Something new each day

Hi, it's Lilly, 

I just wanted to add a little to Amanda's lovely post because I had such a good time visiting today. Tech has been very long and arduous, and seeing Bev and Amanda just made my week. As soon as I walked into Bev's room, her eyes were on me. Not the gooey, half-open eyes of just a few days prior, but bright, clear, gorgeous and focused eyes. Amanda was already in the room, but Bev was curious to see who else was showing up. These little things are so exciting to see, I wish the whole family could be present. 

She rapidly goes in and out of what I termed the "zone", where it looks like she is dozing and in another phase of brain waves (part of the necessary healing process, of course) and then mere minutes later "comes to" and is looking around, bright-eyed and scanning her surroundings. Amanda and I told her that everything was all right. The cats are good, the bills, apartment, etc. are good, so all she has to do is rest and focus on healing. It helps to say these things because Bev's expression seems nervous at times, like she really wants to know what is going on and where she is, etc. If we knew exactly what to do to make her at ease we would do it, but for now, it's comforting words and touch. 

I loved how she reached around both of our waists in exploration, as if she were reconnecting or (wishful thinking) trying to hug us. We hug her back to the best of our ability. 

It's nice to see her move a lot, even if it is from discomfort. She moved each toe on her right foot, so the signals are reaching the whole way down on that side. When I was thumb wrestling with her, as Amanda mentioned, it was so cute and fun Amanda and I were cracking up. Never underestimate the healing power of laughter!

Thank you to all for the support- and helmet decorating.  It looks great.

It seems like just yesterday we were focused intently on so many numbers- the ICP, the level of alertness number (0-100, 100 being totally awake) and the non-numeric level of the drainage bag. We used to get all excited and/or nervous when her alertness was 70+. Now these things are gone and the numbers are simpler like pulse and blood pressure. The lack of numbers is a big deal- we can focus on her now!

I almost forgot one thing- Amanda said I was witnessing a first: Bev reached her left hand all the way up to her nose as if to scratch it or explore.

A p.s. for the folks back home who came to visit early on: She looks like Bev now, and I think you will know what I mean- her hands aren't swollen with the edema and her face is now back to the true color and shape (great cheekbones) we all know. As Amanda said, "Those are HER hands again." I hope this helps. :)