Steady Progress

 

We had visits this weekend from some good friends and family.  Kelli was able to spend time with us at the apartment and really enjoyed visiting.  Her energy runs out quickly and she needs rest frequently so I tried to make sure that she was able to get in a couple of naps when I could see that she was worn out.  Her energy levels should improve as her injuries heal but her energy is used up for healing first and even conversation can wear her out quickly.  I was able to walk her around the nurse's station today for about 4 laps and she really enjoyed this.  She loves to be up and walking.  I know that this week will bring more big improvements as she continues to get the pieces back.  Her schedule is full of therapy sessions with periods of rest time this week.  I'm excited to see her improvements for the week.  I continue to get passed off on things to help us both be more independent.  This is due to learning new things as well as Kelli's ability to work with me as her injuries heal and she progresses.  I'll let you know how tomorrow goes.    --Chauncy 

Time With Family and Friends

Today was a great day!  Kelli was able to come to the apartment and spend time with family and a few friends.  She got to spend time with Milli and feed Logan which I know she really enjoyed.  We also got some pizza and she had a piece... this was a relief since she has been eating cafeteria food for so long.  She was able to come to the apartment intermittently between naps and I think it was good for her to get to visit a bit.  I have to keep close track of her and make sure she doesn't get very fatigued.  When she starts to show signs of fatigue, I try to get her back to take a nap.  It's vital for her to get sleep in order to heal.  Tomorrow she'll get to come and spend time again and I know she really enjoys the feeling of normalcy that this brings.  More tomorrow, take care.   --Chauncy

Keep your comments coming!  We find much strength and encouragement from your thoughts.  We know that Kelli and Chauncy appreciate the time you take to leave a comment.

Let the Sun Shine!

Kelli went through several assessments today.  These are done in order to figure out how to best help her with any weaknesses she may have as a result of her injuries.  Her therapists also spent time assessing my ability to keep Kelli safe so that I can bring her to the apartment for short periods of time over the weekend.  I've also been trained to help her walk a little bit and keep her safe so that she can work on her walking over the weekend.  We were able to spend some time outside today and it felt great...it was 60 degrees out this afternoon and the sun was bright.  Kelli loved the fresh air and sunshine.  It was really nice to be outside for a longer period of time and soak in the nice weather.  I was able to go out with my brother, his daughter Amelia, and Milli this evening for a hamburger and shake.  It was nice to get away for a bit and just be with our daughters.  I think it's important to get some more one on one time with the kids when I get a chance, it's healthy for all of us.  Kelli was also able to spend time with Logan and Milli today and they really seem to brighten her spirits.  I'm excited for Kelli to get to spend some time in the apartment with the kids tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes.   --Chauncy

*** Don't forget about your "Team Johnson" photos due Feb. 8th!  Also, don't miss update with information on the Johnson Family Benefit Fundraiser to see what you can do to help!  As always, we appreciate all the prayers and support!*****

Home Cookin' Coming Up!

Yesterday Kelli was fitted with a new wheelchair that enables her to propel herself with her feet.  This is another step in the process toward walking on her own and allows her to exercise her legs much more.  Tomorrow I'm getting additional training so that she can come to the apartment on the hospital campus for short periods of time over the weekend.  This is really exiting!  Hopefully I can cook her a favorite dish.  She hasn't had much of an appetite so hopefully some home-cooked food will help her out a bit.  She continues to wear out easily which is normal for her injury so I'm doing my best to make sure she gets naps and plenty of sleep at night. This is essential for her injuries to heal.  Please continue to pray for us.  I know you are because we can feel it but please keep it up.  This week has been a difficult one and we need everyone's faith to help us out.  More updates to come tomorrow...     --Chauncy



**Don't miss the previous updates regarding the Johnson Family Benefit Fundraiser! **** 

A Journey Not Taken Alone

The Johnson Family has been lifted up and supported by such a wonderful community of family and friends. 

There is a benefit, JOHNSON FAMILY BENEFIT FUNDRAISER, which is being held in Sheridan, Wyoming in April.  Friends of Chauncy and Kelli wanted a way to help and got the ball rolling with a great benefit in Kelli’s honor.  What amazing people Chauncy and Kelli have supporting them!

DETAILS:

Saturday April 2nd 2011    6 pm to 9 pm at the YMCA in Sheridan

100% of the proceeds of this event will go to the Johnson Family to help ease the financial burden of the ongoing medical care for Kelli.

If you can’t attend and still would like to contribute, please call or email Sue Howell at 307-674-7469 or spiderhowell@hotmail.com .

We are also still soliciting donations for the silent auction and sponsorships.

Event:  Silent Auction, Live Music by the Craft Brothers, Food, Raffle, Kids activities and open play land.

The Johnson Family would like to thank Traci Eisenman, Melanie Araas, Sue Howell, Debbie Mortensen, Sandy Sare, Julie (Baker) Morris, Carrie (Grams) Herbert, Stephanie (Bennett) Lucero and SOOOO many more working with this team. 

Here is part of a message from Melanie, “I honestly feel so inspired and humbled by following their journey.  Chauncy’s strength is astounding. To see all these people come together to support them is so profound. I have not stopped thinking and praying for your family since hearing and this fundraiser is giving me a way to channel my feelings into something useful.  We are seeing great things happening and hope for a huge turnout.”

For more information, there is a Facebook page, Johnson Family Benefit Fundraiser, set up with all the information on the benefit, as well as a flyer that can be printed out and posted for others to see.  Help get the word out for this wonderful cause to benefit an amazing family that has touched so many!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165939606785009&ref=ts

http://www.melaniearaas.com/benefit/JohnsonFundraiser-flyer-FINAL.pdf

Calling Team Johnson! Let's Boost Kelli's Memory!

Today we worked on several memory exercises with Kelli which she did very well at.  She continues to improve and piece things back together.  She still has some cloudiness but this is to be expected.  A Dr. compared the situation to a broken arm, it usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for the bone to heal and then you have to take time to strengthen the arm.  Her healing is no different but the brain can take much longer than a bone.  We continue to work hard with patience and diligence and understand that this takes time.  I'm still so impressed with her and the amazing progress she's making.  Our hearts are newly heavy after sharing the information on the accident with Kelli.  I know we'll make it through this but it's not easy.  Kelli loves to have our family together and we make sure the kids come to see her during lunch break and in the evening after dinner.  These are the happiest times of Kelli's day and she is determined to "heal up and take care of our family"...she tells me multiple times a day.  I know she will, she does one step at a time each day.    I'm trying to get updated pictures of family and friends to help Kelli get updated and charge her memory.  Anyone that would like to can please send pictures in care of Craig Hospital to Kelli & Chauncy Johnson to the address provided on Caringbridge.org in 4x6 prints (so they fit in the albums I purchased).  1 to 2 prints per family or friend would be best maybe with a little information on the back.  It will be nice for her to be able to see pictures of anyone who wants to participate who has been a part of Kelli's life.  Thanks again for all of the support!   --Chauncy

TEAM JOHNSON PHOTO COLLAGE!

We would like your help, Team Johnson!  Chauncy's cousin, Gerri, would like to put together a photo collage for Kelli and Chauncy to visualize how many people are supporting them on the sidelines! What a great visual aide for her to see every day of those that are cheering this great family on!

So, this is where we need all of you!  Take a picture of you, your family, classmates, your co-workers, church friends, and/or your kiddos showing support.  Kelli's favorite color is blue, so if you want to wear blue, Do it!  IF you want to make a sign showing your support, Do it!  

We have over 600 people signed into this caringbridge site!  Let's make this a huge collage!  

Email your picture to Gerri at: gthronburg@hotmail.com  

DEADLINE FEB. 8th!  Please, let's show Kelli and Chauncy who their cheerleaders are!  We want your participation!