For almost three months now, Ella has been in a coma, following the removal of a rare and cancerous brain tumor. About ten days ago, she began opening her eyes for several hours a day. Then last week she started shaking her head back and forth and moving her legs. She is now smiling and moving so much more. Her motor-functions are at about 20 percent of normal and for the last few days she has been battling a blood infection, which sent her to the ICU. But we are now back in her room, she is resting and her vitals are normal. Tomorrow I am going to upload the very first video of Ella, since emerging from her coma. I’ll add it to this blog so check back. We are going to give this girl the very best Christmas ever, as she has given us everything that we wanted this year. We also have to make-up for her lost birthday, as she turned 7 years old while in the coma, but she still thinks she’s only 6 (she was very confused, it was kind of humorous).
She has been doing just fine with her radiation treatment, although she’s lost all of her hair on the back of her head. Small price to pay to have the last few cancer cells eradicated.
So many people have been supportive of us, I don’t know where to start with all of my thanks yous. Let me just say, as you read through the past blog entries you will see how hard it has been for myself and all of us, to watch Ella suffering. We truly didn’t know if we would ever have our little girl back and I can say for myself, I was preparing for the worst, which was taking its toll on me emotionally.
We can’t describe the feeling of watching her smile once again, it’s so powerful that there isn’t a word yet that has been invented to give the feeling justice. Right now I’m watching her sleep peacefully while I softly cry, not out of sadness anymore, but because of the overwhelming sense of joy and optimism I now have. Her months and years of rehabilitation, MRI’s every 3 months, special needs everything, will be a cake walk compared to this last three months. Maybe not for her, but definitely for us.
And for those of you who have been there for our family and for Ella, we are indebted to you forever, you are the people who counter all the evil in the world. Arnie and Susan, you two are the King and Queen of Sonoma County, I have never in my life met more compassionate people than the two of you. And to each one of you who has donated money, time, supportive words; your kindness and support has kept us all going. Because of that, we didn’t lose our minds (maybe a little) or our houses or cars, and you relieved enough stress in our lives that we were able to stay afloat and now have the emotional capacity to put 100 percent of ourselves into helping Ella recover.
Thank you.
WOW! What wonderful news! I too, am in awe of what is happening to Ella, and am in hopes of meeting her and her sweet, sweet loving family. Peace Be With You All, and I will continue to pray for Ella’s recovery! Oh ya, and YEAH for her to have an organic lollipop! Way to go DAD!
Amazing news! What a wonderful Thanksgiving gift to see Ella smiling! Glen after meeting you, you & Ella keep on in our hearts & thoughts & we keep praying!
yay ella! yay ella’s family! my heart is full to bursting with gratitude and happiness, i am so happy to read this news! i might go do a dance out in the snow tonight. hooray!!!
What a gift to receive this wonderful news on Thanksgiving weekend…while the road ahead is long…hope will get you through…blessings on your sweet, amazing, strong girl!
YAY! I really don’t have any more words than just YAY. YAY. YAY. YAY. I can’t wait until Ella is up and playing around on the sunny hillside again. YAY.
Glen and Deb- The news of Ella’s awakening has brought tears to my eyes. I can’t express how happy I am for you and your family. Although I never officially “met” Ella, everyday that I took care of her I could feel her spirit and I knew she was in there. I can only imagine what an amazing little person she is to effect me in such a way. I hope someday when you are all past this you could bring her back to Kaiser so we can meet her. What a special holiday season this will be for all of you since your received the best gift of all- getting your little girl back. Glen, remember our talks… always, always have hope.
Laura
What a long, dark night…and now it is so amazing and wonderful to hear about Ella waking up and smiling! It’s just wonderful, wonderful news.
(On a practical note, I see comments referring to an auction, but not sure where to find out about the auction. I’d like to donate something.)
This is TRULY a time to be thankful…!! I look forward to our meeting on Peaks Pike Road…!!
Glen and family,
It is so wonderful to hear that Ella is awake. What amazing progress! It is also wonderful to hear of another family Arnie and Susan are helping….they truely are the King and Queen of Sonoma County! Many wonderful events ahead of you and many many more moments to share!
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/morgankirkbride
I am without the words to truly describe what I am feeling and what I witnessed spending Thanksgiving Day with Ella. Her progress is AMAZING! Seriously! She nods up and down to answer Yes, and side to side for No… SHE is with us!!! My favorite part of today was when Glen gave Ella Organic Lollipops – of course just a few licks, but she was hooked. She loved them! And she kept licking her lips getting the last of the flavor, the little things in life keep me going — Hugs to you all for your support, Deb
I am in awe of what is happening to Ella. I believe she has something truly amazing in her destiny. My heart is filled with joy and I hope one day to meet Ella. Peace.