On December 12th, Sam was hit by a car while riding his bicycle and suffered a traumatic brain injury. This is his journey.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas eve - Nighttime

I write this as I sit next to Sam, as the rest of my family is at Christmas Eve worship, or in Aaron's case, finishing up working a double after spending the night here with very little sleep.  I am still getting to go to church online.  Thanks, Preston Meadow Lutheran, for your online worship tonight!  

There's not much to report on right now.  Sam has still been having some trouble with blood pressure, but they continue to try different meds to bring that down. He was also overblowing the ventilator, which is good, but not good. He's breathing a little easier now after some adjustment. For every issue and intervention, he has fought against it. Because of Sam's complete and utter disdain for any change to his routine, this should be no surprise to anyone who knows him.  A small bit of good news is that his lungs are getting clearer from the original infection. Suctioning will be a regular thing, though. Due to the ventilator, he will continue to have buildup, even if there's no infection. (The learning curve on this situation has been insane.  I know more than I ever wanted to know about brains, respirators and a myriad of meds.)  Right now however, it looks like the issues he initially had with pneumonia are clearing up.  In any case, we are hoping for a much calmer night than last night.

As you all celebrate this season however you choose to do so, please know we are thankful for you, and wish you health and happiness as we head into the new year.  I wasn't sure what picture to choose, so I'm including several of my faves, one of which was requested by my brother.  Have a very Merry Christmas.
Singing at Dickens in Plano - this year
After the CCGD Christmas Concert at the Meyerson this year


Last Christmas with his favorite gift - retro gaming system

Squad up - last year


2013

Our first Christmas in TX - 2008
Last group photo with Santa - 2009


By special request - no clue what year

Still no clue what year

Christmas - 2000?  I think?

9 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas Ann, thank you for keeping us all posted on Sam. We wish you all peace, health and happiness too. We have kept, and will continue to keep you all in our prayers, and look forward to hearing wonderful reports of progress in the coming days <3 The Peters Family <3

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  2. I remember many years ago when you told me about your Christmas Eve tradition that Santa puts up the tree and decorates it and brings wrapped gifts. It stuck with me cuz I'd never heard that before. Or since. I thot your Santa was crazy to do all that work! ;) So as I get ready to go up to bed tonight, I sit here looking at my tree and the presents under it, and thinking of you. We are praying for you all, often and mightily. Merry Christmas Ann, Jim, Aaron, Sarah, and Sam.

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  3. I remember many years ago when you told me about your Christmas Eve tradition that Santa puts up the tree and decorates it and brings wrapped gifts. It stuck with me cuz I'd never heard that before. Or since. I thot your Santa was crazy to do all that work! ;) So as I get ready to go up to bed tonight, I sit here looking at my tree and the presents under it, and thinking of you. We are praying for you all, often and mightily. Merry Christmas Ann, Jim, Aaron, Sarah, and Sam.

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  4. Merry Christmas Ann. Praying for you to get some rest tonight and for Sam to continue to heal.

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  5. Praying for ypu Sam. Coach Deaton

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  6. Merry Christmas Jim, Ann, Aaron, and Sarah. Peace, comfort, and lotsa energy to you. A very special Merry Chistmas to you Sam, peace and comfort, to you Little Brother....may the Star of today, shine bright and healing in you.

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  7. Merry Christmas Jim, Ann, Aaron, and Sarah. Peace, comfort, and lotsa energy to you. A very special Merry Chistmas to you Sam, peace and comfort, to you Little Brother....may the Star of today, shine bright and healing in you.

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  8. Merry Christmas. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we hope to hear soon that Sam is awake and all well.

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  9. Merry Christmas & may God bless you Ann & the entire family. Continuing prayers

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