Jay and I went the hospital Saturday night. Christian was a sleep when we arrived. He woke up briefly, off and on, but we didn't get to talk to him much because he was having a hard time staying awake... probably because he hasn't been sleeping well at night.
We only got to poke our heads in Stephanie's room for a minute because she had several other visitors. Her sister Page was talking to her and Stephanie was very animated, even lifting her arms.
I went back on Sunday after church and spent about 5 hours with Christian. My mom was home taking a break, and my dad was taking Steph's dad and sister to the airport. I helped Christian eat the piece of LGO pizza that Mark and Sarah had left the night before... he gobbled it up (along with lots of ice chips and sips of vitamin water) and really enjoyed it! He is slowly getting his appetite back, which is good. He worked really hard to feed himself, even though it was slow-going.
I got the internet connection working on my mom's laptop she had left in Christian's room, and so I turned on Elder Holland's CES message which I referred to here. I also read to him sections 121, 122, and 123 from the Doctrine & Covenants that Elder Holland asked listeners to read. My dad was there for part of that time. And I told Christian about a talk in sacrament meeting that day, where the speaker told a version of this story, and related it to the struggles we have in life that make us stronger.
Then it was finally time to get Christian and up, and off to visit Stephanie. He was so positive and encouraging to her, which I know she needed.
I wish I could give you more news about Stephanie. But the recovery process for her is going to be very gradual. There will be lots and lots of waiting. But perhaps we can take that as "no news is good news."
I will be going back to the hospital tomorrow.... I will let you know how it goes.
P.S. Please know that I share with you everything that I feel is appropriate to share in such a public forum. Your love and concern are very touching, and I don't want to make this blog private or disallow comments, so please keep comments appropriate.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy days to update. Your posts give us hope of recovery for Stephanie & Christian. You're so sweet!
ReplyDeleteAlice,
ReplyDeleteI do not know you or your family (my sister knows Stephanie's brother, Topher) but I wanted to write and thank you for the updates. It is so great to hear of their progress. I know that you do not need to be so open and that we are all very lucky to get this glimpse into their recovery and your time with them. Your family is so strong and I admire all of you. We will keep praying for all of you.
It's great to hear that things are progressing. I hope that things continue to look up. I appreciate you letting us know that Christian is eating well and Stephanie is responsive, like another said it gives us hope to their recovery. I only pray that your family continues to receive strength through all this to encourage and help Christian and Stephanie.
ReplyDeleteAlice- Like many other readers I don't know you or your family but have fallen in love with the Nielson's via NieNie dialogues. Thank you for sharing updates in such a public forum. I keep them in my prayers and thoughts daily
ReplyDeleteAlice,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates in that they give us hope for Christian and Stephanie and for all of you; also, I appreciate the updates so I can be more specific in my thanks and prayers. Bless each and every one of you!
Thank you for sharing this little bit into your family's private affairs. I, like so many, am rooting for the Nielsons and I really appreciate the updates I am able to read on your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It helps to be able to give information to others that are organizing fundraising for the Nielsons. May Heavenly Father hold you and yours close to him at this time.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your beautiful posts about Christian and Stephanie. I lived in the Clarks ward when Stephanie was a little girl, and have read her blog and her sisters blog. I appreciate being able to read your blog also.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for your inspiring posts.
Thank you for your updates and honesty regarding inappropriate comments. We need to remember that it is a gift to have ANY details regarding their current condition. Being a blog fan, or making a donation, does not give anyone the right to demand information above what you are comfortable providing. Please know that your family is in the hearts and prayers of so many. How odd it must be to realize that strangers would love to FLOOD their hospital rooms. Thank you for inviting us to the door of those rooms, and asking us to leave when you need your privacy. We are happy to oblige. We continue to pray....
ReplyDeleteDear Alice,
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts and I'm sorry if any questions in the comments have been difficult to read. It is totally understandable if you don't want to answer questions. I do know there is another option which I do on my blog. You can have the comment moderator turned on so that the comment comes to you before it posts and then you can accept or reject it. I use it because it keeps me from being addicted to the posts and I know automatically when someone has commented. You may have already known about it but I thought I'd throw it out there.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that I appreciate all that you have shared. It is so difficult to be in your shoes I'm sure but you seem like such a good sister and sister in law to these two and they are so blessed to have the family that they do. Thank you thank you for sharing what you do with us, we know we are intruding and we're so grateful to be inspired to be better through so many great examples.
Much love from Utah!
Thank-you for sharing your life with us. I think about your family often and pray for Steph, Christian, the kids and all the family too.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of blog trolls. What you might consider doing is comment moderation. That way you can delete whatever is bad and move on. I appreciate your updates. I think about your family a lot. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the moments that you have shared with Christian & Stephanie and with the world. Its humbling to walk this journey along with you...as we read the progress that happens in the every day life at the hospital. I understand from personal experience how long those days can drag on at the hospital...as well as progress...then dissapointment...and so on. Our testimonies strengthen daily as a result of the faith that is needed to overcome such heavy trials and buredens in our lives. The Lord will carry you through as He has done before. Our thoughts and prayers are with you....all of you!! Its amazing the power that can come from praying hearts and souls around the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting the updates on Christian and Stephanie's progress. I keep them, their children, and both of their extended families in my prayers each day. I know it must be very tough for you all, but just know that there are thousands, (maybe millions?) of people lifting you all up to the Lord in prayer every day. Hang in there, keep the faith, He'll get you through this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your families journey with those of us who have been so moved by Christian and Stephanie's story. I have never met them, but have been inspired by Stephanie's blog and I think what has resonated so strongly with me is that she LOVES, fiercely, and is so loved in return. Isn't that what we are all seeking? I find myself wanting to do better as a mother, as a wife, as a church member because of their example and the examples of their families. So thank you, again for sharing with us.
ReplyDelete