Monday, January 3rd 2011

The Shepherd Center is an amazing place. We are continuously encouraged by the therapists, doctors and nurses. As well, as the other patients and their success stories.
The speech therapist was in earlier this morning, she said Lance's swallowing reflex was excellent. He is up in the wheelchair right now, and went out for a spin with physical therapy.

Brock was given the opportunity to attend the PASSION conference here in Atlanta. You can watch the live feeds here...
www.268generation.com

My dad is on the phone with Ted right now, getting an update on Shannon. They have removed all chemical sedation and she has been fluttering her eyes a little bit.
If you are on facebook, you can search for Shannon Gilbert. The updates on a page created about Shannon. Not her actual facebook page.
If you aren't on Facebook, I will try to post updates on this blog. Here is Sunday's update:

Shannon's condition is the same as yesterday, meaning her vital signs have continued to be stable.  We had some small encouragements yesterday and today.  She is completely off any blood pressure regulating medicine, and she also had a CT Scan this morning that indicated there was no regression in her condition.  They also removed the IV that was taking continuous blood pressure measurements.  These are small things, but we see them all as positive steps forward.  Unless there is a change, the medical staff has said they will begin the process of waking her up on Monday.  We don't know exactly when they will begin removing the sedation medications, but we do know that no one can predict how long it will take for her to wake up.  As incredibly difficult as everything has been up to now, this next step will be even more so.  We ask for your continued prayers for our precious Shannon.  We appreciate all the prayers and support, which have come from so many people we can't even begin to count the number.  We have heard about churches and prayer groups from hundreds and even thousands of miles away who have been praying for her recovery.  It is a humbling experience for us to know that so many people are going to God in prayer, many of them people who have never even met Shannon. 

We placed several photographs of Shannon in her room today, just so the medical staff can maybe get a glimpse into the personality of the beautiful, loving girl that we know.  Many, many times these people never get to see the patient they are caring for in the same way that their families see them.   We also wrote them a note of appreciation for all they have done and continue to do to help bring Shannon back to us. 

Please continue to pray for Shannon, and please continue praying for Lance O'Cull.   Lance is showing improvement every day, and we give the praise and glory to God for all these miracles.

-Ted

the new year can reset life and stuff

Last year on New Years Day, I witnessed something a little crazy. Lance and my good friend, Aaron Kegley (better known as Keg) decided to do something adventurous to start the year off right. They wanted to jump in Kinniconick Creek. Some of you may have heard of the Polar Bear Plunge. This was similar, except... Lewis County style :)
Some of our friends and family didn't think they would do it... However, I knew they would. Lance and Keg are very similar. When either of them set their mind to something, they do it. Especially, if its out of the norm. 
So, on January 1st 2010 around 9am, we headed to one of my friend's farm that sits right on Kinney. 

Outside temp was 22. The water was 35 degrees

 My mom came along with a shower curtain rod. I think she thought she could pull them in out of the water, should they freeze. Ben Harrison, Megin Maugans and I got situated with our cameras and I was thinking to myself, they are just going to climb up on the tree stump, jump in and get out. 

 

But Lance obviously had other plans... he started reading poetry by Walt Whitman. This seems to last forever. 






Flood-Tide of the River, flow on! i watch you, face to face. Clouds of the west! sun half an hour high! I see you also face to face

-Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass.








We watched, bundled in our coats, hats, gloves and snowboots as they stripped down to shorts and water shoes and finally, they climbed up on the tree stumps, planned where they would jump 

And, then they took the plunge!

The looks on their faces when they came above water was absolutely priceless.

They named it The Kinneydip.

This is a text message I received from Keg earlier today, "I know the Kinneydip was in Lance's plans this year and that he is looking forward to how "the new year can reset life and stuff." It seemed only appropriate to keep the tradition going in only its sophomore year... So, the 2nd annual Kinneydip was a much warmer 45 degrees compared to the previous years 22. But, the thawing snow and ice made up for it with frigid waters from the melting runoff. Instead of the plunge, the slow march seemed like a good idea this year. In hindsight, I'm not sure what i was thinking. While the attendance this year was down to only me and my ol' man, he assisted with a few photos."

Even though Kinneydip 2011 was just Keg, I feel very confident that Lance was there in spirit and that he will be there in the future. Jumping in freezing water takes a lot of courage. That, or just being completely nonsensical. But what my brother is doing today, and what he has been doing for the past 35 days is far more courageous than anything he has ever done, or hopefully will ever have to do. 

I shared the text and the pictures with Lance this evening. We even looked at the pictures from last years Kinneydip. He gave me a thumbs up when I asked him what he thought about it.

In a voicemail that Ben left him this evening, he told Lance to give me a thumbs up. It took him a minute, but he did it. He smiled at my dad today. Keep praying and things will keep happening for Lance. We can't wait to share more good news with everyone everyday! 

"The new year can reset life and stuff" 

*Prayers for Shannon Gilbert's recovery and strength for the family are greatly appreciated. They are keeping her in a drug-induced coma for a couple more days. I'm going to try to update on her status on here as soon as we know*

one finger for yes, two fingers for no

When I was younger I was sure that I had a perfect family. I had two sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles and cute little cousins. No one ever missed a meal at either of my grandmas houses and the world was just as it should be.  As I grew up, I was convinced my family was just as crazy as everyone else’s. Apparently, siblings argue, parents get divorced, people do things you don’t expect and of course, not everything always goes as you plan. 

Now that I'm older and I've experienced life, somewhat.. I have come to the conclusion that my family is just that… My family. God gave them to me for a reason. And I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. 

Lance had moved to Morehead in August to 'scratch that scientific itch' as he says. He moved in with Brock. He had become my best friend in the last few months. The three of us were closer than we had ever been. Its been 9 years since we had even lived in the same house. By living in the same city, we were able to make dinner together or just hang out. I had posted on my facebook that my brothers were two of the most amazing people in the world. I stand by that. But I need to add the rest of my family to my list. My mom has been so strong, always looking for the next baby-step that Lance is making. My dad's words on the previous post show his extraordinary faith. And my stepmom's belief in prayer and ability to read the Bible to him everyday is amazing. Because sometimes I feel like all I can do is sit by his bed and hold his hand. Our grandparents, aunts and step-sisters continual love and devotion to do whatever it takes to help him or us is also the best we could ever ask for. 

Lance's accident has been terrifying. The unknown is the most scary. But I know that God has great plans for us, especially for Lance. And that many wonderful things are to come.

One of Lance's good friends, Trish Murphy described Lance beautifully in her blog,  she said, "He went through a period of introspection this fall and finally seems to have a plan for what he wants to do next. Or rather, what he can do, because what he wants to do is everything. His biggest struggle seems to always be that he wasn't doing enough, or that which he could do wouldn't make a big enough difference"

For those of you who know me, I'm not much into the sappy love mushy stuff. So, you know that all of this teary eyed nonsense is about to get the best of me. So, i'm going to finish up with the facts... thats how I like it. :)

Lance's right foot would like to move continually. However, they have put a cast on it to prevent foot-drop. That cast will become a splint tomorrow. His left leg hasn't moved much since the accident. Thats the leg that was in traction.  They have a splint fixed for it as well. His left arm and shoulder received most of the nerve and muscle damage. It is moving a little now though. His right arm... well, its amazing. We have put a pen in his hand a couple times. Brock told him to write his name. We think he gave it a very good effort. Occupational, physical and speech therapy have been working with Lance everyday. One of the things they started was asking him simple yes or no questions and having him hold up one finger for yes. and two fingers for no. He answered correctly to... Is your name Christopher?  Is your name lance? Are you at home? Are you in the hospital? Is it 2010? They have also asked him to hold up three fingers, and then all five. Sometimes, it takes him a minute to get his brain to tell his hand to do these small tasks. but its progress. and we love progress!

He is still coughing up his own secretions. Respiratory was able to take him off of oxygen altogether. He is breathing room air and his oxygen saturation is staying in the high 90's, usually 99%. He sat in the wheelchair today for an hour. Tomorrow, the plan is to be up for an hour and half. 

Thanks again for all of the prayers that have gone up all over the tristate area and beyond. My prayers tonight include Shannon Gilbert. She was involved in a car accident on Tuesday morning. She had to be airlifted to St. Mary's.  Her dad, Ted Gilbert is my dad's good friend and neighbor. They are keeping her in a drug induced coma until Friday. From what I've heard, they’ve been given some of the same information we were given just 4 weeks ago. They can fix the injuries below the head. But the brain is in God's hands. My heart goes out to this family tonight. Please keep them in your hearts as well.

-chelcee

I've spent a lot of time with Lance.  We grew up together, lived in the same home, ate the same food, listened to the same music, learned to drive the same car.  I don't think I know anybody like the way I know Lance.  I don't think I could explain how we speak the same language, or what exactly that language is.  I understand him in ways I don't really understand.  I think Lance has taught me more about myself and life than anything or anyone else ever could have.
We haven't lived together since 2004, until this fall semester.  He showed up a week late for classes having just signed up and plopped on the couch with little more than a computer, a pair of sandals and an eager alacrity to learn something.  I'm a little disappointed that the closest and longest periods being together only occurred sporadically in the summer and during the holidays and it took us six years to find a city that we both could fit in.  Weird it was Morehead.
We had fun this semester.  We argued.  We played music.  We went to class.  We talked about philosophy, girls, how to change one's life, et cetera.

My life was changed forever this semester, before this accident ever occurred.  I learned a lot about myself and the way one perceives his experience.  Of most importance, I learned that I have a lot more to learn.  As always, he opened my eyes to things, not necessarily on purpose, but just by being a prime specimen to observe.  He was always the one flying over me leaving me in a state of bewilderment and sometimes, honest confusion.
I think this picture depicts our relationship somehow.  He's the fool in the wetsuit and I'm the one with blue hair.

-brock

Unexpected Paths

Lance has demonstrated a few signs of awakened awareness today.  His eye movements are increasing, his left arm which has laid dormant since the accident has moved and left fingers squeezed Chelcee's hand, and his right hand pushed an ice pack off his left hand.  These may seem like small steps to the casual observer, but are victories that call for celebration for those of us who watch every breath.  I thank each of you for your prayers and support and it is wonderful knowing that so many hearts have reached out to him and us.  

Today was day # 30 of this unexpected path.  I could never have guessed what would lie ahead as he slept on the couch - after playing guitar for worship and eating lunch - on Sunday after a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  As he slept I had caressed his head and ran my fingers through his hair, enjoying a quiet father-son moment, and thought how quickly 24 years can pass.   A short time later, I helped Lance load up plastic containers full of left-overs from kitchens of the great cooks in our family.  These would go into refrigerator of brother Brock and roommate Malcolm and be consumed as the semester at MSU concluded.  Before he climbed in his car, we had embraced in a good-bye hug, almost toppling over as our feet were too close.  Repositioning our feet in a wider stance, we renewed our hug and laughed as we squeezed one another tightly.  Without voicing our thoughts, I knew we were both remembering a scene from movie "Eat, Pray, Love", which we had watched with Chelcee and Gena the previous night.   The humorous scene was a loving father who kissed his 20yo son on the lips.  I didn't kiss Lance, and I didn't mention the movie, but I surmised that he may have been holding me so close to minimize the risk.

A few hours later the call came that every parent fears; mine came from long-time friend John Northcutt.  He shared the difficult news gently and truthfully......my heart has not been the same since.  The unexpected path led to a wonderful staff and doctors at UK's Chandler Medical Center - to these folks we are so grateful.  Now the path has led us to Shepherd's Center........I would never have predicted that as the destination for Christmas Day, but traveling with Gena and Chelcee, we arrived in Atlanta in time for their first white Christmas since 1882.  Brock and Jill were already with Lance, as they had escorted the ambulance three days earlier.

While it was not a "Merry" Christmas, there is Joy that comes with the Advent.  To know that God had the power to originate a virgin birth is comforting because that is the type of miracle power that Lance needs for healing.  To know that God loves us this much.....through Christ's life and death.........is as real as the last month of feeling His love and comfort during this great sadness.  This unexpected path has enabled me to see that God is bigger than I ever realized.

From Lance's room, down the hall, elevator down three floors, past the main entrance, across the connector bridge, through the parking garage, and up the elevator four floors is where Christmas is tonight, 450 miles from little Vanceburg.  In "I'm Taking You With Me"--a song by Relient K--the lyrics go, "If home is where the heart is, then my home is where you are. But it's getting oh so hard to spend these days without my heart." 

We're split up, but we're still together.  The good thing about love is that it isn't bound spatially, or temporally or in any way really.

Lance got to hear a lot of familiar voices today through voicemail recordings.  Continue to leave brief messages for him if you would like, on Chelcee's phone as well as mine (I know not everybody has my number). 

This is one of my favorite paintings in the Shepherd Center.

In other news Todd and Megan Hyatt are big fat parents as of yesterday.  Parker Daylon Hyatt was born at 2:34 pm, December 23, 2010.
Merry Christmas

Beautiful day in north Atlanta.  Lance enjoyed listening to some Duke Ellington and the Beach Boys today.  We're getting more familiar to this city of a building and its family of employees and doctors.  We're also learning more ways to interact with Lance.  If you would like to say hello to Lance, you're welcome to leave him a voicemail--on my phone--which I will relay to him so he can hear more familiar voices.
If you know my number, you're free to send a voicemail, which can be done, by the way, without calling the actual number.  Just access your own voicemail (usually done by holding down one on your phone) and follow instructions on sending a voice-message.  I know this has some potential to be a little confusing, but it's not hard, and I think it can be a good thing.
If you leave a voicemail recording directed towards Lance, I will certainly play it for him.
If you don't have my number you can email me, or message me on facebook and I will do my best to reply.
It's great to hear from family and friends, as the environment here is definitely different.  Still, we're ever grateful for support.
brock

Our first day at Shepherd was busy--getting used to the building, meeting doctors, nurses, techs, practically the whole staff has welcomed us into the family.  We're trying to get used to the new environment.  Lance was up all day and did well on the six-ish hour trip from Lexington. After getting settled in and properly introducing himself to the new people poking him, he's pretty tuckered out and is sleeping peacefully.
This place is crazy.  The people are super friendly.  We've got plenty to do and plenty of strength to be given to do it.  Recovery--not just Lance, but for the whole family--depends on attitude, disposition, and forward thinking.  Cookies don't hurt either.  I'm looking forward to finding out more about this facility and its occupants, which is coming soon.

As always, all the love, prayer, positive energy is incalculably appreciated.

Also, we listened to a little Al Green on the way down today.  It's Lance's cd. Somehow, it found its way into my case.  He's got a funky toe or two.
brock

So we're heading down south tomorrow morning to Atlanta for Lance to get started at The Shepherd Center, and that is the only thing heading south right now; our compass, not our spirits.
Will be continuing posts as well now.  More to come, much more. Got to get some sleep first, however.
Positation of negativity y'all,
brock

Tuesday, December 21st 2010

Good News!

    The insurance has approved for Lance to go to Shepherd's Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He will be transported there tomorrow morning, leaving Lexington at 6am. Mom and Brock will be going with him. Dad, Gena, and I will be going as soon as I get off work on Christmas Day.
   Keep safe travels in your prayers. Brock or I will update as soon as we get a chance!