Garrett has a message! "I'm finally home". The family still
needs your support. Church members! Sign up with the deacons for bringing meals
to the family. If you have already signed up they will be contacting you.
The "write in" portions of this web site willnbsp;
Garrett can say what month it is when shown the calendar. He also drew a
square, circle and a triangle after the therapist drew them (He actually beat
the therapist drawing a triangle.) He also tried to work a cell phone. He closed
his time tonight saying to his mom, "I love you too, Mom". Praise God!
Garrett consistently throws the football, brace yourself, it could knock the
wind out of you! Since he is making progress, the meeting today resulted in the
decision he can get another week of therapy, maybe two!!! He is still in a dream
like state. There is a message to Garrett from Garrett's mother, Dottie, in
today's guestbook. (Click here).
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Garrett Talked! He told his doctor that Dottie
was "My Mom!" and was able to say "Hi" on the phone! He is
still in a dream like state. lign="right">
5
Garrett threw a football on request to his friend David Mills. More than
once! Great job Garrett! Nice catch David.
Monday, September 22, 2003
Garrett was able to shake his head "Yes" and "No" today for the speech
therapist. There is a meeting scheduled later this week about the future of
Garrett's care. Please be in prayer for Garrett, his family and all who care for
him.
t brushed his teeth today! He was able to take over and do the chore
himself.
Monday, September 15, 2003
Garrett did well in Occupational Therapy. He was able to hug and kiss Jan
Mills. When he is alert he is a little more alert according to his mother
Dottie, who is very encouraged with his progress.
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Garrett's sister Jordan, has a entry in
today's guestbook. (Click here).
She reflects on her relationship with Garrett and the support of the people of
Latrobe.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Garrett got his hair cut and looks much better. The unused trach was removed
and the opening is healing quickly. He is reaching for his face now and can
wiggle his toes when asked.
At Garrett's physical
therapy this morning, he couldn't be put in the "standing machine" because he
was moving too much! A good "problem". (Trying to stand?) He "asked" for
prayer by raising his eyebrows when asked if he wanted a prayer. He
also raised his thumb when the therapist asked him to lift it.
ett's Dad, Larry, reports that Garrett is communicating! Eyebrows
up for YES and eyes closed tight for NO. Garrett's Grandfather, John Parker,
reports “that Garrett is now responding to simple commands, a definite
improvement.”
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Garrett's trach was capped today! He is breathing on his own. He is making
noises but no words. His mother, Dottie, has a message on today's Guestbook
page..
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Garrett's trach was downsized today. His throat and vocal cords look fine. He
continues Physical and Occupational Therapy even though he cannot contribute to
the exercises. The family is taking one day at a time.
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Garrett's eyes are open most of the time now but they are not focusing.
Larry, Dottie, Jordan and Garrett enjoy visitors, see Thursday, August 21st
(below) for details about visiting.
Saturday, August 23, 2003
The Rehab is so aggressive they are not waiting for Garrett do things. For
example, they had him stand today (with a lot of support!)
Friday, August 22, 2003
Garrett's family is without a vehicle after a car/deer accident today.
Everyone but the deer is okay, but the van is no longer able to be driven. They
are working on arranging transportation and two people have already offered the
use of their cars.
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Revised
Garrett is at
UPMC Rehabilitation
Hospital, in Squirrel Hill. Even though Garrett cannot actively participate
in his treatment, he is busy throughout the day. The visiting hours are from 9
AM to 9 PM but are limited to 2 visitors at a time so you may be visiting with
the family in the family room. The parking lot is reserved
primarily for outpatients but there is parking on the street. The area map graphic on the
web site is wrong (it shows the downtown hospitals), but the
printed
directions are correct.
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Garrett has been promoted! This afternoon he went to UPMC Rehabilitation
Hospital, in Squirrel Hill. (address above)
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
It is hard to be sure, but Garrett stuck his tongue out at his grandpa today, (when grandpa asked!) He
has had his eyes open for about an hour today. He held his finger up when his
father told him that Garrett was number 1.
Monday, August 18, 2003
No changes - we are in a marathon - not a dash. Keep the faith and prayers
coming!
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Garrett is on a plateau, as far as we can tell he is neither getting better
or worse.
Friday, August 15, 2003
Garrett is being taken from this room to Occupational Therapy and Physical
Therapy to keep his body used to moving.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Garrett was moved today to 8D Room 54 since he no longer needs monitoring. A
good sign.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Garrett sat in a chair six hours today. This is the longest he has been out
of bed since the accident.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
At times thorough out the day, Garrett is following people with eyes and
giving other strong responses to people talking to him.
Monday, August 11, 2003
Garrett was moved to step down unit today about 2 p.m. He is now in 5G at the
Presbyterian University Hospital (UPMC) in Pittsburgh. Another good day!
We checked with the family's lawyer today: a fund is being set up for
Garrett's expenses but it is not ready yet. When it is ready we will publish the
information here.
Sunday, August 10, 2003
Garrett moved his left arm and leg more energetically today. He was able to
breathe on his own all day and all night.
Saturday, August 9, 2003
Garrett was breathing on his own for an extended time today. He was able to
give a thumbs up to his friend Ryan and squeeze his hand when he was asked.
Friday, August 8, 2003
Garrett was able to peek out at his mother today. While he didn't fully open
his eyes, it is encouraging. They sat him up in the chair again.
Thursday, August 7, 2003
Garrett breathed on his own today for an hour and a half. They reduced
the sedation and sat him up in a chair. Today was a good day. His mother says,
"We know we have a long way to go but the Lord is taking care of him".
Wednesday, August 6, 2003
Dr. Parker (Garrett's grandfather) called this morning with an update on
Garrett. His condition is stable. The family and doctors have a fair
amount of optimism. The doctors are constantly reminding the family that
there are going to be bumps in the road and there are going to be ups and downs.
We must be positive, but we also must be realistic.
Your prayers and web messages are appreciated by all of Garrett's family.
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Garrett's CT scans are very good, no changes since last week so they removed
the probes that were monitoring the pressure, temperature, and oxygen in
his brain. He is still under sedation, but he crossed his legs himself. The
Parkers appreciate all the phone calls, but they are unable to respond to all
the messages so please do not leave phone messages. The family thanks everyone
for their prayers and cards.
We may never know what happened at the accident. Garrett swerved for some
reason and hit a tree. The car did not roll
