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We've added our son, John Kline, to the updates. Prayers are urgently needed. See
below and refer also to the page "Kris and John"
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Dear Patient Prayer Warriors!
Returning on the plane yesterday, I had every intention of putting
an update together as soon as I got home last night. Only one day late this time, however, the update brings both good news
and more hope for Kris.
As always, the visit with Kris is fun yet emotional,
happy yet sad, uplifting yet it tears at my heart strings. In her room in the older part of the VA Hospital in San Antonio,
Kris is cared for by the very, very best nurses and nurse aids, therapists and other staff members. My first impression was
that they actually have great lines of communication, and they meet weekly with the patient and family members. It’s
quite an outstanding program after being in facilities where a care plan meeting had to be scheduled and, most times, didn’t
happen.
The expansive, beautiful new Audie Murphy Poly
Trauma Center is not completely open (thus the reason Kris is in a room in the older building), but her therapies are all
given in the new building. The staff who will work in the new building is already in place and, once all the “bugs”
are worked out, they along with the patients will “move in!” I am so hoping it will be this week so that Kris
will be able to move in at least for a while.
I spoke about Kris’s depression in the last update, and she has evidently experienced some of that even while
doing so well at the new therapy center. When I arrived out there Thursday, March 1, she was very obviously glad to see me
and excited to show me all the things she can do now. Some involve her own personal hygiene, such as: brushing her teeth,
combing her hair, washing her face, etc. These are such menial tasks and she had tried before, but never as good as now. There
is a “want to do it” drive in Kris that seemed to have withered over the past months, and I was overjoyed to see
the gleam in her eyes again.
But there is much more to tell. Her work in physical
therapy has been great, the working with her neck in occupational therapy is paying off, and her work with the Dynavox in
speech therapy has really begun to show signs of improvement. Kris feels the improvement and, even while there are still minor
down moments, she seems to be excited about her progress. This is remarkable and I was ecstatic. Her sense of humor and funny
little things she does has returned, and I watched her really try to form sounds in her speech class the other day. Unfortunately, the eating potential is yet to be improved and another swallow study on Friday
(before I left on Saturday) found her not able to swallow when asked to. However, unlike before, she held her head up almost
straight for the entire time the study was being done. Of course, I don’t know if I could swallow a mouthful of applesauce
laced with powdered Barium either!
In spite of all these wonderful improvements,
which include her movement with assistance and her ease in getting up and down and walking and working to get herself in and
out of bed, Kris’s time at the VA is coming to an end, I’m afraid. It was, after all, a four-week study, and the
director of therapies at the Audie Murphy Poly Trauma Center has specifically asked that Kris now go to another facility for
yet another therapy program. I was given this news last week in the care plan meeting, and my heart sank. After lengthy conversations
with Dr. Johnson (the head of all therapies at the Center), however, I am willing to go along with it in the hope that renovations
at home will now be able to start. Evidently, Kris had to take part in the four-week program at Audie Murphy before funding
could be released from the VA to Russell for the renovations. (Ah, yes... the policies and procedures of politics!)
I would ask for your prayers as Kris makes yet
another facility change. Especially pray for her safety (she seems to be concerned about this move since it’s farther
from home again), and pray that she will have peace in her heart over this new program. It is designed, I am told, to give
her more in depth therapy through one-on-one staffing for up to six hours a day each week. It is meant to re-train patients
to further care for themselves given their own limitations at the end of the program, and it is hoped she will learn even
more ways to communicate, if not finally speak all together. It is designed to aid patients re-entering normal home environment,
and the program is to last one year. That’s where my heart begins to ache!
Pray, also, that the powers-that-be at the Center might allow Kris to be able to stay at least another week or so,
in order for her to be able to experience the move over into the brand new room she recently picked out for her own. The angel
nurse, Janet, took Kris over yesterday afternoon to help boost her spirits, and let her pick the room she wants. If her move
to CORE (the other facility to which she will go) doesn’t happen first, Kris would be the very first patient to take
residence in the shining new Audie Murphy Poly Trauma Center. What a neat article that would make: “Major Ratliff First
To Move Into New VA Center.” Frankly, I think she’s earned that right.
So, I left yesterday morning with a lighter heart because Kris is pushing forward again, but a heavy heart because
of what she faces now. I wanted to be there when she moves, to help her be more comfortable and feel good about her new surroundings.
Of course, Russell said he will be there and take her up to CORE, but making things “homey” require a woman’s
touch. Just my opinion, of course, and Mom’s touch is the best.
Having said that, I’ve attached yet another photo of Kris using her walker and really “steppin’
out!” We had such a sweet time and shared lots of special moments again: funny, tender, and very
special. What a joy, and that little gleam in her eyes is just... Kris!
Blessings and love,
Carol and George
Easter Sunday, April 22, 2012 Dearest friends and loved ones, For the umpteenth time this week, my sweet and
patient husband (who worries so about me worrying so about Kris!) reminded me there is nothing that I can do about the continued
changing of the plan for her care out there in San Antonio. It is, however, an ongoing concern when one thing is promised
or decided upon, then something else crops up to make that first plan obsolete or inefficient or just downright impossible
to do. Such is the case, again, with the facility where Kris was to go on April 1st, then it was to be April 16th. In
my last update, I told you that Kris would have to return to Country Care Manor, which is near her home in LaVernia, Texas,
but only for about a two-week period. The brand new Neuro Restorative Center (where she was to go) would not open on April
1st as planned, but April 16th instead. So it was a disappointment for Kris, but we believed she could handle two weeks, and
we encouraged her to do so. This past week, however, the “word” came down. At first, it was that they (Neuro Restorative)
could not open on the 16th; State certification was not all in place, evidently. A day or so later, however,
the ultimate rejection came: They do not feel they can accommodate Kris’s needs for PEG-tube feeding, etc. They feel
they really are not qualified to handle the in-depth care Kris requires; i.e., PEG-tube feeding, the fact that she doesn’t
speak, that she needs full care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), and all medications must be administered
through the PEG tube. At times, she even requires suctioning and, always, diligent observation. With
this new facility being right there in San Antonio, the move from the VA initially was not going to be difficult. But, with
the interim move back to Country Care Manor (which is a nursing care/rehab facility), that move, in a sense, was another step
backward. While they have super therapists at Country Care, it is nursing care which becomes a bit of a downer for Kris. She
is not an elderly person, after all. But,
now, the alternative facility is my great concern. It seems the only other restorative program is found at CORE, the facility
west of Austin, which is about two hours from her home. Try as I might to keep her in San Antonio (and believe me, I expressed
my views!), it seems the facility northwest of San Antonio in a town called Dripping Springs is the place where Kris will
go. It is recommended by Dr. Johnson herself, the head of therapies at the VA Audie Murphy Center and the woman now in charge
of Kris’s plan of care. Dr. Johnson feels that CORE has the best program geared to bringing TBI and stroke patients
back to (or at least as close to) their highest level of productive living capacity as possible. She has sent numerous other
patients there and they have returned to community and home living as near to completely healed as possible. So why am I so doubtful? I really can’t explain it and I truly must stop fretting over what I cannot control or change,
I guess. Leave it to the Lord, I know, but it is so very difficult to see her go even farther away from her home than she
is now. I must believe with all my heart that her son, Joshua, and her husband, Russell, will visit her regularly and often,
and begin renovations on their home, and that Kris will, in fact, go home one of these days. I truly believe that her care
will be the very best when she does go home. I must believe that and I must let God take care of it completely. So,
for the umpteenth time, I pray... God, please take care of her now and as she looks forward to going home. Please keep her
motivated and don’t let her get depressed. God, keep that sweet spirit of hers alive and keep her moving forward. And,
God, please let her be okay and let her know we love her so much! I
will tell you that she is making remarkable strides with the new Dynavox device, especially with the magical, marvelous eye
piece. Susan, the wonderful speech therapist and dear friend to Kris, is helping her learn how to use the device and to input
phrases and words that Kris really wants to use. I can tell you my heart nearly exploded this past week when I called one
day and Susan said Kris had been working hard all morning on the Dynavox. Then Susan said, “Wait a minute. Kris wants
to tell you something.” Shortly, I heard the most heavenly words, “Hey, Mom!” And a little later, I heard,
“I love you!” My feet nearly came off the floor! Of course,
then she pushed several other buttons and the device spoke all the words for her, but she was COMMUNICATING, and those words
were heaven to me... whether they came from her lips or that machine. I just LOVED hearing them and knowing she made the machine
talk for her. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Then, on Friday, I had the phone on speaker when we were talking to Kris,
and she (the machine) said, “Hi, Dad!” And then, “I love you!” Yes, we both had tears in our eyes
then. I don’t know who invented the Dynavox, but it’s a gift from heaven for sure! So,
here we are about to start another week and Kris will be moved somewhere, sometime. Having said that, we’re furiously
finishing the renovations to our house and plan to leave for Texas by the second week of May. And we’ll be there with
Kris, wherever she is, until the end of June. With a full schedule for gospel concerts and shows, we have no choice but to
leave then and we do praise God for the income and the chance to share our music for Him. We’ll leave Kris in His care totally, but I do ask that you
pray for extra peace in my heart please. And pray for Kris to continue learning to communicate and, just maybe... one day...
she will learn to speak. That, my dear friends and loved ones, is my greatest prayer... for the umpteenth time! Blessings
and love,Carol and George
Sunday, June 3, 2012 Dearest friends and loved ones! Where to begin, indeed! The last update was sent just about one month ago. We
hadn’t left Florida yet but did so on May 15th. When we arrived in Texas, our first hurdle was where we were going to
stay. All existing RV parks in the surrounding area were full because of oil workers. Finally found an RV site in Seguin,
Texas, 20-some miles from LaVernia, where Kris is at Country Care Manor... still. The next hurdle was finding Kris in such a decline again,
and being able to pull her back up. It seemed as though everything was so up in the air about what was happening, what was
going to happen, and how it would happen, I decided to send an email to all the “powers-that-be,” and then pray
very hard.
Then George and I went to see two facilities
we had heard about with the same potential programming as CORE, the facility west of Austin that seemed to still be Kris’s
destination SOMEtime! One place did not accept PEG-tube fed patients, the other place would, but it is not VA funded. This
is the main consideration now, it seems, since Kris will be retired officially as of July 28th from the Air Force and will
be on VA funding. While all this was going on (within the first week), Russell contacted
the administrative assistant from Kris’s former department (now at Brooke Army Medical Center), who said anyone who
would be involved with a retirement reception for Kris seems to be either deployed, retired or moved on. We contacted the
administrative assistant for the dental and oral surgery department at Wilford Hall Medical Center (who really “runs”
things there!). Kris went there for so many appointments over the past two years, and this person has become a dear friend.
She has managed to set up the entire reception for us. It will be Wednesday, 20 June 2012, in the Wilford Hall Medical Center
(WHMC) auditorium from 1300 to 1500 hours (1 to 3 p.m.), and anyone is welcome to attend! Over the past two weeks or so since we have been here, I have been walking Kris
every day with her walker, and I’ve started to feed her again – little half-teaspoons of yogurt. It took a little
patience but I truly believe now she will eventually eat. What started with just one teaspoonful the first week, became 11
earlier this week. I am thrilled (really upside-down tickled!!!) to report to you that she ate 20 teaspoons full last evening
(Saturday, 6/2) and I promised to bring her some pureed rice and cheese today. (She loves rice and cheese!) What she is given
must still be soft, easy to swallow and very moist. Heavy, thick, creamy or chewable doesn’t work. And she cannot feed
herself yet, but I know she will when the swallowing is much farther along. Right now... last evening, it all went down slick
as a whistle! And THAT is a definite praise the Lord! As I said, we left Florida
Tuesday, May 15th, arriving here Friday afternoon, May 18th. What a reunion! What a lot of smiles and hugs! What a joy to
be with Kris again, but what a heart wrenching time, too. So much of the great work at the VA Poly Trauma Center back in February
and March is all but gone. But prayers are answered, and a meeting was called this past Friday to discuss the future plans
for Kris. First, the Air Force military liaison (the meeting was in her office)
will soon turn the mantle of supervision over to the VA liaison (who has been working somewhat in the periphery these past
months) now. She will take charge, especially since Kris’s retirement has been set, and she will be the main contact
person for questions/concerns. She explained a great many things and has set goals, the first of which is that now Russell
will commence renovations on their house in September. Everything will be in place by then to make it possible for him to
do that. Another prayer answered is that Dr. Johnson,
the director of therapies at the VA Poly Trauma Center, has agreed to have Kris return there for two or three weeks prior
to her being sent to CORE. You may remember that CORE is her main choice for the final months of Kris’s rehabilitation
and to get her as close to home living capability as possible. This was my hope (that she would go back to the VA PTC), especially
when she had to return to Country Care back in March since CORE wasn’t ready at that time to admit her. My fear and deepest agony was that Kris
had “fallen through the cracks” and it just seemed as though no one was listening. But, thank a great God in heaven,
they are listening and there is the outside chance Kris will be home by Christmas or shortly thereafter. The way is paved
now. There is a plan and we are just absolutely delighted! Two things happened over these past few weeks since we are here, which made it imperative
for us to return by mid May. One – we wanted to be here for Kris’s birthday on May 23rd. Two – we wanted
to be here for our grandson’s graduation on June 1st. The pictures attached tell the story somewhat, but let me fill
in the spaces. On Monday (two days before Kris’s
birthday), I asked George if we could do a little program here for the folks at Country Care but, most especially, for Kris
to help celebrate her birthday. He said, “Of course!” The folks at Country Care said “Of course,”
and even Kris shook her head “yes” when I asked her if she would like that. We did it. It was just the greatest
time! The folks loved it (they always love music), and Kris was animated and delighted, bouncing her head and keeping time
with her feet. We even invited friends who came: dear friends who invited us to sing in their church last summer up in Kerrville,
TX, a sweetheart of a nurse (from the VA who cared for Kris) and her husband came, and the very administrative assistant from
Wilford Hall who is helping to plan Kris’s retirement reception along with the former dental technician (now retired)
who use to take care of Kris’s dental needs the past two years – they all came!!! Of course, Russell and two other
family friends were here as well, and the cake was beautiful. Kris had some cake, too, (but more icing than cake!) which she
loved, and enjoyed opening all her gifts and cards. What a day! And many thanks for all the cards, too, that were mailed to
her! It all helps! The next major event was Joshua’s
graduation, which was Friday evening, June 1st, at 8 p.m. in the high school stadium. Planning to take Kris was a moment-by-moment
question: Would she be able to do it? She shook her head “yes” several times, but it takes a great deal of work
and planning to make something like that happen. I gave her a shower early, got her dressed, Russell came and we loaded her
up in the big truck; wheelchair in the back. When we arrived at the field, cars and people were everywhere. I explained our
situation to one of the policeman at the main entrance (which was barred now), and he let us drive in right up to the closest
parking point, which was also barricaded. Another policeman agreed to let us park, but it was still on the opposite side of
the football field. Kris had her hand on the door knob, and we decided to take her over to the grandstand. Once there, I wheeled
her up the ramp, all the way to the middle where the students had just begun walking out onto the field. When she saw Joshua,
she waved; he saw her and waved, grinning from ear to ear. I couldn’t do anything but shed tears of joy. She did it
all. We couldn’t stay very long but I must
tell you... as we were leaving, once all the students had taken their places, the salute to the flag was called. We were then
down off the ramp and, when I looked to my left, there was the flag and all the students had turned toward us because the
beautiful American flag was in between. Russell asked Kris if she wanted to stand, and we helped her stand up for the salute.
She held her hand up in as best a salute as she could do, held it there, and continued to stand for the National Anthem. My
heart nearly burst!!! After the graduation ceremony, Joshua came
to see her in his cap and gown, and I can’t tell you how much that meant to Kris. I can’t tell you how much it
meant to me to see her so happy (tired and already in bed though she was) to see her son. It was a monumental moment in her
life now to be able to see him (albeit just a short while) at his graduation, and then have him come to see her in his cap
and gown, holding his diploma. I have decided that, somehow, Kris is going
to her retirement reception in her full Air Force dress uniform, with her major cluster and all her medals. I have also decided
to take her upright walker so that she can stand when the colonel pronounces her retired. I’ve asked her if she wants
to do that, and she shook her head “yes.” I know... when Kris puts her mind to something, nothing will hold her
back. She’s always been that way! We will be right there to help make it happen for Kris. Please enjoy the photos attached. I know many of you have been wondering what’s happening,
and I apologize for taking so long. I have discovered I don’t have quite the stamina I had before, so it takes me a
little longer to do things. We still plan to leave on June 27th, to begin our summer tour. While we are looking forward to
all of that, we have decided it will likely be our last one. One more joy before we go is that our oldest daughter, Diana,
will join us for a week here, and she will be here for Kris’s retirement ceremony. Leaving on the 27th will be... well,
I’m trying not to think about it, really. But the joy of sharing our gospel ministry will help, as it always does. Pray for our safe travels, and continue
to pray, please, for Kris, for her family, for all that needs to be done yet, and that she is on the final road before going
home at last. Your prayers mean so much! They always have and they always will! Blessings,Carol and George
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Dearest
Friends and Loved Ones, and folks we’ve never met!
On Wednesday, June 20, 2012, Maj Kristine M. Ratliff was retired from the United States Air Force with grandeur, style, and
a sense that God certainly did keep a great promise: Kris would have a sensational day all her own! She did!!!
The day couldn’t have been more perfect, even with the few miss queues that cropped up. From the
singing of the National Anthem, beautifully done by Ms. Anita Robinson, to the awarding of medals and recognition awards (which
included the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Meritorious
Unit Award), the flag flown over her medical unit, and numerous certificates of achievement. After the family was seated down
in front, Lt.Col. R. Lynn Johnson escorted Kris down front where two leather chairs were waiting.
Lt. Col. Johnson was the presenter and, as he
read her career accomplishments and recognitions, my heart nearly burst with joy and pride. The most recent OPR (Officer Performance
Report) before Kris’s accident states (just to list a few things) that she: Plans, provides and evaluates complex nursing
care of 250 critically-ill admissions in the Air Force’s only PICF (Pediatric Intensive Care Facility) annually. Other
credits on that same report include: Exceptional coordinator; resourceful organizational/PI troubleshooter; Supports DoD’s
of the only aeromedical heart-lung bypass program; operates complex life-support equipment valued at $1M, always gets results!
These were just some of the remarks, but a great compliment was shared by Lt.Col. Johnson when he said that Kris was rated
second in a field of 95 in her staffing level. And the comment was heard later that she would have most certainly made a great
colonel. My comment to Kris that evening was, “Yes, but you ARE a great major!” She liked that!
I’ve attached a few photos. Kris and Diana’s photo was at the end of the day after returning to Country Care Manor.
Kris didn’t want to change out of her uniform for the ride back and she wanted to walk in with her walker. Everyone
gathered around and the “ooo’s” and “ah’s” were most pleasing. Many staff and others gathered
around to snap photos and Kris’s smile certainly says it all! What an ending and what a day!
The photo of Kris waiting
was after we had gone over the ceremony with Lt.Col. Johnson in the huge auditorium, and then were ushered to a small conference
room to change, relax, and help Kris to dress. Nothing else would have been appropriate. It had to be her full dress uniform.
She looked spectacular and I think she realized that she did!!! She felt it. She reflected it. Her face beamed!
The photo of the sign awaited us when we drove up to the huge Wilford Hall Medical Center. It flashed the announcement. Dad
had to snap a picture!
And the last photo is simply
a PDF of the bio inserted in the program handed out before the ceremony. Many huge thanks to Cheryl Tholen, Administrative
Assistant, Dental/Oral Surgery Clinic at Wilford Hall, who almost single-handedly made this ceremony happen. She is a one-woman
dynamo when it comes to getting things done and she knows all the right people to help get the job done! Cheryl, along with
another super woman (Leonor Ramos, RN, Flight Nurse and Dental Technician, Retired) were both fantastic. Kris’s husband,
Russell, put together a most moving video of Kris’s career and family life, and that was shown at the end. No... there
wasn’t a dry eye to be found!
A young
man, Maj Cory Norton, came all the way from North Carolina just to be at Kris’s retirement. She evidently was the nurse
who took care of their youngest daughter five years ago, and no doubt helped save an extremely early baby in the pediatric
intensive care unit at the base. He also credits her for helping him achieve his gold cluster. Kris was a good teacher, leader,
and worked caringly but efficiently with the many staff who served under her. (That was another kudo read during the ceremony.)
One of the greatest joys and a long standing prayer
answered was the gentleman who was on the scene immediately after Kris’s accident, and truly did save her life. Without
deep explanation, he was the angel I have long wanted to meet, to thank, to shake his hand, and he came. His name is Maj Paul
Ward, and meeting him was the second greatest thrill of the entire day. The greatest thrill was watching Kris: seeing her
joy, and experiencing the recognition and appreciation for her from the many who came. The auditorium was nearly full!
There
will be more photos in the future (once we get them all together and can download them into the computer). You’ll find
them on Kris’s page on our website as soon as I can update it, too. www.carolkline.net
Our sincerest gratitude is extended to Lt.Col.
Johnson, her commanding officer over the Special Medical Services Wing to which Kris was assigned after the accident, and
to all who took part in this fantastic day’s events. Our gratitude to the United States Air Force, to the many who came
to remember, recognize and honor a great young lady.
As we begin
the next chapter of Kris’s courageous healing endeavors, George, Diana and I took Kris up to visit CORE yesterday, the
facility in Dripping Springs, TX (west of Austin) where she will be transferred on July 9th. We were truly impressed and very,
very happy we took her to visit there. She seems much more at ease now with the move, which will be after a two-week return
stay at the VA. (She goes back to the Audie Murphy VA Center Tuesday, June 26th.) CORE, it turns out, is very aggressive with
their therapy, and she will have one-to-one care/therapy/training seven days a week, 16 hours per day. It is exactly what
she needs now, and they will work very hard on her speech, her eating, and independence, and everything else she needs. It’s
quite a program, and I must say my heart is filled once again with great hope.
Diana will leave us to return to her home in PA on Monday, we will move
Kris to the VA Poly Trauma Center (where she was last Spring) on Tuesday, and then George and I will leave on Wednesday. It’s
a new start for Kris, and a place where she quite possibly can learn to speak, learn to eat again, and regain some of her
independence as her healing progress continues. That’s our prayer, our hope, our greatest wish collectively now.
It has been an awesome, overwhelming, exhausting, exhilarating, joy-filled, but often painful, visit this year. We will leave
Kris in God’s hands and with your prayers again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you who continue to lift her up! That
light at the end of that tunnel is getting brighter!
Blessings and warmest love, Carol and George
Saturday, July 12, 2012
To all our dear friends and loved ones!
Let me be the first to admit I was
wrong. Yes, I admit my feelings were all wrong about the facility Kris was to go to when she left the VA Poly Trauma Center
this week. It is, in fact, “just what the doctor ordered”... both figuratively and literally. (Thank you, Dr.
Johnson!) So let me begin by recapping the past few weeks.
In the last update (June
28, 2012), I explained how wonderful her retirement ceremony had been (the attached photo is yet one more testament to her
fantastic day!), and that we took Kris up to CORE so that she could see it and meet the folks there that same week. Our daughter,
Diana, left that following Monday morning to return to Pennsylvania, I took Kris to the dentist that same day, then George,
Joshua and I moved Kris to the VA Poly Trauma Center on Tuesday. (THAT day was such a mixed bag of emotions: glad to take
her to the VA, extremely sad that it would be our last day with Kris for a while!)
Wednesday, June 27, George and I headed out for Branson to begin
our summer show tour. Mixed emotions, tears, worry, trying VERY hard to let God take care of it: I was a mess! But it didn’t
take long for me to realize Kris was getting her second wind at the VA. And, on top of that, when Russell took her up to CORE
in Dripping Springs on Monday, July 9, I began to realize almost immediately that she was at the right place.
Diana, bless her heart,
flew back out and arrived at CORE Monday evening to stay with Kris since we couldn’t be there. She immediately set about
getting Kris situated, unpacked, met with the staff, and began to relay important information about Kris’s care, what
would be happening, and who to contact to follow the progress Kris would surely be making. Wednesday, Diana arranged to take
Kris on a shopping outing to Kohl’s and to Bed, Bath and Beyond. CORE has a wheelchair van, and the care person assigned
to Kris that day went along. One of the rules at CORE is that patients can go to church, to the store, to the beauty/barber
shop, or to wherever there is a need, and arrangements can be made. The care person scheduled to be with the patient always
goes along, even if a family member is there.
I learned today they are making arrangements
for Kris to go to church on Sundays (when she is able and ready), and they will escort her and make all the arrangements.
She will also go to the beauty salon for a haircut and style, and that just tickles me to death.
Calling in to speak to her is limited to evenings at 7 p.m., which is fabulous. Her day is
then dedicated to focusing on physical or occupational therapy, visits to the nearby pool or to the gym (when she’s
ready), speech therapy, and any other learning/training they deem necessary. She has one-to-one care 7-days per week, 16 hours
per day, and close 30-minute monitoring throughout the night.
Kris’s family
will visit on the weekend, either Saturday or Sunday, and other friends are free to do so, but a call ahead is necessary.
Cards and letters are very welcome and Kris’s new address is:
Maj
Kristine Ratliff, RN, Ret. CORE Neuro Rehabilitation Center 400 Old Hwy 290, Room C-1 Dripping
Springs, TX 78620
They have already set her computer up with Skype so that Russell and the children can visit her in the evening at 7 p.m. via
the computer and they can see each other. George will set up our Skype account this weekend. We are in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
now (south of Oshkosh), on our way toward the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, and we’ll be staying in an RV park in Iron
Mountain, Michigan over the weekend.
After some really rough
nights and days worrying and wondering, a beautiful verse from John 14:27 came to me: “Peace I give to you; My peace
I leave with you..... Let not your heart be troubled.”
I realize now that CORE is just the right place and I can breathe
a little easier. Diana’s stay with Kris was wonderful and she has done so much to make her room homey, “girlie”
and lovely. Kris has already had her eyes checked and needed some stronger reading glasses, so Diana bought her a real “chic”
pair of purple framed reading glasses today. And it has finally dawned on me that this place will give Kris all the things
she needs daily to help her grow, re-learn, flourish, regain her self-esteem, her independence and, quite possibly, her own
life back. It is a one-year program, and we are so excited about the possibilities that exist now for Kris. Diana said there
are marvelous examples of patients who have gone completely back to community living who were actually had greater disabilities
than Kris, and it has been an enriching experience for both the girls to spend this time together.
As for George and me,
our two shows in Branson went well and we met such lovely people there. We’ll stay in touch with them. On to Iowa and
two different church concerts over this past weekend, and the people there truly blessed our hearts and lives. Of course,
spending time with dear friends in Iowa was just the icing on the cake. We are off now to three church concerts in Michigan,
and the summer is already flying by! Pray for our safe travels and that the RV and van won’t require expensive repairs
again, please! (It has been an exciting few weeks in that regard!)
Most of all, continue to pray for Kris as she enters into a whole
new realm of care, and moves forward within her uniquely challenging surroundings now. They tell me each day will be full
and she will be able to move through and all around on her own. It is not a big facility, but well-equipped and well-staffed.
And we are just thanking God for this chance to see Kris “go!”
Blessings
and much love, Carol and George
Friday, July 27, 2012
Dearest loved ones and friends everywhere!
Let me say that, as we travel this summer, the scope of praying friends is growing and we can’t thank you all
enough! Let me also say that we finally had rain yesterday (it started in the night Wednesday!) as we departed from wonderful
folks in New Era, Michigan to head for the Lansing area.
Other
than that, the heat wave still persists!!! But that’s not what this update is all about.
It’s time to let you know that I believe God has given Kris a great opportunity at CORE (Center Of Rehabilitation Excellence,
I think that’s it!), and great things have already happened.
The first care meeting was held this past Tuesday, and several of us were able to be there via tele-conferencing,
including Kris’s husband, Russell, and her Air Force liaison, Darla. The conference lasted about 45 minutes and Kris
was able to be there following a great walk with her OT therapist. (They are walking her three times a day! Fantastic!)
The best summation of all that was discussed is
that, while it is very early in her program stay, she has already shown improvement with keeping her head up straighter (one
of the goals). She has had her vision tested to discover she has lost vision capability in her left eye from the far left
to about mid range. The right eye is very good. There were more technical explanations for this, but it likely is remaining
damage resulting from the accident plus vision demands on her right eye due to her head pulled left for so long. A simple
pair of reading glasses was all that was necessary however, which Diana made sure she had while she was still there with Kris.
The photo of Kris in her “star-studded purple glasses” is attached!
Continued strengthening of her right arm as well as greater use of both arms and hands is
another goal. I asked if they might set up an email for Kris, which they did in no time, and are now working with her on the
computer twice a day. I’m not sure about giving out her email address just yet, but I will let you know. In any case,
the other great addition is Skyping, which they set up during the first week she was there. There is an attached photo of
Kris on her computer waving back at me on our laptop in front of the RV. (George snapped that last evening right after we
set up here in Lansing, Michigan.) As you can probably see, Kris was really tired from a very full day of therapy, but she
always manages to smile and wave and laugh at Dad’s funny stories!!! (He’s my comic relief!)
Diana snapped the photo of Kris in her new bed, in her new surroundings, and it shows her
desk with family photos, etc. To the right of that photo is a large closet and bathroom, and opposite the bed and desk are
two large dressers (one high one with her TV). She has already been able to go and have her hair cut, she goes to church,
she’s been to their gym (in a different building), and Diana was able to take her shopping when she was there. The idea
there at CORE is to dedicate one person 16-hours a day, 7-days a week to be with the patient, and that person goes with the
patient everywhere. The CORE van takes patients to wherever they must go, which includes shopping, appointments, the salon:
anything that a person would normally have to attend to in a daily setting. It’s to give them back a routine as close
to normal life activities as possible, and is a huge encouragement for folks to TRY!!!
CORE is Kris’s best bet for recovering as
far as she can during her one-year stay there. Obviously, speech plays a huge part as well, and the computer will surely be
the instrument of choice to communicate until her voice returns. Her posture is improving, her range of motion is improving
(arms and trunk movement), her upper back and shoulder strength and straightness are improving as well.
With constant care, with the ability to be busy and working toward the goals, and having
that visual connection with family, Kris has the best chance now, I believe with all my heart. That’s what she has needed
and it gives me great peace since we must be away. She is being cared for!!! They have great and constant communication there
and they don’t mind a bit when “Mom calls” to listen and do their best accommodate. Little things mean so
much!
Keep the prayers coming!
Never give up! Good things are ahead! God is so good! Thank you so much!
Blessings, Carol and George
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Dear, dear, dear friends and
loved ones! This is truly an update of joy and excitement! Couldn’t wait to share the
news with all of you, so let me tell you now... Kris said the sweetest words to me last night! She said “Mom”...
not once, but twice!!!! As George and I sat in front of the computer when we Skyped with Kris
last evening, I was asking her if she had been working with the speech therapist today, working on speaking. She shook her
head “no,” then patted her hand to her chest as if to say “me.” I asked her if she was doing it on,
and she shook her head “yes.” I got very excited and said, “Can you say ‘Mom’ yet?” And
without any further prompting, she very carefully put her lips together and said, “Mom!” “Mom!!!”
It could have been shouts from the rooftop!!!
Of course, I went to pieces
and George and I both applauded and raved. Kris just smiled great big. When she said it the second time, we were just blown
away, both of us! Her care person had just stepped out of the room and, when she came back in, we told her that Kris had said
“Mom” two times. Even she was so excited and raved about it, and was sorry she had missed it, and Kris just beamed!!! I
emailed Kris’s case manager and Russell this morning, and George said I should do a quick “news update”
to everyone! Why not?! The joy of this one little word brings ever so much hope for all the other words to come! I found yet another great photo taken during the reception following her retirement ceremony back
on June 20th. I had to use it today. It shows the Meritorious Service Medal she received, and I thought that would be a great
fitting for today’s update! Go ahead, Kris!!!! It won’t be long now!!! My devotions verse
for today is: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing,
ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22 How perfectly perfect!!! Thank you, Lord!!!
With more to come, blessings
and love,
Carol and George
To all
our friends and loved ones! Yesterday (Tuesday) was the second care conference meeting at CORE, the
facility where Kris resides for now. It is a monthly meeting and, of course, if the families were closer, they would be able
to attend. As it is, Kris’s husband, Russell, along with George and I, “attend” by conference call.
The first care meeting back in August was just a few weeks after Kris had been admitted, and everyone was still getting to
know Kris and she them. So goals were set, planning for different ideas and suggestions going forward was made, and just the
ground work for Kris’s stay was laid out. Yesterday’s care meeting was not earth shattering, but it was not too
far from it as far as I’m concerned. First of all, the three major goals set initially (personal hygiene,
holding her head up straight, walking better and more often) have been met. As a matter of fact, Kris now stands to brush
her teeth, brush and comb her hair, and groom herself. Obviously, someone is with her all the time, which makes CORE so remarkable,
and the consistency of daily personal care or activities of daily living (ADLs) is part of the care package there. It is working!!!
As for Kris’s walking, well that’s another bright spot. She now has a new walker, which happens to be John Deere
green, and she loves it, the therapist said. Moreover, she can walk in it basically by herself. Now, that means the therapist
is walking beside her to queue her moves and turns if necessary, but Kris is not being held or guided by anyone. For the most
part, Kris is doing it herself and, to quote the therapist, “Kris gets in that thing and really goes!”
Some days are better than others, of course. Not everyone is at their best one hundred percent of the time. But Kris’s
physical therapist says she is really working hard and truly giving it her best. On the very good days, the therapist said
that Kris can now transfer herself from her wheelchair to the workout mat (which is level with the chair) by using a transfer
board. That’s a flat, smooth-surface board used to help patients learn to guide themselves from the seat to the bed
or another chair, etc., giving them the freedom to move from one place to another. She has been doing just that on those good
days by herself, according to the therapist, about 90 percent of the time. In addition, CORE is working on getting
a power chair for Kris so that she can get around better, since she is on the go so much. (She goes to church, to the salon
for hair cuts, to different outings with other residents, etc.) That will aid her greatly with holding her head up and sitting
up straight as she will have to rely on her own abilities and senses to watch where she is going. This was one of those promises
from last year that is finally coming to fruition, and I say.... WOO HOO!!!!!! The speech therapist reported
Kris is working with 91 percent accuracy on a 16-key board for re-learning her typing skills. Other devices will come into
play as she progresses and gains better control of her hands and fingers. And a psychologist who meets with
Kris once a week as well as hosting her in several group sessions each week praised Kris for her outgoing, pleasant ways.
Even without speaking, the doctor said, she can read Kris’s expressions now and has been able to gain communication
ability even with Kris’s unspoken words. In addition, while meeting in a group session one day, the doctor said each
patient was tasked to come up with a word they felt best described them individually. They helped Kris find a word to describe
herself, and came up with “compassionate.” She readily agreed that was good word for her since compassion played
a large part in her nursing career. I might add that career included taking care of babies and small children wounded or otherwise
harmed during her tours over in Iraq, in addition to working with premature babies as well as at the base hospital in San
Antonio. Kris was a pediatric intensive care unit nurse. Being able to see her every evening as we Skype on the
computer has eased my mind and helped my heart. Knowing now what she is doing and accomplishing and working towards is just
more good news!!! I believe that CORE’s greatest attribute is that they treat their patients as human beings, as people,
as men and women working their way back to take their place in some form or another in a society where they can function once
more. I praise them for the care, the kindness, and the consideration they give each resident there. Our travels have
led us to Pennsylvania at last (western right now), and we will be on our home turf in southeastern PA by September 1st. I
do hope we can see some of our friends and prayer warriors while we are there during the entire month of September. We will
head back to Florida by mid October. I know God’s plan was for us to be able to make this tour this year, because Kris
is where she is supposed to be for now. We are so grateful for your prayers and the strength they provide, as
always. “To realize the strength of the anchor, we must feel the stress of the storm.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
Blessings and warm hugs,
Carol and George
October 11, 2012
To all our very dear friends and family!
This update will likely be a bit
longer than usual. I have photos and I have lots to share! All I can say is my trip out to visit Kris last week was... in
a word... AWESOME!!! Getting to Kris from the airport in Austin last Tuesday meant arriving at CORE in the early
evening. She was already set to go to bed. Many months ago I told her, if I ever found Kermit (the frog), I would bring him
to her. The Kermit she had years ago literally “came apart at the seams,” but he had been her favorite. I found
one (not a small one!) and managed to get him in my suitcase! Security at the airport thought he was adorable and Kris was
surprised! Wednesday morning, Kris was already in physical therapy by 8 a.m.
When I arrived a little after 8 from the hotel, Kris’s PT person, Alicia, showed me how Kris could stand on her own,
turn very slowly and sit in her chair. Then do it again to return to the raised mat. Of course, Alicia was there to catch
and help, but Kris’s grin when she stood up was as wonderful as any medal could be. She was proud of what she could
do, and I was overjoyed! Wednesday is also horse back riding day for Kris! Jennifer (shown in the ball cap in the
photo), is the owner of the therapeutic riding ranch to which several of the residents at CORE are now permitted to go. She
is delightful. When she works with the “clients” (as they are called), she does so with extreme care, tenderness
and professionalism. And she has numerous helpers who are all equally as caring. It’s a perfect match for someone like
Kris (who loved to ride) and a young fellow from CORE, who is also a veteran, and qualified for the program. The photo doesn’t
begin to tell the good that comes from client-horse, hands-on close up responsiveness, but it helps to see it in the photo
at least. Kris’s horse is named Maggie, a gentle mare who is very well trained. Jennifer worked to gain a grant from
the VA to be able to bring veterans there, and that is just an amazing feat. Kudos to Jennifer and all the helpers, and to
CORE for sending the veterans there, and to the VA for offering such a neat therapeutic program. Both Thursday and Friday were filled with almost back to back therapies of all kinds, numerous group sessions,
including something called vision group (where Kris worked with a therapeutic computer program). She wore a head piece on
which is placed a special “eye” that reacts to various obstacles and/or moving targets. As her eyes are directed
to the target in order to accomplish what she must, the “eye piece” shoots the snowball, makes the basket, etc.
It enables Kris to learn to hold her head straight, focus, follow commands, and gives the therapist an idea of her vision
capabilities. Technology!!!! And Kris loves this kind of competitiveness!!! It is very tiring both physically and mentally
for her because it causes her to use extreme concentration while holding her head up perfectly still, but it is a tremendous
learning tool. Kris also had sessions on her motorized wheelchair. It’s a
loner chair now but, as she learns to use it, she is determined to have her own soon. I actually managed to get a very short
video with my cell phone of her practicing how to maneuver and keep it straight and steady, but (being the blonde that I am)
I also managed to turn the “camera” sideways when I wanted to get a closer shot. George is working to “right”
the sideways shot, and I hope to be able to include that little video one day!! May I say that Kris did a super job of maneuvering
the power chair and I am positive she’ll be using it more frequently now. She still has to remember not to go too fast,
not to get too close to door frames
and walls and toes, and stay focused on where she is going. It will come! By
Friday evening, I was given permission to take Kris shopping at a mall in Austin (about 20 miles away from where CORE is located).
The direct care staff (DCS) person assigned to Kris must always accompany her wherever she goes (even to daily therapy sessions),
and a delightful young lady named Kelly went along. Kris and I shared just a bit of a Smoothie (in lieu of yogurt), and we
sailed through both Penny’s and Sears looking for new nightgowns. Kris picked out her own... six of them... and we had
a great time. Saturday was chilly but nice, and the special event (they are always
planning some great adventure!) for that day was a trip out in the hill country to visit the famed LBJ Ranch. Kris was allowed
to ride in my rental car again with me, so that made it even more fun for us. Her DCS person that day was a ball of fire named
Melissa, and what a help she was to do all that we had to do to make it work for Kris. Once at
the visitors center, folks are given a CD to use for a drive-through tour of the entire ranch. There is lots to see, including
the family cemetery where both Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson are buried. Near the huge ranch house, there is an open hangar
where the smaller Air Force One is on display. It was LBJ's way of traveling from the larger airports to his home there
at the rance. At that point, you will find another center where folks can view memorabilia, watch a video, and
sign up for the house tour.
We didn’t quite make the final tour at the ranch house because Kris was surprised by two friends from her military days
in Iraq and at Wilford Hall Medical Center where she once worked as a pediatric intensive care nurse. Col Joanne Kirschbaum,
a friend and former commander, and Maj Richard Reusch, who serves as director of nurses at the Audie Murphy Poly Trauma Center
in San Antonio. What a surprise and what a joy to see Kris’s reaction when they walked into the tour center. We had
a delightful visit with them and their interaction and “catching up” with Kris truly made her day, and mine! Thanks
to both of these fine military professionals for coming to see Kris. It was great medicine!!! Sunday was bowling day and, again, I was blown away!!! CORE’s dynamic activities person, Judy, is
always planning the great outings I’ve been telling folks about for many weeks. She loaded up the huge wheelchair van
and, along with several other vans and Kris with me, off we went to the bowling alley in Austin. There, they have a bowling
“rack” for folks in wheelchairs and Kris’s intense “lining up” of the ball before shooting just
tickled me so. An avid athlete and competitive sports person, Kris still takes great care when “aiming” at the
pins. All of the bowlers did exceptionally well given the circumstances, and Judy is to be commended for making this happen. By Sunday evening, however, we noticed Kris was tired but she was also very warm. A staff
person checked her temperature, which was elevated, and it was decided to give her some liquid acetaminophen. That seemed
to help and the temp went down. By Monday, however, it was obvious she wasn’t feeling well. A few therapy sessions proved
extremely tiring and wore her down completely. By late that afternoon, CORE decided to err on the side of caution, and we
took her to the ER at a hospital in Austin. After numerous blood tests, a full litre of fluids and a whopper of an antibiotic,
Kris returned to CORE tired but already smiling. I tucked her in about 11:30 that night and she slept until 10 a.m. Tuesday.
She had a urinary tract infection (UTI), not uncommon, and easily treatable. By noon
Tuesday, she shook her head “yes” to going into the dining room with me and try something we had been given permission
by the speech therapist, Michelle, to work on over the weekend: giving yogurt to Kris! Saturday night, Kris ate 20 half teaspoons
of yogurt. Sunday night, even though she wasn’t feeling up to snuff, she still wanted yogurt. One whole container!!!
That’s right. She was absolutely determined and polished off one whole container of yogurt, swallowing delightfully
well, and even initiating “follow-up” swallows. I was tasked with making sure her voice was clear and audible by
making a little groaning sounds after several spoonsful. This meant she was swallowing well and clearing her own throat. Her
own little system is what works best. After placing the spoon of yogurt back on her tongue, she leans her head back, looks
up at the ceiling, pauses just a second or so, and that initiates the swallow. Follow-up swallows are important, and that
comes right along, too. She will be working on soft pureed scrambled eggs with cheese in no time and that sounded doggone
good to Kris!!! She smiled!!! Kris
is ready to learn to eat and Michelle agreed she will work toward staff learning Kris’s “style” for eating. By 1 p.m., it was necessary for me to head to the airport in Austin. Leaving Kris, as I’ve said many
times, tears the heart out of me. It has always been made extremely difficult mostly because of the care she had received
(or rather didn't receive) in so many places. Therapies were good; care was not. This time, leaving her was hard on my heart,
but much easier on my mind. Her personal care at CORE is scrupulously planned, carried out, followed through and provided
lovingly and professionally 16 hours a day. All the direct care staff are trained to be extremely mindful of potential pitfalls
and limitations of stroke and traumatic brain injured clients. This is CORE’s specialty at this particular “house”
and there are just 14 beds in it. It is a one-year program but their rehab rate is very high without even knowing the percentage.
There is no doubt, CORE’s very name (Center Of Rehabilitation Excellence) is very appropriate, and we are extremely
grateful for all of their efforts. Whew! As I said, this update would be a little
lengthy but it’s awesome! I was so proud of Kris in all her efforts and determination. It’s all back. She is trying
so very hard, and she will talk soon, and she will enjoy eating soon. Just to watch her eating the yogurt again and, this
time, with so much more gusto: what a joy!!! She is ready!!! Thank
you all for your wonderful prayers (God hears them every one), for your requests to have the updates continue, for the cards
and letters you send to Kris. I wish I could thank each of you personally, but she does keep every card and, one day, she
will look back over them all and be so grateful, too. I know Kris... she has the most caring heart, and she deserves this
chance to have the finest rehab yet!
God
greatly bless you all!!! Carol and George
Sunday, November 11, 2012
To all our dear friends and family!
Thanksgiving is coming! Where do I begin to say
thank you?! How can I sum up these past six months of travel, of overcoming obstacles, of seeing Kris go to CORE (where the
care is outstanding), and then traveling across the country because we felt secure in her care and her healing now? How can
I say thanks to my hubby for all he does to make things work, and find time to help keep Kris’s spirits and mine up
through laughter? (He’s such a character!)
George and I are actually on our way back to our home in Florida as I type this update, and I promise to be as concise
but informative as I can. (Did I actually say concise?!!)
First, the greatest news from Austin, Texas about Kris is that she is constantly on the go!
Yep! Judy, the activity director there, continues to plan great outings and, since I was there with Kris the first week of
October, she has been on a fishing trip, gone to an art show, continues to do therapeutic horseback riding once a week, continues
to go bowling on the Sundays the folks don’t do something else, and she has been to a lovely, little tourist town not
far from Austin. That’s just what I can remember hearing about! Just today, they went to the University of Texas Tower
at Austin. The 307-foot UT Tower was designed by Paul Cret of Philadelphia, and completed in 1937. It has become a landmark
and symbol of academic excellence, and the observation deck offers a spectacular view of Austin in all directions. When I
called to skype with Kris tonight, the care supervisor said the group had just returned at about 5:30 CT, and Kris had a great
time along with everyone else. It must have been something!
Well, the bottom line is that Kris has established herself as quite the traveler and is busy,
busy, busy! That tells me, too, that she is really becoming VERY independent and her own person. PEG-tube feedings and a wheelchair
are not holding this gal back, and I say, “Hooray for Kris!” The attached photo shows Kris in a red sweater and
little Christmas earrings. The case manager who took the picture emailed it to me last week because she said Kris wanted me
to see it. It was so good to see her in red and, we thought, getting excited about the holidays. Then I realized she had her
glasses hanging on her sweater the same way I wear mine! When I asked Kris if that’s what she wanted me to see, she
shook her head yes!!! And then she grinned! Many thanks to CORE and the direct care staff who work with Kris every day. I
love you all!
The latest
news from the care planning meeting is that Kris continues to learn how to maneuver and manipulate the motorized wheelchair.
She’s coming along on that, too, and will soon have her own, I hope. She is still working on trying to speak and I understand
she said her daughter’s name (Andrea) two times very clearly the other night when Kris was skyping with her. Tonight,
when George and I skyped with her, she wanted to tell us something so badly, she called us back after we had visited for some
time on the computer. The care person said she called us back because she was still trying to tell us something. Through numerous
tries and adapting several scenarios to her thought processes, we discovered Kris was trying to tell us she had a new PEG
tube. It was important for us to know it and she was determined to tell us.
The beauty of all of that is that Kris is just doing her best to become all that she can
be, and we are so very proud of her. All her sisters and brothers are pulling for her, too, and we were blessed to be able
to spend such quality time with all of them these past two months. The month of September was full with singing engagements,
and we actually added a few more since we stayed almost an extra month in Pennsylvania. There was a reason for that.
The week before I left to go visit Kris in Texas
(the first week of October), Diana was diagnosed with a malignant tumor on her thyroid. Surgery was set for October 31st.
Of course, we were not about to leave until we knew all was going to be okay. Many, many thanks for all the prayers by those
who knew about it, because God does hear and He does answer! This past Friday, at a return visit to the surgeon, we were told
everything went very well during the surgery, and there is no cancer. Half her thyroid and the tumor were removed, and she
won’t even have to have therapy! We drew a sigh of relief and huge thanks be to God!
So, as I said, we’re heading home to Florida
now. We have been so wonderfully blessed through the entire summer road tour this year; met fantastic folks, revisited places
we’ve been to before, heard wonderful stories of healing (because people always want to share how God has helped them,
too), and traveled to beautiful places we’ve never seen before. While we have no idea what will happen next year, one
thing’s for certain: we will go back to Texas to be with Kris in the late spring. If possible, I’ll go out in
between for a week or so, but we’ll be there for her birthday again in May. Beyond that, we’ll leave it in God’s
hands to lead and we’ll continue to ask for your prayers. You have been so faithful and, truly, prayers are answered!!!
All our love and many thankful
blessings, Carol and George
Wednesday, January 3, 2013 Joyous New Year greetings to you all! When my brother, Bill,
and I were very young and still wanted to believe in Santa Claus, we felt that going to bed early would make Santa come all
the sooner. We went to bed as early as 6 o’clock one year! With that reasoning in mind, I explained to Kris the night
before I had to leave why I couldn’t stay with her any longer than the five days this time. First, the sooner I get
home and Dad and I get back to work finishing the house renovations, the sooner we’d get everything done and worked
out to come back to Texas! Of course, now I have my part time job back at The Palms of Sebring (where I used to work), and
I’m expected to be there, so... And we have some shows, and that all helps to pay for the gas. Etc., etc. It helped
a little as I shared that bit of reasoning, but leaving her Tuesday morning was not any easier. Mostly because she had not
been feeling well the whole time I was there. Kris had picked up a bit of an infection somewhere, was running a low grade
fever most of the time, and was just completely exhausted. Fortunately, I believe they gave her some more free time from the
intense therapy while I was there, and she had no scheduled medical appointments at the VA in San Antonio, so she had some
time to rest. There have been so many appointments over the past month or so for a variety of reasons, plus the holidays provided
her opportunities to go for home visits. Her husband, Russell, had arranged for her to come home on Thanksgiving, then again
for their daughter’s birthday early in December, and then on Christmas. CORE is so good to transport Kris down and back,
but it is a two-hour drive one way. It simply takes a lot out of her but, of course, she wants to go so badly. In
between all that, however, there were several medical trips down to San Antonio, in addition to a variety of outings provided
by CORE as well. The weather has turned cold, she has been really pushing herself so hard, and I think Kris was just worn
out. Behind all this reasoning, we, along with everyone else, of course, keep telling Kris she has to work hard in order to
get better, and that is exactly what she will do: work very hard! She has always been intense competitively (and still is!), and she pushes herself to the breaking point. She
is a survivor! And that brings up the “motivational pumping up” session we had the night before I left! A
dear friend of ours who is a wonderful chiropractor in Austin is also a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor. He came to
see her in 2010, and Diana and I took Kris to visit him during an outing a year later. Without divulging personal history,
he shares with us periodically as a reminder: TBI injuries take a very LONG time to get over. I believe he once said it took
three years before he could even speak. I reminded Kris of that and reminded her, too, we are about to go into a new year
and 2013 is going to be a breakthrough year for her! I just know it, I believe it. The attached photo of her standing in front
of her wheelchair is a testimony to her will and her courage. Thumbs up! She stood up all by herself! There
are so many out there praying for Kris, and I explained that you all are her support team! She smiled and shook her head yes.
She knows it; she feels it, I am certain of that. On her behalf, and that of her family, too, thank you for your cards, your
prayers, and gifts. Not that they are necessary or expected, but a dear friend in Harrisburg, PA sent a patriotic plaque that
she made, and I was privileged to hang it on Kris’s wall while I was there. Thanks, Cheryl, and Kris loved the special
tee shirt, too! (See attached photo.) Another friend from western PA sent Kris a beautiful wooden dove and cross carving.
Forgive me if I miss mentioning anyone. Kris’s cork board was full of Christmas cards from so many of you, and that
is precious! Now, before I end Kris’s New Year update, let me share one more thing about this extraordinary
young woman who is working so very hard to “come back!” When I arrived there the day after Christmas, I decided
it was time to clean out some of the older, tired and faded shirts, get rid of things that have been over-washed and over-used,
and “organize” her closet and drawers again. While doing all that, I found a little Christmas gift bag with four
lovely neck scarves (the latest things in fashion), and I put them neatly in one of her drawers. I simply thought someone
had sent her a lovely set of scarves. Two days later as I was getting Kris ready for bed, one of the direct care
staff (DCS) gals working with her asked me if I found my Christmas present from Kris. “Me?” I asked. “Yea,
there were four scarves. Kris picked them out on a shopping trip before Christmas and she made me model every one she picked
out,” she said, and laughed out loud. With that, I pulled the four lovely scarves out of the drawer and Kris smiled
up at me from her bed. The DCS went on to explain the blingiest bling store outside Austin they’d
visited on a shopping outing, and how Kris laughed and laughed as she made Kim try on scarf after scarf, trying hard to pick
out just the right ones. (Her taste is impeccable, I might add!) But I had to walk away so that the tears could not show.
They were having a fun time reliving the experience, and my heart was filled to bursting to think she made such an effort.
For Kris to be loaded up in the wheelchair van, and be pushed here and there in the cold and crowds, and want so much to give
to others just blew me away. But... that’s Kris. And.. that’s what Christmas was all about, too. A sacrifice of
love in so many ways.
I pray your Christmas was joyous and filled with God’s
presence. I pray your New Year will be filled, too, with joy, peace, health, and... most of all... God’s presence. Blessings
and love, Carol and George
Monday, February 4, 2013 Dearest friends and loved ones, It’s time for another update. Folks have been asking and,
certainly, we’ve had some exciting news in the past few weeks about Kris’s recovery. The attached photo was taken
at her retirement ceremony June 20, 2012, and I decided to include it since it was such a very special day in her life. All
those gathered around her worked with and alongside Kris either in San Antonio, or when she was in Iraq, or elsewhere. These
were just some who came to help commemorate Kris’s service, to support her as she continues to recover, and to encourage
her as she really pushes forward. So let me begin this update by saying that Kris continues to work very hard, especially on speaking. When George and
I Skype with her in the evenings, she is most always ready to try a word or two. One evening, something seemed to be amiss
and I asked her what was wrong. She worked very hard but was finally able to say, “My...” I wasn’t sure
what came after that, but we did arrive at the fact her tummy was upset after several questions and nodding or shaking of
her head. But the “my” was clear enough! Another evening, we were ending our Skype time and, as always, letting her know how very much we love her,
are proud of her and all she’s working so hard to do, and generally sharing good night wishes for God’s care and
blessing. When I said “I love you” one last time, she said three very audible words. Not perfectly clear but enough
that my mouth dropped open and I had to ask her if she said, “I love you.” She shook her head yes!!! She is amazing!!! Then there was the great news during the
care plan conference call meeting one Wednesday. Her physical therapist was explaining about Kris’s upright walker and
that they have removed one of the arm rests (the left one) since her left arm is strong and she is able to stand straighter
now. The best news, however, was that Kris has actually been walking without the walker, with the PT person
alongside her, and Kris wasn’t holding on to anything. Kris’s therapist said she has walked as much as 20 feet
on her own, but with the PT person right there to catch her if she loses her balance. But 20 feet on her own is mind-boggling
to me!!! Beyond that, Kris stood from a sitting position, then stood up on her tiptoes without losing her balance. I don’t
recall how long, but just keeping her balance on tiptoe for any length of time is... well... it’s just super! These next few weeks, I have no doubt will
be crucial and quite a turning point in Kris’s rehabilitation. She has a renewed sense, I believe, that she is rounding
a corner. Her full year at CORE is half over, and I think she sees and feels the progress she is making. It is, of course,
small steps, but they are giant steps when we consider where she is and has come from. I sense, too, that Kris is so ready
to be done with rehabbing and wants to get on with her life, and she shows that by really pushing herself. She gets so tired
and worn down sometimes, which is understandable for all she has endured and continues to go through. And then she
does another spectacular thing... she TYPES what she is feeling! YES! Her speech therapist is now working with Kris on a computer keyboard much more
than she has been. The Dynavox was a bit too unhandy and cumbersome, and it was very difficult for Kris to maneuver when it
was mounted on her wheelchair. But it turned out to be far too confusing and difficult to use as a communication tool. So... back to the computer and using the
keyboard. With a new brace on Kris’s right arm to help strengthen it and straighten the elbow, Kris is now typing sentences
that are her thoughts, her needs and wants, and her way of answering questions. When we Skyped with Kris the other Saturday
evening, she had typed, “My best day was yesterday” on the Skype text. That Friday for her was quite obviously
a breakthrough day, and her typing was super. Her speech therapist sent an email one Thursday that had numerous sentences
Kris had typed; answers to questions about her family. They were wonderful, funny, and witty, and quite obviously right on
target. Kris is very much aware!!! Now it’s Monday, February 4th, and this email update was started a week ago. I was waiting on updates about several
issues and follow-up visits to several doctors at the VA Hospital in San Antonio. Kris is doing very well in several areas
according to the urologist. A dental visit went well and, although traveling back and forth is extremely difficult and tiresome
for Kris, she is always ready to go. Which brings me to some of her latest personal endeavors. When I visited Kris the week between Christmas and New Year’s,
you may recall I mentioned we went to church Sunday morning. Prior to that, Kris had gone to mass on Saturday evenings since
the van was available to take folks from CORE, but the days are long and difficult for Kris, and she often didn’t go
on Saturday evenings because she was just worn out. Sunday morning mass was the key, and she has been going every Sunday at
11 a.m. since I was there. There are places at the back of the church (which is beautiful, by the way) for folks in wheelchairs,
and that’s where she sits with her DCS (direct care staff) who accompanies her. I just learned over the weekend that, when it came time for praying
and kneeling and standing during the service last Sunday morning, Kris unlocked her seat belt, reached for the pew
back in front of her, and stood up each time when it was time to stand. She then reached for the kneeling bar when it was
time to kneel, and did so along with everyone else when it was time to pray. When we Skyped with her last evening, we learned
she did the same thing yesterday. I just about burst with joy, pride, love and every other emotion to hear such good news.
Understandably, doing all this standing, sitting and kneeling is still not easy for Kris, but her determination is definitely
God-sent, and He is definitely giving her the drive and the courage to push on! We rejoice for Kris and with her, and with her husband, Russell, as
he turns a new page in his life. He has just taken an early retirement from his position with the Federal government in San
Antonio, and will now be able to concentrate on house renovations for Kris to come home. No doubt he’ll be able to spend
more time with Andrea, and with visiting Kris up at CORE, too, which is sure to help motivate Kris even more. Also we’re
very proud that Joshua, our grandson, has decided to go into the Air Force, and he leaves on April 30th!!! He’ll join
a special tactical force that rescues downed pilots, we understand, and must be an avid swimmer. Just like Kris, Joshua takes
after his mother in being an avid swimmer! She is very proud of him, no doubt! While we’re updating news for those whom you have been reading about and praying
for, son John is having more tests done to make sure he is still on the right road and Cancer free. A biopsy was done last
week and he will have results this week. Please pray the test is still benign. Pray, too, for Tyler, their son, who is now
somewhere “over there” with his National Guard unit. This update did get long, and I apologize for that. I’ve deliberately waited to
have current information and more exciting news to include, so they tend to run on a bit now. George and I seem to run out
of hours in the day here in Sebring, but he is still working on house renovations here at home. I have enjoyed being back
to work even part time at The Palms of Sebring, the retirement community where I once worked as activities director. One more very quick note. We had an occasion
to spend three days visiting with three couples from Pennsylvania: very dear friends and the guys all worked with George at
the electric company back home. We, of course, took our laptop along so we wouldn’t miss Skyping with Kris and, as we
did one evening, they all gathered around to say “hi” to her. She seemed really tickled as she smiled and waved
at each one as they took turns greeting her and encouraging her to “keep up the great work!” Sitting here, early this morning, I rejoice that I can send you
good news about Kris and her family, and that I can even ask for your prayers for John and Tyler. We seem to be looking at
confusion and tragedy and perilous times in the world around us but, here at home, we are finding peace in trusting God for
all things. He is what keeps us going! Many thanks for your cards, emails, and for keeping all of us in your thoughts and
prayers. Blessings and much
love, Carol and George
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Dearest friends and Loved Ones Everywhere!!! When people ask me today
how Kris is doing, I take a moment to reflect on the very latest information before giving an answer. Knowing that each and
every day might possibly provide mere moments of increased productivity, adjustments, learning to speak or walk,
or even to stand by herself, I smile and say, “For her, she is doing remarkably well. With what she’s
been through, Kris is AWESOME!” For the record, however, let me just reiterate what I told Kris
when I was there just after Christmas. "This is 2013,” I said, “and, Honey, this is your year! It's
the third year since your accident, and I have it on good authority...this is your breakthrough year! It may not
be 100 percent, but it’s going to be a whole lot better!" Kris smiled when I said that and shook her head yes. During an outing to a wildlife
preserve, maybe that’s what she’s contemplating in the attached photo: the year ahead! It must seem insurmountable
at times to her, but let me just tell you how great she is doing! Since our last update, I have learned that Kris is walking everyday to all her therapy
sessions, not with the walker but with her DCS (direct care staff) person walking with her. Kris has walked from
her room to the physical therapy room, which is about the length of a basketball court I would say. And, just yesterday, I
learned she walks every day either with the walker or without it, and has walked TO and FROM that PT room now. The wheelchair
is set aside until she has an outing or after therapy sessions are over for the day. Even then, she walks! Kris may still be struggling a bit with typing out what she wants
to say on her keyboard but, every now and then, she manages to blow me away by typing things like "Are you there?"
when she Skypes if I am not at the computer. Of course, there are a few extra letters intermingled, but we can usually understand
what she is typing. Emotions show in her face too, so much so that we can “read between the lines” if she’s
not feeling well, or if she has that “gotcha” look when she has done something fantastic! That would be something like her outing on Saturday, March 9,
when she went with a group from CORE to a 5-K run!!! Yes, a “run!” Of course, she did it by walking some, but
using her wheelchair, too. Her DCS said she kept asking Kris if she wanted to quit. It was drizzly, chilly, windy, and it
started at 7:30 in the morning. Kris shook her head “no” and kept on going. They were the last to cross the line,
but she was jubilant and cheers were everywhere. How I wish I could have been there! It was not about “winning”
the race; it was about “finishing” the race at all! And she did it, and she KNEW she did it! That’s her competitive spirit, her drive, even in those
contemplative, worrisome times when even she may have a doubt. But the doubts don’t last very long; she’s too
much of a fighter! She has more courage and determination than most people and she has been such an inspiration to so many.
I truly don’t know where she gets it, but we praise God for that dynamic spirit in her. Which leads
me to another part of this update: Through these past years, having traveled this journey with Kris, folks say so often, “Carol,
you should write a book.” Well, the truth is... I am. At last, and I must stress it was nothing short of Divine intervention
that made it come together, I have the theme, the storyline, and a conclusion of sorts for Kris’s book. It deals with
where she has been, and why there must be more places like CORE for our returning wounded veterans; both men and women. In addition, the book will start in a three part feature series in our local newspaper here in Sebring, Florida. Part
One will appear on March 22nd and, as soon as it is in print, I will have a link to send out for it. As a part-time feature
writer now for The News Sun, other features and articles that I write will be published in that paper. But I have been
given this “gift” of opportunity to begin writing her story in several parts, seeing it in print, and having the
ability to move forward to finally put her story together. More to come! As a closing prayer request, please
continue to keep Kris in your hearts and in your prayers. She loves the cards and letters! I would ask, also, that you keep
son John in your prayers now as well. He has undergone surgery to remove a lump from his lung, and biopsy results will be
coming in about a week or so. Along with everything else, he is trying to put forth a good face and, bless him, he uses Kris
as his inspiration. Finally, Diana, will have surgery again in April. She has such a wonderful family support group with her
hubby and kids, and I was “lovingly” forbidden to come there to “help out,” but to go back to Texas
instead. Oh, yes... there are just a few other final requests! Kris’s son, Joshua, is now in the
U.S. Air Force, training for para-rescue service. He will help save downed pilots, or provide other rescue work much like
the Navy Seals. Grandson Tyler is now somewhere “over there” in the Middle East, and we get to meet up on Facebook
now and then! Granddaughter Jessica is now a teacher and loves it, and granddaughter Cortney is an RN working at a brand new
job and she sends the sweetest emails. How proud we are of all of them! I cannot imagine sometimes how
very broad are God’s shoulders to help us carry our burdens or share in our delights, but they are very broad and He
is awesome. I am humbled at the strength He gives us when we need it most, and the joy He brings when we least expect it!!!
Blessings and much love, Carol and George
Friday, July 12, 2013 Dear friends, family and all newcomers! I’m thrilled to say we’ve added a few new prayer warriors
in the past month or so. Can’t have too many prayers, and we are so grateful! She
has also been added to the prayer list at her church in Dripping Springs, and she continues to want to go to the front to
receive the blessing in lieu of the Sacrament at Mass on Sunday mornings. It’s an emotional experience
for us every time! The photos don’t begin to tell how happy our time has been here with Kris. Each
moment is a joy and her special hugs are a treasure. That little hand patting my shoulder is her way of
saying, “It’s okay, Mom” and “I love you.” Of course, she actually says
“I love you” when we skype now, too, and that, dear ones, is icing on the cake. She is working
with a motorized wheelchair and, as a matter of fact, the first photo above shows an outing at the mall and a movie.
In the second photo, she really had a blast sailing around the patio entry of the AMC Theatres. The
sun was going down, the breeze was in her hair, and she did turns, 360s, and sailed around planters and support columns and
people! She had a ball! On July 4th, we were allowed to have
her come for a visit at the RV. What a delight! Dad even washed the windows (see last
photo!). After enjoying a nice breeze under the awning, it was time to come in and relax on the sofa.
She eventually dozed off as her direct care person gave a PEG tube feeding. We looked at photos
and laughed and had the best time. We actually repeated with another visit on Saturday, and she had a nice
long nap in the cool air conditioning and peace and quiet. We’re in the boonies out here!
It is quiet!!! Beyond great visits and being able to do more things with Kris in the way of outings,
the monthly Care Team Report meeting held Wednesday proves that Kris is still improving. While she still
has good days and some not so good days, she is routinely progressing. I am thrilled to say that her speech
therapist reported Kris is now putting several words together smoothly and is typing much more accurately. One
of her care staff told us just last evening Kris surprised her last week while brushing her teeth. The
DCS asked if she needed “one more” rinse swab and Kris said, “One more” plain as day! Kris is also using her Ipad now and a new goal for communication has been set: Kris will type an email and
then respond to it, in an effort to have Kris really scrutinize what she is typing and then make corrections herself.
Use of her right hand has gone up tremendously! She has been given several different types of walkers
to try and, of course, anytime something new is introduced, it’s a bit for Kris to re-focus and re-train.
But she gets it done! Her newest walker is an all-four wheel rotation walker with a seat or shelf
on it, and brakes! It moves far more easily and Kris will be able to carry her Ipad to handily communicate
to others until her speech is more improved. The psychologist
reported Kris has had tremendous improvement in mood swings and has experienced less times of depression. I
believe much of that is because Kris is realizing more and more that she is progressing and accomplishing so much.
In her quiet little way, with that sweet little smile, she continues to get better and better. This
is her year… 2013! Kris’s friend, Col. Joanne Kirschbaum, emailed an invitation for Kris to attend
the July Society of Air Force Nurses (SAFN) luncheon in a couple of weeks. We have great hopes that she
will be able to go, because it will mean being with other nurse retirees: some who are much older and others who are in similar
circumstances due to combat or other injuries. While Kris still does not eat, I talked it over with her
and she understands others will be eating. Kris is excited, I believe, and shook her head yes each time
I asked her or talked about it. In closing, our time to leave Texas is coming faster than we would like.
With Kris approved to stay at CORE for another year, I have no doubt her progress will continue. The
only downside is that the VA is two hours away and is very slow to move. Appointments to address certain
concerns are not coming quickly enough. Hopefully, her cranial cap can be checked at some point, and other
issues re-visited. As always, your prayers are needed both for Kris and for John as well.
His issues with pain and an upcoming PET-scan have us very concerned. We cannot thank you enough,
and we cannot thank God enough for His enabling us. Blessings and much love, Carol and George
Dearest friends and loved
ones!
Tonight I skyped with Kris and her diligence and determination constantly amazes me. She said "I love
you" again and "Mom" ever more clearer than she has said so far. She pointed to her mouth then to her throat
several times, and I asked the direct care staff with her what she was trying to say. The young lady explained Kris has been
working hard today on some of the words she has learned. She's telling me (by pointing to her mouth and then to her throat)
she is trying to "get the words out."
The young lady also told me that the girls working with her yesterday
were trying to get her to go to the gym. Evidently Kris wasn't up to it, and she said, "No, I want to go to bed."
And, evidently, they heard it clearly enough, they said, "Okay!" Kris was tired and I gather she was ready for
a nap. They definitely took the hint! I said, "Hooray for Kris!"
I asked her if she went to church
this morning, and she shook her head yes. I asked if she had said a little prayer for her brother, John, and she shook her
head yes. Then she said "John"... and waved her hand and pointed and waved her hand again. The DCS person said
she's telling me he's going to be all right. Attached is a photo of Kris with John and his wife, Robin, when they came to
visit her in San Antonio in 2011.
These are some of the special gifts from our little fighter, Kris! These are
what give us the hope and constantly reinforces our strength. So, now, I ask for your special prayers for John as he undergoes
surgery tomorrow (Monday) for lung cancer. We are here in Pennsylvania to be with him and help in any we can. He always
said Kris has been his inspiration through all that he has endured these past few years. I believe, tonight, she was telling
me he is her inspiration, too. With hope and courage and love like that, how can we not be encouraged and strengthened and
believe God is in control!
Thank you all for your prayers! Good night... God bless!
Carol and George
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