Saturday, July 17, 2010


Gabe is making such progress!! They have moved him out of the ICU because he's doing such a good job breathing on his own through the trachea. A speech pathologist will be meeting with him today to teach him how to talk with it.


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.

Love Always~
The Chapeks

10 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for updating all of us on Gabe. I read it all the time and keep Shawn up to date!

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  2. Your post made me cry happy tears! So glad Gabe is staying strong. You are such a beautiful and blessed family!

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  3. Thanks for the updates and sharing your feelings with us. So excited that Gabe is making amazing progress. Have a safe trip back to him. Love you Big!

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  4. I am so glad you started a blog. This is a great way to keep us all updated! Please let us know what we can do to help. You have been in our thoughts and prayers all week. We are glad to know that he is making such wonderful progress!!
    xoxo

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  5. So happy to hear that Gabe is doing better. You and Gabe continue to be in my thoughts, your beautiful girls too! Sending you massive amounts of love and courage. It's clear that the bond you share together is an unstoppable force! Much light and love to you and your family Nakel!! xo

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  6. So Happy to hear about Gabe progress. Please keep posting being 2300 miles away this is a great way to know how he is doing. We will continue prayers for you all and know our thoughts are with you. Prayers & Love Shelly

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  7. NKelly,
    Here is a blast from the past. Chris Delay sends oodles of Love, hugs and kisses your way. Tell Gabe is progress so far is OUTSTANDING!!
    Love you both- Jenna AKA Power Puff

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  8. The music is beautiful, but it makes me cry. Could you please post when Gabe's surgery is scheduled to begin, we will hold a kind of vigil for him. Flower Bud I miss you, and hope to see you happy very soon.
    Power Puff

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  9. Gabe, Nakel and girls,

    We are so thankful that Gabe is doing better! What a great man that can still have humor after all he has been through.

    Please know our hearts go out to Gabe and pray for his recovery. We also pray for all his girls during this very difficult time.

    Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

    Erv and Kara

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  10. Nakel--your blog has an encouraging feeling and I am grateful you are a member of our wonderful family. We love Gabe and know with the love and help of so many beautiful women who surround him, he will be back to normal (whatever that is) fast. I love you. Mom

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