SHE'S HOME!!! - Final Post

Delgean came home on Tuesday, 8/3.  She had a warm welcome from family, friends, firefighters, etc...  The Fillingim home was packed with people enjoying a BBQ and seeing Delgean.  What a treat!  She will continue to recover here in the White Mountains.  The family is so appreciative of all of the support they've received and recognize the many miracles that have taken place over the past couple of months.  While this post will likely be the last...I'm sure the Fillingim family would appreciate continued prayers in their behalf.

SHE'S HOME!!!

Mark Your Calendars...

Ra Jette informs that Delgean continues to progress amazingly well.  She is eating more, talking more, walking more...all of which are evidenced by the photos below.  She had a visit from a few Diamondbacks players and was even able to earn a day pass that allowed her to leave the hospital for a day. 

And...drum roll please...the doctors anticipate discharging her on August 3rd!!! 

She will be able to return home as she continues to recover.

Email

I received the following email last week.  Thought it was very nice and would make a good post...so, with Ra Jette's "OK" here it is...along with a couple of pictures:

          Annika and I spent the weekend visiting Delgean, Levi, and the Fillingim Family this weekend. I have to tell you that Delgean truly IS a living miracle! I have worked in the medical field for 20+ years and kept tempering your posts about Delgean's progress, thinking she surely couldn't be making such huge leaps and bounds so quickly. Well, guess what - SHE IS!!!! I could not believe my eyes when I saw her using a fork and eating chicken and french fries just one week after starting on thickened liquids! I was amazed to watch her walking with her mom and talking in complete sentences with her visitors! Ra Jette even told us that Delgean was kicking a soccer ball with her during Physical Therapy on Friday! I think one of Delgean's biggest motivators is being told she can't do something. For example, when the Fillingim's got bottles of soda from the vending machine, Delgean grabbed one of the bottles. Ra Jette said Delgean probably couldn't open the bottle. That's all Delgean needed to hear! Not only did she open one, she opened two bottles! She is so strong, she can even push herself in her wheelchair!
          Delgean told us that she wants a big pink bag for her birthday this weekend, so she can sneak out of the hospital and go home! She won't have to sneak out - she's looking at being discharged in less than 4 weeks! I'm sure she'll be working hard to fulfill her Dance Coach's directions - Delgean has been "excused" from football season, but she is to report back for basketball season!!
          During our visit, we took Levi with us to play at the water park at our hotel. It was so fun to watch the kids playing, relaxing, and enjoying each other's company. Annika and I feel so blessed to be part of this living miracle. We admire the love and support all the Fillingim's have for each other. We're sending you some photos to share.

Kim and Annika Robinson

Phone Call

Sunday evening at 4:30 I received a phone call from John.  He said, "Bishop, there is someone here that would like to talk to you."  I waited for a moment and then said, "Hello."  On the other end of the line I heard Delgean say, "Hi Bishop."  Her speech was a little labored, but not difficult to understand.  I asked her how she was doing.  She responded, "I'm doing good."  I told her of the people that ask me almost everyday for an update on her and of all of the people who have been and continue to pray for her.  I told her I would be speaking at a Bishop/Youth Fireside later that evening and asked whether she had anything she wanted me to tell them.  She replied, "Tell them thank you for the prayers."  She paused and then added, "And tell them that I love them."  It was such a treat to speak with her.  She has made great progress as of late in her ability to communicate.  There can be no doubt that we have been and continue to witness a miracle in her recovery.

A Tug of the Ear

This morning I had a chance to visit with John.  He informed that on Saturday he walked into Delgean's hospital room and began talking to the other kids.  Delgean sat up in bed and began having a conversation with John!  She asked him to tell her a story.  She clarified that she wanted to hear the story of the accident.  That happened three times over the weekend.  She knows her colors.  At one point over the weekend, Levi upset her and she grabbed him by his ear and pulled him to her.  I couldn't help but chuckle when I tried to picture that.  She's beginning to be able to express her emotions.  They are hopeful that the tracheotomy tube can be removed soon and believe that will allow her to communicate even better.

Picture Post

Yesterday evening Delgean began having trays of soft foods (e.g. yogurt, thick shakes) brought in for meals.  She is walking around with some assistance and is speaking more and more.  She asked her dad where he was going when he left he hospital this last time.  She continues to improve!  Below are a few photos that Ra Jette has provided for the blog.

Delgean and Ra Jette with some of the Young Women and Leaders from the Linden Ward

Delgean and John share a hug

Danielle and Delgean

Danielle and Delgean arm wrestling

Delgean getting all tucked in

Delgean showing off her eating skills

Levi and Cauy catching some zzzzzzz's at the hospital

Delgean getting her rehab on

"D" for "Delgean"

Yesterday I saw Danielle at the church for mutual.  She came up to me and very proudly asked, "Bishop, did you hear?"  I responded, "Hear what?"  She replied, "Delgean tried to speak today."  Danielle went on to tell me about Delgean's humming sounds she was making to her sister Chelsea.  Then, this afternoon I spoke with Ra Jette who informed that just today John, who has been working and trying to hold down the fort in Show Low, called down to the hospital.  After speaking with Ra Jette, he asked to talk to Delgean.  Ra Jette was so happy when she heard Delgean say "hello" back to her dad.  It was a labored "hello," but a "hello" nonetheless!

Also, in working with the therapist, Delgean complied with the request to write the letter "D" for "Delgean."  She then went on to try and write her name.  She wrote the letters on top of each other, but from the motions of the pen, it was clear she was writing her name.  Not satisfied there, she also wrote "mom."

She continues to prefer her chair to her bed.  She is working on standing up and walking.  Tests show that her lungs, throat and vocal chords are doing well.  She even did well on a "swallow test," keeping liquids down and away from going into her lungs.  As I was wrapping up the update from Ra Jette over the phone, in walked several of the young women and young women's leaders from the ward.  They wanted to go and visit Delgean.  Wish I could have been there in person for that great reunion.

Finally, this morning I stopped in on the Show Low Little League All-Star game out in St. Johns.  Levi, in full uniform, came and sat by me for a few minutes in the bleachers.  After he left, several of the parents commented on how great he looked and what a terrific kid he is.  We are so proud of him.

Ra Jette informed she has a few pictures she's going to send to be posted on the blog...so once I get those, you'll get those as well.

Wiggle Worm

I spoke with Ra Jette this afternoon regarding Delgean's status/progress.  I was told that, "she's coming along like you wouldn't believe.  They call her the wiggle-worm."  She has a chair she sits in for therapy which she likes.  She stood up for really the first time today with very little help.  She held her head up straight and tall.  She is a "go-getter" with her therapy and is more and more responsive to what she is being asked to do.  She's not yet talking.  Her therapy focus is on keeping muscles loose and keeping her mouth loose and moving.  The family feels she may be getting a little bit of a feel for where she is at and why she's there.  She is making progress and the family reports she is noticeably better today than even one week ago. 

Levi travels to Flagstaff tomorrow to see if he can get his jaw de-wired.  He continues to do well.

Movin' On Up

Delgean was moved to St. Joseph's Hospital on Friday to begin the rehabilitation process.  That is a great step and a necessary one for her continued progress.  I'll get more details and get them posted...

Giant Steps!

Since there has not been an update for a few days...let me try and recap the great improvements Delgean is making:

Sat-Sun:  Delgean was very active.  She watched television, followed some commands and was moving around much more frequently.  It was a great day/night/day.

Sun-Mon:  One of the nurses came into the room only to find that DELGEAN HAD GOTTEN OUT OF BED!  Everyone was very excited about this.

Tues:  The physical therapist came by and sat Delgean up and began working with her.  She was showing signs of responding.  He put her on her elbow and she pushed herself all the way up to sitting.  The doctors are now discussing moving her to the pediatric floor of the hospital and monitoring her improvement there.  She is responding now to roughly 50% of commands given.  If they can get her up to 80% they will feel comfortable in moving her to another facility for rehab.

In short, really great improvements over the past few days!!!

By way of a report...the auction was a success.  Those who came were generous.  The Fillingim's are so appreciative of Norma's help, as well as everyone else that chipped in.

Auction Tomorrow!

Norma Livingston, a friend of John and Ra Jette's, has worked tirelessly to put together an auction to raise money for the Fillingim family.  It will be held in Show Low at the Village Arena tomorrow, Saturday 6/12.  I believe they will begin serving lunch around noon, with the auction beginning at 2:00 p.m.  If there is anyone that has questions or desires to donate an item to be auctioned, you can contact Norma at (928) 537-2045.  I met with Norma to get some of the details on the auction...she has been able to get some amazing items donated ranging from golf packages at Torreon and Pinetop Country Club...to an autographed Diamondbacks baseball...to everything in between.  I know the Fillingim's appreciate all of her efforts.

Also, we've been able to get the PayPal option on the blog for those wishing to contribute to the "Fillingim Donation Account" that has been set up by another family friend through the National Bank of Arizona.  Any donations made through PayPal will go directly into the National Bank of Arizona account.

Baby Steps...

Delgean continues to improve in increments.  A couple of days/nights this week she had a fever, but that seems to have corrected itself last night and today.  The doctors took a culture of what they thought was bacteria in her throat.  The initial tests after 48 hours look like everything is fine.  They will continue to monitor that.  She slowly is becoming more active...for example, yesterday she lifted her hips off of the bed and lifted her head up.  She is not responding as fully as the doctors would like her to, which means she may go into a "home" prior to relocating to Phoenix Children's Hospital or St. Joe's for rehabilitation.  Once she is responding like they would like her to while staying in a "home," they anticipate moving her for rehab.  In the meantime, she is receiving some physical therapy and is doing well.  Delgean has had visitors nearly every day, which is wonderful.  Ra Jette and John have drawn strength from so many that have shared experiences with them of family members who have suffered injuries and have recovered.  In short, Delgean is improving little by little each day.

Levi Makes An Appearance

There were rumors circulating that Levi was seen supporting his baseball team at some of their games. His friend Nika sent this picture of the two of them confirming the same. He is recovering nicely. He had an appointment in Flagstaff this week where they checked on his progress. He is healing more quickly than they had anticipated and may be able to get his jaw un-wired in 2 weeks!

Delgean Yawns, Rubs Eyes, Rocks Out To Music

This morning Ra Jette informed that she is so happy with Delgean's progress yesterday (Sunday).  The nurses began alternating every 2 hours taking Delgean off of the respirator and putting her back on.  When she was off of the ventilator she was given oxygen from the hose connected to her hospital room wall.  She responded well to this.  At one point yesterday Delgean scratched her face, rubbed her eyes on two occasions, and yawned.  In addition, she enjoyed listening to a music CD one of her Young Women's leaders brought for her.  The nurse informed Ra Jette that she thought Delgean must have liked the music because it appeared she was trying to put the ear piece back in her ear once the music was done playing.  She also moved one of her legs quite a bit and was awake more than normal.  On Thursday or Friday the doctors will remove the tracheotomy tube (I don't know if I'm saying that correctly) to determine if there is any infection.  If she looks good, they anticipate moving her to a different facility to begin rehab.  In short, Sunday was a success!

Levi Returns To Church

Levi came to church yesterday for the first time since the accident and barely one week since his surgery.  Unable to take the sacrament himself, because of his jaw being wired shut, he was nonetheless anxious to assist in passing the sacrament.  It was a sermon to the Ward members on the importance Levi places on fulfilling priesthood assignments.  Then, at the end of the sharing of testimonies, he stood at the pulpit to share his testimony.  As best as he could, he shared his thoughts and feelings and thanked the Ward members for the prayers offered on behalf of he and Delgean.  It was a tender moment that will not soon be forgotten by any who were in attendance and a highlight of the meeting.

Improvement

Yesterday was a tough day to say the least.  The doctors were able to go in and clean out a lot of "junk" that was making it difficult for Delgean to breath.  Today around noon they will perform the tracheotomy and insert the feeding tube.  This morning Delgean gave Ra Jette's hand a good squeeze.  Her vitals are all looking pretty good.  I think everyone is feeling better today than they were yesterday.  What a difference a day can make.

The Latest On Delgean, 6/3

By way of an update, I only have the following information...early this morning one of Delgean's lungs collapsed.  The doctors have her back on the ventilator and have put a feeding tube into her stomach.  John and Ra Jette, like each of you, continue to pray for Delgean's recovery.

I thought, however, it might be appropriate today to share a recent story about Delgean that I shared with the Linden Ward on Sunday.  A week or so before school got out, our daughter who is 7, came off of the school bus and into the house in tears.  Ann tried to figure out what had upset her, but to no avail.  Just behind our daughter came Delgean, who rides the same bus home as our kids.  Delgean (age 14) spent some time with our daughter trying to comfort her and make her feel loved.  She certainly was not the cause of our daughter's sadness, but worked to help heal her.  We never were able to get it out of our daughter just what the problem was.  However, Delgean was able to comfort her.  Ann and I were so grateful for Delgean's sweet and considerate spirit and for the time she took to comfort our daughter when we couldn't.  I don't know that too many 14 year olds would take the time to comfort a 7 year old when they didn't need to.  However, anyone that knows Delgean, would certainly not be surprised by her actions that day.  Typical Delgean...

Update on Delgean...Creation of Account

For much of the day yesterday (Tuesday) Delgean slept.  The doctors anticipate conducting a couple of tests on Thursday to determine whether she can maintain her airway and feeding.  If she can, there will be no need to perform the tracheotomy.  In addition, if those tests go well, she can begin rehab as early as this weekend.  In the meantime, she is resting.

Also, a family friend has created an account through the National Bank of Arizona for anyone who wishes to donate to the Fillingim's.  You can reference the account as the "Fillingim Donation Account."  We are working on setting up PayPal where you can donate through the blog and the funds will be deposited directly into the National Bank Account.  That should be set up within the next few days.

Finally, a separate family friend is in the process of organizing an auction to raise money for the family.  It is tentatively set up for Saturday, June 12th at the Village Arena (across from Bodyworks in Show Low).  As I am made aware of more details, I will post them to the blog.

New Month, New Update

I spoke with Ra Jette this morning just after 9 a.m.  Yesterday (Monday) Delgean's eyes remained open while Ra Jette read an article from the Ensign.  She looked around the room.  The machines indicate an increase in heart rate and breathing when friends and family speak or hold her hand.  All good indicators.  The doctors are anxious to get Delgean going on rehab, which will likely either be at the Phoenix Children's Hospital or St. Joe's Hospital.  They plan to put in a feeding tube today and are deciding whether or not they will need to put in a tracheotomy.  In any event, while this will likely be a long recovery, inch by inch she is progressing. 

Levi is home and is recovering.  I had a chance to see him while he was sleeping on the couch yesterday evening.  The swelling in his face looked to me like it had subsided a little from before the surgery.  I had heard a rumor that someone saw him in Safeway.  Turns out it was true.  He went in to get some prescriptions filled.  One of his baseball coaches informed me that the boys were anxious to have him in the dugout as soon as possible.  Right now he is trying to recover enough to make the trip to Phoenix to see Delgean.  There may be a picture of Levi posted soon.

Wishing To Contribute To The Blog?

John informed me that there were a few friends of Levi and Delgean that have pictures from their visits to the hospital.  If you would like those pictures posted to the blog, please leave a comment with your email address and we will be happy to arrange for those to be posted.

Support Group

Given the proximity of the accident on 5/26 to the Linden Chapel, several youth from both the Linden and Lone Pine Wards saw the aftermath of the accident.  This was a difficult thing for any who where present to deal with.  In fact, it has been difficult for everyone to deal with, even if they did not see the accident scene.

As a consequence, an offer was extended by the medical personnel that worked the accident scene to aid in lining up a trained professional who visits with groups after traumatic accidents like this one.  We have accepted the invitation, with John and Ra Jette's permission, and would like to invite any who feel they may benefit to attend the group session on Wednesday, June 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Linden Chapel.  We anticipate that the session will take place in the Relief Society Room.

Bishop Norton from the Lone Pine Ward has extended the invitation to the youth in his Ward, and an invitation was extended in the Linden Ward yesterday as well.  We encourage the parents of any youth who want to attend to come with their son or daughter.  Also, this is open to anyone who would like to come, regardless of whether you are a member of the LDS Church.  We know that Delgean and Levi have many friends from many different faiths and this invitation is open to all.  The session should wrap up no later than 9:00 p.m.

The professional that will run the session was actually one of the helicopter pilots on the scene.  In addition, many of the public safety and medical personnel that were on the scene will participate.

Delgean Gets Her Own Room

Ra Jette gave me the following update this morning...

Delgean has been moved to her own room.  The doctors have taken her off of the ventilator, which is a major step.  She continues to be given oxygen.  Yesterday (Sunday) she OPENED HER EYES!  There are many positive steps that Delgean continues to make.  John and Ra Jette know that miracles have happened for Delgean to be where she is at and continue to pray for her progression and for continued miracles.  The doctors inform that at this point they anticipate a lengthy rehabilitation process.  The Fillingim family knows that Delgean is in our Heavenly Father's hands and have felt peace that everything will be okay.  Each time I visit with John and Ra Jette they are overwhelmed with everyone's love and support.  They feel blessed to have the medical professionals they have, and have had...and continue to feel the faith and prayers from Ward members, family, friends and the community.  Through emotional voices they asked me to again express their appreciation.

Yesterday our primary children and youth made "Get Well Soon" and "We Love You" posters at church that should be hanging in Delgean's room for her to see when she wakes up.  I also know that many of her classmates from school created posters for her.  Those expressions of comfort, coupled with the comfort I am positive she is receiving from the other side of the veil, are/will be tremendous sources of strength as she continues to progress.

Levi Comes Home!

I spoke with Ra Jette this morning who informed that Levi is doing well.  On Saturday he enjoyed a visit from his buddy Porter.  They walked around the hallway outside of his room for a few minutes.  Yesterday (Sunday) his uncle pushed him in a wheelchair all around the hospital.  The two ate lunch in the cafeteria together (keep in mind that Levi's jaw is wired shut).  He was able to go outside for a few minutes and sat up long enough to woop up on his uncle in a game of Yahtzee.  His spirits are good.  The doctors are releasing him this morning.  He will return home sometime today along with his Grandma and Grandpa Fillingim, Danielle and Cauy.  This is wonderful news!  The family has requested that everyone wait until Wednesday before visiting Levi, just so he can continue to get some post-surgery rest.  When you do go to visit PLEASE KNOCK SOFTLY. 

Two out of three will be home...one more to go.

Update on Delgean

Delgean continues to show improvement.  According to John and Ra Jette, the CT scans indicate that the swelling in the brain is subsiding.  The doctors are optimistic that there will not be any significant long term damage.  I am told that there is a portion of the brain that connects the left side of the brain to the right side (again I apology to any medical types who can describe this better).  That "connector" was jostled a little in the accident.  It may mean that Delgean will need to re-learn a few things.  However, the doctors inform that in time it will heal on its own.  Again, they are hopeful that there will be no significant long term damage.

Delgean continues to be in a coma, but is becoming more and more responsive.  She appears to be agitated by the nurses sticking tubes in her stomach (which is a good thing).  She apparently brought her hand up to push away a tube and even attempted to sit up.  She has movement in her hands and feet.  She is still on a respirator, but the doctors are reducing the amount of oxygen the respirator is responsible for, which is also a good sign. 

In short, Delgean continues to improve in "baby steps."  The doctors are pleased with her progress to date, as are her parents.

Levi's Surgery

Levi had surgery this morning to repair multiple facial fractures (for all of you medical types reading this, I apologize for only using terms I understand - in other words non-medical terms).  According to John and Ra Jette, the surgery was a success.  I understand that they needed to put a couple of screws in his face to help the bones reconnect.  Most of the surgery was performed by the doctors going through the mouth.  In addition, Levi's jaw was wired shut and will be for another 4-6 weeks.  The doctors anticipate that Levi will be discharged on Monday or Tuesday...which is wonderful!

Ann and I had a chance to visit with Levi yesterday.  His face was very swollen, so much so that I'm not sure I would have known it was him, until we had a chance to speak.  His spirits were very good.  He asked for a blessing, which he received.  I spoke with his Grandma and Grandpa Fillingim who relayed a brief discussion they overhead at the accident scene...

Several of the paramedics at the scene had been working on Delgean.  When a few came over to begin assisting Levi, he told them not to worry about him and to just help his sister.  His Grandpa's eyes welled up with tears.  Can you imagine?  A twelve year old boy who just broke nearly every bone in his face telling the paramedics that he was fine and to forget him and help out his sister!  Anyone who knows Levi is likely not surprised by that story.  And, as you might have guessed, Levi plans to travel to Phoenix to visit Delgean immediately upon his discharge from the hospital.

..oh, the other thing Levi was so excited to tell me about was the 3 new friends he's made through all of this.  One was the airplane pilot that flew him from Show Low to Flagstaff, one was a paramedic from New Jersey (the island, not the state) and the other was his nurse, whose name happens to be Levi.

Purpose for Blog

I spoke with John and Ra Jette this afternoon to get an update on Levi's surgery and Delgean's status following the accident on Wednesday, 5/26.  During that conversation, we discussed ways in which we may be able to assist the Fillingim family in updating the many friends who are concerned for Levi and Delgean.  John and Ra Jette have been so appreciative of the prayers and phone calls from so many.  They have felt everyone's faith and prayers.  However, to aid them in spending as much time as possible with Levi and Delgean, as opposed to returning phone calls, a suggestion and discussion ensued to devise a plan to streamline updates.  The decision was made to create a blog.  We hope this will enable all to keep informed, as well as keep the rumors as accurate as possible.  We plan to update the blog daily, or more often if need be.  We hope you will direct all who inquire about the Fillingim children to this blog.  Again, John and Ra Jette wanted to make sure that everyone knew how appreciative they are for your care and concern.

Steve Williams
Bishop of the Linden Ward