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.