An Update

How can I even begin to thank you all for the amazing support and love you have shown 

our family since Shawn's accident?  Words just don't seem to be enough, they could 

never fully express how grateful I am for the countless emails, comments, shout outs, 

the endless amount of encouragement you have all given me.  I have read every single 

word you have written me, over and over, tears pouring down my face as I felt my 

heart grow stronger and bigger with each bit of love you sent me through your words.  

The inspiration you sent us through your letters has held us together and kept us 

sane, reminded us of who we are and what we are capable of.  So, I will just say the 

words: Thank you.  Thank you thank you thank you.  Having good friends and family 

has carried us through.  We are strong because of you.  Thank you.

Shawn's recovery is progressing at a slow but steady pace.  In the hospital, they 

constantly reminded us that this experience is like a marathon, not a sprint.  You have 

to learn to cheer on even the smallest victories, not expect to wake up to a miracle. 

 Since coming home from the hospital, we have met with many specialists.  Shawn is 

seeing a cardiovascular surgeon to address the artery that was repaired in his arm.  He 

has had ultrasounds done that confirmed that the vein graft that was done is 

functioning perfectly and his circulation is intact.  He has a neurologist on the case who 

is addressing the nerve damage he sustained.  Until the swelling in his arm goes down, 

the extent of the nerve damage is unclear and so the doctor is monitoring his progress 

until more extensive tests can be done.  An orthopedic surgeon who specializes in 

traumatic injuries is treating his arm and his wounds.  He has been very upfront with 

us about the possibility of amputation, infection, and nonhealing wounds.  But, he has 

also told us of different patients he has treated very similar to Shawn who have 

overcome their injuries and recovered with great results.  We have a 

neurosurgeon monitoring the fracture in Shawn's neck.  He ordered a CT scan of the 

spine last week and we are anxiously awaiting the results.  Hopefully, the fracture has 

healed and he can get his neck brace off soon.  Physical therapy was started last week

 and he could not be happier.  Shawn has always been very physical and athletic and 

being down during this time has been hard for him.  His physical therapist is very 

thorough and works each and every joint of his arm and hand meticulously.

Shawn still has very little movement or feeling in his left hand.  He does, however, 

have shooting sensations that run down through his fingers that give us hope that the 

nerves are busy regenerating themselves.  His wounds are healing beautifully and I've 

been treating them each and every night, recording their progress each week.  The 

swelling in his arm has gone down so much that his splint no longer fits!  His energy level 

is building and he is physically stronger each and every day.  He is adapting to using only 

one arm, teaching himself to get dressed on his own, relearning how to tie his shoes.  

Though his arm is still extensively injured, it has come so far since his accident.  We 

remind ourselves of this often, looking back at far we've come.

Our days are busy and full as we wait for doctor's appointments, physical therapy 

sessions, tests and trips to the pharmacy.  I have devoted myself completely to being a

 nurse both at work and at home, ensuring that my family is healthy and happy.  Most

 days, we are all tired and stretched thin.  There are days where I wait until I am alone in 

my car to cry, allowing the overwhelming amount of worry and stress that I try to 

suppress come rushing  through me.  I sometimes wonder how I will do it all, how I will 

ever give each person the amount of love and attention they truly deserve.  Sometimes,

 I miss the way things used to be.  I let myself cry in the safety of my own quiet moments,
I let myself grieve what has been lost.  And then I dust myself off, stand tall, and get back

 to work.  Our family has grown from this experience and will continue to do so.  We

 are strong, we are blessed, and we have an unspeakable love between us.  

And that is enough for me.