Wednesday, November 3, 2010

On the road again…



"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jer. 29:11

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Is. 43:2

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut 31:6

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deut. 31:8
...For those of you who just joined in, those who came in the middle of those who have been following since the beginning but don’t know all that took place…..When we started this journey we were in the good ole state of Alabama…Ben was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA for almost 2 years. This blog was started the day of our accident by friends and family to get the word out. I don’t think that the details were ever told. I want to share a bit of what happened (obviously way more details that happened but that would take weeks to list) that night and then fill you in on our next step!
August 27, 2009 Ben called me on his way home from work and said let’s go out for a simple dinner. I accepted because the night before I had just flown in from WA where I had been in a wedding. We headed out a bit after 5pm and we had decided on Panera Bread…one of our favorite places! We were in my Honda Civic and headed out of our development. I remember pulling out of our development and that is the last thing I remembered! Literally 200 yards from there the accident happened. According to reports a Ford truck t-boned us and sent us flying into 2 more lanes of traffic that we crossed and crashed into a fence and hit a parked box truck head on! The first person on the scene happened to be a nurse! She later told me that Ben was breathing on his own, had a good heart rate but was unconscious. I on the other hand was rattling off phone numbers and not letting go of my cd’s…but totally unaware as to what was going on or what I was saying! I was convinced I guess that I would never see my cd’s again so they told me to hold tight! We were both rushed to the hospital (we love you all at Columbus Regional!) and put on high, critical care alert. As far as for the guy who hit us all I know is that he was sent to the ER and discharged that night. I “woke up” about 5-6 hours later in the hospital. I didn’t have my phone so I had no contact numbers. I was able to get a phone book and find a land line number to our good friends. Meanwhile mine and Ben’s family were being tracked down because I had given out numbers earlier. ..and tracking everyone down was from the Lord!!
I was in and out for a few days. My injuries included a broken arm and two areas of my colon were torn. Both required surgery and both were done within a few days of each other. I now have to lovely scars to remind me of how the Lord spared our lives! Ben’s injuries were a small sacral fracture and a traumatic brain injury. They don’t know if Ben even hit his head because there was barely any scrapes or abrasions to his body. I still to this day have not seen our car (I have heard it is horrid and I want to see it with Ben) and do not remember anything about the accident and the few days following. So, in a report it may sound like I had to brunt of the injuries but just because Ben didn’t require any surgeries (I have not met one brain injury patient yet that has not had surgery…thank you Lord!) his injuries to his brain were massive!
About 2 weeks after the accident Ben was transferred to Shepherds Center in Atlanta, GA. We stayed there for about 4.5 months and then transferred to WA to be closer to family. Ben and I were there for about 3 months before we then made yet another move to Palo Alto VA in CA. We have been here since the end of March….
Ben has made AMAZING progress during our stay here and for that I am grateful! One thing with TBI’s (traumatic brain injury) is that they have times of great improvement and times of plateaus. Although Ben has been making improvements the last few months he has been “plateauing.” I know it sounds weird and almost like an oxymoron but it is true. His mood has been affected and that is a hard one! It was suggested to us by Ben’s docs here that Ben would benefit from a change of scenery whether that be home or another rehab facility. Well, after much research, prayer and wisdom from those we love it I have decided (and Ben agrees) that we are going to go to another facility! Watch out you East Coasters because here we come…again! We will be going to Kessler Rehab in West Orange, NJ! This place is a top notch rehab facility that rates HIGH on the nation’s top places to go!! Insurance has been approved, Ben’s bosses have approved and so has Ben…so here we go!
Yes, it is the East Coast that takes us further from the families but I really believe in my heart that Ben needs more impatient therapies. There are not a lot of places on the West Coast that offer what he needs so we’re going to them! This facility has a few extra things to offer that I have not found at any other place. I want to take advantage of the fact that this place is available to us and go!
I have begun sorting, tossing, giving away and packing all of what either needs to be shipped home or shipped to NJ.
Please pray for us as we make this transition! It is a time of new beginnings but also scary, overwhelming, heat heavy, crazy times! Also pray that the things that they have to offer will be just what Ben needs for his healing and recovery!! Lord, I so want my man back whole and 100%!!
As of now we are hoping to leave next week! There are still a few things that need to take place between the new facility and our insurance. Please pray this happens quickly!!!
I will for sure be keeping you all up to date as to what is going on! I will try and keep up with the blog during this transition but might miss more days than usual…but then again I may surprise you all with extras!
Although our time here remains short Ben’s team of therapists, nurses and docs are all still pushing him hard!! Ben is a man of God, man of honor, integrity, strength and such a HARD WORKER! He continues to never surrender and do everything to the best of his ability!! He will get better, we will fight this and with God on our side we will win!

32 comments:

Jenn said...

Katie- I sent a card and talked about my brother being a TBI...

I could not agree more with your decisions to go to another facility! I have learned that the more rehab/therapies the BETTER! It never hurts, it can only make things better for Ben!

I will continue to pray for you guys as you make this transition

Tiffany said...

We are praying for yours and Ben's new scenery and pray that everything works out! Sounds like a great place to be. We also pray for safe travels. You and Ben are always on my heart since coming across your blog. You are so strong and your love and committment to your husband amazes me and makes me want to be a better wife. Good luck in everything. With God ALL things are possible!
Tiffany Abbott in NC

Jeska said...

I've read most of your story now, and I just have to say that you are amazing. I will be with you on the rest of your journey, cheering you both on! I hope Ben starts improving again with the move!

Jenn W said...

i'm a new reader, tried to go back and see what happened but it wasn't clear. thanks for giving us newbies a little glimpse into what started the long journey you have been on! i'll keep yall in my prayers as you transition over here to the East Coast, hope the move goes smoothly.

LaDonna Rae said...

PTL...your "story" is so amazing...I say "your story" but its really Gods...He is doing amazing things in your LIFE. Intresting enough, I twitted these same thoughts today
The difference was instead of

Deut 31:8 I used: Heb 13:5-6 AMP for He [God] [b]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor [c]give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [d][I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor [e]let [you] down ([f]relax My hold on you)! [[g]Assuredly not!](B)6So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?(C)

and instead of Is. 43:2 I used: Luke1:37 AMP For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

and instead of Deut 31:6 I used: 2 Chronicles 20:17 AMP You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [Who is] with you. Fear not nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.

I love how God’s word reinforces itself.

I will be praying for you both.

Theresa said...

I just recently found your blog and am so blessed by reading your posts. I am putting your button in my sidebar and hope that will bring more warriors before the throne on behalf of you and Ben.
I am an east coast girl! I am on Long Island, NY, a couple of hours from NJ. This is a beautiful part of the country and I am glad this facility has what Ben needs.

Elizabeth said...

I started reading your blog a few months ago and the accident broke my heart. Last month when you celebrated your three year wedding anniversary, I celebrated my three year dating anniversary. I couldn't help but think how I would deal with such a situation. I can't even begin to imagine. I pray for you two every night. I pray for God to keep you strong. I pray for Ben to keep healing and getting better. I pray for his smile to come back. I pray for your future babies which you seem to have an itch for.

Welcome to the East Coast! I have lived here my entire life and even though we have crazy weather, I love it! Be prepared for snow this winter, we had quite the snowmagedden last year.

xoxo
http://cautionblondeblogging.blogspot.com/

Goodnight moon said...

Thank you for retelling your story! I think about the both of you all the time...even though I don't know you, Ben has touched my heart! I will be praying for both of you and hope that he can make a full road to recovery!

Change is good and I am sure Ben will benefit from it! Safe travels!

Unknown said...

Katie, I cried reading this! I am amazed at how far you have both come, and know it's been a hard road. Even though I really don't have any idea, I can only imagine how difficult it is. You are an inspiration for perservering and being so strong in your faith and in your love for Ben! You and Ben both continue to be in our prayers each night. We love you!

♥ Marcy ♥ said...

Lots of prayers for you and Ben! Good luck on this transition! Very exciting ;)

Young and Fabulous said...

I found your blog through another blog who mentioned you as one of your favorites..last night I read a ton of your posts and just felt so happy!

I know you guys went through such a traumatic event, but reading about all the hope, strength, and love you both have for eachother is just so heart-felt..i was smiling the entire time! You guys are SO STRONG and Ben is going to be okay in due-time.

Welcome to the East Coast! I'm from MA and my hunny is from jersey (northern jersey) and it's a beautiful state! Remember to have fun and I'll pray for you!

love the blog girl!

xoxo follow me!

The Southbay Newlyweds said...

You will love the East COast!!! Hopefully you guys will have a "white" Christmas!!!! I'm from Hershey PA..currently in Los Angeles.. its a change but i miss the changing of seasons! Will be thinking of you both during the time of transition.

Adrienne said...

So excited for you two and your move to a new facility! That is great news and I hope the new facility has exactly what Ben needs!! You both are SO amazing, and SO strong! Keep it up and keep us posted! :)

Miss Southern Vol said...

Katie-
So excited to see Ben will get to move to a new facility and continue his healing back to 100%. Again you amaze me in your constant strength in God and in yourself. I cannot wait to hear about Ben's progress at the new facility! As always, you both will be in my constant prayers and thoughts. Safe travels to the east coast! Hopefully Ben will enjoy the new atmosphere and weather :)

Allie said...

Thank you for sharing your story! You and Ben are always in my prayers and I hope this move does amazing things for you both.

I was born and raised in NJ and I still have a lot of family there, so if you have any questions about the area feel free to email me! I will try and help you out if I can. I live in Virginia now, but I go back up there quite a bit.

imyewneek@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

prayers and love!

The Dadej Family said...

Keeping you and Ben in my prayers. Our God is so amazing, I know you'll have your Ben back to 100%. Travel safe sweetie.

Leanne said...

I can only imagine how many lives you are going to touch as you go out into your new mission field of New Jersey! They are blessed to have you, and we will be praying that everything the Lord intends to accomplish in and through Ben (and you) will be fulfilled! GREAT things ahead, Katie!! Go get 'em!!!

Jaclyn said...

Wishing you and Ben the strength to keep holding on! I admire you both! Stay strong! :)

Bayleigh said...

Found your blog through a link today, so happy you posted your story to let us newbies get a glimpse into your life! I will be praying for the complete recovery of your husband, and patience for you as you continue to watch your miracle unfold. Love from Alabama!

Anonymous said...

My Dear Katie!! Well, for me it's just as easy to e-mail you on the East Coast...so, that's okay. :) I am so excited at how far Father has brought Ben, and that Ben gets to go to a new facilaty with more to offer him. May you have a touch of grace at this very moment and know the loving hand of our Father, Marion Hansen

Lydia said...

Katie and Ben,
Thank you for sharing your story. I started following about a month ago. I am looking forward to hearing about your new journey in NJ. Praying for you both!

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD."
Psalm 27:14

Unknown said...

PRAYING! <><

Lindsay said...

good luck with the move! everything will go great and yall will be in my prayers!

Lindsey and Co said...

New Reader here....just read your entire blog from the beginning. I just don't have the words to say what a strong woman you are. You said you were stationed at Ft Benning if I remember correctly? Is your husband Army? I'm a Marine Wife :) I look forward to seeing all the progress Ben has made! I will be praying for you and Ben!!!
Good luck on your move!
Lindsey <3

Mallory said...

I stop and think of ya'll often! And shout out prayers for you!

University of Iowa Meg said...

Thanks for the background info...I pray that you both continue to recover...my husband found your button on my blog and has been addicted ever since to reading up on you guys! We're pulling for you here in the midwest. :)

Lindsey said...

Wow, you will be in my prayers and that this transition goes smoothly. May God be with you both and bring you peace during this new journey! Thanks You Jesus!

Jamie Leigh said...

Your strength and love is such an inspiration to me. I will be praying for you and Ben during your transition! God Bless!!

Sharee said...

You are such an inspiration. I too am a new reader to your amazing blog. I love how you are so faithful to our Father in Heaven. I love your scriptures that you post and am thankful that you have those scriptures to help you. You guys are a beautiful couple and I am going to start praying for you. One thing I have learned from you is to cherish my husband more. The love you have for Ben is truly wonderful and I am thankful to learn from you. Hang in there. I love the East Coast and pray that Ben will continue to progress.

Alma said...

Katie and Ben,

Soooo happy the insurance has approved your next facility! Keep your head up and we will see you soon. You let me know if you need me to ship anything from IKEA :)

Alma

NMNL said...

I used to work at Kessler Rehab. It's an amazing facility with so much to offer. Christopher Reeves (superman) was an impatient there for a while after his spinal cord injury.
God Bless and safe transition.