11-7-2024 PM
We have been asked about how we, her parents, are doing, so we will include posts on this subject as well. This has obviously been a shock to us. Since this began on Monday night, it has been a three-day bombardment of activity, information, and concern. We held her limp body in our arms while waiting for the ambulance and were completely helpless to help. Then we spent the rest of the night and next day wondering what the outcome would be. Obviously, this is deeply personal, but maybe it will be a help to some.
The fear of losing her was and is “naturally” first and foremost on our minds, followed by our second greatest fear, that we would be the ones who might have to make that “final decision.” Those thoughts were suppressed by optimism and comfort that the Lord is ultimately in control, and the reality that we have an amazing support group of family and friends who care deeply and are praying for us all. Initially, waiting for answers was/is hard because we “live” out all the possible outcomes in our minds while we wait. It’s extremely difficult to control our minds and emotions.
So far, bleak glimmers of improvement have helped to bolster some small sense of hope. Things such as an eye movement, a small gag reflex when the breathing tube was moved, and perhaps a faint grasping of Janean’s hand once, when we were finally able to see her at Froedtert, each help to keep our hopes alive.
Frustration was present. The weather prevented a med-flight helicopter from transporting her, then we realized that in an entire state where virtually every hamlet and village has an ambulance, yet they do not transport from hospital to hospital. So, we had to wait well over an hour for a crew to come from far away to get her to the help she needed. Then there’s the big question, “could we have done more!?” Then we were not allowed stay by her side after visiting hours the first night due to miscommunication, and were sent home. Then we were awakened that night away, by a literal nightmare that she had passed at 4am, and we were over an hour away from her side.
Helplessness is huge! I could carry her out of the dorm, hold her in my arms, and tell her that things would be OK, but I could not give her the help that she needed to breathe! Even now, we are really only moral support in the event that she can possibly hear and understand us.
Finally, Trust also came in. Trust that total strangers would be able to revive her. Trust that the doctors and nurses would love and care for Hannah as we wish we could. (Yes, they have!)
Now that she has been somewhat “stabilized” and the future remains ominous, waiting has changed and now it provides a small sense of relief and comfort. Although this probably reads like an incoherent ramble, we are most thankful and humbled at all the support that so many have given us! We are not all doctors, but she is in the best hands. So, although there seems little that any of us can do, the prayers of the saints on behalf of Hannah are the biggest things that she needs right now, and that is something that all of us can do, no matter where we may be. From in this room to around the world. The prayers of those who love the Lord, on her behalf, are the greatest gifts imaginable and the key part of helping that we all can do. Thank you all for your love and support.
We are blessed!
We met with the team of doctors. Neurology has reviewed the MRI themselves, and they agree with radiology that Hannah’s brain is significantly damaged. The outcome, at this point, is very bleak. Due to her health and age, however, there is a small chance that her brain will be able to function to some extent. Medication is now being reduced, and this process of evaluation will take many hours to test her thoroughly. They are trying to get her brain “back online.” We prayed with the team of doctors for wisdom and strength. Please continue to pray as well.
AT THIS POINT WE ARE PRAYING FOR A MIRICLE!
We are blessed
Hannah Helps 