Wondering

I can't help but wonder what kind of day Christie had. I missed her so much today as we gathered with family and friends to celebrate Christmas. I wonder if she noticed she was alone today as the other family members joined their children today for Christmas. I wonder does she think she has been forgotten. We went and saw her the beginning of this week to celebrate Christmas with her but even then she said " it's not Christmas." Richard will be seeing her in January for Christmas but even then she will be the only one. I hate what she is having to endure I can't wait for her to be HOME to be with family and never have to be alone again, or to have to celebrate a holiday early or late.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Christie. I sure miss you.

Visit with Christie, Update and court

Hello Everyone,

This I am sure will be lengthly since I haven't updated in a while. I went to see Christie for Christmas and she is doing well. Christie is now drinking liquids ( still thickened) from a cup or straw instead of from a spoon.

Christie has a computer from school that has a program on it that allows her to type then the computer speaks for her. This allows Christie to communicate more because she can give more details on what she is trying to say. At this point it is believed that Christie's speech will not improve much more because of the amount of brain removed and the functions that the left temporal lobe did.

In physical therapy Christie is standing in the framed walker for 45 minutes to an hour at a time.

Court has been moved from January 13 and 14 to January 11 and 12. Also a special hearing has been set for January 7 by Richard's attorney.

Amazing who God leads us to.

It is amazing who God leads us to. I was talking to a gentleman tonight who has a child with a similar problem as Christie. It was very nice talking to him. I wish him and his family well and ask that when you pray for Christie you remember this child to.

Christmas Is Coming

Christmas is coming and I'm going to see Christie. I can't wait.I know she is waiting. I miss her so much. Won't be long now.

Just Stay

NOT MY USUAL POST BUT TOUCHING "Just Stay" A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. "Your son is here," she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened. Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement. The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marinesat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile. He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night. Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited. Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her. "Who was that man?" he asked. The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered. "No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life." "Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?" "I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed." I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His Son was Killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman's Name? The Nurse with Tears in Her Eyes Answered, Mr. William Grey............. The next time someone needs you ... just be there. Stay.

My Beautiful Young Lady

CowGirl Up! It's a southern thang.

Christie's job

I was talking to Christie on the phone and she asked me what I was doing. I told her I was helping Xander with his homework, Christie said that was her job.So I guess when Christie gets home she will be helping her little brother with his homework.

I was going to hang up and Christie asked me why I had to go that she was lonely. I told her I didn't have to hang up we could talk as long as she wanted so we continued to talk for sometime.

Christie asked me if Joybear was with me. I told her no that Joybear was with her Dad. Joybear is Christie's bear and best friend that she has had her whole life. The nursing home has decided to follow a policy of no stuffed animals due to dust and children on the floor with tracs. I asked them why they are enforcing the rule now when they haven't in the two years that Christie has been there. They said they didn't know. Every time I talk to Christie she asked me where Joybear is.I just don't understand the thinking of some people.

Loving Christie

I had a great evening with Christie. She said she was happy being with me.When I started to leave she called down the hall " Bye, I love you my mommy"

Court Update

We had to go to court today for a filing by Richard's attorney that was filed on Monday. Because Richard's attorney said I couldn't file to move Christie to SC because I wasn't the guardian. Court for tomorrow has been canceled. we where granted a continuance.Please keep praying, I have to tell Christie again that she can't come home.

Will be glad when we are all home

Xander pulled his own tooth tonight. The first thing he asked me was " Will you call Sissy and tell her" I can't wait for Christie to be home. We all miss her being home. I know Xander will benefit when she gets home and I know Christie will. Xander will encourage her to do her therapy and I know it will give Christie the strength and desire she needs to improve and get well. Just 4 more days.

update

Richard's August visit with Christie

6 more days

6 more days and we go to court. Hopefully the judge will let Christie come home.6 days isn't to bad after all God created everything in 6 days and then he rested. May the lord lead Christie home like he lead the Israelites out of bondage may he also lead us.Then on the 7 Th day we will all rest together knowing Christie is coming home.

11 more days

I just talked to Christie. Christie says she is "lonely" I can't wait for her to be home. When she gets home she will always have someone with her. Me, Xander, Tony,Mama and an abundance of friends and family. Christie will always have someone with her that she will never be lonely again.

Very Nice Talk

I just talked to Christie. We talked for 24 minutes. She sounded good. When I had trouble understanding something she said she would speak clearer or spell the word she was trying to say. She asked where Xander was. I told her "in the other room, did she want to talk to him?" Christie said "yes". I put her own speaker phone and Xander and Christie got to talk. I don't know which one was happier. I know Xander had a big smile on his face.

Christie dropped something and she said " I dropped my etch a sketch" I said your mag nah doddle she said yes. I said I will get someone to come pick it up for you. She said how, I'm in Florida. I told her I would call them on the phone when we where done and have them come get it for her. She said oh.She did ask why she was in Florida. I tried to explain she was in Florida when she was in a car crash but that I hoped she would be home soon.Christie said Thank you. Christie gave me lots of kisses and we hung up.

Wishing

I know you shouldn't wish your life away but I can't wait for Oct. We go to court then and I pray the Lord will be merciful and allow Christie to come home. I just talked to her and I will leave part of her conversation between her and me as it was private. I will say though that Christie kept asking over and over " Can I come home now, when can I come home."Please Pray that Christie will have strength to get her where she needs to be until she can come home.

How much longer

I didn't get to talk to Christie today. When I called the lines to her floor were busy, I called back 10 minutes later and they where doing her hair, That was at 4:30. She eats supper at 5:00 then they put her to bed. She has to get up at 5:00 A.M. School starts at 7:20 A.M. Christie gets really tired by the end of the day.The tireder she is the harder it is to understand her speech and she has a hard time understanding you.I will try calling earlier tomorrow. I will be glad when she gets home. Then I can see her and talk to her every day.

Just thoughts

Oh how I miss you my sweet girl.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows

Hugs and Kisses

I just talked to Christie. I can't believe how good she sounds. I started to hang up the phone and told her bye. Christie said " Give Xander a hug and kiss for me" I said "I will baby I promise" Christie said "oh Thank You" then as I was about to hang up Christie said very song like "Hugs and Kisses".

Yesterday I was at Wal Mart getting Xander's school supplies. Everywhere I looked I saw something Christie would like. Tinker bell notebooks, lunch boxes you name it. Then last night was the teachers meet and greet with the parents and children. We went and while I was there I couldn't help but wonder ...who will go with Christie to meet her teachers and to get her schedule? I would have to say no one. I believe when it is time for her to go back to school she will be put on a bus and sent to school to be dropped in the middle of the chaos of the first day of school without so much as having a parent take her to school for the first day back giving her a hug and kiss and a "I hope you have a good day". Well God willing soon Christie WILL be HOME and she will NEVER do ANYTHING alone again.

Houdini

My ever resourceful daughter has done it again. Christie has learned to take the side rail of her hospital bed down. This is the second time that she has done this. With Christie not realizing she can't walk makes this a very hazardous problem. To try to keep her safe they are putting a net around her bed to help keep her safe. It is amazing that she is missing the left temporal lobe of her brain but manages to keep the staff on their toes. I remember once where I witnessed Christie using the tip of her eye glasses to unlock her seat belt on her wheel chair. I don't think I would have even thought to do that myself. Christie has said more times than I can count that she wants to come home. I guess she is trying to escape to do it herself. Please keep her in your prayers that she will get to come home soon.

New Pictures

New Pictures and Birthday Pictures at The Bottom.

Enjoy

Update

I'm back home and missing Christie already. I can't wait until the day she comes home and I will never have to leave her again. I can give you an update now, but sadly the new pictures will have to wait until next week but will get them on as soon as I can.
While I was with Christie I learned that she she doing well with eating but that she still rebels with the therapist and doesn't want to chew for them. I also learned that at this time Christie is receiving very little to no physical therapy or occupational therapy. Christie doesn't want to do it and they can't make her. I was told though that Christie has been working with an electric wheelchair that will in time give her more freedom.Feel free to continue to send comments but don't be disheartened if I don't get them posted immediately I am having computer difficulties and they won't be resolved until next week.

18 years old today

We had a wonderful day with Christie. I can't believe she is 18.Christie says she can't remember any of her birthdays since she was 13 or 14. We went by Wal-Mart this morning and picked up Christie's cake. It was decorated with Tinker Bell. We hung out with her a little this morning until time for her party.Some of her friends where unable to make it but we still had 15 people so it turned out better than I thought.We had a nice lunch of KFC and then her cake. She opened her presents, and then Tony,me, Christie, and Xander played a game of Foosball. Tony was a team of 1 and we where the 2ND team. we had a wonderful time together. We then went up to Christie's room and watched NCIS together and talked. Christie and I had a very nice time just talking and catching up.I can't wait to see her again tomorrow. I can hardly wait until she gets home.

First day out with Christie

Today was a wonderful day. We got to FCC this morning about 8:30. Christie was very happy to see us. Christie was very surprised to see Tony and Xander as well as Mama and me.Christie couldn't believe how much Xander had grown. Christie even commented on "how big he was". The CNA that was going with us arrived about 9:30. We met the transport downstairs at 10:00. We went to Aventura Mall. The mall is the 5TH largest in the United States. It has 280 stores. We where going to see a movie while we where there but either they would be on later than we could stay or they where in 3D.Christie with having a brain injury can't watch 3D movies.We ate lunch at the food court. Christie wanted pasta so that is what we had. Christie was worn out by the time we left the mall.Tomorrow is Christie's 18 Th Birthday. I can't wait to spend the day with her.

Court Date

A court date has been set for October 14. Please PRAY.

Almost Time

Well it's almost time to go see Christie. Her Birthday is Wednesday. I can't wait to see her. Hopefully between church tomorrow, packing and cleaning the house time will go by quickly.I'm not looking forward to the 800 mile drive but it is worth it when My Christie is at the end of it.When I get back I will have new pictures and updates.Thank you for your continued prayers.

Becky

Christie's Birthday Plans

I received a commit from Ms. Toni. I'm not sure if you got the info from Christie's page of other friends as I was trying to spread the word because sadly I don't keep up with Christie's Florida friends as well as I should. Anyway. PLEASE COME. If you could just get me a number of how many will be coming. so I can coordinate with FCC.

I thought of something a Little different for this year.

We are going to have everyone that would like to ,eat with Christie like we where at a regular dinner with Christie. Christie gets the added bonus of having "take Out" food from a restaurant. It will have to be cleared to make sure it is something Christie would enjoy and can safely have.. Everyone please be responsible for bringing your own lunch. After lunch we will then have Christie's Birthday cake. Then we will be free to talk, play games. open presents and just enjoy Christie's Day of Birth. If anyone has a CD or DVD or Game they think Christie would like to listen to or play please bring it for all to enjoy before taking it back home with you.

What Event: Christie's Birthday

Where: Florida Club Care

Address: 220 Sierra Drive

Miami, FL 33179

Time: Between 12:30 PM and 1:00PM

Date: Wednesday July 28, 2010

Christie's Birthday

Christie is turning 18. This will be her 3rd birthday in a row that has been spent in a hospital or as like last year in a nursing home. I Pray this will be the last and all of her other birthdays as well as all other holidays will be at HOME. The good part is I will be with her on her birthday and I get to take her out of the facility.Last year I wanted to take her to see Harry Potter for her birthday but I didn't get to.This year I do get to take her out. I can't wait. It has been over 3 years since Mama and daughter have been anywhere together.I have so much I want to do with her. I have to remind myself not to be selfish and over do us going places. Just my visits wear her out so I would imagine us on an outing would tire her even more. I can't wait to see her and update the site with new pictures.

Becky

Special Need

Please Pray!. I have a special specific need. God knows what it is. I know the need will be met in His time. It just seems over whelming . No light at the end of the tunnel.

Talking to Christie on the phone

I'm talking to Christie on the phone. She ask me "where have you been lately?" I said " I am home" Christie says " in South Carolina?" I said " yes"Christie said "I'm in Florida" I said "yes".Christie said " I don't know why I'm in Florida." We talked about a lot of other things, Christie is talking much better. I can't wait until she comes home.

So wish I was there

I called to talk to Christie and to my surprise Christie wasn't there. Christie has gone to the movies. I would give anything to get to go somewhere with Christie.It has been about 2 1/2 years since I have been anywhere with her. If you have a friend or relative you can go out to lunch with, the movies or shopping don't take it for granted. Keep Praying soon I know Christie will be home.

For your information

It has been brought to my attention that some people are wanting to help me in my "Bringing Christie Home". I have been asked how they can help. If anyone would like to help they may make donations at any BB&T Bank under the name Becky Williams or Christie Martel.

Also you may make donations through

Living Sanctuary Church

201 Piedmont Rd

Piedmont S.C 29673

Please be sure to indicate that it is for Christie Martel

Thank you for your continued help and Prayers.

Becky and Christie

WGGS Channel 16

Thank you WGGS Channel 16 for allowing us to be a guest and tell Christie's miracle. Thank you for all the viewers who are Praying for Christie and us.

SIGH

I WANT TO SEE MY CHRISTIE

Christie's Frustrations

Christie's Frustrations

"Mommie"!!!!!! Christie cries on the phone.

"Where are you? I've been left here all alone."

She says "I'm in trouble with you and dad.

I didn't do it I don't think."

How much more blame can she assume

without going over the brink?

"Mommy, I want to hug you,"

the conversation moves along.

"Are you in South Carolina?

Why can't I come home?"

Her mind is filled with questions

and there's no one to explain.

Instead her thoughts are re-directed

as she's left

to deal with her own pain.

She says "I'm sad"

and there's nothing we can do

when the tears invade her eyes

and she pleads,

"Please take me home with you."

She says "am I being punished?

Why can't I go home?"

She follows us with pleading eyes

as we leave her there alone.

And so she sits with crippled feet,

holding her teddy bear.

"She says where is mom?

But mom isn't there."

She says "I'm sad

It's a thing of the heart."

Won't someone help us bring her home

before she falls apart?

Written by Mary Hudson

Christie's Mammaw

If I already posted this, it's worth posting again

Christie

She sits in the hallway feet crippled

holding her teddy bear.

She says where is Mom,

But Mom isn't there.

She says I'll walk. I want to go home

But SC is much too far

For Christie and her bear alone.

She's stranded in a nursing home.

She's not happy and she can't hear.

She says "What am I missing?"

And I brush away a tear.

Now her letters are silenced.

Her desire to heal will cease

Christie is where they want her

But will she be at peace.

Christie can not speak

to make her needs known.

But she can write to tell you

Please, I want to go home.

I guess you can say I'm begging,

I don't know what else to do.

All our hearts are breaking

We're reaching out to you.

We have to find a way

to bring Christie here.

Christmas time is coming.

She'll be alone this year.

If you have any solutions

please tell us what to do

We'll give God the glory first,

and the rest we'll give to you.

Mary Hudson

Christie needs to be home

I just talked to Christie, She was having a hard time tonight. Christie said she wanted to hug me so we "hugged" on the phone. Christie also gave me multiple kisses at one time. "mwah mwah mwah" . Christie said something tonight she has never said. Christie said" I have been left here, I want to go home" I started to hang up and I said "I will call you tomorrow" Christie said " Why tomorrow?" She wanted to keep talking tonight so we did. We talked till she wanted to hang up. I asked the nurses to turn her TV to Survivor tonight is the last episode. I hope it will help take Christie's mind off being lonely. Christie told me that tonight to. Christie said " I am lonely" I wish there was such a thing as fairy tales. I would have a magic carpet or make a wish and be there. I know one day we will have our happy ending when Christie comes home.

Here Why

If anyone ever wonders why we have hot dog sales bake sales etc. , here is why. While we are struggling to pay to get Christie home, renovating the house to accommodate Christie once she gets home. The money it takes to travel to see her none of it comes out of Christie's trust.Here is where her trust fund went. Could someone tell me just what was done for Christie to be paid this kind of money? Remember that is not including the 20,498.40 she has already been awarded.

Update

Hello everyone,

Christie's feeding tube came out Thursday. I called to make sure she was OK and that it was out. I haven't gotten an update from Richard about it yet but assume it went well. Richard's attorney was awarded payment of 20,498.40 out of Christie trust fund for the fees that where incurred by Richard and his family for representing Richard in the attempts to keep Christie in a nursing home. The other attorney was granted the payment in the amount of 991.26 all of which came out of Christie's trust.

On a better note things here are looking good. The reports are in. The ramp and all renovations are finished and we are awaiting a court date to "Bring Christie Home".

Amazing

It's amazing to look back and see the progress that has been made toward bringing Christie home. Her room has been totally transformed. The ramp is finished, the rails on the porch are done. It's truly amazing and such love went into the work of it.

Tammy and Roger, Benny and Linda Grant and the men from Benny's church worked so hard and so faithful to get this finished in time for us to be able to bring her home sooner. And of course my daddy helped, even at the risk of his own health. That is love in any language.

Larry and Derrick installed the rail and had to completely redo the ceiling to be able to get that done. They widened one doorway to make it wheelchair accessible and installed the new sink and pedestal.

Horace not only got the doors and sheet rock mud donated, he did the work to widen the doors.

My daddy is up here now painting her room so Tammy can come in and paint the murals on the wall for her.

For all of you who have donated money and prayers we are so grateful. Sharon and David Hayden, Sharon and her husband, Alana and Norm, Lynne and Jay, Gale, Ann Jones, Geneva, Uncle Lee and Amber. There are so many I cannot possibly remember them all but God remembers and will reward.

Thanks to my aunt Linda who has been here every step of the way, and who has done more than money can ever repay.

Thanks to Geneva, there is going to be a special place in Heaven for her. She came all the way from Greenwood to help with the hot dog sales, yard sales and brought truck loads of donations with her.

Thank you to the ones who are working behind the scenes that can't be mentioned by name on this web site God and you know who you are. Thanks to all of you WE WILL BRING CHRISTIE HOME.

When Christie gets home, please feel free to come to visit her anytime, and we will have a party that beats all parties to celebrate her homecoming. Two years ago April 19, we were planning a home going because the Dr's didn't think she would live. April 19,of this year we are planning a homecoming party, because God knew she was going to live. Thank you to all of you.

And May God bless each and everyone.

The Progress We've made

It was two years today that the terrible crash that changed Christie forever happened. Christie has made tremendous progress. She is talking, eating, writing and reading all of which the doctors wasn't sure she would do. The feeding tube is not being used and will be removed the 29Th of this month.Christie will continue to improve once she gets home. I can't wait to make that trip to Florida and tell her " We are going home"

Almost done

Hi Everyone,

It has been a very busy few weeks. Christie's room is almost finished. The rail, lift system has been installed in her room as well as her bed. The wall has been modified with a door to give her private entrance to the bathroom. The ramp is being built and should be finished in a few days. Her ceiling will be stuccoed Saturday and the doors will be widened Saturday.Then Christie's room will be painted with horses on the walls. My house has been inspected and after the ramp and doors are finished will be approved. . It is ADA compliant and safe for Christie. We are just waiting on paperwork and a court date and hopefully Christie will be home soon. We have spent a lot and still owe for materials if anyone would like to help it will be greatly appreciated.

A Newborn's Conversation with God

A Newborn's Conversation with God


A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,
But how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have
To do anything but sing and smile to be happy.."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand
When people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words
You will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will
Teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach
You how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach
You the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth
Could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave
Now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her, " Mom ."


Lift a mother's spirit; send this to every mother you know (no matter how old her child is).