Gabe's Occupational Therapy
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Looking Forward
Gabe's Occupational Therapy
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Make Enough of Me - Music Video by Julie de Azevedo
Make sure you pause the music player down at the bottom of the blog and listen to this beautiful song.
This is a song that my dear, wise, aunt sent to me. She sent it to me almost a week ago, and I just now got around to sitting myself down to watch it. It's a beautiful song, and I must say, is very relevant in my life right now...as it probably is to many mothers who might be getting kiddos ready to go back to school, and busy men and women working hard to keep their heads above water.
I haven't posted anything for a while because for one, I haven't really allowed myself the time to just sit and reflect, and for two, because I'm afraid how my voice will sound when I do.
First of all, we still feel so blessed to have Gabe back home with us in our lives. He is a hero to my girls, and a reminder of strength for me. I look at him, and how far he has come every day, and I'm astonished by his courage and endurance. He hasn't once voiced that he feels sorry for himself. He might get a little frustrated because his independence has been taken from him for a short time, but he is never left feeling bitter about his situation.
He is doing outpatient physical therapy at the Elks twice a week, and he and I will be going back to SLC at the end of the week to meet with a neuro-opthamologist, and also to meet with his plastic surgeon.
We continue to be blessed by people who want to help serve our family at this very busy time of need. The young women in our ward (church) have volunteered their time to come and babysit our girls for when I take Gabe to his physical therapy, and they will be coming over tomorrow evening to help me rearrange the girls' bedrooms in time for school.
Rainee is starting junior high this year. She will be getting up much earlier than our other girls, not to mention the fact that she's starting to need some more privacy which is why she will now be getting her own room!! This is a project that we have been trying to complete all summer long, but had to let it go because of the accident. She has been very patient and understanding, but I am so excited that I will have the help and the extra man power, (ie..woman power) to help me get the job done.
The young men in our ward have come and weeded our garden, which was really more weeds than garden, and we have an amazing family in our ward whose son comes and mowes our lawn once a week. I always have a hard time accepting the help, because they are things that I feel like I should be doing myself. However, the chores they are helping me with are always ones that seem to get put on the back burner because of the other more important things that need to be accomplished.
Priorities are a struggle right now because there are so many of them that need to be done. I'm not going to go through the list of everything that needs to be done because let's face it, we are all busy and don't need to waste our time in the details. What's important is that the girls' back to school shopping is all done (Yippeee), and Gabe is getting stronger (hallelujah)!!
School starts back up for me next week and to be honest, I am really nervous about work, and school, and kids, and Gabe, and the house, and the yard, but I know that with prayer to the one who is so proficient at working miracles, that somehow, there will be enough of me to go around.
I love you all for your support, and just for caring enough to check in to see how we're doing every now and then. It will be a long road of recovery ahead, but we will be so grateful for the friends who stick around for the ride.
We love you all~
The Chapeks
Thursday, August 5, 2010
There's No Place Like Home.
The images above are of Gabe and the girls seeing each other for the first time, and the day that Gabe acknowledged me for the first time after his surgery. What a sweet heart!!!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Look Ma~No Hands!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Hey-ya, Hey-ya, My husband's back!
I ended up sitting/standing by his bed all day long holding his hand. When I would try to lay his hand back down so that he could sleep, he would promptly wake up and put my hand back in his. At one point today I was cleaning his face and he looked at me with some sort of new understanding in his eyes as he smiled up at me. It was the first time I'd seen him smile in weeks, and it felt like the smile I saw the first time we met. I don't know what he has been dreaming about the last few days, or even if he dreams. But I do know that the look in his eyes is new. It's filled with love and admiration and a newness that excites me and leaves me feeling optimistic about his and my future. I know this experience has changed/is changing Gabe, and I have a good feeling that something good is bound to come from it.
The doctors are wanting to move Gabe onto the rehabilitation floor after the weekend to see how ready he is. I have a feeling he's going to be running circles around those doctors in no time. Today someone came in from physical therapy, and as soon as they introduced themselves Gabe sat straight up in bed to show him that he was ready to work.
The girls called tonight and I was able to put them on speaker phone so they could talk to their daddy. He was so happy to hear from them. He uses some of the little bit of sign language we taught Tori when she was a baby. He says thank you and I love you, and tonight when our little TT got on the phone he continuously blew her kisses into the phone over and over again...to which Tori exuberantly replied...MMMMUUUUAAAHHH!!
I am so blessed to have my mom and sisters taking time out of their already busy lives to care for my girls. I told one of my sisters the other night that I can tell how much they love me because of the way they show love to my daughters. I know that without them it wouldn't be possible for me to be here to help support Gabe. I am so appreciative of their unselfish sacrifices that they make for our family. They have been such a strength for me and I thank them for helping make this time a little more bearable.
Every day I am humbled at the sweet Christ-like gestures people show to my family. They have been such examples to me in my life. Everyone has helped us out in their own unique ways...from bringing Popsicles and books to the girls, to helping mow our lawn, to bringing my family dinners, to making a quilt for Gabe, to buoying me up with positivity and prayer. I have learned that there is so much healing power involved in the friendship that others offer. I'm so appreciative of the friends and family that we have who share their talents and love with us in our time of need. We love you all and are forever indebted to your kindness and generosity. Thank you!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I know all the updates must be exhausting for you Nakel, but thank you for being so diligent in keeping us all informed about Gabe's progress and your love for each other. It is truly inspiring and brought tears to my eyes.
I love you.
Trina
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Our Champ
Monday, July 19, 2010
Still waiting
Surgery
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Gabe's physical therapy is going well. He has walked down a long hallway and back without getting too light headed, so they are going to start coming in for physical therapy 4 times a day. He definitely has his work cut out for him.
Throughout all of this Gabe has managed to keep his sense of humor. From circling his finger around his ear and pointing at the nurses, to lifting up his hospital gown in front of a fan and curtsying, it is wonderful to know that behind all of the stitches and bruising and broken bones, that the man I adore is still there.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to care for him and tenderly show him how much I love him. I try to wipe his face and keep it clean around all of the stitching and the blood so that he can still look like his handsome old self.
Last night the girls and I were able to call him. His mom put the phone up to his ear while Rainee and Kaiya and I told him how much we loved him. His mom told us that whenever we would express our love that he would touch his heart.
This accident has touched the hearts of many. I am amazed each and every day by the love and generosity that is shown by the people in his life. We are constantly being reminded of the love that surrounds all of us if we just open our eyes and our hearts and see it. We are so grateful for the words of encouragement, the prayers, the good vibes, but most of all the love that people have been extending our way. Right now these words of encouragement are the only good news that Gabe hears in the day. Please keep sharing them with us as they truly help to lift his spirit and keep him going. We are so lucky to have you in our lives.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Physical therapy and breathing tubes
The physical therapist wants to start therapy with him today which will consist of getting out of bed and standing by the bed. It's a slow start, but such an improvment from where he was on Sunday. Gabe's eyes are still swollen shut so he is limited in what he can do. They don't want him walking into things. Once the swelling goes down in his left eye, he will be able to do more.
Gabe asked the nurse for a mirror today. She gave him one and he was discouraged by it. The good news is it will only get better and he has such support from his father and wife who were right by his side.
Nakel and Gabe received a beautiful basket for some ladies in the ward and were so touched by the kind message. Nakel has been reading Gabe the messages left on facebook or texted to her and he has been so encouraged by them. Tonight the young men in their ward will be mowing their lawn and pulling weeds. What great support they have been shown and it is very much appreciated.
Nakel will be driving home tomorrow and will return to SLC on Sunday. Her girls will be thrilled to see her and there has been an improvement in their moods knowing that they will be with their mom again.
Beds and prayers
I also just received a text from Nakel that Gabe is doing "amazingly well today", as last night they put in a tracheotomy tube(not sure if I've got the term right--but to hear he's doibg so well today is such good news!! More updates will come. Thank you for your prayers, I know they are being heard!
Amy P. (Nakel's sister)
Anything (and I mean anything) you need all you need to do is let me know.
I love you all so much.
Trina
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Nakel Chapek i feel awkward posting such fragile news on fb but i know many of you are concerned. gabe will be having the first of what will likely be many reconstrictive surgeries on monday. please pray for him that all will go well. prayer works. the dr.s are very concerned with the condition of his right eye though his left eye appears to be functioning properly.
14 hours ago
Monday, July 12, 2010
Shauna Archibald Rankin The nightly update: Gabe continues to do well. Nakel will come home this weekend to be with her girls and then will return to SLC on Sunday. Gabe is scheduled for an extensive (8hr) surgery on Monday. They plan on him staying at the Hospital in Utah for a week at which time he will be transfered back to Boise. YAY! The... will be putting a trach tube in tomorrow. I do not have any information about his eyes, but know that the opthalmalogist will be involved in the surgery next Monday. Our oldest sister Amy is in the process of starting a blog for Nakel to post information about Gabe's recovery. We will let you know when it is up and running. The girls are missing their Mom and Dad, but doing remarkably well.
18 hours ago
Shauna Archibald Rankin We are getting very positive reports from Salt Lake. Gabe was squeezing Nakel's hand and nodding yes and no. The doctors may start the surgeries as soon as tomorrow. Nakel's dear friend Jen is taking her laptop to her tomorrow so Nakel will be better able to post updates. Thank you to everyone who has called and offered their help and support.
21 hours ago
Shauna Archibald Rankin Everyone made it to SLC safely. Gabe will be taken care of at the University of Utah Hospital. Nakel was unable to see him last night as he was having some stiches put in. He will not have a surgery for a few days until the swelling has a chance to recede. The nurses report that he was calm and cooperative. Nakel will ...be seeing him this morning and will let us know any other info as it comes in. Thanks for your love and support.See More
Yesterday at 11:13am
Nakel Chapek for those who wish to help:please be in touch with my mom or my sis. shauna who can be foundon my page. i'm worried about my girls as i had to leave them within a moments notice yesterday. they are without both parents right now and very concerned for thier daddy.
Yesterday at 8:58am via Mobile Web
Nakel Chapek thank you for all of your love and prayers.gabe will be meeting with an opthamologist today to determine the extent of his injuries to his eyes.
Yesterday at 8:53am via Mobile Web
Gabe flown to SLC
Sunday at 7:52pm ·
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Please keep my sister Nakel and her family in your prayers. Gabe was seriously injured this morning and is right now enroute to Salt Lake where they are better able to care for his injuries. Nakel and my dad are driving down tonight. All your love and support is appreciated. Will keep you updated.on Sunday