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Today is Sunday, October 17. I read more e-mails to Harold today as I visited with him. He seemed even more
alert today, and his eyes were not only open a bit more, but they seemed to be more focused. I enjoyed a
Sunday meditation with Harold. I read him some of his favorite verses in Proverbs and sang a couple hymns to him.
He continues to hum along with his favorite songs and tap his hand in-time. Harold is tentatively scheduled
to be relocated to Bryn Mawr Rehab tomorrow, Monday October 18, but we won't know for sure if this date will
change until tomorrow.
Today is Saturday, October 16. Harold's eyes were open quite a few times today, and he also responded appropriately a few times. He continues to be very vocal. I asked the nurse whether or not he was still in a coma and she said that it's a very fine line, but that they now classify his condition as a Closed Head Injury. His brain is still bruised, stretched, etc., and with time and rehab his condition will continue to improve. Many patients in this condition fully recover, so we continue onward in faith and hope. I was very moved when I arrived back to Harold's room from my nature walk. His eyes were open and he waved to me. Then, he made mock kisses twice, and I realized he wanted to kiss me, so I bent down, gave him my cheek and gently kissed his cheek and told him I loved him. It was a beautiful moment. Today is Friday, October 15. Harold is showing greater signs of being alert, and the nurses say it's encouraging that he seems to have a good memory of people, places and things. When he heard that I'd be visiting tomorrow, he said, "I'm looking forward." His move to rehab may happen on Tuesday instead of Monday. We'll know more soon. I think Harold is still in a coma, I'll know more tomorrow when I visit. If he is, he's definitely showing signs that he's headed back to finish his work here. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Today is Thursday, October 14. Harold is still in a coma but opened his eyes a couple times today. The unofficial word is that he'll be moved to Bryn Mawr Rehab on Monday, October 18. Harold continues to be quite vocal, and has mentioned several relative's names and the name of the high school where he teaches. Today is Wednesday, October 13. Harold is still about the same today. They removed a brace from his neck today which had been there since the accident. The orthopedic surgeon tested his hip to see how much stress could be placed on it, and the decision was made that he should still severely limit the amount of weight or use he puts on his left hip which was dislocated in the accident. Harold is still in a coma but the nurses say that he's very agitated (moving about in bed constantly) and that this is a good sign because it seems to mean that he's really trying to work his way out of the coma. Today is Tuesday, October 12. Harold is about the same today. He is still not able to eat via his mouth, but has just gotten a direct tube into his stomach that will supplement the IV. The nurse noted that "real food" to the belly via a tube can often kick-start the awakening from a coma. Harold might be relocated to a rehab facility in the next week or so. We'll know more about that possibility within a few days. Today is Monday, October 11. Harold's speech therapist confirmed that the fact that he's talking quite a bit is a very good sign. The next step will be for him say things that make sense. The nurse said yesterday that mumbling words at random is a very good sign that the person is on their way out of the coma. He's still in the coma, but showing signs of coming out of it. His body is still healing, and I guess he needs to be in the coma this long because this is how the body's healing process works. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Anyone wishing to e-mail [email protected] Harold may do so through Mary Ellen, and she or another family member will read him the e-mails. Thanks again to everyone for all your support. You are welcome to phone the special Harold Kennel telephone update hotline at 717-786-8089, 24 hours a day. This number is sponsored by his church, Christiana Mennonite. Please continue to remember Harold in your thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you all. |