Dear Family, Friends and Prayer Warriors:
It is hard to believe that it has been 3 years since Jodie's accident. Some days it feels like it's been forever and other times it seems like minutes.
When I look at her it is so amazing to see how far she has come from that frightening night. I will never forget those first hours - the "not knowing" on the trip to Memphis and then the days and weeks that followed.
When most people hear about "traumatic brain injury", they tend to think that the injured person is "brain dead" but in most cases nothing is farther from the truth. TBI means that part of the brain has been damaged and some life functions are affected and are different and have changed. In Jodie’s' case the part of her brain that is damaged controls her speech and her ability to use her right side and controls her movement ability. But her mind remains so sharp - it constantly amazes everyone around her.
I will never forget the first time she cried after the accident - I was excited beyond belief, I know that sounds strange but in some cases of TBI the injured person cannot cry. It's unbelievable the things we get excited about, things that everyone just takes for granted. The smile on her face that lights up her eyes, seeing how she looks at her nieces and nephews, and especially the times she knows she has done something mischievous or just plain funny, when she calls for me in the night or the best when she tells me she loves me. She tries so hard to do anything she can and of course some things are easier than others.
The Lord has truly blessed Jodie and our family - wWhen we learned how many people were praying for her it was just unbelievable that so many people cared. There is no way that we can ever thank everyone enough for praying and continuing to keep her in your prayers. It is easy for us to keep things in our mind for awhile but then so many other things happen and it is harder to stay focused. To know that you all are still praying is what makes things so much easier and comforting. If anyone ever says prayers do not work or there are no such things as miracles - send them to meet Jodie.
Six days short of the third anniversary of her going to the Shepherd Center, she returns for a check up. At this time we have an appointment on April 24, 2007 at 2:00 pm and will see Dr. Leslie and Dr. Kaelin. It is exciting and hopeful - I just hope and pray that she has progressed far enough that she can go back into rehab there.
I know I ask a lot but I hope that you will continue to keep Jodie in yours prayers – you have done a fantastic job and we will never forget.
Love to all,
Nancy & Jodie
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6 comments:
Thanks for the update Mrs. Nancy. I think of yall often, and this journal is great. I love to hear the little details of Jodie's progress. She has an amazing way about her.
Tell everyone hello for me, and think fondly of me when you watch your first grandchild's birth video!
EAH
What amazing strength that Jodie and my mom show each and every day! It sends chills through me to see those pictures because it reminds me of just how difficult those first days, weeks and months were. What a blessing it is to be a part of this family.
I love y'all!
Beth
P.S. Erik- John Hollis has the best video ever! I watched it recently and it made me smile to see you and Jodie joking around. You take care!
Hey Everyone!
You all are a blessing and I am so glad to have met all of you. Some of my best days were spent with Jodie. She is a wonderful friend and will take care of anybody who messes with her friends. I love you so much JOJO and pray for you daily. You are a true miracle. I will pray very hard for Jodie to return to rehab. Bree and I don't mind making a trip to Atlanta. We had a blast last time seeing all the progress Jodie was making. Take care and I miss you dearly,
Lisa Strong
Nancy and Jodie,
Just want you to know that after meeting you in Winona for the Stars football game, I've thought about you so much and prayed for you. You are so strong. I could tell by your expressions that you have such a love for life and family. You are so blessed to have the wonderful mother that you have. I know that you will continue to improve. You have the will and determination. Keep improving. And keep smiling.
You are so beautiful! God is definatly with you, he has wonderful plans for you, just keep believing!
love you and your mother,
Janet Graves Ellis
PS I was a Phi Mu too (at Ole Miss!)
Hi, I read your blog, and I'm so happy to see an update. Jodie seems to be doing so much better. I can only imagine how much the little things mean to you all.
I am Erik's sister, Bess. I always felt that Jodie and I had a special bond because I was also born on Aug. 31. I was a Phi Mu too.
Jodie, those pictures are amazing. I hope your visit with Dr. Kaelin goes well...I am actually working at Shepherd now with acquired brain injury. Small world huh? I work with an occupational therapist who worked with you and your family while you were there. I showed her some recent pictures of you and she was excited at how good you look.
Keep on with the updates- you are in my prayers.
Megan Dowdle (was Brown)
(I pledged with Jodie.)
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