OK We're Back

Before you even say it, we know. We have gone for way too long without any postings or updates. For that we are sorry, however, as you quickly realize as you continue reading that time has become a very precious commodity. So, the last several weeks have been filled with doctors appointments, therapy visits, visits from family and friends, and just getting back to some sense of normal. However we have had to redefine 'normal' recently. Here is a sense of a regular day for us. Get up at the crack of noon, no just kidding, but unless we have an appointment in the morning, we do not get in any big hurry to get up, but are generally up around 8am. After some coffee (this is a big relief as Molly had lost her taste for coffee while in the hospital) and breakfast we begin our 2 hour journey to get ready. Although we are getting much better and quicker and when we have to can make it in about 1 1/2 hours. Then it is off to therapy or doctors visits. Of which, hand therapy takes the most time as the clinic is in Vandalia and usually lasts from 2-3 hours, so with drive time it is usually a 4-5 hour trip. Then when we get home, fix dinner, take care of some house chores it is getting close to time for us to start getting ready for bed, which also takes time. All that to then be repeated the next day. Rest assured though we are not complaining, it is soooooo good to be home and being able to see progress each day. Ok, here are some general updates with Molly's progress over the last several weeks:

• We have been back to U of M 2 times since our last post for follow up appointments. Each of these have went very well with the last one being this past Monday & Tuesday and Molly being completely released from their care with NO RESTRICTIONS. This means that her skin grafts have taken well and she can now be weight bearing on her legs, can begin wearing the special pressure garments on her stumps called "stump shrinkers" to begin shaping her legs to prepare them for her prosthetics.
• During the time we were waiting for this news, we have found a prosthetist (the guy who will make, adjust and fit Molly's legs) right here in Greenville. He comes highly recommended and we both like him and feel very comfortable with him. this is so important as we will form a life-long relationship with Carl and will see him frequently as much as daily in the very beginning. so being close is a real blessing.
• Hands! Hands are getting better by the day, but still have a ways to go for them to return to normal. Between the lack of oxygen, the compartment syndrome, crushed nerves, tendons, etc and the lack of use, the hands have really suffered quite a blow and will take lots more therapy to get them back. The good news is that all the surgeons, doctors, therapist that we have seen have all said that her hands should return to complete normal function.
• Of course Molly is not back to work, but I am not either. Of course to many that know me can't see a difference! Anyway, the time is getting close for me to get back to work at least part time and begin working with clients again as well as looking for some speaking gigs. I am very excited as I told Molly I had been looking for some new speech material so thanks to her I definitely have new speech material. Of course she did not have to go to that extreme to help me out, but nonetheless, I have new material.

Since we are now back online and are fully prepared to keep this blog updated regularly, we have decided to not only keep posting updates on Molly's progress, but to also share some of the things we have observed, learned and gained from this experience including things that we once took for granted and things we now have a whole new perspective on. In addition we will continue to post specific things needing prayer, as we have seen so many answered prayers and how powerful prayer can be.

SPECIFIC PRAYER NEEDS

• HANDS! Progress has been great, but a long ways to go yet to get back to full function with strength flexibility and sensation.
• LEGS! Continued strength and flexibility so prosthetics can be fitted as soon as possible (hopefully within 2-4 weeks) Included with legs is skin integrity as being weight bearing on her knees, wearing the pressure garments, and the prosthetics themselves can cause skin tears and skin breakdown, all of which can delay progress.
• SPIRITS! Right now our spirits are good, but we still have our days and moments and the road ahead is still long and keeping a positive mental attitude has and will continue to keep us going.
• CLARITY! Molly and I still discuss and struggle with what exactly to do with this experience. While we both feel and believe very strongly that we are being called to do something to help others, we are not sure exactly what that is. Along with that is the financial aspect of doing something to help others by sharing our story but still holding down jobs to make a living and finding a balance between the two.

Again, please forgive us for taking so long to update you on Molly's progress. Here is our promise to you: "We promise to keep this blog updated regularly as much as daily, but never longer than one week!" We are open to ideas from you on what you would like to see in the blog. Please email them to us at jameyandmolly@gmail.com.

Please know that all your prayers and positive thoughts have gotten us through the last 3 months, and we know that they will continue to sustain us through the rest of this journey. Thank you all and God bless each of you for your constant prayers.

Love,

Jamey and Molly