Good News!

Well after going through a living nightmare for a week, we got some good news today. Chase woke up!!! He's out of his coma! It was so awesome! We were getting ready to go to the hospital when I got a text from Vince (Chase's dad) saying that he was waking up. So we hurried to the hospital to see him. When we got there he was just waking up. The trauma doctors were all there and there were smiles all around. Jeff, Vince, the nurse and I all hugged each other. I was crying tears of joy! He was kind of in and out today. He'd be awake and then get worn out and go back to sleep (but not unconsciousness). He was asking for water because he was very thirsty. I was able to moisten his mouth with a little sponge but that's about it. He kept saying "More". But the doctor said even that was too much as he could aspirate it. So then when he asked for water I said the doctor said he couldn't have it. He just kept saying "Water... Please mom!" (whispers) It broke my heart to not be able to give it to him. Vince asked him to open his eyes for me and he shook his head no. Earlier this morning he gave his nurse the "one finger salute" again. She asked him if he was flipping her off and he shook his head yes. But the doctors said they look for head trauma patients to flip "the bird" and cross their legs. He was doing both. :)

Chase slept most of the afternoon because he wore himself out. Then tonight when we went back after our "break", he was awake again. The nurse was cleaning him up (sponge bath and hair washing) so he asked us to help. I loved helping as I've felt so helpless. That woke him up pretty good. He was more alert tonight. He started asking me for water again. He would just beg me saying "water, please mom". I so wanted to give it to him but told him he couldn't have it. He asked me why and I said that it makes him choke. He shook his head no. I also got him to look at me and told him I loved him. He said "I love you too Mom". Wow! I was elated! His back doctor was trying to get him to move his arms though and his lef arm was giving him some trouble. It was painful so they will have to investigate further what's going on there. He said it's common to find other things after they wake up. He finally fell asleep after a bit and we had to come home. I literally had to drag myself away.

All of the many, many people praying for Chase is working! I can't thank you enough for the prayers and love and support. Please keep them coming as we still have a long way to go. But at least he's conscious!

Love,
Michelle