straight up

For those of you who know me, you are well aware that I'm not one to sugar coat things. I give it to you straight up. If you don’t know me, you may decide that I'm mean or controlling… but in this circumstance, I'm just trying to be the big sister and do whats best for Lance.

Lance has spent 4 weeks at UK hospital, and 8 weeks at the Shepherd Center, now its time for him to be home. In his own surroundings, with his family. And his friends. We are trying to make things as normal as possible for him. Even though his room is set up like a hospital room and there are home health nurses and therapists in the house daily, we are trying to be normal. He also needs lots of rest. Lance's doctors and therapists have said as much as 14 hours of sleep a day is needed to help him heal.

Many people have asked about visiting Lance…

Because the brain is such a complex organ, we don't know what will help or trigger it into emerging from a coma. We do, however know that over stimulation can cause Lance to shut down. By this I mean, sometimes he will turn his head away or close his eyes. I think its his way of saying, 'ok… I've had enough'.  With that said, over-stimulation is something that we definitely want to avoid. So, I have some rules when it comes to visiting. Again, I'm not trying to be rude, we are just trying to do what is best for Lance and follow the doctor's orders.

1. Let us know…

Calling to let us know when you want to visit is best. If you know our cell phone numbers, call it first, or feel free to text.  We are trying to keep all noise down in the house.

2. Make it short and sweet…

Long visits can over-stimulate and tire Lance.  So short visits are best.

3. Don't travel in packs

Its best if you don’t ravel in a pack of 10. You don't have to come alone, but a big group of people can be overwhelming for him.

4. Don't be offended

If therapy is here or a nurse, we need to let them do their job, their time is very valuable. So, please don't be offended if your visit is cut short due to something of that nature.
5. Cleanliness is next to Godliness
We have been very fortunate that Lance so far hasn't had any major infections. I've even had to wear a mask when I was ill to keep him from catching it. So, we ask that you please refrain from coming if you are sick. We have hand-sanitizer right inside our door, please use that, especially if you are coming from school. I even encouraged mom to change her shirt today when she arrived from school.
6. Don't be scared.
Don't be afraid to come... I haven't kicked anyone out. yet :)

So.. there it is folks, that's me… beating around the bush. 

We are so excited to have Lance home.
During the ambulance ride, he was given some medicine to help him relax and keep him pain free. Some of that medication has caused him to be more drowsy than usual. I'm predicting that by early next week, all of that will be out of his system and he will be settled in and back on a schedule. Since it was such a beautiful day today, my parents took him outside on the back deck in his wheelchair so he could watch the river roll by.
I still have somewhat of a cough, so trying to keep my distance and have some sibling time with my brother has been a little difficult. However, I felt the need to explain to him why our Mom is at our Dad & Gena's house and why our Grandma Betty is in the living room folding towels. This is a new and interesting experience for all of us. One that we are all adapting to quite nicely, I'll have to say.
Brock came in from Morehead this evening, so the three of us got to be in the same room together for the first time in a month. Its also the first time since Thanksgiving that the three of us have been in a house together... not a hospital. It feels good.

Keep the prayers coming!

-Chelcee