Tonight I’m doing some reflections on Tam’s first week at
Seashore House (hereafter known as SSH) in July 2007. The transition from the main hospital was very
different as we expected, but it was also full of changes, and growth which we
can only attribute to Awesomeness of God! I remember it being quite a trying time for Tamara as I think she had
gotten accustomed to being treated like a Princess in the Main Hospital; over
at SSH, not so much. J Not that SSH is a dungeon by any means, but
there is clearly a difference in the surroundings. J The first big
change for Sharon was that she was finally comfortable leaving to go home for
the weekends. I was there every night
after work but Shar had been there 24/7 from the time Tam was admitted until we
moved to Rehab (2 weeks). It was great
time for mommy and our other 2 children to reconnect! It was also going to give me much needed one
on one time with Tamara Morgan, which I so missed! Thinking back over that time I am so
incredibly thankful to God for the Blessing Sharon has been in my life and I
could not ask for a better wife, nor could the kids ask for a better
mother!
During my travels to and from CHoP, I listened to a lot of
great music (Casting Crowns, Third Day and Jars of Clay). I remember how the lyrics, the music and
overall message and mood of the songs lifted me to a higher place, cleared my
mind from the craziness of work and made the drive to Philly almost bearable,
almost. One night in my first weekend staying
with Tam, there was a terrible thunder storm and an old song popped into my
head. It was an old hymn by Mosie Lister
called “Til the Storm Passes By”. Below
are the opening lyrics….
In the
dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, while the storm howls above me,
and there's no hiding place.
'Mid the
crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry; Keep me safe till the storm
passes by.
Till the
storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, till the clouds roll
forever from the sky;
Hold me
fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, Keep me safe till the storm
passes by.
As the days went on, Dr’s and
Nurses alike said they could not believe how quickly Tamara was recovering, and
although she was nowhere near baseline, she was growing nonetheless. When we left the PICU we left behind our
favorite nurse and new friend Katherine; when we transitioned to SSH we got
Nurse Kelly, and she was terrific as well! Anyone who knows Tam knows how completely silly she can be, and Kelly
was great with it, being just as silly and goofy right back to Tam and making
an immediate connection and a new little friend at the same time.
We were not only
making new friends on this excursion off the beaten path, but we were also
overwhelmed by the amount of love and support from family, friends, neighbors,
co-workers and yes again, even strangers. As it says in Ecclesiastes 4:12, “And though a man might prevail
against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not
quickly broken.” So
many times from the beginning of this ordeal we have had people come along side
and pray with us, and for us, that this verse truly began to something to me
personally for the first time in my Christian experience.
Above all, God was and is our
strength through the trials of life and we give Him all praise and glory and
honor for it!!! I really hope you have
the time to read through my updates below and the various e-mails from well
wishers so you can get a deeper appreciation for the support system we had in
place. You will also see one comment toward
the end of the list that really hits the mark as to why I’m doing what I’m
doing here. I thank my friend Eric for
his words….and yes it is now finally “one day”, and it is truly wonderful to
look back on those times, and remember; remember God’s strength like we never
felt it before, remember His provision for everything we needed, to also remember
mercy in allowing Tamara to come all the way back to us, to remember that He is
always here with us, just as He promised! Thanks for checking in and continuing to share this journey with us. Below are the updates I wrote during that
first weekend at SSH, and some of the e-mails we rec’d. Read through when you have a few moments and
be encouraged!
Tam Update 7-19
Thursday, July 19, 2007 5:31 PM
Tam had a pretty good day yesterday after she calmed down
from being moved to the Seashore House. She is in room 318 and she really seemed to like it when we read her
E-cards, and the cards and letters we have been receiving at home. Keep them coming folks. Contact with the outside world helps to keep
us calm, connected and sane. A couple of
the cards made Shar and I cry…but they were tears of Joy people, so please keep
them coming!
Beginning tomorrow night I will be staying at Seashore House
on the weekends so Shar can come home and spend time with Ally and
Nathaniel. One of the most difficult
things to deal with has been the temporary split up of our family. Our younger children have been with my
Parents every day since the accident and although they love their Grandchildren
and want them there, Nina and Grand-Dad are just going to need a break too
eventually! One of us will be staying with Tam every day until she comes home again and that means that one piece of
the puzzle of our family will always be missing til that happens. Pray that Tam's recovery goes smoothly and
quickly and that we can get her home as soon as she is ready!
So, today…..let’s get right to the highlights as there were
no other lights to mention!
•Tamara had PT (stood up a couple of times at the Parallel
Bars) Grumbled a bit at first but then worked with the Therapists and was
pretty tired when she came back to her room.
This is Good!
•She spoke, 1 word, better than none! She pointed to her bed while sitting in her
chair and when asked if she wanted to lay down she said “yes”. Tiny word, only 3 letters but HUGE for Mommy
and the therapists to hear!
•Tamara had Soup!!!!
(A few spoonfuls anyway) Anyone
who knows my daughter knows how much she loves soup. If she could live on Soup and Mac n Cheese
she would be as happy as a clam. Now our
prayer here is that she stays interested in eating and drinking things so we can
lose the Tubes!
•She got to wear her own clothing for the first time since
the accident, and that must have been so nice for her!!!!
As she begins to get
back into some of life's routines her recovery should move along at an
increasing rate.
Tam’s Dr. said the weakness on her left side, can be
attributed to her Brain Injury and we should see normal function again as her
brain continues to heal. Also the fact
that has been speaking, led him to state that she will speak again, even if we
don’t hear anything for a day or so.
I am going to find videos of Tamara so her Therapists can
get a good idea of what her capabilities were and will be again!!!!
Well, I’m off to see my girls. More tomorrow!
P <><
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tam Update 7-20 to 7-23
Monday, July 23, 2007 5:38 PM
Tam had a Great weekend! She was more alert and spoke so much that Shar and I couldn't keep track
any more. She drank Chocolate milk a
couple of times and shared some soup with me on Sunday, and had a little
Vanilla Ice Cream for Desert. AND......she ate real food today for lunch for
the first time in 2 weeks! Woohoolelujah!!!! Mac n Cheese, Mashed Potato's and gravy,
Chocolate Pudding, and Chocolate Milk.
The dreaded NG (Feeding Tube) can come out soon....probably as
soon as we're sure that she'll take her meds by mouth. We are more than Happy!!!!!!!
I'm heading down to
CHOP now and wanted to let you know that we still appreciate everyone's Calls,
and Letters, and E-mails and Cards! They
mean a lot and the personal visits are Welcomed also!
We were told on
Saturday that Tam's time at Seashore House could be as long as 2 months but I'm
not so sure she'll be there that long after the breakout weekend she had and
the start of this week!
It was great to spend
the one on one time with my “Tamarama” this weekend and I also got to spend
some alone time with Ally and Nathaniel last night after we came home from the
Hospital. It's hard trying to get time
with everyone but we'll make it work.
More later when I get
back home. Sorry for the lack of follow
up over the weekend!
Thanks
"P" <><
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tam Update 7-23 (part 2)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:37 AM
Got home from CHOP around 11:30 pm and just wanted to give
another quick update!
Tam was outside in the courtyard going for a walk with Mommy
(albeit in a wheelchair) when I arrived downtown. She loves the wind in her face, but it was a
bit chilly so she didn't stay out too long.
When we got back upstairs her dinner arrived. And she had a mini feast of
Spaghetti....Potato's.....a scrambled egg....Jell-O, Peaches, and Chocolate
Milk!
Tam will stay on the nighttime feeds through the tube for a
couple of days but we should see it come out by the weekend! Woo Hoo!
The cervical collar will most likely stay on for 2 weeks,
and the Full leg cast will be reduced to the lower leg also in about 2 weeks!
I guess it's a foregone conclusion at this point but our
move to Cincinnati is on indefinite hold.
Keep praying for Tam's recovery and for Shar and I to make
wise decisions in the days, weeks and months ahead!
Goodnight!
P <><
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of
God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the
Gentile.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Emails from July 18-23 2007
Hey Peter, Need Tam's room number
to send her the card. We are flying home
from London tomorrow so let us know if you need anything. Take care and best to Tam
_________________________________________________________________________________
I sent Tam an e-card today, but
didn't know her unit or room number. I
was guessing PICU...Hope she gets it.
_________________________________________________________________________________
You are in my prayers Peter.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Peter,
We love the blathering...which
really isn't blathering. The prayer
group at Merck continues to pray for Tam.
God's Blessings
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hey...we are praying for Tam and
you guys!! God is in control as you
know.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I just sent her an e-card. Hope
they deliver it!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Pete: Thank you for keeping us updated on Tamara,
and how we can pray for her and for you. We are encouraged that she is making progress (being fussy is progress),
and that she will be home very soon.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Peter, I have been receiving
updates on Tamara. I am so happy she is doing better. I know it takes one day
at a time for her to get better and as you have said all along prayer is a big
help. I pray for her and all of you every day. Give her a kiss from me when you
see her. Say hi to Sharon too. Could you add me to your email list? Have a good day and good luck with the move
to the seashore house.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Peter,
Our thoughts and prayers will be
with everyone! Let us know how things
are going when you get a chance, but please don't worry about going out of your
way.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Just want you to know, Tam and
your family are in our constant thoughts and prays. Be strong my friend.
PS. Ask the hospital if they have
the caringbridge website or another one like I have for E. It is Sooooo much
easier to update people. You make one update people go to the website and
check. You are not answering or responding to a million well wishers like me.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Peter,
Please forgive my ignorance on
your answering machine at home and Sharon's cell phone ( I had NO IDEA things
were not better with Tamara). To make a
long story short, I go to Davisville Church (where your brother-in-law goes)
and heard about Tam's accident the Sunday night it happened. I only got an update from him after her
surgery when things I guess were going well. I just assumed everything was fine, and then I received a call from
someone who told me different. She then
forwarded all your emails to me.
WOW...what a few weeks. I am glad to hear that Tamara is taking small
steps towards recovery. How exciting the
smallest things must be!
I don't want to take your time
reading my email, so please know that my family is praying for Tam's recovery
and your family's strength/patience through this time. Also know that I am a believer too and what
an amazing testimony you are sharing to others. I'm not sure you are aware the depth that you are touching others and
making them question things, but you are!!
I began my career at Seashore
House, what a great rehab place to be!! If the OT there needs any info from me, PLEASE have them
call/email. I'd be more than happy to
talk to them.
One more thing, if it's not too
much trouble, can you add me onto your email list?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Peter: Thank you so much for the update. We will continue to pray for her. It is a long, tough recovery. How long will she need to stay at the
seashore house? Please let me know if we
can do anything for you.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Peter,
I don't want to bother you at
your job, so if there is another you want us to use, send the address to
us. We only have the Team Tamara one on
our records. Please feel free to send
any updates to our home address (xxxxxxxxxxxxx@juno.com) so that I also can be kept up on what is
going on. We have Sharon's cell phone
number so I am going to try to call that tonight. Hopefully I can catch you at a good
time. Please know we are praying for
you. It was quite a shock to hear about
all this and we were very sorry we did not know - we could have stopped in on
the way home from Ocean City. We were so
close yet so far! Call us if you need
anything, if there are changes, even just to vent. Anytime of day or night.
Love you guys!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Would it be ok to come tomorrow
afternoon? (Friday) Is she at the Seashore House? She has remained in my prayers.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Peter & Sharon,
You all have been in our prayers
every day. Our thoughts and concerns go
out to you all. I am so sorry for what
happened but am so encouraged to read the forwarded emails from Peter and hear
how God is at work. Praise Him! We wonder why we have to go through these
trying times but I know your whole family will have treasures stored up heaven
by your testimony through this accident.
Poor Tam! She is in our prayers and we hope her
recovery is quick. I have run into so
many people at VBS this week who have asked about her who do not even know you
all and who do not go to FBC. It is
amazing how God works and He is working through you all :) and to those who you have never even met!
Please let us know how we can be
of help. If we can help with the kids,
etc. I would love to come and visit as
well if I can. Can kids come? I know ours would love to come too but I
don't know what would be too much? Take
care and know that you are missed and loved and prayed for!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Stacheleks and Stauffers,
Just a note to say how much we
appreciate being kept informed on Tam's recovery. Peter, you have done an excellent job of
keeping us up on things and presenting your testimony at the same time. I honestly don't know how people without a
real relationship with our Savior get through the tough times. I have been forwarding your emails to my
sisters and my children and we have all been praying for you both.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Peter, I was on vacation and just
now learned of the accident. I know it
must be draining to keep talking to people so I'm avoiding stopping in, but
wanted to be sure you know that I'm keeping all of you in my prayers. Let me
know if there is anything I can do to help in any way possible.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Peter and Sharron,
We have been getting the Tam
updates this week via Aunt Letty, then my mom, to us. Our hearts go out to you guys up there. The situation sounded so horrible at first,
but as the week went on, it was so encouraging to hear all of the hope and
praise in Peter's e-mails. And her
recovery sounds remarkable. Praise the
Lord. We will continue to pray for her
and the rest of your family as she enters rehab and deals with the cast and
collar. At least her NGT is out,
right? I know those things are
wretched. God has quite a way of
revealing himself doesn't he?? But it is
at these times that we are not just lead, but carried. With much love and prayers,
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Peter,
I sent a card to Tamara yesterday
but I didn’t have the room number. If she didn’t get it, let me know and I will
send another one now that I have the room #, 318 right? You are all in our
prayers.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Peter
It is so good to hear the updates
you send through to the ABF. Thank you
for doing so and making time for it. I
am sure you and Sharon are exhausted, and at the same time I am sure it has
been good to see the steps Tamara is making....
We are just right around the
corner. Please if you are ever in need
or in a jam with the children etc... we are willing to help. I just wanted to say thank you for your
latest scripture reference of Joshua 24:14-15....."choose for yourself TODAY whom you will serve".....that really spoke to me, in how I react to
each situation in my life. Mainly as a
mother. Thank you for reaching out with
verses that are meaningful to you and in return been applicable in my life. May God bless each one of you today. Love in Christ
_________________________________________________________________________________
Your outlook on life is really
inspirational Peter :0)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Peter;
Friends from Abington were asking
for your home address to send cards, rather than to the hospital. I told them I would email you and ask for it. Praise God for Tams awesome weekend...HE IS
SO GOOD!!!!
Tell Sharon hello and we will
still keep doing our job...praising and praying!
Also, some our friends from work
wanted to send Tam something. We were
wondering if we should send it now while she is at the Seashore House or wait
until she is back home. I didn't know
how crowded the rooms were where she is staying. Let us know what you think is best! :o)
In Christ
_________________________________________________________________________________
Peter,
PRAISES TO HIM! I was so glad to read this message from
you. This has to be such a relief for
your family and my and I are so happy that the Lord has worked in this way for
Tam!
My best to all of you, and you
are all in our prayers!
_________________________________________________________________________________
YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonderful news!!! You never told me where the Seashore House
is. I would like to see Tam or at the
very least send her a card. I'm so happy
now!!!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sounds like she is coming along
very well! I look forward to coming in the morning to read how much progress
she is making. Keep the good news coming and before you know it she will be
home.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Another great update, Peter!
Maybe the best one yet. It is as if this past weekend Tam turned the
corner.
Praise God!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Peter...you are such a good
writer. It is a pleasure to get the updates! You and Shar have so much faith
and trust. This is such a testimony what you are going through and how you are
handling it. I tell you what, something like this happening to someone you know
just makes you stop and think how God is working in your own life. Sometimes
you don't always see it. YOU are seeing
every detail and it is just so wonderful to hear that Tam is recovering more
and more each day. I continue to pray for your family and especially Tams
desire to cooperate with therapy.
_________________________________________________________________________________
GREAT TAM UPDATE ……I PRAY THEY
KEEP GETTING BETTER :)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for the update and glad to
hear she’s moving in the right direction. Won’t this be an interesting journey
to look back on one day?
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