It has been a while, but I finally have time to update you, on Ben. I know this is kind of long, hope you will forgive me. I think these are very special to read, and an answer to a lot of prayers that have been said for this family. Nick, was the one who was driving the truck the night of the accident, and I am sure had a lot of guilt, over what happen to Ben. Somehow I feel that your prayers were a help in keeping him on the right path. This is definitely a PRAISE REPORT. THANK YOU!
As you can see by the update of December 15th Ben still is having problems, but I know this is one family who will be there for him no matter what happens. Merry Christmas, and May God Bless all of you. Blessings, Fran [email protected] <*}}}>< <*}}}>< FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2008 06:38 PM, CST Hello All, Our family is cozying in for a weekend of preparing for Christmas - I LOVE IT! Everyone is home. It's been a tough year, but in the end, we are so very thankful for having our family together. When I think of what we could have gone through - we stuck together, and you know what - we're OK. Things are different and we've adjusted to this new normal. This is the path that God has chosen for us, and we'll do what we have to, to stay together. I'm most proud of Nick. He's come through a lot. He had us worried for awhile, but he came through the storm. This whole situation could have effected him so differently. He was at a crossroad and chose the right path, when he very easily could have escaped down the wrong path. He even wants to get his CNA degree (certified nursing assistant) just to help us out. He doesn't want to go into the medical field, but wants to help us out. He's actually thinking of teaching as a career choice. I'm sure that we'll have issues to deal with, normal teenage issues and a few flashbacks of that horrible night, but after this year, I think it's something we can handle together. So Ben and I are asking you all to join us in wishing Nick a Happy 17th Birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICKY!!!! We're also proud of Kylie - her first semester in school is done - relieved I'm sure, to be done with finals. She just announced to us to that she wants to ger her nursing degree, something she never though about before the accident. She's already signed up to get her CNA over Christmas break (right here in Green Bay:). We're looking forward to a pleasant weekend of settling in and celebrating Nick's birthday, and baking Christmas goodies. This is one of Ben's favorite seasons, and as you all know, Ben loves to cook and bake. Hope that you too, can enjoy the warmth of your families. Hugs, Kim MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2008 04:52 PM, CST Happy Holidays, Today Ben had an appointment with a neurosurgeon in Appleton. We went there to discuss a few changes, mainly in Ben's spasticity. His muscles are becoming a little more stiff lately and we found out that no matter how much therapy we do, this will happen. The doctor has been impressed with his spasticity thus far, but we need to get rid of his tone before it does damage to his body. As a result within the next three months (we're thinking during Spring Break), Ben will be admitted to the UW Hospital in Madison to have a Baclofen pump surgically put into his abdomen. The pump will administer liquid baclofen directly to the spinal fluid, in controlled doses. Right now, Ben takes baclofen orally but it tends to make him sleepy. Only about 8% of the medication actually reaches his brain. He's at about the highest dose that he can take. With the pump, it will all enter his brain and not make him sleepy and reduce the muscle tone. The surgery has a few risks, but the benefits out weigh the risks. He will be admitted for about 3-4 days. This should greatly reduce his tone and spasticity. We've been researching this since last Spring and finally feel that Ben is ready for this step. We'll let you know more, as we learn more. Last week we were lucky to get a private tour of the historic Lambeau Field. Our family, Uncle Mike and Sarah, and our buddy Tom spent a wonderful afternoon together. It was fun taking Ben out. Ben got to go into one of his favorite Packer's Locker - Brady Poppinga. We are busy getting ready for the Christmas season. Although it's taken on new meaning. This year it's magical. Last years Christmas is a blur, this year, we are ready to make new memories. I can't wait to have my entire family together, and especially attend our very special mass at St. Elizabeth's. Hugs, Kim <*}}}>< <http://www.halfthekingdom.org/please%20donate.html>Donations are needed and very much appreciated <*}}}>< <*}}}>< <http://www.holypostage.com/>Holy Postage <*}}}>< <*}}}><<http://www.halfthekingdom.org/>Half the <http://www.halfthekingdom.org/>Kingdom!<*}}}>< Lord, may everything we do begin with Your inspiration and continue with Your help, so that all our prayers and works may begin in You and by You be happily ended. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Please note that I do not send or open attachments sent to this list. You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Catholics on Fire" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Catholics-on-Fire May the blessing of Jesus and our Blessed Mother be with you -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
