Journal History

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Saturday, December 20, 2003 4:38 PM CST

Sorry for not updating the page for so long. Ronda keeps progressing. It is much slower now but she keeps improving. Ronda has an attendant at school each day in case she has a siezure. The seizures have been about two months apart and that is good as they really set her back. She was on the A-B honor roll at school this last quarter. She is not in the advanced classes like befor but we are just greatful she is with us and doing so well I'll get her seinor pictures posted as soon as I can so check back. I hope everyone is as blessed as we have been this last year with Ronda home and all the support from family, friends and people we don't even know. Merry Christmas to all.

Monday, August 25, 2003 8:49 PM CDT

Well today was another milestone for Ronda, she went back to school. I think it was harder for me than when she went to kindergarten. She did great, although she was pretty tired. She took 2 courses that she missed last year during the summer with a tudor so she will be able to graduate with her class next spring. She has an attendant with her all day to help her as needed and also to be there in case of a seizure. She is still having them every 2-3 weeks, but she just started a new medication that seems to be working so far. She was so excited this morning and a little nervous too, that she was shaking this morning getting ready to go. On a kind of sad note, Mike and Ronda have broken up after more than 2 years together. It was a mutual decision although they still keep in contact and see each other occasionally. Ronda has so much to focus in right now that it is probably for the best right now. Another milestone for Ronda was Friday she marched with the band at the football game. She only marched for the pregame show because she gets to tired right now to stay there for the whole game. You should have seen the big smile on her face as she marched out on the field.

Friday, June 27, 2003 4:22 PM CDT

I am in North Carolina, We went to Myrtle Beach, SC and stayed in a condo went body surfing in the ocean it was really hot their the ocean felt like bath water. the swiming pool was colder then the ocean. now we are at my aunts house we will be leaving on sunday to come back home. I got a bear at build a bear for my birthday her name is little angel
I get my braces off when we get back from vacation. Looking forward to seeing everyone at home.

Ronda

Monday, June 16, 2003 1:26 PM CDT

Well there haven't been too much new things happening for a while that is why we haven't put a new update. Ronda turned 17 on Saturday the 14th. She had a backyard barbeque party with about a dozen friends or so. She had a great time although she was very tired because she has turned into a night owl and we can't hardly get her to bed before 11 or 12 pm, then she is hard to wake up. We have adjusted her medication again to see if the seizures stop, and so far no more seizures. Hopefully that will be the end of those. Ronda has been to the orthodontist four times in the last two weeks and has had the lower braces removed and they will remove the upper after we get back from vacation in July. We are going to my sisters in North Carolina and to the beach for a few days. We haven't had a family vacation in four years with moving and being around home to help Thom's dad out, so this is long over due. Thom and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary Wednesday so my sister is coming to stay with the girls for a couple of nights so we can have a couple days to ourselves. We met with the school and Ronda has started her summer school with a tudor. She will be taking two classes and then will return to school in the fall and should have enough credits to graduate in the spring of 2004. Because she was so far ahead on credits before the accident, missing this year didn't put her too far behind. That will be good for her self esteem. We're not sure what she'll do after that she still wants to get a nursing degree. Well see how this year goes and go from there. Please not our new email adress on the home page if you want to email us directly instead of making a journal entry.

Monday, May 26, 2003 6:42 PM CDT

Time sure does fly by. I cannot believe that it's been twenty days since we last updated the web page. Ronda has had a couple small siezures over the last couple weeks and it scares us to death. The doctors gave us some extra medication for the siezures and we are keeping a real close eye on Ronda. She loved going and cheering for the track team at the meet last week. Today I told her she could do anything she put her mind too. She told me she couldn't run. I said she could so we went out in the road in front of the house and ran together. We are slow but she did do it!! We are going to start running at the schools track 1/4 mile each day. Ronda's threrapists say that she is doing great but we have had to cut back because the insurance will not pay for any more visits this year. And at $1180 a week we cannot afford to take her four days a week. The money everyone put in Ronda's benifit fund is now keeping her going to therapy one day a week. Everyones has been so good to our family I know the Lord will bless you all as much as he has blessed us. I'll let you know how our running goes.

Wednesday, May 7, 2003 12:14 AM CDT

I'm sorry it has been such a long time since we updated the page. Ronda continues to get better even with a minor setback on the 20th of April. She lost her balance and set down hard on her rearend about nine o'clock in the morning. Then around noon we were out having a bite of lunch and Ronda had a seizure. The doctor told us that she is so fragile that the short fall caused the problem but she is doing fine now. We just have to keep a closer eye on her when she is walking and doing things around the house. Ronda went to the Prom last Friday and had a blast dancing and seeing all of her friends!! The support everyone gave her as she and Mike walked out on the stage for Prom Parade was wonderful!! Then yesterday Ronda and I went to cheer on thee track team at thier last home meet. Ronda loves being around all the great people of Salem and the track team. Her big goal to run next year in cross country is still her number one priority!! Check out the new pictures of Ronda and Mike leaving for Prom!

Ronda really liked getting away from mom and dad for awhile and being around all her girl friends and getting all the picures taken with you guys. She keeps working hard with math and other papers we give her to do. She really wants to be back at school with all her friends.

Thursday, April 24, 2003 4:44 PM CDT

Hi
I finally get to write
I have got my dress for prom.
the bad thing is mom and dad are coming to prom with me
I am counting down till prom, hope to seee you all there
love
Ronda

Sunday, April 13, 2003 9:02 AM CDT

hello this is Ronda
I am out of the hospital now finaly.
I am working on algebra to catch up with my class
I will be back to school next year full time and I'm working with a tutor this summer..with a goal of graduating with my class hope to see you soon .

Tuesday, April 1, 2003 5:15 PM CST

Ronda has had a full day today! Last night we got the tuba out to take back to the school and Ronda wanted to play it. She was having a ball. Today she took the tuba to therapy and played for everyone there. No songs just scales and small runs of notes. They were all impressed. This is better than the breathing treatments they have her doing. Then when I got home Ronda went to cheer Salem on at the track meet. This made her day and ours! Ronda walked back and forth cheering everyone on. Ronda is getting real good at standing and walking without any help. On the 15th of this month the school is going to evaluate Ronda on where to start her back in school. Hopefully with tutoring all summer and back at school next year she can graduate with her class. Thanks to everyone at the meet today for your support and words of encouragement it means alot to Ronda and our family.

Monday, March 24, 2003 9:31 PM CST

It'a been a while since I updated everyone so I thought I better do it before I hit the hay. Ronda just keeps working harder and harder. This past weekend she started walking without one of us right next to her. It brings back memories of when she was little and was just starting to walk. As soon as she gets her balance back all the way look out. Ronda likes to spend time alone in her room reading or just listening to CD's. That's more like the Ronda before the accident. We are waiting for the school to evaluate her for the tutor, Ronda says that her life is boring and she wants to get back to doing school work. Therapy is not enough. I wish I had the determination that she has. The things I could get done! She is such a special young lady!! Ronda has set a short term goal of going to the jounior prom and dance with Mike. The long term goal is still to RUN!!!!!!! With her spirit and hard work there is nothing she won't get done, even if it takes a year or two!! If the weather stays nice we will be at some Salem track workouts and meets. Ronda wants to cheer everyone one like you have all done for her!!!!!

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 8:44 PM CST

Ronda is working real hard to overcome the set backs from the last surgery. Swimming at her aunts and working hard at therapy are paying off. Yesterday Ronda refused to use her wheelchair when she went to therapy. Ronda just keeps amazing us and the doctors. The Lord has really blessed Ronda and our family throuhg this whole thing. Today Ronda and Lori went to Cleveland to see the doctor that did the surgery and they were very happy with Rondas progress. Check out the picture of Ronda and Mike!

Saturday, March 15, 2003 7:09 AM CST

Ronda started therapy again on Thursday. They want here to start back with school work so we are contacting the school to get Ronda a tutor. Ronda wants to start back also. When I get home in the evening and ask how was your day she will say it was boring. So school will be good for her. Ronda is having to learn the proper way of walking again. She gets around but the therapist said she needs to correct how she is walking so she won't have any problems latter. Ronda still has a long road to full recovery but she is on her way!!! We are on our way to Ronda's aunts house, they have an indoor pool so Ronda is going swimming today.

Monday, March 10, 2003 6:14 PM CST

Ronda is doing good. She is on a new anti-seizure medication that doesn't make her as sleepy. The seizures set her back about two months worth of rehab, but she seems to be moving forward now better than before. Ronda's legs really tightened up with the week in bed, so walking is hard right now. The doctor didn't want her to start therapy right away, he wanted her to have some more rest. Ronda does have three doctors appointments in the next week so I'm not sure how much rest she will get. As soon as she starts therapy we are going to get her a tutor and start back with school work. She says she wants to get back to school. Leanne is home from school for spring break and it sure is nice having the whole family around the dinner table. We would like to thank everyone for all your prayers and donations to Ronda!! Saying Thank You just isn't enough for the blessings we have received.

Saturday, March 8, 2003 12:40 AM CST

Ronda is home again!!!

Friday, March 7, 2003 6:40 AM CST

Ronda will be in the hospital at least thru Sunday we were told yesterday. The doctor is lowering Rondas anti-seizure medication and when he changes it he wants to watch her for three days. Yesterday afternoon they lowered the amount. They have the dose so high that Ronda can hardly function. She did eat mashed potatoes, veggies, and jello last night. If they get the medication right and she starts eating good again we should have her home. It will be great to get her out of the regular peds ward. The only good thing about being in 4b is you are close to a hospital if something happens. Because the staff in that area don't do their jobs. If Lori wasn't there onbody would be taking care of Ronda. I'm more than a little upset, we complained last time Ronda was in this ward to the nurse manager but it has not helped. I guess it's time to go higher up the management ladder!
I talked to Ronda on the phone last night and she sounded good. I'm heading to Cleveland now to go see her. I'll post a new update tonight or tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 5, 2003 9:07 PM CST

When I got to the hospital this afternoon they had moved Ronda to the regular peds ward. Lori was just moving Ronda back to bed after she set in a chair most of the afternoon. She was beat!! When she got in bed I did get a "HELLO DAD"
Then she went to sleep for a while. They stoped giving her the phenobarb yesterday but they are still loading her up with the anti-seizure drug. She is responding but has no strength and is sleepy most of the time. Ronda did ask me how my proceedure at Salem hospital went yesterday with a smile. She knew I didn't want to have it done. So she was rubbing it in. Lori said that was the most she had talked all day. I did get a big hug from her also. When I asked if her head still hurt she said no. Now if they would just get the medications at the correct level so we can bring Ronda home. Tomorrow we hope to get a little more info on what they think is next. I added some pictures to the album, check Ronda out!!

Tuesday, March 4, 2003 7:41 PM CST

Ronda is doing great today. They stopped the Phenobarb (spelling?) and she is awake and smiling, squeezing Lori's hand and giving the thumbs up. Not much talking. The swelling in her eyes is almost completely gone. Our beautiful Ronda is back. It looks like they are going to move Ronda to the regular floor tommorrow. Her legs and feet have tightened back up so we will have to work on them so she isn't set back to far. When the phenobarb is completely out of her system they can get the anti-seizure drug at the right level and she will feel much better. They had her sitting up in a wheelchair again today and she is moving around alot. The doctors say she will make a full recovery and we cannot wait to get Ronda back home. Hopefully by this weekend. I'll have more pictures when I gen back from Cleveland on Wednesday.

Monday, March 3, 2003 10:17 AM CST

The doctors got together last night and told us they are going to keep Ronda asleep until Wednesday. Then they will start reducing the drugs so she can wake up. Ronda is responding to touch and will move her hands to stop someone from tickling her or if she doesn't like the feel of something she will move. Last night we had her sitting in a reclining chair and when she started to lean to one side we would say Ronda your leaning and she would try and pick her head up. She was still out but she would respond to our voices. All the doctors say she should have a complete recovery, this will just be a little set back. We just hope this is the last surgery she will have to have. Six surgeries are more that enough. We hope to get Ronda home next weekend. Thank you all for your prayers GOD does listen and answer prayers!

Sunday, March 2, 2003 11:37 AM CST

Rondas surgery went very smooth, but when they got her up to the PICU she started having siezures. Ronda had five of them from 11:00am to 5:30 pm. So they have put her on some powerful antiseizure drug that have knocked her out. She is resting with good vital signs. They just want her brain to have some time to rest after the surgery. The Nerosurgeon was in again this morning and said all the CT scans are good and sleeping is the best thing for her right now. They cannot tell us how long it's going to be before she wakes up. Heavenly Father is still looking out for Ronda so she continues to be in the best hand possible.
They didn't have to shave Rondas head completely. She has a stripe from ear to ear but they left the front and back. When she came out of surgery if you didn't see the stitches you wouldn't know Ronda had ever been injured. But today her eyes are swollen shut and this was exspected. I'm heading back to the hospital will more clothes for Lori, I'll give another update tommorrow.

Thursday, February 27, 2003 3:39 PM CST

Tommorrow is the big day! The hospital called today and moved Rondas surgery up from noon to 6am. Ronda says she not worried about the surgery but she was distracted today at therapy. So we think it has to be on her mind. This is the sixth surgery so she is a pro at it. Today at speech therapy they had Ronda working on the computer and she was a whiz. We will have to get her on more often. They also said that Ronda is ready to get a tudor and start doing school work. She has told Lori and I that she wants to get back to school. When we get back from Cleveland we will be getting with the school to get that set up. Ronda doesn't want to use the wheel chair any more. She likes walking every where and just keeps getting stronger. I let you know how the surgery went on Monday the 3rd.

Thursday, February 20, 2003 9:28 PM CST

Hello,
To everyone that has been asking about the game that Ronda was referring to in her message, it was a basketball game that she was at. Tomorrow, Friday night we will be at the Salem/West branch basketball game also. They are doing a fundraiser at the game with some local businesses contributing also and then on Saturday the band is having a spaghetti dinner and they are having a Chineese auction with the proceeds for Ronda too. It is wonerful to live in such a supportive and caring community. The support has been overwhelming. Thom had his head shaved tonight in support of Ronda's upcoming surgery on the 28th when she will have her head shaved again, which hopefully will be the last time. She is anxious to get this all behind her. Again thank you for your continued support, we really appreciate all that has been done for our family.

Sunday, February 16, 2003 3:59 PM CST

Sorry it has been so long since we have updated, Thom has been on a odd schedule at work which always throws me off schedule too. Ronda is still improving all the time. They said that she would have plateaus where we wouldn't see much improvement but it hasn't happened yet. Her voice is getting stronger all the time, her balance is improving and she is learning to walk with a cane and will soon be out of the brace on her left leg. One of the other things they told us to expect was sudden fits of anger, which she has never had, she has such a sweet smile all the time, even when she doesn't want to do her exercises she just looks at us with a blank look and then smiles. Thom told her this morning that he didn't sleep good last night and she said it must be my fault. She always has her sense of humor. Sometimes when we go to get her up out of bed she won't open her eyes and if we ask her if she is playing possum, she smiles and shakes her head yes. She is such a joy. Alicia has been wonderful helping out a lot around the house without complaining. Things have been kind of difficult for her but she has been a real trooper. One of Alicia's classmates was involved in a bad car accident last weekend and is in the same intensive car unit that Ronda was, he now needs our prayers, his name is J.D. Guiler. We all know the power of prayer. Ronda is our walking miracle.

Wednesday, February 5, 2003 7:11 PM CST

hello
this is Ronda
thanks for all those who were at the ball game last night. it was great being there !!!!!

Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 09:07 PM (CST)

All the family members that came for grandpa Williams funeral have now gone back home so Rondas room is vacant. Ronda has been sleeping in a bed on the first floor in the sunroom since she got home. This evening I installed a new handrail going up the stairs and Ronda is sleeping in her own room and bed for the first time in over four months. She was looking forward to being in her own room again and wanted to go to bed early tonight. I can't blame her. Think of what it's like to be away from your own bed for just a couple days or weeks and how great it feels to be back in your own bed. She knew just how long it has been since she got to sleep in her own bed and was happy to be in her room again. Ronda and Lori have had a bad cold the last few days so they have not gone to therapy, and Ronda told me today it's boring sitting around the house. That's my girl always wanting to be busy! They are both feeling better tonight and will be getting out tomorrow. Ronda wants this snow to go away so we can get out and walk more. She is so amazing. We want you all to know how much your prayers and kind words about Grandpa Williams have made a difference during this hard time. Thank you so much for all your concern.

Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 06:37 AM (CST)

Ronda has speech therapy two times a week, and the things the terapist is having Ronda do are too simple. Tues when the therapist set out papers for Ronda to arrange and talk about Ronda just looked at her for the longest time and then completed the task real fast. When asked what was the matter Ronda said that this stuff was boring. The therapist stated she needed to find more challenging work. Because Ronda doesn't talk alot right now poeple don't realize how much Ronda has retained. She was teaching her therapist at Hillside German. And she writes in a journal and was taking notes in her Sunday School class this weekend. It's her short term memory that Ronda sometimes has a problem with and this is getting much better. If this snow will go away Ronda likes to walk real fast with me by her side and we will get out and try some speed walking together. Just in short walks as she still gets worn out from alot of physical exersize still. We are working on building up the muscles.

Monday, January 27, 2003 at 06:16 PM (CST)

Well my dad just imformed me that I am updating her page for this week. The first thing I said was " What should I say?!?" I can not even begin to desribe how wonderful it is to have her home. She is doing so much better. She cracks jokes and laughs along with us all. The Vista center is working her hard but it is really helping her to acheive her full potential. She is so happy and loves it when people come and visit her. Thank you so much for visiting and praying for our family.

Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 02:10 PM (CST)

The Vista Center has been working Ronda hard. The therapy there is much more intense than she was getting at hillside. We have been getting her out alot and she would rather walk than ride in the chair. I'm so glad that she wants to work hard it makes the recovery so much quicker. Wednesdays are the hardest day of the week since Ronda has both PT and OT back to back. Ronda is still saying the things she wants to do the most is run!!! Thank you to all for the cards, letters, and prayers.

Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 07:14 PM (CST)

It's been a hard day for the Williams Family today. This morning Ronda's Grandpa Williams died. He was such a special person to Ronda and all of our family he is really missed. Grandpa Williams had Lou Gerhigs disease and Ronda would spend most of her free time over at Grandpa's house just hanging out with him or be over there helping around the house. We were so thankful that Ronda got to spend time with my dad on Christmas Day and then home for his 67th birthday on January 9th. Ronda sang happy birthday to her grandfather and it sounded so sweet and he loved it!!! Dad was a doctor and helped us out so much during this time with medical issues and support. He was only able to make it to the hospital a couple times but was always there for questions and advice on what was best for Ronda. One of my fathers last wishes was granted when Ronda came home and he was able to spend time with her. Now we have good memories to keep us going.

Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 06:58 PM (CST)

We just got back from seeing the neurosurgeon in Cleveland. All the doctors were amazed at how well Ronda is doing. They are planning to put the front of her skull back on towards the end of February. They will be calling us with the date soon. After seeing the doctors we went over to the PICU so say hello to the doctors and nurses there. Ronda walked into PICU and everyone was so happy to see Ronda. This was a long but great day for her. When we got home tonight the young women from church came to the house to spend some time with Ronda and Alicia. I'm typing this as they talk. Ronda will be doing PT,OT three times a week and speech two times a week. She told the physical therapist that she wanted to run!! With determination like this it won't be long. Thank you to all that came over to welcome Ronda home. She really enjoyed seeing everyone. We continue to thank the Lord for all that he has blessed Ronda and our family with. May the good Lord bless all of you with as much as he has poured out to us.

Entries will continue but not daily now that we are home there is even more to do. I put some new pictures in the album, check them out.

Saturday, January 11, 2003 at 08:17 AM (CST)

Ronda is doing great at home!!

Ronda has a walker and a wheelchair but she is not using them inside the house. She does great walking with one of us by her side in case she loses her balance. The therapist gave Ronda some exercises to work on at home and with walking around she is getting a real workout. Ronda goes next Tuesday to the Vista Center in Lisbon to start her therapies. And next Wednesday she is going back to Cleveland for a checkup with the nerologist. We should know then when her surgery will be to put the skull back in place. This should be her last surgery. At home Ronda is working on word search puzzles and reading when we don't have her working. Melissa came over Thursday and was Ronda's slave, painting her nails and just hanging out. With Leanne home from collage for Christmas break it has been a blessing to be able to sit down as a family and have a home cooked meal together. Ronda is really looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible today. And we would like to say thank you to everyone for your continued prayers. Our address is 1063 Buckeye Ave. Salem, stop by this afternoon between 2 and 6 and welcome Ronda home.

Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 10:32 AM (CST)

RONDA IS HOME!!!!!!


We just got home and Ronda just wants to sit in the recliner and enjoy being home. They told us that they want her to have PT, OT, and speech therapy five days a week so Ronda will still be busy!!!

Hope to see as many of you Saturday as possible.

Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 08:38 PM (CST)

RONDA IS COMING HOME TOMORROW!!!!! (January 8, 2003) We told Hillside that we wanted Ronda home this week and they agreed that she was ready to come home. Her left side is getting much stronger and she is using it alot. Her spirits have been a little down being at the hospital so we thought being home would be better. Ronda enjoys having visitors and being home will make it alot easier for her friends to come over and see her. Lori has quit her job to stay home and take Ronda to therapy and work with her at home. In Colorado Lori had a custom sewing and alteration business and she will try and get that going here so she can stay home with Ronda. So if you need any sewing or alterations done give Lori a call!!

Ronda wants to have a I'M HOME party so we are having an open house on Saturday the 11th, from 2 to 6 pm. Everyone is invited to come over to our house and welcome Ronda home. Plus we would like to meet and thank in person everyone that has helped our family. Your prayers, letters, donations, and love for Ronda and our family has touched us so deeply this is the least we can do. Our address is 1063 Buckeye Ave. Salem Oh. We would love to see you all.

Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 07:52 PM (CST)

Ronda had a busy weekend. Saturday was Alicias birthday so we all went up to be with Ronda so she could have some of Alicias cake. An ice cream one. Leanne and Ronda were tickling each other and when I got Leannes side she started to scream, Ronda busted out laughing. On Sunday Ronda had her favorite dinner with two tacos and pintos and cheese. Ronda ate both tacos with her left hand. Her strength on the left side is getting much better and she is moving both the arm and leg alot more. When I ask if she wants to get up out of bed she flips both legs over the side and sits up. I have to make sure I'm right there because she just stands up and her balance is not the best yet. When we help Ronda up she always gives us a big hug. There is nothing better than a hug from someone you love. Today I asked her if there was someone else she would like to hug and she said Mike. Tonight when Mike got to the hospital I helped Ronda stand and she said to Mike come here. Then she gave him a big hug. I think that made Mikes day!
All the prayers asking the Lord to help Ronda have made a big difference. Plus Ronda has great faith and we all know that faith the size of a mustard seed can move moutains. We continue to give thanks for all that have touched our family and that Ronda is still with us and doing so well. She has a long way to go but Ronda is such a fighter she will make it.

Friday, January 03, 2003 at 09:19 PM (CST)

Yesterday I went up to talk to the doctor and the head of the nursing staff for the hospital about the care that Ronda has been receiving. We have been happy with most of what has been going on but there were a few things that they are not taking care of and we needed to address these.
Ronda had written in her journal that she was bored sitting waiting for some guy to come take her to therapy. That was one thing I brought up among others. When we got back up there yesterday evening Ronda had her book, journal, and coloring books close at hand to give her something to do. I went to therapy with her yesterday and they really worked her, and again today. I think this last week at Hillside will do her alot of good. They look like they will be working more with her and not having so much down time. Lori will be going to all the afternoon therapies and watch what is going on. Ronda is so ready to come home. Alicia's birthday is tomorrow and tonight we asked Ronda if she remembered what was happening tomorrow. She said "I get to go home." We had to tell her not tomorrow but real soon. She will be home within the next week. Ronda is laughing alot with us and today the staff told Lori that Ronda had been talking to them alot and she was doing great. Today Leanne and Alicia got back from their aunts in NC and brought more presents for Ronda, plus she got presents from her aunt in Washington state. I put some new pictures of Ronda in the photo album. Ronda still has a long hard road ahead but with our prayers and yours she will recover fully.

Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 07:51 AM (CST)

We met with Ronda's case manager yesterday and Ronda has met many of the goals that they set for her when she arrived so they have set higher goals now. They want to keep her another week and a half if the insurance company will allow. Our biggest concern is that the day nurses are not taking as good of care of Ronda as we think they should and we have voiced this to them. As long as she shows good improvement staying is good for her. Last night we watch movies and Mike showed up in the evening. We left before visiting hours were over so Ronda and Mike could toast the new year by themselves. Mike had brought up some sparking grape juice. I helped Ronda pour two glasses, she handed one to Mike with a huge smile on her face. I just love to see Ronda with that big smile. Ronda wants to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Monday, December 30, 2002 at 07:36 PM (CST)

Ronda had two New Years parties today. One in PT where Ronda said that she danced with her walker and then another in the evening with chips and salsa and dip. While we were at the evening party they wanted us to come up stairs for a Neurologist to exam Ronda. This neurologist did a very complete exam and said Ronda was doing great and felt she would continue to improve. She checked Rondas eyes and this is the first time we know for sure that Ronda can see out of her left eye. We meet with the case manager tomorrow about how much longer Ronda needs to be at Hillside. We are going to be pushing to get her home withing the next few days. Ronda has progressed far enough that we feel outpaitent and us working with her will do her more good now.

Monday, December 30, 2002 at 05:22 AM (CST)

Ronda had a good weekend. Ronda is talking more and loves to get out of her wheelchair and sit in regular chairs. She really enjoyed seeing Mr. Krauss and the Ebingers. She even got to hold little Kennedy. Wouldn't you know I forgot the camera. Sunday afternoon we asked Ronda if she wanted to watch tv, she said no. Then we asked what would you be doing if you were home? She said reading, Katie had brought her up a paperback by her favorite author. Ronda read for one and a half hours. About 50 pages. I brought up the tuba mouth piece for her and she is going to blow it for Mr. Krauss the next time he comes up. Plus she wanted her flute. I don't know if she will be able to play it but were going to give it a try. She really loves music. Her left side keeps getting stronger and yesterday she was kicking me with both feet. Just to get my attention.

Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 09:11 AM (CST)

It's Saturday morning and we are getting ready to head to Warren to spend the day with Ronda. On the 26th the Barnett family along with Leanne came up to play Christmas songs for Ronda. She loved it. After the music Ronda wanted to play in the snow so we took her outside and I made snow balls and Ronda threw them at everyone. The Barnetts brought Ronda a video of the Salem band show and the Marching Band concert. We watched the tape last night and Ronda was showing us the fingerings for her tuba part for each song. Ronda started telling us that she would be home in a week. If she really wants to she will probably make it happen. Yesterday Mr. Krauss came to see Ronda and she was talking up a storm. I think she finally is going to start talking more so she can get home. Check out the new pictures.

Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at 08:33 PM (CST)

Merry Christmas to everyone from Ronda and the Williams family. This morning Lori and I left early to go and get Ronda. When we got home some very special friends had shoveled the drive and walks, strung balloons down both sides of the driveway, hung up a sign that said Welcome Home Ronda, and built a snowbear. Ronda was so suprised and happy to see all of this. It was a great day today, spending time with ALL of our children. Then we went over to my fathers so Ronda could spend some time with grandpa. This will most likely be his last Christmas. Just after noon my coworkers brought over a complete Christmas dinner for all of us. We don't know how to say thank you enough to all. The acts of kindness have touched our family so much we hope to be able to spread the joy that everyone has brought to us to others some day soon. Ronda had a great day walking around grandpa's house and being with all of us. My sister and her family were at dad's also. The hardest thing to do today was take Ronda back to Hillside this evening. Ronda did much better at returning than I did taking here back. I told her if she would talk more to the theropists and nurses letting them know what she was thinking and how she felt she would get to come home sooner. Ronda just looked at me and asked "Are you sure?" I promised her it would help. We hope everyone had as great Christmas as we did with having Ronda home. God Bless you all.

Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 08:11 AM (CST)

Ronda is really looking forward to coming home tomorrow for the day. And we cannot wait for her to be with the family for Christmas. Ronda just keeps making small improvements. We thank the Lord every day for him giving us Ronda and the improvements she is making. What a blessing she is. Ronda and our family want to say Merry Christmas to all.

Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 07:00 PM (CST)

Ronda was feeling better today and wanted to get out of her room and chair. We went down to the waiting room in the basement and Ronda rolled up to one of the chairs and unbuckled her seatbelt and said she wanted to set in a regular chair. We all set around talking and Ronda thumbed through some magazines. She is getting so strong she was pushing herself back in the chair and sitting up so straight. After a nap in the afternoon several friends came to see Ronda and she again wanted to go to the waiting room and sit in a real chair. She enjoyed seeing all the visitors she had today and even gave her boyfriend a bad time when he got there this evening. She said she didn't want to talk to him and so he walked on down the hall. I pushed Ronda down the hall and she asked Mike "are you pouting?" with a big smile. She was having fun with Mike. We are really looking forward to having Ronda home Christmas day and so is her grandparents. My dad is not able to travel anymore and he really wants to see Ronda. It's going to be a treat for them both.

Saturday, December 21, 2002 at 07:34 PM (CST)

Thom and I both went up to see Ronda this afternoon and we also spent the day with her yesterday doing all her therapies with her in preparation for her to come home. She got the g-tube out before we got there on Friday. She really likes to walk with the walker although we have to tell her to slow down, she wants to run around the gym. We are to old for that. Her therapist told us she didn't like to walk the stairs but she was anxious to show us her stuff and did them twice for us. Agian she wanted to do that too fast also, we had to keep telling her on step at a time. Today they re-tested her swallowing and passed her off to an unrestricted diet, although again we have to remind her to slow down. I think she is trying to make up for lost time. We were told on Tuesday at our weekly meeting that the insurance would not pay for us to have any help when she comes home, that it is a parents responsibility to take care of all her needs because she is a minor, so I gave my notice at work on Wednesday. I plan to try to build up a sewing business at home like I did when the girls were little. Ronda was a little under the weather today. She wasn't feeling great, she had a headache and stomach ache hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for her, we will all be going up after church. She has had a lot of visitors this last week, she really enjoys seeing everyone even if she seems a little sleepy at times, therapy really wears her out.

Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 08:58 AM (CST)

Today the G-tube gets removed. It will be great not to have any lines that can be hooked up to a machine. Lori and I told Ronda last night that we would bring her pintos and cheese, rice, and I would smuggle in a taco for her. She gave me a big smile. Last night the hospital had a piano player come and perform for everyone. Ronda was sleepy but when we asked her if she wanted to go back to her room she said no. She just laid back closed her eyes and listened. And after every song she would open her eyes and clap. She told us she really misses band and playing music. For everyone wanting a family picture some of Rondas friends were up Sunday and they took one for us with our camera so its now in the photo album.

Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 09:23 PM (CST)

We met with Ronda's case manager tonight and they told us Ronda has three to four weeks more at Hillside. Its great that she is going to get more acute treatment but we wish she would be home much quicker. We do get to bring her home for the day on Christmas and we are really looking forward to that. Ronda is doing so good with her eating they are going to remove the stomach tube on Thursday so no more tubes at all. Tonight Ronda was showing us how well she can stand and she gets around with very little help. She is walking with a walker and wheels herself around in her chair. The left side is still weak but she is getting stronger. Ronda was in a great mood and joking and laughing with Lori and me tonight.

Monday, December 16, 2002 at 07:45 PM (CST)

Ronda is so amazing. When we got up to the hospital today the nurses aid said to Ronda "Tell mom and dad what you did today" Ronda said "I stood by myself." The aid said Ronda stood and then said with great joy "I'm standing, I'm standing." She told me tonight "I'm proud!" So are we. Ronda had several visitors tonight and really enjoys seeing everyone. She is such a strong young lady. When I start getting down from all that has happened lately a visit with Ronda and how amazing she is picks me right up. They have not had to give Ronda any supplement through the G tube for a week so they could be removing it soon. Yesterday evening Ronda started writing Christmas cards. Lori would say lets write one to ------- and Ronda would think about what to say and write a note, then sign with Love Ronda. Each card had a note just for that person or family and lori didn't give her any ideas or help with the writing. Like I said RONDA IS SO AMAZING. We thank the Lord every day for her.

Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 07:33 PM (CST)

We just got home from spending the day with Ronda and she is doing great. It's so great to see her smile and laugh out loud. After lunch today we loaded up in grandpa's van and headed out to the mall. Ronda knew just what she wanted to get her sisters and boyfriend so she only shopped for an hour and a half. This wore her out and she wanted to go back to the hospital and take a nap. After dinner I took her picture with Alicia and she was mad at me for taking it. It wasn't until I let her take pictures that she talked to me again. What a teenager!! Rondas left side keeps getting stronger and she is walking alot with help and enjoys getting around and out of her chair and bed. There are three new pictures to check out if Ronda is not in the picture it is one she took.

Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 07:50 PM (CST)

THE TRACHE IS OUT!!!! They removed the trache this afternoon and Ronda is very happy about that. She is talking more since her throat feels better. And she is getting stronger and stronger. Tonight she was walking from her room down to the shower room with mom on one side and a nurse on the other. She is so amazing!!!! When we talked to the case worker about getting her home for Christmas day she said Ronda is doing so good she might be home for good by Christmas. That would be the greatest present we could receive!! She really enjoyed having friends come and see her tonight. It's a good change from just mom and dad and it makes her evenings. If anyone doubted the power of prayer, Ronda is a living example that prayer does work!
We cannot thank everyone enough for all your prayers and love shown Ronda and our family.

Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 08:55 PM (CST)

Thom and I had our meetiong with Ronda's case manager tonight. Ronda is doing great!!! She told us that she has been walking with a walker, about 8 feet or so and is able to move herself around pretty well with the wheelchair although she only uses her right arm because the left is still weak but is getting stronger all the time. She doesn't speak a lot because her throat is still tender from the trache, but they said she writes volumes to the therapist about herself and the things she likes to do like marching the script Ohio, and all the instruments she likes to play. She still has a sense if humor through it all, but tonight when we told her to do something she said " do I have a choice?" When we were getting ready to leave we told how proud of her we were and to work hard tomorrow in therapy and she put her arm up like a victory salute. She truly is amazing. The Dr. at rehab said she has already made the progress they expected to see after a month. She is our Miracle Girl. We want to thank everyone that has made a contribution to Ronda,s account the bank doesn't keep track of who they receive contributions from so we can't thank you individually as we would like, but please know how much we appreciate your kindness.

Monday, December 09, 2002 at 08:49 PM (CST)

Ronda went on a road trip with mom and dad today back to Cleveland. We left right after breakfast and Ronda enjoyed being out of the hospital and driving around with us. She stopped by the PICU and said hello to all the staff there and then told them all she was heading to TACO BELL!! All the doctors and nurses were really happy to see Ronda and commented on how great she looked. At Taco Bell Ronda ate two orders of pintos and cheese plus a drink. She really enjoyed lunch. Then we went back to Hillside. She called her grandpa and grandma in the evening and talked to them on the phone. They plugged the trache this afternoon and will remove it by the end of the week. With the great job of eating that she is doing the G tube won't last long either. The doctor at hillside told us he was very pleased with the progress Ronda is making. God does answer prayers!!!!

Sunday, December 08, 2002 at 08:59 PM (CST)

Another good day for Ronda! She continues to eat most of her meals and they tell us that they should remove the G tube real soon. The Pulmonary doctor came in this afternoon and checked Ronda and her trache. We told him she was talking to us and having no trouble eating. He listened to her chest and had me cover the opening to the trache while he listened to her breath. Then he told us he was recommeding they remove the trache. This will be great!! They had a theropy dog in the hospital this evening and Ronda liked seeing it. Then she started to cry and Lori asked her what was the matter. Ronda said nothing was wrong but Lori asked if she missed Izzy. Ronda nodded yes. The hospital will let us take Izzy up to see Ronda so we will set that up for next week. Tomorrow Lori and I are taking Ronda to Cleveland for follow up with the doctors at Metro. This will be Ronda first big outing and we are looking forward to the trip.

Saturday, December 07, 2002 at 07:54 PM (CST)

If Ronda keeps going like she did today the G-tube will be gone before you know it. Today Ronda ate all her breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lori went up early and Leanne and I went up in the late afternoon. Ronda didn't talk to Lori all day and when I got there she was talking a little to me. Lori said she is a daddys girl. Ronda took it easy today will a three hour nap just after lunch and then was ready for bed at eight. Leanne and I left to come home around eight and just south of Canfield two deer ran out and we hit one with my 66 Nova. Two cars down and only two to go!! We were alright but the deer lost and so did my car. Alicia told me we should buy a lottery ticket because our luck has to change for the better. Oh well material things don't matter just family and friends.

Friday, December 06, 2002 at 08:55 PM (CST)

A week of therapy sure has worn Ronda out. This afternoon when we got to the hospital Ronda was just getting her dinner. She was so tired from all the hard work this week that she just didn't want to eat much. At least she only has therapy in the mornings on Sat. and Sun. Right now they work with her about seven hours a day. But she is getting stronger every day. Tonight Mike came to visit and a little later the Barthalows came. Ronda really enjoyed seeing everyone. Ronda had just taken a shower before everyone came and was so sleepy but with everyone there she really perc up. And she had alot of smiles for everyone. I think she is just getting tired of mom and dad and likes seeing her friends for a change. Alicia said that I should put the directions to the hospital on the site so here they are. Take Hwy 11 north until you get to Hwy 82. Take 82 west. Then take the Niles Cortland exit (Hwy 46) north. Go through Howland Corners to Squire Lane. Turn right on Squire lane, the hospital is on the left at the corner of Squire and Howland-Wilson Rd. With only two hours of therapy for the next two days she will need to have something to do so come see Ronda!!!

Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 07:47 PM (CST)

I'M ON CLOUD NINE!!!!!! Ronda talked to me tonight, or should I say whisper. Take the happiest you have ever been and multiply that by ten and you will know how we feel tonight. Lori had a doctors appointment this afternoon so I went up to be with Ronda. After Ronda told me I LOVE YOU I asked her if she wanted to talk to her mother, which she did so we called mom. Ronda talked to Lori on the phone! She was upset when Lori had to go, just like a teenager wanting to talk on the phone. After Ronda ate all her dinner we went down to the rec room and Ronda was making a kissing ball. (It works like mistletoe) Ronda enjoyed doing the crafts. Each day I can see how much stonger she is getting. She is working hard at getting back to her old self. We had a great time strolling around the hospital and just sitting and holding hands. With her being able to talk she was able to tell me she had leg cramps, so I massaged her legs and make them feel better. I thank the Lord every day for the progress that Ronda is making and all that he has blessed us with. Ronda is truly a miracle. There are a couple new pictures. Ronda picked out the one with her and I.

Tuesday, December 03, 2002 at 08:43 PM (CST)

It's great to see the differents from day to day. Yesterday Ronda was wiped out from all the therapy and hardly ate. Tonight she was awake and ate almost the complete dinner. She had plain yogurt and one of the nurses said that she could get Ronda one with fruit. When she brought up a strawberry yogurt Ronda ate the whole thing. Tonight was the first meeting with Rondas case manager and she said Ronda showed great signs of doing very well. The good and bad news is the therapists expect her to have a six to eight week stay. This is good in that they believe she will continue to improve. The bad news for us is that she won't be home quite as soon. But as she gets stronger we can take her out on day trips home. So she will still be home for Christmas. Now we just hope the insurance company doesn't give us any more trouble. Ronda learned sign language and the sign alphabet about five years ago and tonight she was signing the alphabet to us. It's so good to see the things she remembers. They are going to try the speaking valve on her trache again this week, Ronda was making some small squeaks without the valve tonight. I cannot wait to hear her say "HELLO MOM AND DAD" when we walk into her room. I'll work on getting some more pictures this week.

Monday, December 02, 2002 at 08:40 PM (CST)

They sure are working Ronda hard for the first day of the week. When I got up there this afternoon Ronda was just getting her dinner. She was so tired from all the therapy today I could only get her to eat a couple of bites. Then she went to sleep. Normally Ronda wants to stay in her wheelchair but when I asked her if she wanted to get back in bed at 6pm she pointed to the bed. Speech therapy worked with her first this morning and they downsized the trache. Each day speech will work with her so hopefully Ronda will be talking soon. This morning she ate a small amount of breakfast, then after morning therapy she slept thru lunch. Then more therapy in the afternoon and very little dinner. When she starts eating 2000 calories a day on her own they will take out the stomach tube. It will just take some time to build up her strength. She got a new hat from her aunt today and when I tried to take it off and put it away she grabbed on and pulled it back on her head. She liked that hat! Ronda is just one small miracle after another.

Sunday, December 01, 2002 at 08:41 PM (CST)

Ronda went to physical therapy this morning and then at dinner time she ate some scrambled eggs with ketcap, apple sauce, jello, broth, and lemonade. She didn't eat all of it but a good portion considering she was tube fed a little bit earlier in the day. She is getting a little better everyday. If anyone would like to visit her, she would really enjoy it. Visiting hours are Monday thru Friday 4:30-8:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11-8:30.

Friday, November 29, 2002 at 08:31 PM (CST)

Ronda has moved to Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Warren, Oh. When the ambulance attendants came into the hospital to get Ronda I asked her if she was ready to go and she flipped her leg over the side of the bed. Ronda really likes Hillside. Every department came in to meet Ronda and they all did a little work with her. The Dr. already is working to get the trach smaller and Ronda talking, plus getting her off of the G tube and eating regular food. The speech therapst came in and said her swollowing was great and started her on solid foods first thing in the morning. Ronda had a busy day today but really showed that she is ready to work and get home by Christmas.

Thursday, November 28, 2002 at 09:26 PM (CST)

Ronda had a blue morning. Lori said that Ronda was crying most of the morning. It wasn't until later that we figured out that when a hospital worker came into Rondas room and said Happy Thanksgiving it was making Ronda want to be home with family and friends. After eating Thankgsgiving dinner with family we took Lori and Ronda up a bunch of food. Ronda was smiling and having a good afternoon and evening. We are so thankful for all the progress Ronda has made and continues to make. She is moving around alot more and even helps roll herself around in the wheelchair. Another of Rondas aunts, an uncle and cousin are here this weekend and Ronda loved seeing them. Then when Rondas boyfriend Mike came into the waiting room Ronda gave a big smile. It sure was good to see her smiling after crying most of the morning. Tomorrow is the big day!!! Off to Hillside Rehab. We want everyone know how thankfull we are for each and every one of you who are praying for Ronda and have helped our family in so many ways. Words cannot express the gratitude that is in our hearts. THANK YOU ALL!!!!

Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 07:41 PM (CST)

Ronda is doing great! Now I just wish that the insurance company would stop their games. They have been accepting all of the treatments for Ronda until Tuesday night. Some doctor that works for the insurance denied rehab at 5:30pm on Tues. and Ronda was scheduled to be moved today. Then when I was calling to find out why they said they denied her hospital coverage from last Friday on. The doctor that denied it said she was stable and could be cared for out of the hospital. I cannot remember being this mad in a long time. I let the insurance company know that I was filing complaints about the doctors with the state medical examiners and a complaint about the company with the state insurance comissioner. This all started around 10am and by 5:00pm they had approved rehab.
The hospital had a Thanksgiving dinner for the families today and Ronda ate some turkey and mashed potatoes. Then she went up to the rehab floor and walked with the help of the parallel bars. It was painful but she got up three times and really worked hard. Only one more day in Cleveland and Ronda will be moved to Hillside in Warren. With Rondas determination I'm sure she will recover fast. Hillside told me that their average stay for inpatient is 17 to 19 days so hopefully she will be home for Christmas.

Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 09:34 PM (CST)

Another good day for Ronda. She got in her chair late today but we did the rounds around the hospital. We went down and got applesauce and sat in the dinning room for change, then we went to the gift shop. That cost dad! Ronda saw things she liked and when she gets her hands on something she will not let go. Ronda was pushing the bottons on the elevator to call it and to move from floor to floor. Then we just sat and looked out the windows at Cleveland. Ronda enjoys being out of bed. When she started getting sleepy I asked her if she wanted to get back in bed, I got a big thumbs down. So she slept in her chair until I had to leave. She was in such a deep sleep I had to pick her up and put her back to bed. Now I know how much she helps herself move from the bed to the chair and back. Being in bed for nine weeks she still has strength. Tomorrow we are again going to try and get something done with the trache. Ronda is still on schedule for a move to rehab on Wednesday and we would like the trache to be reduced in size or removed before she is moved. We cannot wait for Ronda to be in rehab and I know she wants to be out of the hospital and closer to home.

Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 05:20 PM (CST)

Ronda has been doing great. She has not had a fever since the surgery on Monday and is looking great. Ronda likes to spend as much time in the wheelchair and out of the room as she can. Yesterday and today Ronda and Lori have been wandering around the hospital. Ronda has been staying awake alot more and likes to watch the people come and go in the front lobby. Today Mike showed up when they were in the lobby so they just stayed there and watched the world go by. They told us this morning that they still plan on moving her to rehab on Wednesday. They did move Ronda to the regular peds ward Friday afternoon. Now the next step is out the door to Hillside.

Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 06:51 PM (CST)

Yesterday Ronda was up for eight hours without a nap, So today she has been kind of sleepy. She was sad that her aunt had to leave today. Mimi was such a blessing to have here over this past weekend. Ronda is so blessed to have all the aunts, uncles, and friends that she has. Ronda was sitting in her wheelchair today and the nurse was about to help her back into bed. Lori told them that Ronda can support her own weight so the nurses each took a side and Ronda took six steps back to her bed. Now even the nurses are saying get this girl to rehab. No new bugs have grown in the cultures so I think were on the road to rehab, hopefully before Thanksgiving. We have always been thankfull of what we have but this Thanksgiving we have even more to be thankfull for. Ronda is such a gift to us as are all of you who have shown our family so much love. We don't know how we will ever be able to say thank you enough.

Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 09:22 PM (CST)

When Lori and I got to the hospital today the new small things that Ronda does make us so happy. Ronda had a great day today. Before we got to the hospital Ronda had eaten a cup of jello and was having a good time with her aunt. She had a stuffed cow under her right arm when we got there, I took it out from under her arm and she snapped her fingers and pointed to put it back. When her PT gal came to the door Ronda snapped her fingers again and motioned for her to come here. These things seem so small but they bring us such joy. Today was the first day Ronda has set back up in a chair in over two weeks. She helped herself set up and did great getting into the wheelchair. Then we went around the peds floor and took her to look out the front windows of the hospital. Ronda is so ready to get to therapy. They came in and mesured Ronda for a helmet this morning. Without the front of her skull she must wear a helmet when she starts to walk, at least until they replace the bone. Ronda got dressed in her own clothes today and was eating some of her holloween candy and pudding today. This is the most solid food she has eaten so far. Everyone is so amazed at how good Ronda is progressing. We knew she was going to get better because God has her in his hands. The culture from the 15th didn't have anything grow and we hope the 16th and 17th stay clear. They plan on letting her go to rehab around Thanksgiving if no infection is present.

Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 07:20 AM (CST)

I got home so late last night from Cleveland that I just went to sleep so here is the update for yesterday and this morning. Ronda slept most of the day Monday and Tuesday. Coming back from a surgery takes a couple days. She did eat applesauce yesterday and there were no fevers. I told the doctors that we wanted to move her to Hillside Rehab in Warren when she is ready and they have started the paperwork and phone calls to make this happen. They did say that the culture from the 14th grew one bacteria and so they have to watch the next three days (15, 16, 17) worth of cultures. She is still on antibiotics and will be for much longer if more bugs grew on the other dates. This morning Lori's sister called from the hospital to check on Lori and said that Ronda was awake and eating jello. She had a good night and is wide awake and feeling pretty good. Hopefully Lori will be able to go to the hospital with me today to see Ronda.

Monday, November 18, 2002 at 06:58 PM (CST)

Both Lori and Ronda did great in surgery today. I will be bringing Lori home tomorrow 11-19. Ronda is doing good and the doctors were very pleased with the surgery for the shunt. They said she will only be in ICU for a couple more days, then off to rehab. Ronda has started eating applesauce and jello. She has been doing real good and we cannot wait to get her to rehab were we are sure she will do great.

Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 02:13 PM (CST)

Well this has turned out to be one heck of a week! Early in the week we found out Rondas grandma Pat has to have a brain tumor removed on the 23 of November. Than Friday night I went to the hospital so Lori and her sister could come home and spend a night at home with Leanne and Alicia. And wouldn't you know it Lori ends up in Salem hospital with gall bladder trouble again. This time they wouldn't release her and she is going to have surgery on Monday the same day as Ronda. The bright side of things are no new cultures have grown since the ninth so Ronda will get the permanent shunt in on Monday. And Rondas aunt is here which really helps as I cannot be in two places at once. We will just put everything in Gods hands and I know all will work out. Updates might come a little slower this week just be patient. The nurses at Metro are taking great care of Ronda and Mimi is up there with her now so I know she is in good hands. Check out the new photos.

Friday, November 15, 2002 at 02:21 PM (CST)

I'm updating the page early today as Alicia and I are about to leave for Cleveland for the night. The doctors told Lori today that the infection is gone so the will take her to surgery on Monday. Once the permenant shunt is in we are tranfering Ronda to Hillside Rehabilitation hospital in Warren. That should be by the end of next week. I'll let you all know when. Their visiting hours are 4 to 8 M-F and 11-8 Sat and Sun. It's alot shorter drive and a nice hospital with everything Ronda will need. The Lord is watching out for our girl!! She is doing good today laughing at her aunt doing crazy dances and joking around with her. I hope to hear Ronda talk tonight or tomorrow. I know this will help alot in her recovery. There might not be an update until Sunday night it depends upon where I spend Saturday night. Thank you so much for keeping Ronda and our family in your prayers I know the Lord hears and has answered them!

There are three more pictures in the album. I'll get brighter ones this weekend.

Thursday, November 14, 2002 at 07:59 PM (CST)

Yesterday Rondas Aunte Mimi came from Washington State to visit her. When Mimi walked in the room and Ronda saw her Rondas face lit up. Lori, Mimi, and Ronda joked and had a great time all evening. Mike was there last evening also and Ronda told Mike he was a loser for getting a speeding ticket. Today Ronda has had a fever most of the day and that makes her sleepy. She did watch a movie and when I got up there this afternoon she was just waking up from a nap. I didn't get to hear her talk because they didn't put the talking valve on her trache today. After changing the trache yesterday her neck and throat was sore so Lori wanted her to have a little time to recover. Plus it will take Ronda a little while to get use to breathing with the valve on. It scared her at first as she really has to work at breathing with the valve on. By this weekend she should be doing much better with it. I took several digital pictures of Ronda today and loaded three in the photo album. This system will only handle three at a time so now I will try and change them every now and then. Plus I will try and get some more light so the pictures are not so dark. They looked OK on the camera.

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 07:55 PM (CST)

The doctors finally got together and Ronda got her trache changed today. And they put a valve on the trache so she can talk. At first it scared Ronda and only some tiny sqeaking came out. It shouldn't take long before she is talking again. This will be great!!! She will be able to let us know how she is feeling. They also are stopping the tube feeding from 1 to 5pm each day and giving Ronda semi-solid food. Today she ate applesauce. She still has some infection of the brain fluid but it seams to be getting better.They are now planning to put in the permanent shunt next tues. if there cultures come back showing no infection.

Monday, November 11, 2002 at 06:24 PM (CST)

With this being veterens day I took my favorite veteren up to see Ronda. Her grandfather!!! Ronda was awake and feeling pretty good. She got out her squirt gun again and squirted grand-dad. Then grand-dad has jointed a special class of people as Ronda told him he was one of the losers. If Ronda calls you a loser your in a very special group with her as her favorite nurses are the head losers. The chief neuro surgeon told Lori today that they will be putting in the permanent shunt this week. But the skull bone will not be replaced at this time. They want to make sure the is no infection even possible when the bone is replaced. With grand-dad along I again started working on getting something done with the trache. I asked the nurse to tell the doctors that Dr. Williams wanted to talk to them. Sometimes dropping the Dr. title helps, and dad wanted to know why something hadn't been done. The new attending physician came in to talk with us and agreed that things were not being taken care of like they should. He told us they were reducing the size of the trache starting tomorrow and work toward getting it removed. He said they did not want to remove it completely right now as Ronda still has surgery scheduled for this week. That's the first time we have gotten a straight answer on the trache, so I feel that things will finally start moving in the right direction. Lori and one of the nurses were talking about where Salem was in the state and Ronda started crying and mouthing I want to go home to Salem, and she got the nurse crying. I told her what was happening and that we were working to get her home and she nodded OK. We told her we want to get her home too. She is such a fighter that as soon as we can get her in rehab she will be home in no time. She enjoys all your cards and notes and Ronda and our family thank everyone for your prayers and concern. P.S. they are stoping the tube feeding for four hours a night getting Rondas' system ready for soild food. She takes liquids now but tacos are on the way!!!!!

Sunday, November 10, 2002 at 09:16 PM (CST)

The effects of the surgery are finally starting to be behind us. Ronda is awake most of the day and doing good. She still has a fever but the doctors think that it is caused by one of the antibiotics they are giving her. We watched movies today in between naps and just before the girls and I headed home Lori gave her a squirt gun and she was squirting everyone with water. Ronda has been having headaches after the surgery and we can tell when she is feeling better because she will play tricks and games on us. She can squirt me all she wants, it's so good to see her be her old self. Now they are planning to have the swallow test on Tuesday and put the shunt in on Friday. We pray that the antibiotics she is on now will get rid of the infection so Ronda can get on with rehab.

Saturday, November 09, 2002 at 08:23 PM (CST)

We have a computer back thanks to Frank Zamarelli and the crew of Salem Computer Center. Lori and I want to thank Frank and his crew of the service and generosity. Ronda is still real sleepy due to the surgery yesterday. The CSF still shows no white blood cells so maybe the infection is cleared up. Lets hope so. Ronda is looking good and when she is awake she says that her head hurts. Tylenol is taking care of the pain. Tomorrow we will keep pushing to get the trache changed or removed so we can get Ronda talking. These surgeries set her back a couple of days but getting the infection cleared up is worth it.

Saturday, November 09, 2002 at 12:41 PM (CST)

Ronda had surgery yesterday to replace the external shunt and flush her brain with antibiotic. The surgery went well and she didn't have a fever the rest of the day. Then around midnight she started running a high fever. But today before I left the hospital she was back to normal on temp. She is doing fine today and we are starting to give her juice to drink. They finally are working on getting the trache changed or possibly removed. I guess I was a big enough pain in the neck the last two days. Wednesday and Thursday she was mouthing words to songs on the TV and CD's and so I told them they were slowing down Rondas rebabilitation by leaving the trache in. They agreed and hopfully it will be changed or removed the first of the week. On Monday or Tuesday they will do another swallow study so we can give her soilds like pudding and start working towards TACOS. (Rondas favorite food) One of Rondas nurses over the last two days worked in rehab before coming to the ICU and she said that Ronda is so far ahead of most people that came into rehab when she was working there. This morning they checked for infection in her cerebral/spinal fluid and found none. If this is the same for three days she could get the permanent shunt and the skull back in by the end of next week.

Thursday, November 07, 2002 at 08:19 PM (CST)

Ronda did really good today. She was waving hello to everyone that came into her room and said hi. Lori was playing CD's for her and Ronda was mouthing the words to the songs. I'm going to start really pushing to get the trache removed so Ronda can talk and sing for us. She still has some infection in the CSF so the surgery for the shunt will be next week some time. They are now thinking of putting the part of the skull they removed back in at the same time as the shunt. That would be great as it would mean one less surgery down the road. Tomorrow they are taking her to surgery to remove the external shunt and putting a new one in its place. They think the one thats there now may have some of the bacteria that is causing the infection in it so they want to change the shunt. It was great to see Ronda laughing this evening and calling her visitor a losser and giving him a smile. Lori and Ronda were seeing who could make the funniest face this afternoon. We sure hope Ronda has more days like today!!!

Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 03:08 PM (CST)

Sorry for no update yesterday but our computer is no more so I'm updating from my dads house today. Ronda had a bad day tuesday and was not responding to us. Lori, I and the nurses rasied enough stink that they did another CT scan and agreed that there was swelling. This is just what happened before she has the seizure last week and we didn't want her to have another. I got home real late last night and Lori called and told me they were changing the amount of drainage for her head. Today she is doing much better. Responding to questions, smiling, brushing her own teeth and doing just fine. The infection is building up a resistance to the antibiotic so they are having to work on that now. Neuro has changed the surgery to possibly Friday now. We will have to wait and see about the infection first. Thank you for all your prayers they are working.

Monday, November 04, 2002 at 07:21 PM (CST)

Ronda's fevers have been lower today and she is letting Lori know how she feels. She has complained of a head ache most of the day. This is from losing alot of brain fluid overnight. But the neuro doctors checked her twice this morning and said that she was progressing the way they want her too. The neuro team told Lori that they are still looking to put the shunt in on Thursday. The cultures show that they have the infection just about cleared up so the surgery might just happen. Then the Head of the Rehabilitation department came to Ronda's room and said that if they put the shunt in Thursday they want to get her to rehab on Monday. This would be just great!!!! Ronda needs to get moving as she has lost more than 20 pounds and she didn't have any fat on her. We need to get her moving and building up her muscles again.

Sunday, November 03, 2002 at 08:12 PM (CST)

Ronda is hanging in there. She keeps having fevers and the doctors told us today that putting the shunt in on Thursday will most likely not happen. They want to make sure that there is no infection before they take her to surgery. She has had a fever most of the weekend but the tests are showing that the infection is starting to clear up. They are keeping a close eye on her. I had to stay away since Wednesday night due to a cold and when I saw her today she grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. Ronda enjoyed all the cards from the english classes, Lori and the girls read them to her Friday night and hung the cards around her room. Ronda sure has great friends!!! We cannot believe how many people are praying for Ronda and our family. From Canada and all across the USA. We know that the good Lord is looking after her and directing the doctors to make the right decisions for treatment. Ronda will pull through this it is just taking a long time. The Lord is teaching me patients.

Friday, November 01, 2002 at 09:13 PM (CST)

Ronda had a pretty good day today. Every day they are taking a sample of the CSF and testing it for the infection. The quick test showed that the infection was gone today but it will take three to five days for the culture to come back. Hopefully by Monday we will know if the infection is gone. Then they can put in the shunt. Ronda has been messing with the doctors lately. They come in and ask her to do things and she just lays there. As soon as they leave Lori or the nurse asks Ronda to do the same things and she does it. I guess it one of the only things she can control right now and she is. Last Tuesday I suctioned out her trach without making her caugh. I was joking around with her and told her to say "good job Dad" and she mouthed "Good Job Dad". And she is joking around with her nurses every day. She is one strong young lady. Our family is very thankful for the great gift God has given us in the progress that Ronda has made and in all the support from everyone in the community and across the country. Thank You all.

Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 06:22 PM (CST)

Boy did Ronda get the candy today!! The hospital does it up big for the kids. Since Ronda could not get out around the hospital to trick or treat the staff took a bag around for her. She has a paper grocery bag full of candy, pencils, coloring books, ect. Plus one of the nurses gave Ronda a witches hat to wear today. Being sixteen Ronda just looked at Lori like this is childish but she liked sucking on lollipops. Ronda is doing good and the infection is starting to clear up. The doctors say as soon as she goes two days with clear spinal fluid (no infection) they will put in the shunt. Then she should be ready for rehab. Thank you all for the notes and cards Ronda really enjoys hearing from everyone and having visitors. She might not be able to say anything to people that come to see her but we can tell that she enjoys seeing her friends.

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at 04:37 PM (CST)

This has been a tough way to start a week! Monday morning when I called Lori from work and she told me Ronda was having a seizure my heart dropped to my feet. When I got to the hospital that afternoon Ronda was back in ICU and they had her stabilized. The doctors put a drain in Rondas head to drain some of the brain fluid. We produce about 500cc of brain fluid a day and what we don't use our bodies absorb. Rondas body is not absorbing the extra fluid so the pressure from the extra fluid caused the seizure. Tuesday she was doing better in the morning and by the afternoon Ronda was mouthing things to us again. And today she was doing just great when I left to come back home. As we look back we noticed that there was swelling of her forehead and she was not responding quite as quick the last couple of days before the seizure. And she is doing better now with the fluid level correct than she was before this happened. And now we know what to watch out for. Next week Ronda will go into surgery again to have a permanent shunt put in her head. Hopefully this will keep her from having this problem again. Since Ronda didn't seem to lose anything from this seizure we are hoping that she will get to rehab as soon as she recovers from the surgery for the shunt.

Monday, October 28, 2002 at 05:32 AM (CST)

Well Alicia is updating Ronda's page today because dad went back to the hosptial. Ronda is back in the PICU because she had fluid in her brain and they think that she might have had a seziure. They have done tests and they still are doing tests to find out what is happening and what to do about it. She will hopefully be back out of the ICU in a week if all goes well with everything. It is frustrating because she was so close to going to rehab and now it seems like we are back at the beginning of the cycle. Lets hope she skipps going to pediatrics and gose stratight to rehab! She is so strong that I know she can do it!!As usual your prayers are very much appreciated.

Sunday, October 27, 2002 at 07:22 AM (CST)

Well I know that everyone has been patiently waiting for an update, but Dad has gone to stay with Ronda so that Mom can sleep in her own bed for the first time since the accident. So I had to get some coaching over the phone from Thom on how to put in an update. It was great to be in my own bed but the one mistake was that Leanne came home from college for the weekend and I let her sleep in my bed too. She talks in her sleep so much that she kept me awake all night. Oh well enough sbout us, you all want to hear about Ronda. Well, Saturday morning I was there to get her ready for the day with a bath and all that goes with that since the nurses in the regular Peds unit don't take much care with her. I had gone the night before and gotten her a mirror so that she could sit up in bed and see herself for the first time. She brushed her own teeth and washed her face and frowned a little at how the cream they were putting on her face had made her break out. She is starting to show more expressions, which is a sign the the brain is healing because the doctor said that emotions is a very difficult thing to express after a brain injury. If all goes well this weekend she will go to rehab on Monday. So keep up the prayers for her and we will have her back home soon. Thank you for all the love and support. We read the messages you all send to her regularly.

Thursday, October 24, 2002 at 08:32 PM (CDT)

Ronda had a busy day today. All the therapies came in to work with her. But the one she likes the best is music therapy. One of Rondas favorite songs in by Reba "I'm a Survivor". The therapist came in and sang the song to Ronda and has Ronda play with the guitar. They give her an oversized pick and they hold the fingering while Ronda strums. She really enjoys this and does a great job playing. The change to the regular ward has confused her a little as in ICU they would give her a bath just before she went to bed for the night. Now in the peds ward the bath is first thing in the morning. With a brain injury routine is a very important thing. It will be great when she gets to rehab and every day will be structured. Today Rondas Aunt sent her flowers in a bear vase. She likes looking at the flowers and cards sent to her. The head of rehabilitation is meeting with Rondas doctors tonight to evaluate when she will move to rehab. Hopefully this will help speed up getting rid of the trache so she can start to communicate better with us.

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at 07:30 PM (CDT)

Great news RONDA IS OUT OF ICU. They transfered her to the pediatrics unit at 11:00am today. She will be in there for a couple of days or more until her digestive system is working better. She is setting up in her chair every day and PT is working with her. We toured the rehab unit today and they are anxious to have her up there full time. Visiting hours are from 10:30am to 8:30pm. They still have a two person policy but anyone that would like to come see Ronda is welcome.

Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 07:59 PM (CDT)

Ronda slept all night Monday and unlike her she slept until 10am. The physical therapist had Ronda standing today and wanted her to lean on the table by her bed. There was a towel on the end of the table and Ronda pulled the towel over to her and put her head on the towel. She didn't want to stand there she wanted to rest her head. The ICU had a new atttending physician today and he felt that they were over medicating Ronda, trying to fix every little thing without giving her body a chance to heal itself. So he had an ENT doctor come in and check Rondas trache and if there was no problem she would be sent to the pediatric ward. The ENT doc didn't make it in until a quarter to seven and there was no problems with her trache, just some minor irritation so they are moving her Wednesday morning to the peds ward. Rondas stomach is doing better but they still want to wait a few more days before moving her to the rehab ward. They have suggested to the rehab doctors to see about getting the trache out as soon as possible. We cannot wait for that to happen and I know Ronda would like to get rid of it. We will let you know what room Ronda is in tomorrow evening. STAY TUNED!!!!!

Monday, October 21, 2002 at 08:03 PM (CDT)

Ronda had a good day today. She slept all night last night and so she was more alert today. The doctor that was suppose to work on her trache had a truama case come in so hopefully they will get to it tomorrow. Rondas stomach is doing better today, they stopped the last antbiotic they were giving her and that must of been what was upsetting her system. The fevers are still coming and going but they feel that is just the brain not regulating things properly yet. So they are not worried about the low grade fever. If Ronda keeps going as good as she did today maybe we can get her moved to rehab this week and be that much closer to getting her home. I just want everyone to know that I print off all of your comments from the guest book and we read them all to Ronda. And she does like hearing from you.

Sunday, October 20, 2002 at 08:38 PM (CDT)

Back from the hospital and I need to update everyone on Ronda's progress. They have been telling us to be prepared for plateaus in Rondas progress and she is at one now. Ronda is still having problems with her stomach and low grade fevers every day. She is still getting in the wheelchair and responding to us but the doctors want to keep her in ICU until they have these last two thing under control. They didn't do anything with her trache over the weekend, hopefully they will do something tomorrow. People keep asking us how we are doing and we are fine we just wish Ronda didn't have to go through so much. But there are bright spots also. Saturday two of the nurses were joking around in Ronda's room calling each other losers and putting their finger and thumb in an L on their foreheads. They asked Ronda to make the loser sign, which she did and then they asked her who was the loser? Ronda pointed to her nurse and then started laughing. Several of the nurses have become really close with Ronda and she will kid around with them. In the afternoon Ronda and I were watching Angels in the Outfield and during parts of the movie she would smile. I said to her we believe in angels don't we and she squeezed my hand and nodded yes. Our Ronda is with us even if she cannot do all the things she did reguarly right now. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and today Ronda has had visitors. She likes seeing people and will communicate in her own way (wave, hold hands, give tumbs up, nod). If you would like to visit Ronda she is still in ICU but a couple of people at a time are allowed in if Lori or I are there. We just ask that you call or E-mail us and set up an appointment so we don't get too many visitors at one time. I know I have said this before but your prayers and concern for Ronda and our family have touched us deeply and we don't know how to thank everyone for their kindness. You really are showing the true love of Christ in showing us so much love.

Sunday, October 20, 2002 at 08:30 PM (CDT)

Friday, October 18, 2002 at 07:44 PM (CDT)

Today Rondas' stomach is doing better so they have started her on a custom blend of food and they are giving it to her real slow. Again Ronda has a low grade fever tonight. They cannot figure out what is causing it, could just be the brain doing weird things. A couple of Rondas classmates came to see her today. Lori says they were drawing but she didn't know what. Being in a large hospital makes things go slow so the people that are suppose to work on her trache have not shown up and it's 8:30pm. Now we don't know if her trache will get changed until Monday. Ronda is doing even better when they move her from her bed to the wheelchair. She is getting stronger. We are just waiting for them to move her to rehab.

Thursday, October 17, 2002 at 09:07 PM (CDT)

Ronda had the swollow test this afternoon and she did good. They started out giving her a small amount of clear liquid and move up to thicker and thicker liquids to a pudding stage. She swollowed all of these with no problem. Then they gave her a small piece of solid cracker but she would not chew. So that was the end of the test for today. The doctors said that they could change the trache so she will be able to talk and they ordered speach therapy. So the trache will stay for a little longer but she should be able to talk soon even with it. Today Mr. Krauss came up again and was talking to Ronda, She wrote Hi Mr.K on a paper and he asked her to write mom. Ronda wrote Mother instead. She was also writing Leannes name alot. No dad or Alicia though. I guess we will get her to do that when we are up there all weekend. She was writing numbers (1-19) after Mr. Krauss was counting with Ronda. After X-rays last night of her left shoulder the doctors said that the break was Rondas old injury from two years ago and the collar bone is not broken. But she is having a problem with the shoulder dislocating so she did tear something and they have her arm in a sling. Her legs are getting stronger and the physical therapists are going to start having her stand and move around a little more getting her into and out of the wheelchair. They said she was ready to start using the parallel bars to start walking. She just needs to get the digestion problem under control. Ronda went almost the whole day without a fever but started running a low fever around 8pm. After her bath which she helped with the fever was gone. Heavenly Father just keeps answering all the prayers that everyone is saying for Ronda and we thank God and all of you for your prayers.

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 08:28 PM (CDT)

Alicia and I just got back from the hospital and we have more good news. Ronda was sitting in the wheelchair when we arrived, and we started reading the cards and E-mails she had received to her. Then we got out some paper and colored pencils and asked Ronda if she wanted to color with Alicia. I wrote I LOVE RONDA in the corner of the paper and handed the paper to Ronda. She took the pencil and wrote as clear as my writing "I LOVE THE" then she stopped and did not finish the sentence. We thought it might be easier to write with a fine tipped marker so we gave her the marker and she started drawing a face with eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and then hair. Then she kept writing. It was hard to make out the marker but it looked like get well soon followed by oxoxoxox and then she underlined it. These were things she just read and saw and we think she was writing them from memory. What a great sight!!!!!! When I went to get her out of the chair and back in bed I helped her stand, still holding her up and went to turn her. She shuffled her feet to help get her lined up with the bed to sit down on the edge. The physical Therapist say that she has all the signs of a full recovery and she is not even to the rehabilitation floor yet. The test for her swollowing is set for 3pm tomorrow(thurs 17). She will be ready to have the trache removed we are sure. Ronda is the only patient in the ICU for the last two days and the regular Peds ward is full so that is another reason they are keeping her in ICU. They are only giving her vitamins thru an IV right now so her stomach can have a break and maybe we can get her digestion back on track. NO fever or stomach problems for 24 hrs. and she goes straight to the rehabilitation ward.

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 11:36 AM (CDT)

This morning the eye doctors came in and took out the stitches holding Rondas left eye lid closed. Lori says that she can move the eye all around and that it moves in parallel with the right eye. We don't know if she has vision in the eye yet but Lori says that if you move close to the eye Ronda closes the eye lid. So there must be some vision.
Because of the diarrhea she has been having she is getting dehydrated and losing weight, so now they are taking her off all food for 24 hours and giving her vitamins thru an IV. They are going to keep her in ICU until the digestion problem is solved and she goes without a fever for 24 hours. Then they will move her straight to rehabilitation.
They ordered the swollowing test for today so we will see how Ronda does. Hopefully she can have the trache removed.
Setting up in the chair and working with her has made Ronda alot more alert and she is moving her right leg more. Lori asked her if her shoulder hurt and she nodded no but when asked if her stomach hurt there was a big nod yes.

Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at 09:21 PM (CDT)

Ronda is still in ICU today because of a digestion problem. We keep telling the doctors that she is allergic to gluten and the formula they are giving her is making her sick but they don't want to listen. Lori was on them hard today and I'm meeting with them tomorrow. Rondas grandfather who is a doctor agrees with us and we'll get it straight. They are suppose to check her swollowing tomorrow to see if she can control the flap in her throat that covers the airway. If she can the trache can come out and we can get her on food that we know she can eat. This will take care of her digestion problem. We just found out Sunday that she has a broken collar bone and two broken ribs that they didn't tell us or her nurses about. This was a bit upsetting. They have been giving her great care we just need them to watch some of the details and make sure they inform us.
Ronda was using her legs more today and spends most of the day in the wheelchair. Mr. Krauss brought Ronda up a mouth piece for her tuba a week ago and Lori gave it to Ronda today and asked her how to use it. She put it up to her lips but with the trache there was no air to blow. She is also putting chap stick on by herself and helping the nurses with her stomach tube. We just keep praying for more small improvements and the Lord is helping Ronda give them to us.

Monday, October 14, 2002 at 04:53 PM (CDT)

This weekend Ronda has been spending most of the day sitting in the wheelchair. We take here to a waiting room where she can look at the city and watch people go by. This morning (Monday) the doctor came in and told Lori and I that she will be moved to the Pediatrics ward today or tommorrow. They said they needed the space for critical kids and Ronda did not fit in that category. Ronda still has a IV line in her right arm but they only have it there now if there is a sudden need. She is still being fed through a tube in her stomach and she still has the trach. The next thing is to get her days and nights straight. They tell us this is much easier in the regular peds ward. Plus being up in the chair helps keep her awake during the day. Ronda was watching a movie yesterday and smiling at scenes. Ronda still has a fever once a day and that is why she is not going straight to rehab. They will still work with her in the peds ward but they would like to figure out what is causing the fever before she is moved to rehab as they don't treat medical conditions they send them back to the regular wards. Hopefully she will be in full time rehab next week. We will keep you posted.

Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 07:37 PM (CDT)

Today I thought I would update the page with one of Leannes' favorite colors of green. Today Ronda sat in the wheelchair next to her bed for three hours. With her setting up the swelling in her left eye, head, and neck have really gone down. She is looking as pretty as ever, Even if she does have a shaved head. (I'm shaving my head the day she comes home so we match!) She watched several movies with Lori today and was really into watching them. The doctors say this is great because it shows that she can concentrate and gives her brain a workout. She is off all the IV's today so Lori and I will take her for a walk in her chair tomorrow. Lori was taking her picture today and she likes to pose for the camera. Same old Ronda always the ham. Ronda was given a pad of paper and a pencil today and she held the pencil but just didn't get around to writing us anything. We will keep working on this since she cannot talk and we want to know what she is thinking. We don't think she really understands what happened to her. We will see in the next couple of days if she can write things to us so we can communicate more than just nods. I went to the Salem High football game last night and got to speak to the band, what a great bunch of young people!!!! Thanks again to all of you that are praying for Ronda and our family we cannot put into words how much this touches our hearts and has made a big difference!!!

Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 08:15 AM (CDT)

I got home to late last night to write Fridays update so here it is. They set Ronda in a wheelchair for half an hour in the afternoon. That was all the time her neck muscles could handle. After the physical therapists get done working with Ronda she is much more alert and that is great to see. The Doctors are telling us that Monday or Tuesday Ronda will likely move to rehab. This is going to be long and hard for Ronda but she is a strong young lady and will do fine. After talking to the doctors we feel it is best to leave Ronda at MetroHealth for the start of her rehab. So when she moves we will let everyone know what floor she is on and Ronda will be able to have visitors. We cannot wait for the trach to be removed so she can talk to us but that could be weeks yet. We are just greatful for each small improvement.

Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 08:21 PM (CDT)

Our miracle child just keeps getting better. Lori and I have been reading the cards and e-mails that everyone is sending. Ronda enjoys hearing from all of you. Today they had Ronda sitting with her legs over the side of her bed working her legs. Her left side is not as strong as the right but she worked both. When asked to do 10 leg lifts with her right leg she did the ten and then just kept right on going. She is very weak after not moving much for over three weeks but she is a fighter and will be back running before we know it. Tomorrow they are going to set her in a wheel chair for the first time. Her rash is clearing up and I know that makes her feel much better. The doctor told us this afternoon that she will most likely move out of ICU the first of next week. We are so blessed to have Ronda doing so well and thank the Lord and all those in our community and across the country that are praying for her and our family. We just don't know how to express how much your concern and prayers have touched our family.

Wednesday, October 09, 2002 at 07:56 PM (CDT)

We just got back from the hospital and we have more good news. Rondas' kidneys are working at 100%!!! They did a skin biopsy and now know that one of the drugs they have had her on is causing the rash so they have changed to a different drug. It might take a few days for the rash to go away. Ronda has been put on a ventilator at night but today the doctors say that she no longer needs the machine so her strength has improved and she is breathing 100% on her own. We are so thankfull for the little improvements. Ronda has gone most of the day without any fevers and we pray this continues. She does still have a sinus infection and a couple other small infections to fight. Today Ronda was grabing the ID tags of the doctors and nurses and reading them then handing them back. She wants to know who is working on her. Tomorrow Lori and I will be checking out rehab centers so we can find the best one for Ronda. We hope to move her to one as soon as next week if she keeps improving as she has.

Tuesday, October 08, 2002 at 07:38 PM (CDT)

Last night was a hard night for Ronda and me her dad. At 12:30am the intensive care unit called the house and told me that lori was not feeling good and they had sent her to the emergency room. They thought she might be having a heart attack. I was awake all night waiting to hear from the ER. as they said they would call. Ronda knew her mother was not with her and did not sleep either. Lori is OK today it was a gall bladder attack and they have her on some medication for the pain. Ronda was very sleepy today but is continuing to improve. The doctors say that her kiddneys are functioning at better than 50% and continue to improve. The rash as spread to her entire body now so she is uncomfortable. She still has a fever and they think it could be from her sinuses. They are treating her for this and a bactiria that they noticed around her trache. She is still nodding when we ask questions and does know who people are when they come to see her. They checked her eye today and said that it looked good but they still don't know if she has vision from the left eye. The doctors say that if Ronda keeps improving they would like to move her out of intensive care in the next week or two. We are looking for the best rehab facility for Ronda now.

Monday, October 07, 2002 at 07:17 PM (CDT)

Ronda is sitting up, watching TV and reading all the cards sent to her. When asked if she knows the person who sent the card she will nod if she does.(she has a tracheotomy so she cannot talk) She is improving in all areas. The eye doctor did not check her today so we have no news on her eye yet. She does have a bad rash all over her back and they are trying to find out what is causing it. And a high temperature goes along with the rash. She says she is not in any pain but doesn't like to be left alone, so family or a friend are staying with her all the time. Several of the doctors that have been with Ronda since the beginning of this nightmare are now calling her a miracle child. They said they didn't think she would live but now the Head of Pediatrics said she was completely out of danger. We thank the Lord and all of you for your prayers.

Monday, October 07, 2002 at 07:17 PM (CDT)

Ronda is sitting up and reading all the cards sent to her. When asked if she knows the person who sent the card she will nod if she does. She is improving in all areas. The eye doctor did not check her today so we have no news on her eye yet. She does have a bad rash all over her back and they are trying to find out what is causing it. She says she is not in any pain but doesn't like to be left alone.

Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 07:29 PM (CDT)

Ronda is awake and responding to us. Today she was mouthing the words to the song I Am a Child of God as members of our church sang to her. Her kidneys are still having problems but she continues to improve little by litte. The eye doctors will be checking out her left eye tomorrow (Oct 7) to see how much vision she has out of that eye. Your prayers are appreciated and they are making a difference.

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