Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Early Thanksgiving! Wow, it's November. I know, it's been awhile since I've posted anything. I now know why I don't do this for a living.... I have missed you my friends, and many of you have asked how things are going for Makenzie. She is progressing nicely, and I will give some updates. Makenzie might even chime in on this blog!!!

We are now at the 6 month mark....Can you believe it? It was hard to imagine six months ago what life was going to be like in November 2010. We were literally living day to day back in May. Many scary moments....the kind that change your life, the kind that make you look at things differently....

After having a real difficult time back in early October, Makenzie is finally starting to make some real progress. She became very ill in late September with pancreatitis that sent her to the hospital for a week. A couple of weeks after that, she became ill again and spent another week at Methodist Hospital in Houston. This all the while both Pam and Chuck were working....Very difficult and exhausting days....The good news now is that Makenzie is eating better and has starting to gain weight! Yea! I told her I would gladly sacrifice some of my own body fat and give it to her via transplant....She is also going to physical therapy again and continues to make progress. Often she goes to the school with Pam and helps her with her Kindergarten class. She even went to visit her brother Kaleb at Texas A&M! So, she continues to heal, continues to move forward.

A few weeks ago, she posted about the happiest day of her life......the day she could get a boot on her right foot (pic on here somewhere). While this activity might be mundane to you and I, it was a huge deal for her, as she hasn't had a shoe on her foot since April.....it was a big milestone for her. Most recently she got ahold of a sharpie and colored here wheelchair, naming it Wandette.....Wandette??? Well Kenzy, I'm glad you have a sense of humor!!!

My children pray for their cousin each day. She is ever on their minds. I know many of you pray for her too. This has made a huge difference in her recovery. God has worked through so many of you to help her and her family. Pam told me yesterday about a card she received in the mail. It was from someone she didn't know, a hand made card, beautifully done, very inspiring. She told me who it was from, and I actually knew the sender. Pam has placed this card next to the family pictures, so that she can see it. It encourages her and Makenzie. It figures that the sender's name is Grace....It is the little acts of kindness, done each day, that mean so very much. Never forget this, never give up in doing random acts of kindess, never give up on praying...

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I just want to tell you all how thankful I am for you being out there, praying for Makenzie. I am thankful for healing, thankful that my niece is here, thankful for my family, thankful mostly to God for bringing us through this. Many of you know what I'm talking about. Have blessed Thanksgiving my friends....
Mary

Happy Labor Day My Friends!
Some good news this evening: Makenzie went home today from the hospital after being there for almost a week. She has had a severe bout of pancreatitis and had been in an extreme amount of pain. She has been resting and trying get her diet regimented. It's been an exhausting week for her, Pam & Chuck. Hopefully going home will bring on more rest and healing, as you know you never really sleep in the hospital unless you are unconscious! Been there and done that already......

Throughout this latest ordeal and actually since this journey started back in April I am continually reminded how much we need to pray.....not for just Makenzie, but for all of our friends and family for we are in contact with each day. There are countless "Makenzies" out there: some have broken bones, some broken hearts, some broken lives altogether. We are all signifigant to someone out there. We all know at least of a couple of people who really need to be uplifted. Just think of the difference it could make. Sometimes we don't see it, but things do happen. A kind word, a smile for the checker at Walmart, a casserole for someone who is recovering, a phone call or note on Facebook. A kind deed never goes un-noticed in God's eyes.

Makenzie continues to improve because so many of you think of her and pray. Many of you have called her, sent her notes and cards. Some of you have gone way beyond the call of duty and helped my sister. Some of you don't even know her or my family personally! Again, prayer changes things. So does love. Thank you again for being there!


Hope you all have a terrific Labor Day!
"We can do small things with great love".....Mother Teresa
Mary

August 31

Good Evening My Friends,
It is now the last day of August. It's been four months since Makenzie's accident. She has made tremendous improvement over the past several weeks: walking with a walker, standing, beginning to work with crutches. Just like any journey you take, old issues resolve themselves and new ones crop up. Her left foot skin graft has healed very well, but it has turned inward. Decisions on how to best deal with that are being discussed currently. Another thing that just came up today is she has come down with pancreatitis. Often trauma/accident victims get this and sometimes it comes after a long period of intense medication. So, today we have some things to pray about.

Please pray for continued healing and for relief from the intense pain. She is currently in the hospital for treatment. Pancreatitis is extremely painful and the recovery is long. Pray for strentgh for her mom Pam.
When I know more I will post. Thanks my friends for always being there for my family. We are struggling, but we will prevail with God's help....
Good night!
Mary

new milestones....

Good evening my friends!
Been out of town off and on for a few weeks. In the meantime, some new milestones have ocurred. Makenzie stood up for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and she took her first steps last week via walker! Of course, the air is thinner up there when you're as tall as Kenzie! So, she was a bit tired after the first couple of times. However, every day gets a little easier.
As well as things are going thus far, there are always new things to come up and lift up in prayer. Her left foot has progressed nicely with the skin grafts. However, the foot is turning inward by several degrees. Her right foot is better, but it has issues as well. As most of you know, Kenzie's feet were the most damaged in the accident.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) Pam and Kenzie will be seeing a specialist about her left foot. Please pray tonight and tomorrow that there will be a solution to the current problem. Pray for other issues concerning surgeons and hospitals to be worked out as well. Finally, keep praying for my sister, Kenzie, Chuck, and Kaleb. Kaleb leaves for college next week. Pam returns back to work at Big Sandy School. These are some hard days around the McLaurin house. Pray for stregnth.
Thank you my friends......
Mary

3 Month Mark

Good Morning My Friends!
And yes, even though it is the "dog days of summer", I hope you are going to have a great day. It's been a little over 3 months since Makenzie's car accident. Life has changed a lot for her since that day, as she has spent most of the summer at home healing from her injuries. She has good days, a few great days, some crummy days, and days that contain all of the above. The pain management is better overall too, and we are thankful for that.....

Things are beginning to return to a normal pace. For Pam and Makenzie there is a "new normalness" for now. Chuck returned to his business McLaurin Welding after being off almost the entire month of May. Kaleb finished his term as Vice President of Future Farmers of America for the State of Texas. He gave is final address at the state convention last month in Corpus Christi, and had Makenzie introduce him! He is in the process of getting ready to enter Texas A&M later this month as a Freshmen! Kenzie & Kaleb are very close, and she's really going to miss him this fall!
Makenzie was supposed to enter college this fall at Sam Houston State University (her mom's and mine alma mater!). She has decided to wait to attend school in January in order to be in stronger condition and allow more time to heal. Huntsville is hilly you know! Pam, who is a kindergarten teacher at Big Sandy ISD, is supposed to go back to work in a couple of weeks.

Makenzie's physical recovery is coming along pretty well. She has had many doctors appointments over the past few weeks. The doctor for her face is amazed how well she has done so far. Remember, she had a major nerve in her left cheek that was severed and had to be re-attached surgically. This affects how she smiles, and it was predicted that this could take many months. She is smiling better and better each time I see her, and her physician couldn't believe how well she had progressed when seen last week! Her wounds on her arms and legs are healing nicely too. And thankfully, she is beginning to put on a little weight.......I told her she could have mine and we could do some kind of body to body fat transfer......

With stages of healing come new issues (or new dimensions to old issues...). Makenzie saw the orthopedic docs this week. She just now got cleared to begin bearing weight on her right foot and leg. This is going to be a an exciting and frustrating period, as she has not stood up in over three months! A lot of muscle mass has deteriorated due to being bed-ridden. Gaining stregnth will be her next goal.
Then, there's the left foot.......this is the foot that really sustained a lot of injuries. Makenzie just was referred to seeing a foot specialist yesterday to deal with the new issues with this foot. The skin grafts are healing nicely. There are some new details to deal with now, mainly with tendons, muscles and bones, and nerves.
So, the next focus of recovery will be to gain stregnth, begin to stand on her right leg and foot, and to figure out a plan for continued healing of the left foot. It's been a while since I have asked for your prayers. When you see her picture, think of her and lift a prayer about these recovery issues. It has made a tremendous difference so far. I thank you in advance for it!

My sister Pam has been overwhelmed by the love and support you all have given her and Chuck these past months.....she has said several times that she doesn't even know what to say......these kind gestures of love have really helped her and Chuck come to terms with so many things. We still have a pretty good long road ahead, but your love and compassion has kept all of us going. Thanks so much my friends for reading this blog and praying.
You all have a blessed day!
Mary

Change....it's a good thing

Good Evening my friends!
I'm writing on the eve of a big weekend for the McLaurin family. Many of you know that Kaleb, Makenzie's brother, has been the FFA State Vice President for this past year. He has been traveling all over the state visiting almost every FFA Chapter there is! It has been a great experience for him, and he has grown tremendously. He looks forward to beginning his college life at Texas A&M this fall. This week is the annual FFA STATE Convention in Corpus Christi. He will be giving his farewell address on Friday. AND, who will introduce him to the convention? Makenzie! Of course! Yes, the girl is going to the convention!

It has been a long summer, but things are getting progressively better. She has begun home physical therapy a few days a week. She will begin to walk in August. This will probably be a big challenge at the beginning, as she has not been on her feet since April. Remember her in prayer for this. Also, we hope that the end of the IV anti-biotics will be soon, and that her appetite will return. Needless to say, going to the convention is a big deal for her. I'm glad she's going to be there!

Yes, and finally, the new doo! Yes, she had beautiful long locks. However, those locks became a HUGE tangled wad in the hospital. A couple of hair stylists have worked and worked on it, trying to untangle it. It was a mess. Finally she said "cut it"! And so, she did! It looks great! Very college girl looking! I never imagined Kenzie with short hair, but it is a great change!

Change is hard sometimes. Change is inevitable. We either make the change, or change makes us. This whole experience has been a change. Time to move forward. Time for a new haircut, time for college.
Change is a good thing!
Take care for now my friends!
Mary

friends, neighbors, and other unknown people

Good Morning my friends! The picture posted today is of my friend Dawn and her daughter Lillian. They are my friends and neighbors. Our little girls are best friends. Dawn has been keeping up with Makenzie, just like so many of you! She has never met her. Dawn is a true crazy cajun woman! She has a huge heart, and recently decided to help Makenzie and her family. She is an extraordinary seamstress, and has recently started making Coolbands for Kenzie. These bands are great for summer, and she and Lillian are wearing them at a swim meet! She has sold over $220 worth, and her goal is $1000! She is crazy!!! She is crazy with love for someone she doesn't even know. But, she knows her story. She knows of God's infinite mercy and grace. Pam stated to me that she is in awe by the goodness and love that people have showed her throughout this whole ordeal. I wish I could post pics of so many of you who have been there for my family. I don't know who many of you are, but know that we love you.....

Makenzie has had a few doctor appointments this week. Her skin grafts are doing very well! She will still have to remain on IV antibiotics for about 2 more weeks to clear any infection. The ortho docs said she can begin physical therapy next week. She still will not be able to do any weight bearing activities til August. This is mainly because of the right foot injury. This particular injury takes a LONG time to heal. Please pray about this....Again, the biggest issue at the moment is eating. The antibiotics really make her sick to her stomach. This will probably get better when the IV treatment is over, but for the time being she needs to gain some strength. Pray about this also....

Thank you for being there my brothers and sisters......Have a great July 4th!
Be careful out there!!!
Mary

week 1 at home....

Good evening my friends!
It's been a little over a week since Makenzie came home from the hospital. She and Pam are grateful to be home and sleeping in their own beds. Over the weekend she was excited to actually wash her hands by herself! It's the little things in life that make it! She is doing better and her feet are healing. Keep praying about this.

The dog days of summer will soon be here. Things are moving slower, not as many people around, not as much activity going on. The heat of the outside and the long days seem to last forever. It's hard to be 18 and stuck to a wheelchair. It's hard to be somewhat disconnected from your friends and their activities. Pray about this too!

Finally, the biggest issue to overcome is the eating. Makenzie's tummy is very sensitive now from all of the drugs, etc. It's hard to eat. Guts hurt a lot. Please pray about this especially, and that she will begin to get more stregnth. Muscle stregnth will be important in rehab.

Finally my friends, thanks for your continued support. There are doctors appointments tomorrow. Will post things as I hear.
Love to you all,
Mary

Taste good to be back home again.....

Good evening my friends!
Makenzie went home yesterday!!! She rode in a car too! The entire family is relieved to be home and ready to begin to put things back in order.
Chuck said that they even went to Sonic and ordered food! This is a real good sign that Makenzie is improving. We are thankful to God for her return. As hard and difficult as things were these past weeks, it could have been so much worse. She has another chance. Going home is a huge step in recovery.

There is however, more recovery. These next few weeks will seem like they are moving more slowly. Physical therapy will be the next phase. There will probably be days in this that will not be too much fun. It's a good thing that the girl is hard headed! It will serve her well in the next few weeks. Keep praying for my niece. And thank you for all of your prayers, your encouragement, your cards and emails. I will keep you posted on her progress, probably a couple of times a week. I am committed to letting you all know how she's doing throughout her complete recovery. I look forward to that day. I know you will too!
Good night for now!
Mary

Outside......

Happy Fathers Day my friends!

Yesterday we were at a 7 hour swim meet. Remember how hot it was? We were out by the pool watching our girls race from 7am to 2pm. It was blistering. We went home to sit in the AC for awhile. Then, went to Hermann to visit Kenzy, our new usual Saturday evening routine. Only thing is, Makenzie wasn't in her room when we got there! Her stuff was there, but she was out wheeling around the hospital in a wheelchair. We went to the lobbies, Cafe Hermann, all of the pavillions, etc. Finally called Chuck, and he stated they were outside! OUTSIDE? That was the last place we wanted to go. Sure enough, we went out and there she was, looking at the fountains in front of Hermann! You see, it didn't matter how hot it was to her. She's been in a small room of sorts now for almost 8 weeks. She just wanted OUT!!
Today is Father's Day. Makenzie will probably be getting out of the hospital today. Chuck said her going home was the best gift he could get. She woke up from her coma on Mother's Day, and maybe go home on Father's Day. Praise God!
I hope you all have a great Father's Day! Will give an update later!
Mary

please standby..

Good evening everyone!
Remember when you used to listen to the radio or watch TV and sometimes the antenna or tower would just fizz out and some voice would come on and say "please stand by"? Well, I've been trying to download some video stuff for you all to see to no avail! Ugh! Maybe someday I'll get it on here!

Makenzie had surgery yesterday and they closed her right foot. They did have to use a small graft on her foot, but it isn't the real complicated kind that's on her left foot. At any rate, the pain has subsided and she is feeling much better. Today was a good day for her and Pam. Kaleb was there today and I have some pretty funny video of him and Makenzie doing some dance moves (bed dancing!). Very funny! My sister was laughing like she hasn't done in a long time. Fun visit today.

Probably got another trip to the OR soon for a final cleaning or sorts on something. You know you've been in the hospital too long and been to the OR too many times when they know your first name and say "welcome back!".

Ok, so keep praying! I'll try to get those videos on here soon!
Mary

Chocolate cures all kinds of ills.....

Hi my friends!
Makenzie is finally starting to eat a little more! She even ate some of this chocolate bar! Yeah! We are grateful for the tissue that is healing nicely too!
Tomorrow is another day of surgery for her. The good news is that the plastic guru of the universe will be taking over her case from now on, and Pam, Chuck, and Makenzie are thrilled! Dr. Minosnos is a fantastic surgeon and a wonderful human being. He has been on her team since they arrived at Hermann on April 29. He is terrific! Another prayer answered!
So, pray that the best decision regarding the left foot can be made. Pam & Kenzie want to go home! Pray for more recovery. We're looking for the day we can check out! It's hard for them to believe that sometime, as Thursday is the beginning of the 8th week!
Have a great evening my friends!
Mary

Monday June 14

Good evening my friends!
Mackenzie went into surgery late this afternoon. The worst thing about going later in the day is that you haven't eaten since the night before. So, one tends to be crabby. I know that the worst thing for me is not having any coffee! Ugh!
Surgery went pretty well. The docs still did not close the wound on the right foot up yet, but stated that it looked very good. Will go back in Wednesday with hopes to close it and be infection free. We are still praying that there will be no skin graft as well.
Mackenzie is starting to eat a little, although nausea still comes and goes with the meds she's on. Pray that this subsides and her appetite returns. I told her this past weekend that I would donate my body fat for a body to body fat transfer if she wanted......
So, hopefully we're beginning to see a teeny tiny light at the end of the long Hermann tunnel. Keep praying! We know you already are!
Mary

I recently received this pic from a friend. It's Makenzie giving her Valedictorian speech from her stretcher. I really like it, it says a lot.

Tomorrow Makenzie has surgery to check the wound on her right foot. There are some concerns about the way it is healing. We are praying for the best outcome, and that is no more skin grafts. Please pray about this, that the tissue is growing properly and that there is no more infection. Makenzie is in her 7th week at Hermann. I thank you already for your sustaining prayers. It really means a lot to Chuck & Pam that you all are praying about these things.

Thank you my friends,
Mary

Saturday....

Good evening my friends! Just got back from visiting Makenzie at Hermann. She seemed to be feeling better today. Pam stated that today was the best day she's had in a while.
Just a couple of updates and prayer request. On Monday Makenzie will return to the OR to check the infection in the right foot. We are praying that the wound is clear of infection and that they will close the wound totally. We heard some news today that wasn't in the plan. Don't want to go there. Just pray for healing in her right leg, that it can be sown up and healed. Thank you my friends. Keep praying! Pam said today she might see a little light down at the end of the tunnel. Let's keep it that way!
Peace to you all my friends....
Mary

If it's not one thing, it's something else....

Good Evening my friends,
I have been out in the sun a lot this week. The heat index has been horrible around the coastal areas. Lots of canoeing, and now lots over brain fuzz to go with it at the moment. Hopefully I'll be coherent this evening.....

Makenzie has another trip to the OR tomorrow morning to examine her right foot and change the dressings on her left. The decision will be made as to whether or not they will sew up her right foot, indicating that the infection is not within the tissues. If they feel they need more time to treat it, they will leave the area open with a wound vac attached. If things go well, they will stitch the area together. That would also mean the possibility of going home soon is around the corner. Hopefully that will be the case. Pam & Makenzie are terribly homesick right now. Please pray about this.

The pain in her foot is now more controlled, but she is experiencing terrible pain in her gut. This is causing some serious problems with eating pretty much anything. This must be resolved before leaving Hermann Hospital. She also needs to eat to gain some stregnth. This has been a trying week with this matter. Please pray about this as well.

Thank you again my friends for being there. My eyes are crossing so I'm going to bed.....
See you tomorrow!
Mary

June 9d

Today is Wednesday. Tomorrow is Thursday. Aren't you glad I know what day it is? Hey, I've been at Girl Scout Day Camp this week and I think the heat is getting me!

At any rate, tomorrow marks the beginning of the 7th week at Hermann Hospital. I get weary thinking about it. And for sure Pam, Chuck, and certainly Makenzie are tired of being there. Currently there is another trip to the OR on Friday to possibly close the incision on her right foot. This is the area that has an infection. It is the foot that also gives Makenzie a lot of grief, as it is in pain much of the time. Her left foot is looking better and better, praise God. It's the right foot we're concerned with. Please pray about this when you think of it.

Since Makenzie has had pain issues pretty much the whole time she has been in Hermann, she has been on some pretty stiff pain medication. One of the side effects is nausea and loss of appetite. This is beginning to be a big problem as she has lost a significant amount of weight. It is very difficult to eat when all you feel like doing is hurling your guts out. Please, please pray about this, as we don't want it to become more serious than it is. The spirit is willing, but the flesh wants to hurl.....

Finally, Makenzie & Pam are tired: tired of being in the hospital, tired of the seemingly endless pain, tired of being separated from their family and friends, tired of the OR. Chuck is tired too. There are lots of concerns about other things too. Ever spent one night in a hospital? Remember what it cost? Please pray about this too.
Admittedly, I'm tired too. I want them to be able to go home and begin putting their life back together. I wish I could make things so much better. Thank you my friends for being there. Thank you for your prayers....
Mary

Monday, June 7

Technology is great until it doesn't work.......The blog server has been down for a couple of days, so sorry to my friends who have been looking for an update! Who really knows what is going in cyberworld....

Makenzie just got out of surgey this evening after waiting all day for it to happen. She was supposed to have gone in for a routine cleaning of her feet around 7am this morning. However the OR was way backed up (it's Monday of course) and she didn't get in until almost 5! And that's without eating! The good news is that everything is healing pretty much like it should. The left foot grafts are healing very nicely, and Chuck stated that it's starting to look like a real foot again! Praise God for this! Finally some good news to mull over. The right foot is healing ok, and they will go back to the OR on Friday to close it up. It is on a wound vac at the moment. Keep praying for healing for this infection and for the pain.

Though they are weary from being in Hermann right now for this long, they are thankful for the good progress and the great care of the staff. Dr. Minosnos, the graft guru, has just been wonderful. On top of being a world class surgeon, he is a caring person and offers such great support particularly for Pam. I am thankful for him.

Today my daughters and I were at Girl Scout DayCamp. I am in charge of canoeing for over 200 girls this week. Today as I was sitting by the canoes on the shore, I told God thank you for letting me be there. So many times I take for granted the opportunity to do things. I am thankful for being out there, though it was pretty freaking hot! I am thankful for good health, for a strong body, and a great family. Be thankful today my friends where ever you are.
Mary

Hospital time....a whole other universe...

I've kind of lost what the day count is.....We're now beginning our sixth week in the hospital. Makenzie is doing ok as she is now on antibiotics for the skin surface infection on her right foot. Her left foot and leg are healing too, and the foot guy is pleased. Makenzie went into the OR today for more cleaning, and there will be another one on Monday. Not sure what will be decided after that: when and if she will go home, or stay at Hermann, or stay somewhere else. Docs are not too keen on giving you too much info or answering too many questions...Maybe it's because the answer will change anyway.....

Pam & Makenzie have a hard time sleeping in the hospital. Hospitals apparently have their own circadian rhthyms: CAT scans at midnight, baths at 4am, X-rays somewhere in between....even the trash bins go crashing down the halls at all hours of the night. Then there's the hourly temperature and blood pressure checks, food service people, phones that ring outside in the nurses station.....On Thursday Pam was told that Makenzie would go back to the OR on Monday. Last night around 10pm, the nurse told them that they would be going back to the OR at 11am. Of course, they came at 7am instead.... Who can sleep in a place like this? Needless to say after 5 weeks fatigue is a big factor. Boredom has also set in. How many episodes of "19 Kids and Counting" and "What Not to Wear" can someone watch? Oh to be able to go outside......even if it is in Houston.....

Continue to pray for Makenzie's feet and legs. Pray also for pain management. This is getting a little better, but at times still an issue.
Thank you my friends....
Mary

The good news is there's' no bad news....

Well, that's pretty much the statement of the day. The good news is there's no bad news today. Makenzie went in the OR today to have her wounds cleaned on both feet. The left foot is healing as planned according to the graft king of the universe. The right foot, the one we're concerned about right now, is ok but not great, according to the ortho docs. The good news here is that the bacteria in the right foot is not the big hairy scary kind. It is a "friendly" bacteria, whatever that is.....At any rate they will be treating Makenzie with something that is standard.

Even the kind of antibiotics they're using has had a moment. Tuesday evening they started a preliminary round of antibiotics for the right foot. However, Makenzie had an allergic reaction to it! Kind of serious stuff! So, they couldn't really start anything until the culture results came out.

I'm thankful this evening that the bacteria isn't the super bad one. I have personally been worried about this all day. I'm grateful that it can be treated and that they are trying a new pain management approach. The pain has been terrible that past couple of days.

Right now the plan is for Makenzie to go back to the OR on Monday for more cleanout. Hopefully the pain will be less by then.

Thank you my friends for your prayers. I have seen many of you around town (Seabrook) today asking about Makenzie. Thank you for your thoughts.....Remember her daily.....
Mary

How long?

I have two girl scout troops. Last month my older girls, Junior Scouts, earned their Bronze Award. This is a huge deal for these girls. We started working on it in January 2009! We had many, many badges to earn and steps to complete. It was the longest most complex project the girls had ever done. When they finally figured out specifically what their project was going to be, it was then another 6 months before it was completed. It seemed like forever to them and me. I was beginning to wonder if we were ever going to be done with it. Every meeting, every badge, every outing had something to do with it. And, there were always complications with something. I was never so glad to be done with something like I was that project!!! Seemed like an eternity then, but now it is a mere memory for which my girls have a pin on their vest for.....
Today we found out that Makenzie's right foot is infected. Not sure as to what yet, and won't know what for another couple of days. They will be cleaning it and the left foot in the OR tomorrow. So, they began some anti-biotics for this via IV. What this more than most likely means is 6 weeks of additional hospital time. Ugh. HOW LONG???
Yeah, we're discouraged. It's the "now what?" issue. When are things going to get better? When will Makenzie's right foot stop hurting? When?

Please pray for both feet, right now the right one. Pray that the infection will go away and that the pain will stop. This is hard.
As always, I love you. We could not have made it this far without you....
Mary

Beauty in the eye of the beholder......

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Remember your parents saying this kind of thing to you? What about this saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure"? Everything is relative. These are things I was thinking about today while Makenzie was in surgery.

Yesterday there was concern about some of the wounds Makenzie has on her legs and feet. This area suffered a lot damage in the accident. Lots of broken bones, damaged tissue and nerves, etc. The left leg, the one we've been praying a lot about has had a lot of reconstruction, including muscle and skin grafts. The right foot has issues too, as the ankle was crushed and there was extensive surgery to repair it. Skin grafts take a while to heal, and the recovery is somewhat meticulous. Makenzie must keep her left foot up above her heart, which means she is reclining almost horizontally most of the time. Four times a day for 10 minutes is all that is allowed in letting her foot be lower than her heart. This regimen is really long and tedious. In another week or so, whe will have 15 minutes, then in a couple of weeks, 20. Laying around is difficult. It was the left skin grafts and the right ankle that was of great concern yesterday.

It was decided by Pam, Chuck & the home help nurse that they should return to Hermann Hospital to have these areas looked at. The wounds were oozing, looking not so great (actually that is an understatement accoring to P&C), and hurting. After arriving in the ER, it was decided to do surgery and do a clean out of sorts to check for infection. This is why we were requesting so much prayer. We don't want to deal with infection. So, the skin graft guru of the universe went in and looked at it, and pretty much thought things were ok, so he cleaned it. I think he told Chuck it actually looked really good, to which Pam replied "it looks terrible!". It's who ya ask! So, surgery went very well today, and Makenzie will remain in Hermann for a few days. She will go back into surgery on Thursday to do another clean out. The right ankle was cleaned up too. As I said earlier, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

So right now, we're up for surgery on Thursday. Chuck & Pam are ever so grateful for your undying suppport. Thank you once again my friends for your prayers....it's changing things, right this minute!

Mary

Of mountain tops and valleys.....

A courageous moment. Doing something that she didn't feel like doing, but doing something because she desired to. Courage. It's facing difficulty head on, not letting fear get you.

Yes my friends, Makenzie went to her graduation on Friday night at Big Sandy High School! It was an emotional evening for everyone. She rolled in on a stretcher via ambulance! There she was, cap and gown, looking beautiful. She was in some pain however. There was talk of letting her brother Kaleb read her Valedictorian address. But no, when the moment came, the girl took the microphone and spoke with confidence and eloquence....it was a moment of truth for everyone. A moment in time, one I'll never forget....

Today has brought some new issues. It's Monday isn't it. Yeah, a holiday but Monday just the same. Makenzie had to return to Hermann Hospital today after the home help nurse came by for the daily wound dressing and advised that her feet needed some additional attention. After arriving at Hermann this afternoon, the docs decided that she will have surgery tomorrow to take care of some cleaning issues and tissue matters in BOTH feet. We need to seriously pray about these things. It's a setback. We don't like it. We have no choice but to move forward and ask God for continued super healing. We need to ask for stregnth for Pam and Chuck, as they are weary.

It's hard to pray without ceasing. My heart says one thing, my mind says something else, and the Spirit pleads for prayer. This is hard and tiring my friends.
So, bear with us. Pray, pray, pray. I don't know what to say this evening.
Intercessory prayers.
Pray for her feet, for healing, for pain relief.
Pray for strength.
Thank you my friends....
Mary

Day 29- Country Roads Take Me Home....

"Country roads take me home, to the place I belong".......yeah, I listen to John Denver. He's even on my Ipod! Thinking about this song while helping Pam & Makenzie pack up. MAKENZIE WENT HOME TODAY! This is the day we've all prayed for, we all have hoped for. Hallelujah.....Not that it will be easy when she gets home. Lots of recovery to do. It will seem slow, sometimes painful, sometimes a total drag. It must be done. We are gratefull for this opportunity to be bored. Many who enter the doors of the ER at Hermann do not get this second chance. Some who do go home are never the same....We are grateful for this day for what it means to Makenzie, her family, her friends, and her school! Yes, we're going to GRADUATION tomorrow night! I'm looking forward to it!

You know that top 10 thing Dave Lettermen does on his show? Well I've come up with my own top 10.....here it is:
MARY'S TOP TEN OF WHAT SHE WON'T MISS ABOUT GOING TO HERMANN HOSPITAL.....
10. I won't miss blue paper gowns or latex gloves...
9. I won't miss driving on Loop 610 during Housewife hours (from 9-2) as that's when the worst drivers in town come out....
8. I won't miss the 5 minutes it takes to get from floor 6 to the front gate in the parking garage...
7. I won't miss the STICU waiting room, perhaps the scariest place on earth...
6. I won't miss the patient rooms in STICU, a place where no one says anything and the TV's are never on...
5. I won't miss the elevators in the Cullen Pavillion, as I'm sure there is a Seinfeld episode about this somewhere....
4. I won't necessarily miss the salad bar at Cafe Hermann, although the salads there were better than some salads I've had...
3. I certainly won't miss the salad bar prices!!!! $10 for lettuce? Really?
2. I know I won't miss the Pronto Coffee machine....hopefully Pam won't either!
ANNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDD,
THE NUMBER ONE THING I WON'T MISS ABOUT GOING TO HERMANN HOSPITAL....
I WON'T MISS THOSE __________(FILL IN THE BLANK) YELLOW DISCS FOR THE PARKING GARAGE!!! I DROPPED MINE TODAY!!! UHG!!!!

So, lets get ready for GRADUATION!! I'm looking forward to seeing some of you there! I will be sitting with Pam & Chuck and the family. I will be the one with the video camera. If you are there, please come over and say "hi"! I want to say thank you for your prayers. Prayer has changed things my friends....it has.
See you tomorrow! Graduation here we come!
Mary

Day 28- One more day.....maybe

Yes, that's right! Maybe one more day in the hospital! Maybe going home tomorrow! Gotta get checked through physical therapy....then maybe check out. Friday's graduation! I'm having a hard time figuring out what to say tonight.....I'm just thankful to God for hearing us. I'm thankful for great doctors who devote their lives to the study of medicine so to have the chance to overcome things.....I'm grateful to the kind staff at Hermann Hospital; these people see all kinds of trauma everyday, yet still manage to have a kind encouraging word when you need to hear one. I'm thankful for all of you for being there with your prayers, your thoughts, your cards and gifts, your acts of love toward my family during this very difficult time.
I will let you know tomorrow what the status is. Pray that there be continued relief from pain, and for continued healing overall. Pray that Makenzie gets her Valedictorian speech ready!!
See you tomorrow my friends!
Mary

Day 27- Milestone Day!!!

Ok, I didn't write yesterday. I'm starting to lose my mind. Also, have you noticed that I've screwed up the day count a couple of times? Everything is becomming a blur: the days, the surgeries, the docs, teams, nurses, parking spaces, freeways, salad bars at Hermann, coffees... Seems rather endless stuff until milestones are crossed: waking up from a coma, removing a vent, moving out of STICU, moving out of SIMU, eating your first meal in two weeks, getting the IV's out your arm, etc. Today's events were reminders that there is a huge light at the end of the Hermann tunnel. Today Makenzie put on her first real shirt in four weeks! It's a big deal if all you've worn is some narly hospital gown for a month. It's like going back to the land of the living! Shirts are good thing.
The biggest milestone today was that Makenzie managed to get herself in a wheelchair!!!! This is huge! It's quite a feat considering the condition she is in! She even went down the hall! Her first time out of a room in a month! "Free at last"! Of course, this came with the cold reality that there was going to be some pain involved. Actually a lot of pain....like the kind that puts you in tears. These feats did not happen without pain. Unfortunately it's part of the process. Part of the courage thing too. Facing up to the fear of pain is a big deal. I am so proud of her for overcoming it today. Man it was hard. It was great to see her in it! Praise God!
Many of you know Makenzie's graduation is Friday night. She is Valdictorian for Big Sandy High School. She really wants to attend her ceremony. We want her to attend her ceremony. There are lots of other milestones that need to happen before this is possible. We need to pray for these things. Pain is the biggest issue. Pray that it will be less intense and that she can overcome it. Pray for continued healing of her body. Pray especially for strength, as being horizontal for four weeks tends to leave ya weak and dizzy when you try to get around.
I plan on being there. Hope you will too! Pray without ceasing my friends.....
Mary

Day 24- Monday #4

Well, we began Monday #4 tomorrow, but at least we're not on the STICU! That's an improvement already. Makenzie will be going into the OR tomorrow to check and clean the left leg and foot that had extensive work on it last week. We're praying that everything is healing like it should. The good news of the day is that she is being weaned off of the IV pain meds.....the bad news is that things are hurting more in different places! She has been on some pretty stout pain medication now for over 3 weeks, and as the healing process progresses she should be able to use less. However, some days are just really hard! Things that have had little or no feeling are starting to get better but HURT!!! Hopefully this will improve with each day. Makenzie was also taken off of one of her other meds, and she was happy! So, things are getting better.

Well here comes our favorite day, Monday. Hope you all have a great one, as well boldly go to ask for God's help.
Peace,
Mary

Day 24- Dangling....

Today began a new regimen in Makenzie's recovery. She began dangling her lower left foot down for 10 minutes, four times a day. This was very painful afterward today. You have to remember that she has not had her legs below her waist for over three weeks! So, this is a big deal! Very necessary step, but not one she likes too much. At least we're at this stage in recovery, and for that I'm thankful! She will continue this regimen with added minutes for a time now. Makenzie will also have this foot cleaned and redressed on Monday. So, things are going like they expected. So, now we just wait...I don't know about you, but I hate waiting.

Since I've been going to Hermann Hospital most days for the past three weeks the biggest things I'm hearing about from friends and relatives is about the parking. Almost everyday I hear of a parking garage story of sorts. I even have a couple myself! Most people don't understand the yellow chip thing. Not sure about the rhyme or reason of the complicated system at Hermann, but all of the hospitals in the Texas Medical Center use this chip thing. It's pretty complicated: you have the fast way, the faster way, and the fastest way to pay for parking. They all involve this stupid yellow chip. I'm almost sure there's got to be a hidden camera at the chip machines in the elevator station, watching the visitors trying to figure the whole thing out. Some of the stories are down right screaming funny! The procedure goes like this; when you drive into the garage, you pull up to the gate, hit the green button, and pick up the chip at the blinking light (unless you use faster pay, and it's WAY too complicated for me), then wait for the gate to lift to drive on in. Of course, when you get out of your car, you must take this chip with you (I haven't seen this explained anywhere, you're just supposed to know this). When you get ready to leave the hospital, you must stop by these chip machines which are located near the 2nd floor elevator. You put your chip in the machine, pay your money somehow, and THEN (make sure you see this!) pick up your new chip (why? is there really an explanation for this?), then go to your car. This new chip pick up thing really gets people. If you manage to follow all of that, you can finally start driving out of the garage (5 minutes if your on floor 6). Hopefully, you will finally arrive at the gate at the bottom, where you will put your chip in the machine that waits for you and then the first of two gates opens. Then you drive up to the next gate and wait for it to lift too. THAT is, if you don't DROP your chip at the machine while trying to put it in.....like Pam did the other day. Oh whoa to the person who drops the chip....Pam said she saw about a thousand of them in the grated drain area by the gate the other day while holding up traffic in TMC garage #4 in pursuit of her chip.....don't say I didn't tell ya! That's probably why some are using valet parking....
Keep praying about healing and pain relief. It's getting better my friends!
Mary

Day 23- Goal tending...

Goals. Gotta have them. Write them down, put them on the calendar, whatever. Actually, I used to not be to keen on making goals, whether they were the small seemingly insignificant daily ones or the long term big whopper ones, like buying a house, getting married, etc. Maybe the big ones were all I was thinking about, not really paying much attention to the little goals that would help me get there.

Sometimes I watch that show "19 Kids & Counting". You know, that program about the Duggar family, where they live in Arkansas and homeschool 18 kids + 1 new one? Not that I'm into having 19 kids.....However, I am intrigued by some of the things they do. One thing Michelle Duggar emphasizes each day for the kids of varying ages are daily goals. Each kid has a list of tasks and goals to achieve. Michelle stated that they don't always meet the goals everyday, but it is something to work for, something that gives direction for daily life.

I myself am a half toasted list maker. I do better if I can see my "goals" aka "lists". Keeps me on track and helps me not to go into the ozone of endless projects and errands. Helps me remember why I do what I do. These little goals do eventually go somewhere in the land of progress. Big goals are good too, but often they scare me! I get nervous about not finishing, about failure, so sometimes I don't want to make any. Any of you been there?
Goals and having a vision for tomorrow are important. "Without a vision, the people perish".

Makenzie is in the process of making goals. Each day she achieves little goals. They are things that we take for granted, things that we can do each day with ease. Everytime she achieves one she moves on to the next. All of these are heading to much bigger goals. We have a big one we're looking at right now. Everyone is reminded about what it is each day. Will let you know when we get close....

Makenzie went in to the OR today to check on her left foot and leg. As I've mentioned before, it is this leg we've been seriouly praying for. This leg/foot sustained a lot of damage and required extensive surgery. Things are going very well and the world renowned foot guy stated that it's about as good as it gets in footland. Praise God for healing! She will have this looked at again Monday.

If you are her friend on Facebook, you can catch up with her and write her! I saw she was on there this evening! She would love to hear from you!
Keep praying for: continued healing of everything (lots to heal)
renewed physical strength
continued pain managment

Make some goals Y'all! Have a great Friday!
Mary

Mass today!

Hi Everyone! I forgot to mention that there will be a Mass for Makenzie today at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Nassau Bay. It will be at 12:00. Thanks to Dawn for setting this up!

Day 21- Three weeks....

Can you believe it's been three weeks? I have lost a sense of time. When we first went to the STICU at Hermann Hospital three weeks ago today, there were people in the waiting room who were family members of others who were already there. You get to know some of your waiting room buddies after a couple of days. A couple of moms had been there with their teenage sons for three weeks. I couldn't believe that when I heard it! I was pretty much in disbelief about a lot of things at that point. Surely we can't be up here for 3 weeks....

Those moms moved on eventually (actually they moved out to rehab). They were the lucky ones. Some never get the opportunity to leave. Such as the case of a family my sister got to know. They had been in the waiting room with us for about seven days. Their mom had fallen and broken an arm, and thus started having compications. We saw this family in the elevator, in the Hermann Cafe, in the hall. We got daily reports about their mom, and they always asked how Kenzy was doing. A very nice family. Yesterday morning their mom passed away. Yet in their grief, one of the guys handed my sister his business card with his email address. He wanted to stay in touch and know how Makenzie was doing.....

I am amazed at the compassion that people have even in difficult times. I am awed by the compassion and love so so many have felt for my family. Many of you have showered my sister and brother in law with acts of kindness and love. I can hardly comprehend it at times...

Makenzie is in a private room (and a big one for the time being! yeah!). Tomorrow the foot plastic guy will take the dressings off her left foot and check the grafts. Pray this is going well. She will begin physical therapy soon. We are just glad it's Friday honestly! Yeah! Rest, family, friends, weekend. We are so lucky to have made it off of that STICU floor. Praise God for that!

Makenzie has been playing around with her computer when she is not tired, so if you have her email address you can write her! I suspect she will be making an appearance on this blog before too long! She's even been reading it! So, you can post comments for her to read here!

Thanks for waiting tonight for me my friends!
Peace to you all...
Mary

Day 20- The best day....

Today was the best day so far for Makenzie. She was actually getting a little sleep and was comfortable. The pain guys finally got something to work for her! She is glad there isn't more surgery scheduled and looks forward to getting on with recovery. She also has an excellent attitude....what a trooper she is! She is supposed to move out of the IMU to a regular room sometime today as well. Pam and Makenzie both were looking forward to this as it is next to impossible to get any sleep in the IMU. You pretty much have to be unconcious......

One of the things Makenzie did today was look at this blog! She read a couple of days worth of entries and read the additional comments posted. Then she got really sleepy. At any rate, she is reading the postings. I look forward to writing on this blog herself very soon! She is extremely grateful for your prayers.....as am I.

Looking forward to tomorrow! Looking forward to Makenzie getting stronger! Looking forward to the day she can check out of there and go home! Glad we're looking forward to these things. Never take anything for granted.....
Good night my brothers and sisters,
Mary

Day 19-

James 5:16 says "the effective fervant prayer of a righteous man avails much". I have so been thinking about this verse today. Yesterday was a difficult day. The surgery went well, but afterward there were some serious pain issues and complications. It is times like this that you count on your family and friends to lift you up. Today I was so grateful to you all for your fervent and continued prayers. Hopefully the surgeries are over for now. Lots of healing to begin. Hopefully there will be a little more rest for everyone. It has been hard.

During the past two weeks I have been thinking a lot about scriptures. Most of the ones I know I learned as a child. Some of them I have not thought about in a very long time, like the one I listed above. Funny that I remember it now. Admittedly I have not done a very good job in the learning and memorization of verses for my own children. I think I will try to do a better job in this department, since it has been these verses that has pulled my mind and my heart out of the cellar....Better to have some reinforcements in scripture so to be ready when the stuff hits the fan.

Some specifics to pray for:
-relief of pain, a big one!
-for complete healing and recovery
-for healing of wounds and grafts
-for rest for my sister and brother in law

Thank you my friends....
Mary

Day 18- Long freaking day...

Today was a long, long day. Surgery began around 7:30am and got out around 4pm. A very long and somewhat painful surgery. This evening they have returned her to IMU. Hopefully this will be the last surgery for a while. Hopefully now we can get on with the recovery process.
It's been an exhausting day my friends. Thank you for being there in prayer for Makenzie. I will have more to report tomorrow. Sorry for being late and short, but my power went out for about 2 hours this evening!
Mary

Day 17-Monday again....

I have a different view of Mondays after hanging around the STICU and IMU at Hermann Hospital. Normally I'm pretty indifferent to Mondays, actually being one of the few people who actually like Mondays in general. Mondays on a trauma floor are a whole differnt mantra. They are hard days for the staff and patients, and the families especially. We are spending our third Monday here tomorrow.

That being said, this Monday brings with it the last surgery we expect for now. We are looking forward to getting this one done and getting on with Makenzie's recovery. It's kind of hard to recover from anything when you're going into surgery of some sort every two or three days. Tomorrow the best foot plastic vascular guy in the known universe will be repairing the left foot we've all been praying about. We are confident in his abilities, and we are confident of what God can do as well. We will be praying throughout this surgery tomorrow. Thank you all for staying with us! It has made a huge difference in what this guy has to work with.

Makenzie did have a hard last night in dealing with an excrutiating amount of pain. It was very difficult for her to rest. Today the ICU team tried a new pain management plan that has started to help her with this. She did get a little more rest with this new medication. Pray about this as well. The next few days of initial recovery will more than most likely bring more pain than ever. Pray for some relief and rest for her and Pam and Chuck.

So my friends, here comes Monday. Whatever your Monday brings, let us boldly go before our Father and ask for help. He already knows what we need before we ask......
Mary

Day 16-

This past week seemed to crawl by. There were a couple of setbacks, a lot of waiting around and a bit of frustration. We knew yesterday that there would be probably two more surgeries to go. When they were going to happen was the big mystery. A lot of discussions between surgeon teams was going on, but nothing was really moving forward. At any rate, this morning they took Makenzie in to do surgery on her right ankle. It was also broken and needed some attention. This surgery didn't look like it was going to happen til the end of next week or later. The family really wanted to get this one going ahead of the left foot surgery since that one is much more complicated. The docs repaired the broken ankle and will check on it tomorrow via CAT scan. So, this was good news today. Again, you really never know what's going to happen til it happens. The docs made this decision overnight around 2am. Why 2am? Who knows!

Tomorrow is Sunday and a day of rest for Makenzie. Monday is the really long surgery day. Please keep this in your prayers as well as the following days of immobility for her for healing. It's going to be kinda hard.

Finally my friends, please know that prayers are being answered. She is getting better each day. I look forward to the day she can see you all and tell you her story.
Have a great Sunday!
Mary

Day 15-

Good evening everybody! Sorry I'm late tonight. It's almost 11pm. It's Friday. Thank heavens. 15 days. Can't believe it's been 15 days since the accident. Things have come a long way. That being said, we've got a long way to go. The reality of the long recovery is starting to set in. Right now the next surgery is scheduled for Monday. This is when they will be working on the left foot. We have been waiting on the clotting issue to resolve itself. It's going slowly. Please pray about this issue as things are held up because of it. The good news is, that since we've had to wait, there has been some healing of the tissue in this foot! It has actually worked to Makenzie's advantage to have waited. Thank you my praying friends! The foot plastic doc said there is more good tissue to work with! This next surgery will be very tedious, and the recuperation following is tedious as well. She will have to keep her foot elevated for 5 days, and will not be able to move it. It will be hard. Please keep praying about this.

When I trained to run the Houston Marathon last year I learned a lot. Most of it had little to do with running. Here's some thoughts I had: I was at mile 21. Twenty one miles is already a LONG way. Wow, I just ran 21 miles. Look at me, I'm tired! Oh no, I have 5 more miles left.....Oh no! I can't do it! My legs hurt, my body hurts, I'm tired!!!!! It is about this point that temporary insanity sets in. You know, you can't even make heads or tales about anything because your exhausted? Yeah. Even good news sounds bad. Your whole life is going down the tubes. Why? Exhaustion. Fatigue. I'm saying this as this is also starting to really set in as well. After 15 days of being in the hospital not sleeping it gets ya. Who does sleep in hospitals? It's certainly not the patients! You just want to get out, go outside, even if it is downtown Houston. It's mile 21.
So, when our brothers and sisters are running the marathon and on the verge of collapse, what do we do? We start to really encourage them, hand them water, yell at them, lift them up. We might have to help them limp to the finish.
So, what can you do? Keep praying. Pray especially for Pam & Chuck. Pam is staying with Makenzie pretty much all of the time now. It's exhausting.
I hope you all have a great weekend with your family!
I love you, good night!
Mary

Day 14- Tempus fugit....

"Tempus fugit" is Latin for the expression "time flies". Not too sure how tempus fugit applies to hospital time however. It's more like "tempus crawlus". Time and schedules have a whole other meaning in hospitals. In a few minutes can mean in about three hours, or right now, or sometime this afternoon. Tomorrow could mean in two days, or it might mean in ten minutes. Ya never know. It's pretty frustrating after you've been there 14 days. And when your Makenzie and you've laid in one position unable to move for 2 weeks, it's like watching the paint dry.
So, not too much happened today. Maybe that's a good thing. Some decisions are being made as to when the next surgery on what is. Hopefully this will be clearer tomorrow. Even in the best hospitals there are times when things lag, especially the longer you're in one. The blood clot situation is getting better.
Keep praying for clarity, for dissolving of blood clots, for healing of left foot as they prepare to work on it, and other stuff as it comes up. Everyday is a new one for something...
Peace my friends.....
Mary

Day 13- Holding Pattern....

I hate waiting. Not one of my better traits. Probably the same can said for most people. That's pretty much what today was like. Waiting. One time when I was flying home from somewhere, Hobby Airport was conjested due to weather. We had to go into a holding pattern. Basically it was a huge figure eight sort of route that took us way out to Lake Jackson and back two or three times. It was also at night. Seemed like forever.

We are waiting for some complications to themselves out. Today Makenzie is in the SIMU (Intermediate Care) so as to work on the nuisance blood clot issue. She had a stint put in this afternoon to help alleviate the situation. Now we wait. Like figure eights to the waiting area and back. Holding pattern.

The good news is she is looking better and better, and is eating when possible. Eating is a good thing. She's talking more too. Hopefully we can get the surgery going soon.

Pray: for the dissolving of blood clots
for continued healing of her foot
for more stregnth for her and her family

Finally, I know I mentioned a couple of days ago about finding information on giving blood. Makenzie has needed a tremendous amount of blood over the past two weeks. Hermann Hospital if full of accident patients like her who need a lot of blood in order to recover. I hope you will seriously give though to it. I'm going to!
Good night my friends, and praying for you as well....
Mary

Day 12-two steps forward, one step back...

Actually, I think the saying goes the other way....however I choose to think we are making progress. Matter of fact I know we are.

Complications. Makenzie is having issues with blood clotting. This is a pretty serious condition, but we have been reassured that it is normal for the condition she is in. This afternoon they moved her to the IMU(Intermediate Care) floor so they can observe her more carefully. Right now surgery has been postponed until this issue is cleared up. Will let you know what's next when it is decided. For right now, this very minute, there will not be surgery on Wednesday. Remember what I said yesterday, the more things change......

On a positive note, my niece really looked so much better today! The swellling in her face and eye area have gone down significantly. To me she looked downright beautiful! I was really glad to see her try to smile at me, knowing how crappy she was feeling. She was even trying to eat some of that yummy hospital fried fish! That in of itself tells you how brave the girl is!

We are going to pray for a better day tomorrow.
Specifics: Pray for those clots to dissolve
Pray for a safe surgery on her foot
Pray for healing, and good decisions by docs...

Today I saw some beautiful flowers, cards, and care packages. So many of you have reached out to my sister's family.....each time I see a sent note, gift, card, know that I think of you. Thank you so much for being there. I am thankful for you.
See y'all tomorrow!
Mary

Day 10- The more things change, the more they change....

Ever built anything? My husband is a chemical process engineer. He helps in building designs for chemical plants everywhere. He's really the "no" guy. The guy who looks at plant drawings and states what "else" needs to be done and how long it will take. He goes to a lot of meetings. Often I've accused him of being a professional meeting go-er! Sometimes he's not real popular. Sometimes what he says doesn't go over real well. He's a tedious guy; he wants things done right the first time without any serious consequences.....

That about wraps up today. It's Monday, right? Ok. So Makenzie went into surgery this morning around 7:30am. The plan was to repair the upper L femur, repair the fracture in her knee, and work on her R ankle. Wednesday they were supposed to work on the L foot and ankle, and then supposedly she was going to be done. She got out of surgery around 5pm. Long day for her and the surgeons. They repaired the entire L leg and knee and left ankle as far as the bone stuff was concerned. On Wednesday the plastic guy works on her L foot to repair the massive tissue damage. This will be another long day, and she will have to remain in the hospital 3-5 days thereafter. THEN, another surgery is scheduled for next Monday to repair the R ankle. Today's surgery went very well. We are thankful for that. Hearing of adding another surgery was a little discouraging today. It is in her best interest to do this, the safe way. Ok, not what we planned. The "no" guys have spoken. They are tedious. They want what's best.

Some of you know I sing professionally. Many years ago I sang a song called "The Journey" by Cynthia Clausen. The last part of the song goes like this:

"Give me the heart to be pure,
Give me the faith to be sure,
Give me the strengnth to endure
All of my tribulation."

Pray for my sister and brother-in-law. Pray for Kaleb too! They're getting tired. They need the stregnth to endure....
Thank you all for being here today. Thanks for you continued prayers....
Mary

Day 10-"Oh we're moving on up...."

Remember that song from the TV show "The Jeffersons"? Yeah, I'm dating myself....At any rate, that's the song I was thinking of today when we found out that Makenzie was doing well enough to get off of the STICU floor and move on up to the 6th floor!!! Yeah! She is now in a private room as of this evening. My young girls (her cousins) finally got to see her as she was being wheeled into her room. She looked at them, smiled, and waved to them with her fingers....it was enough for them! This was the best Mother's Day gift for my sister and her family. Hopefully she'll remain there throughout the rest of her surgeries this week.

Ok, so tomorrow's Monday. The day everyone hates. The day we go back to work, school, or whatever. The day that everyone starts dreaming of Friday. When we were on the STICU, one of the people who works there stated that Monday's are the hardest days. It's back to the business of putting people back together. So, we're thankful to our Heavenly Father for what he has already done today. Tomorrow we go back to God to ask God to be with Makenzie through the next 2 surgeries. Let's get ready for Monday. Whether you're going to surgery or a final exam, work, or being at home, let us go before our Father and ask Him to be with us....
Happy Mother's Day my friends!
Mary

Day 9- "She's baaaaack....."

"I want to go home"....."I need water"......"Put my bed down"....."I want to roll over"....etc. Who is saying this? Makenzie!!!
The docs took the respirator out early this morning and called Pam & Chuck. She was wanting her momma!!! Yes, the girl child has awoken, a bit groggy, but awake and looking around none the less. Pam & Chuck told her about the accident. Things are still somewhat unclear for her. She was very surprised to learn that she's been there 9 days. She's not sure why everyone is wearing blue plastic gowns and gloves. She did smile when Pam told her that she had made Valdictorian of her graduating class. For those of you who may not know, her graduation is May 28. Kenzie is back and we are so profoundly grateful......
I think I wrote the other day (they are becoming a blur...) that we were hoping she would be awake by Mother's Day. This is a great gift! The best gift a mother could have....

As I sit here writing, I am so overwhelmed with emotion, so thankful for you my brothers and sisters for being there with your prayers and support. There are so many of you out there, many I don't know personally. I hope you all have a terrific Mother's Day tomorrow. Tell your mothers, your brothers, your sisters, your children, that you love them. And I will tell all of you, I love you.
Thank you my friends....
Mary

Day 8

Good Evening! Yes, it is a good evening! Just heard that Makenzie's main line is out!!! AND, they are weaning her off of the respirator, with plans on having it out by maybe tomorrow morning! This is very positive news. She is much more alert, and has opened her eyes a couple of times. She does respond to basic commands even under a significant amount of sedation. It will really be great to have her breathing on her own by Mother's Day. Thank you all so very much for prayers....

The surgery plan is still unchanged at this point. Her left femur and right ankle will be repaired on Monday. This will be a long day as they repair fractures which will require plates and screws. Wednesday's surgery will be even more extensive as this will be the day they repair her left foot. This is the foot that we've been asking for so much prayer over. There will be grafting, plastic surgery, etc. It will be a super long day. Monday-Wednesday will be intense days. We look forward to getting these big surgeries behind us so as to start the long road to recovery.

So, prayers of the day are:
-Pray for Monday's surgery
-Pray for Wednesday's surgery (foot foot foot!)
Thanks so much for your continued support. AND, some of you have shared your stories with us on this blog! It totally encourages us! Keep them coming!
Have a great evening my friends.....
Mary

Day 7- No news is news....

I don't know about you, but I could do with a little less excitement right now. Today was a day of more rest for Makenzie. The waiting area at STICU was a little more quiet today for Pam & Chuck. They are weary big time. Since there weren't any procedures scheduled Chuck & Kaleb made a quick trip home to Livingston to check on things. One of the cows had her calf! They had to go home to see how things were going. Pam stayed at Hermann and my parents and aunt were there. Kind of a slow day. No news is good news!

Makenzie continues to improve. She is still scheduled for surgery on Monday & Wednesday. Keep praying for the left foot. She also needed more blood today. Things are progressing, healing is taking place. This is good.

Speaking of blood, a few of you have asked about donating blood for Makenzie. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is in Houston. There are other places around town as well. You can donate blood and request that it be marked for Makenzie's acount in the form of a voucher. She has needed a tremendous amount of blood due to the accident and the surgeries. Information from the Blood Center's website is quoted in the following paragraph:

Blood Usage Reimbursement offers donors an opportunity to help offset/recover blood service fees where insurance does not cover them.
These fees are charged by The Blood Center to healthcare institutions and incurred by recipients of blood components whose blood service fees are not covered by insurance. Blood Usage Reimbursement is a voucher that can be assigned to anyone who needs it by the donor prior to its expiration date. The voucher value will be paid directly to the patient who received blood services at a healthcare facility. Expenses that are reimbursable include only blood service fees (based on The Blood Center's service fee schedule) on the patient's hospital bill. Patient's with insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or another third party payer are not eligible for vouchers except if the insurance policy specifically excludes blood and blood components. A patient co-pay or deductible is also not covered under this benefit.

If you have questions, you can go to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center's website. It would be great if any of you are able to give blood in Makenzie's name. Blood really helps others!
It's been a long day and a longer week. See you all tomorrow!
Thanks for your continued prayers.....
Mary

Day 6- Yea! No surgery today.....

Three surgeries in 6 days.....That's a lot of surgery. It's not the short 30 minute or hour stuff either. Yesterday's surgery was almost 10 hours long. Monday's was 5. Friday's was 3. So, needless to say it is good not to have to do that today. A day of physical rest for Makenzie, a day of emotional rest for everyone else. This has been hard. The waiting, the pacing, the endless surgeon reports....the drama of the STICU, the everchanging plan and schedule of the day. I am thankful for a day of rest today. I saw Makenzie after lunch, and she already looks better from having her jaw and face repaired! Her teeth are straight again since the surgeons aligned her jaw. Healing has begun! We are ever thankful.

While I was there the plastic foot surgeon (yes, this guy just does feet!) came by and gave a pretty good description on what is going on with her left foot. I couldn't really elaborate on this in earlier postings, but the situation with her foot has improved drastically, and things are much more positive as far as the prognosis is concerned. Prayer changes things my friends. It just does.

Kaleb and Chuck were going to make a trip home today to tend to things. However, before they could leave Makenzie was trying real hard to wake up! She sat straight up in the bed! And yes, she is supposed to be completely out!!! Did I tell you she is her mother's daughter? So, Kaleb and Church changed their plans and hung around the hospital just to make sure she didn't really come out of it.

On the lighter side, the most startling thing I've seen is my sister's desire and fondness for the coffee from the Pronto Coffee machine. Total crap stuff! She said she has gotten used to it. Oh jeez, it is the worst stuff I've ever put my mouth to! And yes, I HAVE found the Starbucks across the street from the hospital, and yes I go there everyday. I've even gotten her a Latte, but she still drinks that poisen from the machine!!!!

So, the latest agenda goes something like this:
-today they cleaned her left foot.
-Friday or Saturday they do that again.
-Monday they will operate on her left leg and put in plates, repair the fracture to the knee, etc.
-Wednesday they will operate on her left foot. This one will be extensive. Will tell about later. A big one.
Specific prayer request:
-left foot healing
-no infections
-the stregnth for the LONG road ahead.
Again, we are so very grateful to all of you for your continued prayers and support. It is humbling to say the least.
Peace....
Mary

Day 5- surgery day 3

Makenzie is on the Shock Trauma ICU floor at Hermann Hospital. Most of the people who are in this unit are car accident victims or gun shot victims. There are a lot of serious dilemmas that unfold here. It is not a happy place. There are family members that have been there for two & three weeks. They eat there, sleep there, stay there all day long. Waiting for news from surgeons.....waiting for scan results. Some of the patients go into surgery and don't come out. Some come out and do not have a good prognosis. Some never get better. Many have had sad scenarious long before their arrival here. Pam told me today of a guy who is in the unit and has been there for many days. No one ever visits him. How unbelievably sad.

Yesterday was a hard day on this floor. Makenzie was in surgery for many hours. The surgeons were supposed to repair both femurs. Due to the extensive damage, they could only get to the right leg. She lost a lot of blood and the docs decided to wait another day before tackling the left. She also has shown to have severe bruising on her lungs. Sometimes in surgery you get more information about what's going on: some of this news wasn't too great, and by the end of the day, everyone was weary. Other tragic accidents had arrived on the floor as well. Many heart breaking stories unfolding. Just not a good day for anyone in the unit.

The face surgery was scheduled for today. Honestly, after yesterday I was very down, sad, and just flat out scared. Didn't sleep much last night. Wracked to the core with worry, fear. Praying in an intercessory sort of way all night. Many of you have been there. Many of you know what it's like. Morning comes. Ugh. On my way to Hermann, I pleaded with God to do form me what I could not do for myself. I was worried for my sister, who was really down the night before. Please God help her. Please show up today.
Got off of the elevator on the wrong floor. Just shows ya how de-ranged I was. I was getting ready to get back on the elevator when I heard Pam call my name (what was she doing on the wrong floor?). "Hey, what are ya doing?" she asked? She was better, drinking coffee (a good Hines woman sign!), and stated that Makenzie was already in surgery. She even smiled. God showed up. The one thing I knew: though my I was weary, I knew that so many of you were praying for us, and that we were being lifted up. Today I was counting on you. Thank you from the depths of my heart. We needed a good day.

The surgery lasted about 10 hours. Lots of microsurgery on the nerves, plates for broken bones, and repair of her broken jaw. The surgeons stated that they were pleased with how things went. A long day, but a better day. Even the waiting room stories were more hopeful.
Makenzie will get some much needed rest tomorrow. There may or may not be anymore surgery this week depending on the situation with her left foot. If they decide to wait til next week, there will be one big huge surgery to repair the left leg, left ankle, and foot. This will take many hours. The docs want to make sure she's ready for it.
Tomorrow is Wednesday; a day or rest. Thursday is foot check day. Will let y'all know of any further developments. You never really know what's going to happen at STICU...
Further whopper surgery next week.....
Keep praying for the left leg and foot.
Pray that there will be no infections.
Pray for wisdom. Pray for the stregnth to endure.
Thank you again my brothers and sisters......
Mary

Day 4-"Mama said there would be days like this"

"Mama said there would be days like this".....
Remember that song? I remember it from one of those golden oldie commercials from the '80s. That's all of the song I remember......That's about what today was like.....

After a having a day of friends and family come by and offer words of comfort and support, today began with the knowledge that surgery would come at some point. Pam & Chuck spent a lot of time with Makenzie early this morning. She was tired after trying to cough to alleviate fluid (this of course while heavily, heavily sedated). She hears and understands what is being said in the room. She was also having some fever. This is pretty normal stuff for someone in ICU, but it is hard to watch. They were beginning to prep her for surgery. I have been back to the ICU almost daily. She does look better, but I admit that I would just like to see her open her eyes and smile.... It does get discouraging at times. Pretty sure Pam & Chuck are feeling it today. The ortho doc came out to talk to them about today's procedure; Rods, plates, repair, cleaning of lacerations and deep cuts......Questions......fears......doubts.....Monday. Day of getting back to business. Getting to the business of putting their daughter back together. Though we all want to ask why, we are ever so thankful we have this option. Things could have been so much worse....

So, here we go. Makenzie went into surgery finally around 3pm. Leg work today. Still LOTS of concern about her left heel. Chuck specifically wants prayer about this issue. Too complicated to describe here. Just do it.
Tomorrow; surgery on her face and jaw. Lots of broken bones in the cheek, broken jaw. (I told ya she took a beating didn't I?)
Probably more later this week.
Again, thank you all so much for being there with your prayers and words. Just to let you know, I visit them in the morning/afternoon most of the time, and write in the evening. If I hear how things go this evening I'll post.
Peace my friends.....
Mary

Day 3-Sunday

Sundays at hospitals are a busy place. Lots of family and friends visiting Mackenzie and her family today. Pam & Chuck are starting to get a little more rest, and today their spirits were better. They are so encouraged by your many thoughts, cards and prayers. The reality of just how really close to total disaster Makenzie was in is starting to set in. We are so fortunate to have her alive at all.....the thoughts are very overwhelming. Again, thank you all so much for lifting Makenzie and the family in prayer.

Makenzie may have surgery either this evening or in the morning on her lower legs. There is some cleaning/draining to do on her many injuries,and the surgeons are looking more carefully at her feet, particularly her left foot and heel. There is a lot of damage here. Please keep this area specifically in your prayers. Tuesday she will have surgery to repair the broken bones in her face and possibly her jaw.

As you can see, lots of surgery this week. And has hospitals go, you're never really sure when it's going to happen. When I know something, I will post. The goal is to keep Makenzie heavily sedated and in a semi-conscious state until a majority of the surgeries are over. At that point they will let her wake up. Will let you know when that happens. I'm praying that maybe Mother's Day would be a good time. What a great gift to Pam and the family that would be!
Much love and peace to you all...
Mary

Day 2

Makenzie is still stable, running a little bit of fever which is normal for the injuries she has. Pam (her mom) has been sitting in the room with her for much of the day. Pam said she opened one of her eyes a couple of times and looked at her while the ICU team was checking her. Makenzie has had many visitors today. Our younger sister Melinda arrived this morning with her family and I know that Pam & Chuck are so very appreciative of their being here. Pam & Chuck finally got some much needed sleep last night at the Ronald McDonald House. They will be staying there for awhile. Kaleb and his girlfriend Raynie are tending to many of Pam & Chuck's personal needs and running many errands for them. I think I can speak on the family's behalf and say thank you to so so many of you for your prayers. I can only wish I had time to tell you what God has already done for Makenzie. She does have a long journey ahead.

Last year I trained for the Houston Marathon. Marathons are 26.2 miles in legnth. At first I wasn't sure I would be able to run 26 miles. It's a long way. It's the distance from my house to downtown Houston. Would I ever do that for fun? 26 miles. How do you run 26 miles? You take one step at a time. You run one mile at a time. Then two. Then four. When you train to run long distances, you know you have to run a long way. If you think only about how far you have to go, you may not even put your running clothes on and get out the door! Too freaking far! IF however, you think about running one mile, then the next mile, then getting a drink of water, then running to mile 5 and choke down a chocolate sugar filled GU supplement, etc, pretty soon you get some serious miles behind you! Yeah, it's hard. It's almost unthinkable. And yes, it's do-able.
That's what this journey for Makenzie will be like. It's what this road will be like for her parents, family and friends. One day at a time, one surgery at a time, one significant step at a time. Pray for what is next......

Next surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. The surgeons will be working on the broken bones on the left side of her face and jaw. Pray for this surgery. Also pray for her left heel.
Thank you my friens......
Mary

One day changes everything......

Yesterday around 3:30pm my 18 year old niece, Makenzie McLaurin was involved in a very serious car accident not far from her home. She was driving her Ford truck down a very twisty road; a road she drives everyday without incident. A road she is used to, a road close to home. She swerved after hitting an embankment then over corrected thus causing her to veer off the road and hitting a large tree head on. It is a miracle she survived the accident. She was flown via LifeFlight to Hermann Hospital in Houston. She has several broken bones, including both leg femurs, serious injuries to her left ankle, serious foot injuries, broken facial bones, many lacerations. She does not appear to have brain injuries and her internal organs seem to be fine. We are thankful for that, and for the fact that she is alive! So many of her friends and family have come to the hospital to support her and my sister Pam and brother in law Chuck. Your prayers have been extremely important in the healing process thus far. Please continue to pray for her and her mom, dad, and big brother Kaleb. We have a long recovery ahead of us. She is to graduate from Big Sandy High School in 4 weeks. She had the first of many surgeries this morning, and is stable. I will try to post everday. Thank you my brothers and sisters.......