We were very fortunate to spend a week in Sunset Beach, N.C. and Laurie and Brian were able to join us for two days there in the warmth of the sun and the family.  Below is a picture of the ocean from our porch, one of our grandchildren [including Brian and Laurie’s children] and pictures of Laurie exercising her right side.

  

God’s blessings are falling upon her and Brian like soft steady rain, your prayers and support are that gentle rain preparing them for the sunshine of recovery under the God’s healing wing.

My son Brain offered these thoughts on his wife Laurie’s continued progress, his update highlighted Laurie’s doctor’s appointment at Shepherd on July 23, 2019 Laurie saw a doctor in the multi-specialty facility.  The appointment was set before we discharged from Shepherd back in November. 

It seemed so far away at the time it was scheduled. As we returned a few different times, the message was the same, whatever you do, don’t miss the appointment with Dr. Taubin she’s the best.

They were not wrong, she was incredible. She was absolutely blown away at where Laurie was in her recovery. She educated Laurie about her injury. She told her that she is in a very, very small percentage that survives, and while the early part of the journey is the toughest, her injury has the best outcomes.  She attributes that to the bleed and how in a lot of other strokes there are definite deficiencies that are certain and don’t come back. 

The first two years are the most important and need to be therapy heavy (which Laurie’s continue to be), Laurie then showed the doctor how she could grip and release with her right hand. The doctor was floored, and she held Laurie’s right hand and looked her in the eye and let her know that the grip typically comes back, but what is important is the release and that’s what Laurie can do. The doctor reduced some of her meds and wrote orders for Laurie to head back to out-patient rehab in October (Phase 7).

The hope would be to get into the day program at Sheperd, Laurie would be a great candidate for that program, but that is based on timing and availability. The fact that a Shepherd doctor wrote the orders should help her case, and that is well beyond our control so we will focus on getting better each day.  We are still in the midst of Phase 6, making an effort, working and preparing for Phase 7, and when the time is right, He will show us the way.

As we continue to pray for Laurie’s full recovery we thank you for your prayers, love and support and humbly ask that you continue them.   For all that God has given us and done for us – thank you, for the God’s grace yet to come – thank you.

With a grateful hearts,

Deacon Kelly and Family

May God Be Praised!