobility and support. As far as walking, running, and swimming; It will be entirely up to Christies' attitude towards recovery and her body limitations.Christie wants out of that chair very badly and I am going to help in anyway I can. When I find out the date of surgery, I will let you know.

Richard Martel

The Moment For Truth

Dear Friends,
Please be Prayerful. We go to court on September the 9 TH. Please pray that Christie will get to come home to South Carolina so that I can see her everyday and to help her grow in her rehab and therapy. I am already planning day trips in case Christie has to be in a facility for a short while. I know I can take her out for shopping trips, movies the library and anywhere else she wants to go. She has missed so much in the past year we have a lot of catching up to do.

Happy Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST MOST PERFECT, BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER EVER.

So not fair to Christie

Last night Xander had a bad dream. I went to hold him and comfort him and tucked him back in. It is so not fair Christie has no one to hold her when she cries or has a bad dream or just wants a hug.

So much for Christie having a GREAT Birthday

From: Becky Williams To: Richard Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:45:37

PMSubject: Christie

Richard, I need to know about what day I can take Christie out for her Birthday. I need to schedule the flight as soon as I can.
Becky

Re: ChristieFriday, July 17, 2009 10:44 AMFrom: This sender is DomainKeys verified "Richard M." View contact details To: "Becky Williams" Cc: "Pam Keller" pkeller@kellerlaw.biz

Christie will not be going off the facility grounds at this time with the exception of medical issues/reasons.
Richard M.

From: Becky Williams To: Richard M. Sent: Friday, July 17, 2009 3:59:58 PMSubject: Re: Todays appointment

Why can't I take her out for her birthday?

From: This sender is DomainKeys verified "Richard M." View contact details To: "Becky Williams" samuraiet@yahoo.com

This needs no further explanation. You have asked and I have answered.
Richard M.

I got to go see Christie

I could do a commercial.
Flight and car rental to Florida $875.60. Hotel $220.70. Seeing Christie PRICELESS.
Christie is really doing good. She is remembering so much. She remembered her friends home phone number from here in SC from years ago and called and talked to her. She remembers and wrote her birthday and address here in SC.
I got to go to speech therapy with Christie and help with her therapy, then practice with her when she wasn't in therapy. She really did great. Christie also got to eat a whole container of chocolate pudding. I tell you I have never enjoyed a pudding so much in my life as I did that one and I wasn't the one eating it. Christie eats pudding or applesauce or mashed potatoes 1 teaspoon at a time until a 4oz container is gone anywhere from 2 to 3 times a week.
We really had fun with Christie. Everytime we went to the park or down the hall Christie would call Xander to her side. Christie made sure Xander stayed with her. When someone would ask Christie who Xander was she would say " My little Brother".One time Mama took him to the bathroom and Christie asked where he was. I said " He is in the bathroom" and Christie said " Did Maw go with him?" I think it is sweet how she looks out for him. Even when Xander was little they seemed to share a bond.
Christie's 17Th birthday is the 28Th. My plan is to go see her for her birthday and take her to see the new Harry Potter movie. The nursing home said there was no reason she couldn't go out for a day I just need Richard to say I can. I am waiting for Richard's response now. The nurses will feed her before we leave and I have to have a way to transport her so I have a wheelchair van to take us. I can't wait to actually go somewhere with her. I know she would love to go anywhere. Christie hasn't been anywhere other than the doctors in over a year.Please pray the funds are made available for me to go.
Becky

Up Date

Richard got to go from Tennessee to Florida to see Christie. He sent me an update of his visit with her.
When I called Christie to talk to her she told me" Dad is here in my room, yea" She also said before we hung up that she wanted to come home with me now.
Anyway Richard sent me an update from some of the questions I had asked about. This is the responses.Casting: Christie has only gained 1 degree over the initial 15 degrees with the 1st casting and the Doctor said there is no indication that her brain is going to give any more elasticity to her calf muscles and tendons. Richard is to receive a call from an orthopedic surgeon/specialist to hear what options are available.Please pray that they don't choose to cut the tendons until after Christie's full two to six year window of the brain healing.
Eating: Christie is tolerating the 5cc okay but is being stubborn about clearing her throat when the therapist instructs her. I wish I was with her. I bet Mommy could get her to do what she needs to be doing.Kudos to Moms. Anyway, That is all I have about Christie for now. The only thing I don't know that I can't seem to get a truthful answer to is " Where is Cheyenne" Cheyenne was my dog but I sent her to Florida with Christie and Richard. I have been told by more than one person that Richard isn't living in Florida anymore but in Tennessee. With that being the case, who has Cheyenne. When I ask Richard he says Cheyenne is with him in Florida, problem being Richard is in Tennessee.I would like to have Cheyenne back if other people other than Richard is going to have her.
Will keep you up to date as I can.
Please Pray I get to see Christie soon.
Becky

How much longer

Just to clear up a little. Christie is only getting to eat 3 times a week, 1 teaspoon of food. Christie is only getting the 5cc to see how she is tolerating the food. As of yet nothing has changed.
I talked to Christie today as I do everyday.Somethings she can talk so clear it is as if she was the same as always. Today when I called she said to me " I want to come home if you will let me" She asked where I was and I said home in SC. Christie said " I want to be home, I want to be home with you." I haven't been to see her in over 3 months. I have been looking for cheap flights to see if it will be cheaper to fly but so far nothing seems like a good deal. If anyone sees any deals please let me know.

Snack

Christie got to have her first snack yesterday in speech therapy. She had yogurt. Today I'm not sure what she had but one of the choices was mashed potatoes with gravy. I'm as happy as I can be.
I haven't got to see Christie in forever. It reality it's been almost 3 months. I hope to see her soon. I had saved up 400.00 to go towards seeing her but my car tore up and it cost 448.00 to fix. I know all things happen for a reason but it's hard to think of it that was when I don't get to see Christie.

Swallow Test results

Hello everyone,
Christie's swallow test was today. Here are her results. Think of the grading system as that of school.
Eating pudding B. It took Christie 2 swallows to eat the pudding it should have taken 1.
Crackers B Same as pudding it took 2 swallow should have taken 1. Applesauce C took several swallows coughed on the final swallow.Water F aspirated immediately . The doctors are going to review the tape further. The feeding tube will remain in for nutritional feedings but the speech therapist will give Christie foods in the consistency of pudding for pleasure and for practice. Christie can only eat in the presents of the speech therapist for safety.They will do another swallow test in 3to 6 months.
I had hoped the feeding tube would come out but at least Christie can have the pleasure of tasting foods.
Please continue to Pray,
Becky

Swallow Test

Hi All,
Christie has her swallow test on Monday June 1st. Please keep her in your prayers for this that she passes it. I want her to be able to eat as bad as I'm sure she wants to eat. I am also having a yard sale this Saturday May 30 to raise money to go see Christie.Please keep this in your prayers as well.
Becky

Just Wanted To Share This Again

Just Rambling

I talked to Christie today as I do everyday. Christie is getting very good at pronouncing her words. She has a hard time hearing me as she doesn't have her hearing aides. Her Dad said one was broken and they where awaiting a new hearing test before replacing her hearing aide. Seems If only one is broken she could wear the other to help her hear more easily.Christie asked me today where I was and where she was and when was I coming to see her.I told her soon. I really wish I had an idea of when I would be able to see her. It has been 2 months and I am going out of my mind. It just doesn't seem fair that I don't get to see her anymore than I do. Before the wreck her Dad and I had joint custody and I got to see her on the holidays, summer and sometimes we would just meet somewhere and see each other.It just doesn't seem right I can't see her when I want and she isn't allowed visitors. Christie is the victim and she is still being punished. In a way I am to. The daughter I had will never be like she was, but she is still the beautiful, loving and caring person I raised her to be and that will never change no matter what.
The friend I had in her Dad is gone and I still don't understand the reason for that. Up until the day of the wreck we were friends. Even when he was in the coma and until he left FINR I visited him equally as I did Christie.It seems there is more than one tragedy that occurred on April 19, 2008.
God IS working, Please continue to Pray.
Becky

HAPPY MOMMY"S DAY

I called Christie for our daily chat. I guess a nurse might have told her , I don't know. Anyway I was talking to Christie and she says" HAPPY MOMMY"S DAY YEAAAAAA" I am still on cloud 9 and I ain't coming down.
Happy Mommy's Day to all of our friends.
Becky & Christie

Swallow Study

For everyone who has been praying for Christie to pass her swallow test please continue to do so. I'm sorry to say that she was unable to take the test due to miscommunication between the nursing home and doctors office. The nursing home took her on the wrong day therefore she was unable to take the test. At this time a new appointment hasn't been scheduled.I really believe she will pass this test. This delay just gives us more time to pray.
Thanks,
Becky

Talked to Richard, New update

Hi everyone,
I had a nice conversation with Richard today as he got to go visit Christie. Richard said Christie will be having a swallow study done Wednesday. Please PRAY she passes it as we all want her to be able to eat again. Also Christie will be going to an outside school. She will go to and from on a bus. She will be working toward her diploma. The best part is she will be out of the nursing home for several hours a day getting to see things other than the nursing home. She will be able to make friends her age and will have a semblance of normalcy.
Christie is making great progress, please pray it continues.
Becky

Talking to Christie

I have enjoyed talking to Christie on the phone. She now has a phone in her room. I call her everyday. She was missing my calls. She told the nurse" Mom hasn't called me" after that I never miss a day. Today I called her and the first thing she said to me was " I've been waiting on you" need I say that made my day. Christie will give me hugs and kisses over the phone, tell me bye and she has hung the phone up herself 4 times in a row. You go Christie D.

mama

2nd casting

Hi all,
Christie had her 2ND casting done on Monday the 20Th. I got an email from Richard today saying that Christie gained 15 degrees in both feet. The castings are a slow progress but seem to be working.
Becky

YARD SALE

THIS SATURDAY 8:00 AM until ? YARD SALE, HOTDOG PLATES, AND BBQ PLATES TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHRISTIE. THE MONEY WILL BE USED FOR ATTORNEYS FEE ,TRAVEL TO SEE CHRISTIE AND MEDICAL FEES.@ TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH 4018 OLD BUNCOMBE RD , GREENVILLE. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE USED FOR CHRISTIE. ALL FOOD IS HOMEMADE. PLATES WILL INCLUDE HOT DOG OR BBQ, SLAW AND BAKED BEANS WITH CHIPS AND DRINK.$ 5.00 PER PLATE. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE. PLEASE PASS THE WORD TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
BECKY

Still waiting

I haven't heard anything from Richard. I did talk to the doctors office the day Christie got her cast. It is almost time for the second casting and I haven't heard anything from Richard. I don't know how Christie is adjusting to the cast or anything. I do talk to Christie on the phone some. I don't know which is harder talking to her or not talking to her. Christie is always in the front of my mind everyday all day. It really breaks my heart to talk to her and she ask me when she can come home.

Castings done

Christie got the cast on today. As far as I know everything went well. She will wear them for 10 days and then they will be removed and recast. This will continue for awhile, depending on how well it works for her.Please keep us all in your prayers. You would think the longer she is away the easier it would become to adjust. It is the opposite. I'm ready to go back to her before I even get home.
Becky

Monday

Please keep praying for Christie. Christie goes Monday to have her legs cast.The botox injections didn't work and thank God Richard isn't going to let them cut her tendons. The casting consist of them heating her legs and calves and casting them in place.Pulling her feet forward. After a few weeks they remove the cast and repeat the process.Trying to pull her feet back into position. I want to be with her so bad but I will be with her in spirit which is no where near the same. Richard has emailed and said he would be with her. I'm happy she will have one of us with her.
Becky

Not Yet

I haven't heard any specific news yet. I called Richard and left a message. I'm waiting for his return call.
Becky

Been Hanging Out With My Christie

Hello friends and neighbors,
I have been gone to seen my baby girl. We left here on Tuesday it took us 15 hours lots of traffic. Anyway I haven't gotten any updates from Richard or the staff but I can tell you what I saw for myself. I was with Christie Wednesday and Richard and Angie came in. Richard had a meeting with the school teacher, so he let me join the meeting.Christie is doing well enough that the teacher thinks Christie can get a regular high school diploma, not a special diploma. The difference being with a regular diploma if Christie is able in the future she will be able to go to college but wouldn't be able to with a special diploma.
We had lots of fun with Christie. We did a lot of talking. You have no idea how great it was to hear her talk to me. Thursday we went to the park and I stopped by the van to put my sun glasses back in and Christie couldn't see me for the van door she very loudly said MAMA. It was great I didn't think she could get that loud. We had her talking so much she got to tired to talk so she started writing again.When she gets to tired it is hard to understand her as well.
We played WII, needless to say she beat me nearly all the time.She has really gotten good, but she has always liked video games. I loved to watch her win she would say Yeaaaa.
She seemed to have a good time with us being there. The hardest part was leaving everyday. Christie would start asking soon after we got there if she could come home with me and would continue until we left. It killed me having to tell her no.
Christie does seem to be feeling some guilt, Christie is very depressed. Us being there seemed to help.Pictures will show what I mean. I'm basing this on notes she wrote to me. Christie did ask if she was there because the wreck was her fault, she asked if she was driving and she asked to come home.
I will be having a yard sale soon to raise money to go see her again. It cost 900.00 this trip. I don't intend for it to be 3 months again for me to see her.
Please continue to pray. Enjoy the new pictures.
Becky

Music To My Ears

Hi Everyone,
Richard sent me a short video of Christie talking. Here it is for all of you who are continuing to pray and ask for updates.
Becky

How Many Times Can A Heart Break?

I talked to Christie today. I can't believe how well she is doing talking. I finally got to talk to her yesterday. It seems every time I call I get put off until the afternoon. I start calling in the mornings and it always ends up being 2 to 5 PM before I get to talk to her.
I talked to her today and Christie said " Hi Mom" It was so clear. I told her I would come visit her soon. She said "yea" I said " Do you want Mama to bring you anything when I come?" Christie said "yes" I was so happy I thought she really wants something. I asked" What do you want Mama to bring you?" Christie said plain as day. " I want you to bring me home" You could have heard a pin drop as my heart broke.The good side is she is getting better and able to say what she wants.
Becky

No News

Sorry, no I have nothing really new to tell. I'm still not allowed to talk to the doctors. The only "new " thing is getting to talk to my daughter. When I call her if she isn't to tired she can talk. You have no idea how great it is to hear her say. I LOVE YOU. Will update as soon as I am told something.

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME

HEY EVERYONE,
I KNOW I'M TYPING IN CAPS, I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT MEANS YOU ARE SHOUTING. I THOUGHT THIS DESERVES A SHOUT. RICHARD CALLED ME TODAY. HE LEFT ME A VOICE MESSAGE AND I CALLED FCC. FCC WOULDN'T GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION SO I CALLED RICHARD BACK AND HE FILLED ME IN. I THEN CALLED FCC BACK. THE GOOD NEWS?! "CHRISTIE CAN TALK" YOU HEARD ME RIGHT. CHRISTIE HAS HER HEARING AIDES IN. THEY ARE TURNED DOWN AS TO NOT CAUSE MORE BRAIN INJURY. WHEN I TALKED TO CHRISTIE SHE ANSWERED APPROPRIATELY. SHE SAID I LOVE YOU, MISS YOU, HEY, FINE, AND HOW ARE YOU. I HAVE BEEN THE HAPPIEST TODAY THAN I HAVE BEEN IN A LONG TIME.AFTER I PICKED UP XANDER, WE CALLED AGAIN SO HE COULD HEAR HIS SISSY TALK. TONIGHT WHEN XANDER AND I SAY HIS PRAYERS I CAN PROMISE WE WILL BE THANKING GOD FOR ALL HE HAS DONE AND IS CONTINUING TO DO.
IT SHOULD BE CLOSE TO TIME FOR THE NEXT SWALLOW STUDY. PRAY CHRISTIE WILL PASS IT.
BECKY

Results

Court was today. The judge was disturbed about the pictures that was shown in court. The judge approved the request for a court monitor. Richard also wanted the money I raised in the yard sales and bake sales . Since Christie didn't get to come home I used the money for attorneys fees and to travel to go see Christie.It cost me $600.00 to $1,000.00 dollars to see her each trip I take. I am 776 miles from Christie. The judge said the money was spent so there's nothing that can be done about that now.Also Richard wanted all of Christie's belongings returned so it was decided that it would be settled out of court amongst us. I will keep some of Christie's things to have her close to me, and the others will be returned.Please continue to pray.
Becky

going back to court

Hi everyone,
Sorry I haven't updated but I haven't had anything new to tell you. I am still waiting on an update from Richard. However I did receive a letter from Christie's attorney saying he is taking the case back to court on the 12 of February. Christie's attorney is concerned about the lack of care, therapy, visitors and neglect that Christie may or may not be receiving. Please keep this date and proceeding in your prayers that Christie will benefit from it.
Becky

Christie may go to school

I got a reply to an email I sent Richard. It seems Christie may be going to school outside of the facility. However I am not allowed to even know the name of the school. I was going to try and move to Miami and be closer to Christie so I could go to the doctors with Christie, Richard told me he wouldn't allow me to go with her because her privacy is protected. Who better to protect her privacy than her Mama. Anyway as I get information I will pass it along.
Becky

New News of Christie

Hi Everyone,
I received an email from Richard. Christie is doing about the same. She did however get her hearing aids but it wasn't quite like I thought her getting them would be.Richard said in his email that he learned that if the hearing aides had been of standard issue, Christie would have suffered more brain trauma from all the noise that a normal person is able to tune out, and that The hearing aides are for therapy and turned down very low until at least Feb 4Th and Christie will only wear them during therapy for a couple of hours a day. I will have to continue waiting until I can talk to her. Richard did have her write me a note and he took a picture for me. I've added the pictures he sent me. Christie really looks good. Continue to pray for her.
Becky