Anyone who wants to send some encouragement to Caleb

Caleb's NEW Address:
132 Hillside Dr
Norfolk, NE 68701



Elkhorn Valley Bank
Caleb R. Baber Medical Fund
800 West Benjamin Avenue
P.O. Box 1007
Norfolk, NE 68702-1007
Phone: 402-371-0722

Recovery in full swing

Recovery in full swing

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Another walk

Todd & I were able to take Caleb out for another walk on Saturday afternoon. It was chilly, but Caleb really likes getting out. Mr Hart stopped by right as we were leaving the building to go for our walk. Thanks. Tomorrow, Monday he will go to St E's to see the Dr & he will decide if Caleb's ready for an Allograft. If so & they are able to schedule it for Tuesday, they will. Todd & I will go down for the day on Tuesday if it happens.

Caleb is now taking an active role in his dressing changes. Actually, he takes all the dressing off. This helps him to control the pain. He has to do these twice a day & likes it MUCH better.

God has such good timing............we were getting ready to walk out the door to come home & his step sister Cassie texted him that they were coming over from Omaha. I know Charlie also visited on Saturday evening & Zach & parents were suppose to stop over. Today when I called, Great Gram Goodwater & Janice & Lloyd were over visiting. THANK YOU so much for visiting him when we are unable to be there. I do so appreciate this.

I also want to thank Pastor Matt for the message on Faith this morning! We need to be reminded to walk by faith............it's so easy to forget that!

Hebrews 11
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,Leaning on the everlasting arms;What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,Leaning on the everlasting arms;O how bright the path grows from day to day,Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,Leaning on the everlasting arms;I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain

Thank you all so much for the love & support you've given us!!

Love, Tami

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Long walk

Yesterday we were able to take Caleb for a long walk during half time. It was such a beautiful afternoon, no wind, nice temperatures, not a "normal" NE day. He really enjoyed getting out & we enjoyed the conversation with him. We also got to watch Iron Man with him. It actually wasn't too bad of a movie. It's so hard to find ones without tons of swear words, & naughty scenes........

How could I forget, we lit the Christmas tree that Todd & I brought to him. Caleb got to sleep in this morning until about 11:00.....who-hoo!!! Thanks Lori for coming on Sunday. I will tell Caleb to look for you all. I am thinking of you also & praying for you. If you need anything, please call.

We will go home later today to regroup for the next week. We have a motorcycle (Caleb's) to winterize & "stuff" to sort through, laundry, you know, the usual.............

Thank you all for the cards, thoughts, & prayers. God has been so good to us & we have felt His love surround us! Love, Tami

Friday, November 28, 2008

Sundays

Todd & I have just been hanging out with Caleb. We went to therapy this morning with him & to the cafeteria for lunch. We are planning to take a walk yet this afternoon. Caleb would like to get some outside time. We will be going back to Norfolk tomorrow late afternoon or early evening. So if anyone is free to come visit on Sunday, that would be great. Sundays appear to be a little more difficult as there are fewer visitors. Having visitors helps to keep his mind off of where he is, and sometimes the pains. Thanks Jason for coming last Sunday to visit.

Psalm 9:10 (King James Version)
10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Oops, the game is on, gotta go! Love, Tami

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

We want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!! We are going over to Murdock to celebrate together. I am so excited to have Caleb "home" for the holiday!!

He has a really cool picture of him standing on his knees during therapy. We will try to get it posted on the blog for all to see.

Caleb does have a very specific prayer request. He is concerned about his left hand. The arm overall works pretty good, but the left hand his having trouble. He is unable to make a fist. They are trying to find the right nerve to stimulate with electric impulses, but haven't gotten it to do that yet. He is concerned about this & would appreciate your prayers.

We thank you for everything you have all done for us and most of all we are Thankful to the Mighty God we serve! I am so Thankful my son is alive and with us during this holiday!!

Love, Tami

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Allograft

Caleb is scheduled to go to St Elizabeth's on Monday & see the burn Dr. He will decide if the left leg is ready to do an allograft. I got this info from the internet.

Allografts are tissues that are removed from one person and transplanted to another person. Allograft skin is used as a temporary burn cover, and will be rejected by the recipient within 21 days. However, until it is rejected, the allograft skin will provide many of the functions of healthy skin. Skin allografts will close a wound by providing a barrier against infection and fluid loss. They also reduce pain and promote the healing of underlying tissues. Skin allografts are used as a transitional treatment until autografting can permanently close the wound. Allograft skin is obtained from cadavers after consent is obtained from the next-of-kin. Tissue donors are carefully screened and tested for many transmissible diseases including hepatitis and AIDS.

If it's ready, he will have this done on Tuesday at St E's. He may stay a day or more, but we don't know for sure.

We are getting excited for Thanksgiving & being able to celebrate it with Caleb! Please continue to pray that his left arm nerves will wake up & that the left leg continues to heal well.

We have so much to be thankful for...............
Love, Tami

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Wound Vac off

Caleb called me at 2:45 or so & said they took the wound vac off & are not planning to put it back on. This has been painful for him. Please pray the God would lessen the pain for him. Monday Dr Voight (sp) is suppose to look at the wound on Monday & put something on it to see if it grows & if it does then it is ready for a skin graft. I don't know much else & it's busy at work. Love, Tami

Monday, November 24, 2008

Wii

I just got off the phone with Caleb. He got to play Wii for recreational therapy today. He thought that was pretty cool. He also got to hang out with his dad and brother for the day. He really didn't have a lot more to say, so this is going to be a short update. Thank you again for all your thoughts & prayers!!! Love, Tami

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Late

Sorry this is late. It's been a busy day on my part. Caleb had an opposite day. He said he was kinda cranky. Jason did come up to visit, but Caleb said he slept a lot, so he wasn't much for company. He was happy that he got to sleep in today. He did say that he was able to talk on the phone a lot. I'm not suppose to call him tomorrow until after 3:00, so I'm sure tomorrow will be a little later posting too.

I am getting exicited for Thanksgiving. I can't remember if I told people Caleb has a 4 hour pass so we are getting together with family in Murdock. I look forward to having him there for the Thanksgiving prayer!!!

Well, it's late & I have to get ready for work, so I'll close for now. We thank everyone in Vanderbilt for the wonderful care that was given to Caleb & Liz, he just about cried when he got the gift. Please keep in touch!!!

Love, Tami

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Weekend

So far it's been a "lazy" Saturday for Caleb. He ate 4 pancakes, took a shower & is now having OT. They really work on the burns & massaging them & stretch them. He'll have that every day while he is here. He was told this morning that the Huskers are coming over next week to visit, so he's excited about that. Not sure how many visitors he will have today. Rani (sis) is on her way over from Omaha, and I think Aunt Brenda & Sue are coming too.

Todd & I are heading back home this early evening to regroup & get ready to go to work & go to church. It's looking to be a busy week. I will be trying to go visit my mom, clean the house, put up Christmas decorations, and cook for Thanksgiving. We will be back down for the Holiday weekend and when we know what Caleb's next surgery schedule will be, we will figure out from there. He will be having a skin graft on the left leg next, I think. We haven't been told how far into the future that may be.

Sunne, we will make contact with you to get Kiwi. (Kiwi is our Quaker Parrot.)

We are thankful that he is here. They have been doing such good burn care. I will do my best to keep up the blog in the next week, but please forgive me, if I get a little busy this next week. I am so Thankful for Thanksgiving this year. We should be thankful every day, but this year will be a little special. Have a GREAT day!!! Love, Tami

Friday, November 21, 2008

Mixed up Appointment schedule

This morning Caleb was suppose to go to St Elizabeth for an appointment with a surgeon to look at his left leg. We got there and there was miscommunication & there was no appointment. So we came back to Madonna where Caleb gets to go into the cafeteria & pick out his own meal. THAT was cool! He ate really well. Suzi (my sister) & her kids came to visit. Caleb had OT & PT. He has that for 2 hours in the morning & 2 hours in the afternoon. He is getting around so well. He has a wheelchair that he propels everywhere. He has a pair of gloves that help him grip the wheels.

He should get his left leg looked at by a Dr on Tuesday, and then hopefully we'll get an idea when they think they will be doing his skin graft. Today we talked to the social worker & we are looking at Caleb being here at Madonna for appr. 6 weeks. Then out patient. We are looking at him going to Immanuel Hospital in Omaha for out patient rehab & staying with Aunt Kristen & Uncle Jim.

It has been so good for him to be here. They are really getting him going on rehab!! They take very good care of his burns & are pushing him to do a little more each day. We are thankful that Caleb is doing so well.

Please keep praying for the rehab on his left arm/hand. We've had some positive input on what they think, but it is still has a ways to go. They are really concentrating in therapy on waking up those nerves.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers & support!! Love, Tami

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Busy day!

It's been a busy day. Caleb had his first day of physical & occupational therapy. It's two hours in the morning & 2 hours in the afternoon. He was able to propel himself with his wheel chair from the other end of the building to his room. Next week they will begin electrical stimulation on his left hand. It's been extremely busy here so I will let you go..........Love, Tami

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Visiting Hours

Visiting Hours are 6 am to 10 pm. (I'm pretty sure) They may put more restrictions on that if it gets to be too many visitors at one time, but I don't think most people there have that problem. So, I would suggest that you give Caleb a call & see if he knows if he will have very many people coming on whatever day you are thinking of coming down. He does love visitors though, especially after not getting to see people for so long. Love, Tami

Assessments Begin

Caleb is starting "over" & will go through the range of assessments today. They need to find out what he can do, what he can't do, where they want him to be & what he needs to do to get there.

Todd & I are at home "regrouping" to go back to Lincoln. He stopped in at Lincoln this morning at 7:00ish, talked to Caleb a little & then we headed home to unload Caleb's stuff from college & motorcycle, do some laundry, Todd to sleep a little, take care of mail & banking & all that "fun" stuff!! We will be heading back to Lincoln tomorrow. Caleb's dad & family & Uncle Scott & family will be going to visit today.

I will know more after I get ahold of Caleb. He did not answer his phone when I called, so I will try again later! Thank you again for all the support so MANY people have given this family. Caleb has been overwhelmed by your love. Even more so now as the "fog" has lifted. Thank you!!!

Love, Tami

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Plane Ride

We are 18,000 feet in the air, on Vanderbilt’s airplane, heading to NE. At the very last minute they said that Caleb could have a passenger fly with him. Todd & I tried to adjust our plans in just a couple of minutes. It was not easy for him, but we knew I had to come with Caleb. I feel bad that the entire load was dumped on him for getting all of Caleb’s stuff at Lee & driving to NE alone. Please pray that God gives him an extra dose of Grace through this.
I am thankful that I am able to ride with my son to his new destination. God has been so good!! I’ll never be able to truly express the Grace & Love that he has poured out to us so generously. From saving Caleb’s life, to having him home for Thanksgiving, from giving me an amazing husband, to allowing me to be with Caleb during transport, and there are soooo many that it would be impossible for me to list them all.
Thank you all for your comments, prayers and encouragement. I do not know how people get through this life if they do not know the Lord. I know that He is knocking at someone’s heart who may be reading this. I challenge you to ask Him to show Himself to you. He will never let you down.
Love, Tami

Larry

Actually Larry, Caleb's step dad Todd knows your dad. And I think his dad (Marc) knows your dad as well. Both of them work for Nucor. One at the mill & one at Cold Finish. We have thought of your brother as we were hearing the news & have offered up prayers on his behalf. We look forward to meeting you at Madonna also. Tami

Last morning in TN

Please continue to pray for Caleb. The methadone fog has lifted & he is in much more pain. The emotional pain has "hit" Caleb & his heart is heavy. We talked & cried last night. Sometimes for what is unknown & scary, and sometimes for physical pain. He enjoyed the phone calls last night as we needed to go back to the apartment a little early to load up. We will be in NE sometime tomorrow. Grandpa, Rani & Levi will be in Lincoln today to be with him. We thank you for all the prayers for both of our journeys. Love, Tami

Monday, November 17, 2008

Last Full Day in TN!!

Well, today is Caleb's last full day in TN. It is a bittersweet Blessing. He has met such awesome people here at Vanderbilt. The care he has received is excellent. We hope you will keep in touch. We will never forget all that you've done for Caleb & taking such good care of him.

We have not gotten the final word as to flight time tomorrow. The physical/occupational therapy guy is going to come discuss range of motion and such sometime today. And we should be getting word of flight time sometime today also.

After Caleb is headed to NE Todd & I will go to Cleveland and load up his stuff & then head to Lincoln. I think Rani & Grandpa are the welcoming committee at Lincoln.

It will be so good to get him to NE. Thank you all so much for all your thoughts, prayers & support! A semi-new phase begins for Caleb & I am still clinging to the song by John Waller "While I'm waiting". We are not close to being done with this journey, but at least we'll be in good 'ole NE!!!! Please continue to pray for his left knee. It will still need skin grafting & there is the possibility that the muscles they've placed there do not do as well as he needs them to be.

Love, Tami

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Adjusting

The last couple of days Caleb has had to adjust to no methadone. It has made the general overall uncomfortableness more intense. They are letting him have other pain medications, but his pressure ulcer on his backside is giving him more trouble. We've been trying to keep him on his side to relieve the pressure as much as possible. Please pray that God would just put His hand on Caleb's backside & help the ulcer heal.

This morning Paul & Darlia Conn (The President of Lee University & his wife) came to visit Caleb. He told Caleb if he wants to come back to Lee next fall, he will make it happen. He will also check into online classes for Caleb if he would be so inclined to take a few in January. To feel the genuine love from these two people was such a Blessing.

We will never be able to truly express our gratitude to Lee University. Everyone there has been so incredible. THANK YOU!!

Sometimes I am such in such awe of all that God is doing & has been doing in our lives since Sept 20. He has taken such amazing care of my son!! I know he has a long road ahead of him, but I know he will face the future with God's love & courage guiding him.

Thank You also to all the people at Vandy who have taken such good care of Caleb. I hope we will be able to maintain contact with you all over the years, but please know that we will forever be grateful to you all!!

Love, Tami

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Quiet Day

It's been a quiet day. Caleb had a friend visiting and we went to the cafeteria. Otherwise, not much has gone on. He sure looks so good. He has no bandages on except a wound vac on his left leg. The chin looks WONDERFUL!!

He had visitors from Lee last night. And will have a few more visitors in the next couple of days. I don't have a lot to add. We are excited to get him home on Tuesday!!!

Thank you for all your support & prayers!!
Love, Tami

Friday, November 14, 2008

Madonna Address

Here is Caleb's address in Lincoln, NE

Caleb Baber
c/o Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
5401 South Str.
Lincoln, NE 68506

We don't have a room number yet, but I will pass it along as soon as I get it!!

Love, Tami

Questions

Iwill attempt to answer some of the questions. Caleb's left leg has a wound vac. on it & he is awaiting a skin graft on that leg. Rather than to stay here & wait to have it done, Dr. Summitt has decided that he can go to Lincoln & begin therapy on the other leg & shoulder, then when the leg is ready for the graft, that can be done in NE. The left leg is looking good & the Dr is very optomistic that he will be able to keep it at the same length as the right.

I don't have an address yet for him, as soon as I get it, I will pass that information along. But on Tuesday (we think morning) he will be escorted by a burn team to the airport, on the plane, and all the way to NE. When he has actually left here, Todd & I will go to Cleveland & get his stuff & then head back to NE.

I need to go though, I need to make some phone calls solidifying plans on our end. I'll write more later.....

Love, Tami

Thursday, November 13, 2008

We are Here!!

We made it to TN & got to see our Caleb!!! Grandpa left to go home, so we pray he has a safe journey. We are sitting here visiting about the sovereignty of God & how God is using this to bring Glory to His name!! I'll write more tomorrow & answer some questions. Have a GREAT evening!!! Love, Tami

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

TUESDAY!!!!

I just found out a little bit ago that Caleb will be flying to Lincoln, NE on Tuesday!!!! God is soooo good!! I just can't believe that it's happening!! And a week before Thanksgiving!!!

Soooo, if you are at Lee & want to visit Caleb, he will be in Nashville until Tuesday. Todd & I are heading out at 3:00am & should arrive there between 5-6pm. We will decide after we get there what day we are coming to Lee to get his stuff.

THANK YOU!! Lord!!!
Love,
Tami

BC/BS will cover

I've gotten word that BC/BS will cover a plane ride for Caleb to come home. That translates to 67% of the price. We do not know how much that will be at this time. The case manager is checking into that for us.

We are asking for prayer for the entire situation. We know that God is in control of each little detail & every contingency that arises. And I'm just plain gettin' excited to see Caleb again!!!

Love,
Tami

Good morning!

I've talked to the case manager & we are still waiting on BC/BS and then what Dr. Summitt thinks Caleb's needs will be to get to NE. There is a possiblity that Caleb would go to Rehab while he is awaiting his last skin graft. There are so many contingencies that it is easy for me to get a little overwhelmed, so I am trying to take One Day at a Time, and sometimes One Minute......I am cautiously optomistic about getting Caleb home next week, but we still need to continue to bathe this in prayer.

Psalm 37:4-5
4Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Andrea, Caleb is hoping to get to see Danny too!!! Tell him to stop on over!!!

Kyle, thank you for the information on ground transportation. I did mention this to the case manager. He thinks that Caleb will not be able to handle that long in transportation, but he will check with the Dr. We will let you know if they think it's something that he can do.

Thank you all for your prayers!!

Love, Tami

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Extreme Joy & Hope!!

I am weeping as I write this. I talked to Caleb about 45 minutes ago & Dr. Summitt said it is POSSIBLE that we might be able to get Caleb to NE next week!!!!

PLEASE keep that left leg in prayer. He would go to Omaha first if he's released next week, there he would have his skin grafting done on his left leg rather than waiting in TN for it to heal enough to do that.

I've put in phone calls to his case manager & BC/BS insurance. I am waiting to hear from them so that we can be ready if Caleb is ready.

I KNOW God is hearing these prayers & I thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping my son in your prayers!!!

Love, Tami

Surgery today....

I just got off the phone with Caleb & he said he is going into surgery today instead of Wed or Thurs. They are suppose to put the wound vac on his left leg & he wasn't sure if it was debridement or doing a fold?? He said his left left was causing him some pain, so please pray about that. I will try to call him later this afternoon.

Please continue to pray that his leg heals exceptionally well. It is key to getting him home.

Thank you again for all that people have done for us & on our behalf. The love we've felt is extraordinary!!!

Love, Tami

Monday, November 10, 2008

Keep Praying!!

I just got off the phone with Todd. He said when he called, Caleb was in Hydro & he spoke with Grandpa Bob. Caleb's leg is looking GREAT!! Let's keep praying that it heals exceptionally well & we can have that kid in NE for Thanksgiving!!!

Hooked Up to Nothing !!

Caleb told me this morning when we talked that he is hooked up to nothing. He has a drain in his chin, and his ostomy, but that's all. I told him he can escape easier that way......

He sounds really good in the mornings, so that's usually our longest conversation of the day. I couldn't understand last night if he was not able to get into his chair without the board or if he just didn't get to try yesterday.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible that has been sustaining me:
Isaiah 40:31
31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

But oh my, that waiting is not easy sometimes!!
Love,
Tami

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Renewed

Good Afternoon!
Todd & I were able to go to church this morning & be renewed. He is such a Mighty God!! A song that we sang this morning that really ministered to my heart was:
God will make a way
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His word will still remain
He will do something new today.

I am trusting that he will give all of us the strength we need as we travel this path He has placed us on. He has brought us so far already. He won't leave us there nor forsake us!!!

On a lighter note. When I talked to Caleb a little bit ago, he wanted me to tell you all that he is able to get out of his wheelchair & into bed without help!! Today he is going to be trying to get into the chair from the bed unassisted.

I am getting excited to go back down & see him. I can't wait to see how well his chin looks!!

We also wanted to Thank All of you that have helped us in so many ways! We have been truly Blessed by the genuine LOVE we have felt from so many people! Thank You!!

On a foot note, some have asked about posting comments. Just click on the word Comments at the end of the post for that day & then there will be a box to type in whatever you'd like to say. I usually post them as anonymous & then just sign my name...I hope that helps!!

Love, Tami

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Visited with friends

Talked to Caleb a few times today. He was pretty tired each time. He said that Allsion Casey & her roommates came to visit. When we talked to him tonight he was playing dominoes with Grandma & Grandpa. He thought Grandpa was winning........ Grandma is heading home tomorrow, I believe. Todd & I are heading out EARLY Thursday morning with the intention of staying until he comes home, to NE.

He thinks he'll have another surgery toward the beginning of the week so please pray with us, that things look GREAT!

I pray that the Lord holds each of you close under his wing as he has done for Caleb.

Love,
Tami

Friday, November 7, 2008

2-3 more surgeries

Hi!

I am disappointed as I write this. Dr. Summitt told Caleb & Grandparents that Caleb will need 2-3 more surgeries for his leg. He won't close it up until he's sure it's ready, which is what we want, but that could keep him from being in NE by Thanksgiving...........he's been having a surgery a week since the crisis is over.

So, I am asking for prayer that God would grant Caleb incredible healing to be in NE by then. I feel selfish asking for that, God has done so much already, but it's still my request......so to all who are praying out there, we are asking God to work another miracle.

Thank you again for all support we've been given.....we love you all........

Love,
Tami

Forgotten info

I realized sometime this afternoon that I forgot to mention a few things this morning. Caleb got the dressing taken off his chin yesterday. Grandma said it looked marvelous!!! He also got one of the tubes from his back taken out. That's where they got the muscle for his flap surgery on his shoulder. He can use the slide board to get to his chair.

He's been very tired the last few times I've talked to him. So I don't know a whole lot more.

Thank you all for the many, many prayers!!!!

Love,
Tami

Breakfast was getting cold

Good mornin' I got a little busy at work & realized that I forgot to post. This morning when I called Caleb, he said he thought he was getting a cavity.....Bummer.....and then he said he needed to let me go because breakfast was getting cold!!! Must be feeling better!!! Not much else to report on.

Thanks again for all the thoughts, cards, prayers, and everything else offered up on our behalf!!

Love, Tami

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Real Food

Todd talked to Caleb over lunch & he was VERY excited. He was able to eat some real food, so they were bringing on the Chicken Nuggets!!!

He sounded good when I talked to him over my lunch too. Please continue to pray that his left leg heals exceptionally well.

He was getting ready to teach Grandma how to use the computer. He was confident that she'd be able to pick it up. I am so glad he is having this time with his grandparents. I know that being able to get to know my Grandma Goodwater on a deeper level has been such a Blessing!!

I am getting excited to go back to TN to see him. This next week won't go fast enough. Hours are getting cut back at Nucor & so Todd needs to stay to work Mon-Wed & then we will take off for TN after that. Thank you for all your prayers. They mean a lot to all of us!!

Love,
Tami

Chillin'

I have talked to Caleb this morning. We didn't get to talk too long. I am at work & things can get pretty busy in here, but he said things were going good.

I wanted to thank the Meadow's for their soup fundraiser & also Wyld Life for their bowling fundraiser. We can never thank people enough for all they have/& are doing for us. It is exciting to watch God move in so many ways & through so many people.

THANK YOU!!!!
Love,
Tami

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Out of surgery

Grandma called & Caleb is out of surgery. They were able to close the chin, but not the left leg completely. Dr. Summitt is optomistic that he will be able to keep the left knee though.

It's crazy busy here at work, I don't have time to go into more. THANK YOU for your prayers!!! Keep praying about the knee though........

Love,
Tami

9:30ish

I just talked to Caleb. Grandma & Grandpa are there!!! Praise the Lord. It makes me feel soooo much better having them there. Thank you Bob & Bonna!!!

Surgery is suppose to be 9:30ish. Please pray that everything looks good. Caleb said last night, "Mom, this could be my last surgery." Wouldn't that be wonderful!!!

Mom's prayer is to bring him to NE by Nov 24 to get him situated wherever he is. And then celebrate Thanksgiving together. Todd & I have made arrangements at work to be gone through Thanksgiving.

Of course, if he can come to NE sooner, we'll take it, but that's what we are thinking at this time.

THANK YOU!! To everyone who has done so much for all of our family. We so appreciate it!!

Love, Tami

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Surgery Tomorrow

Caleb just talked with Dr. Summitt. He is going to have surgery tomorrow after all, to work on his left leg & chin. Please keep this in prayer as I don't know what time surgery will be and I am praying that grandma & grandpa can be there ASAP .........

Thanks for the prayers..........this is not easy on mom being here.......

Answered Prayer!!!

I apologize for not getting this posted earlier, but at 6:15am I got a call from Rani (Caleb's sister), who spent the night with him, that Caleb's digestive system in working!! Who-hoo!!!!

I've talked with Caleb and he sounds good & is very glad to be getting water for now. THANK YOU to all who prayed for relief! He said he was trying to get caught up on email.

Dad & Family left this morning & Grandma & Grandpa should be there sometime tomorrow. We have not been told when the next surgery is scheduled. Please pray that God would hold Caleb under his wing while he is waiting for more family to get there. That he would not "feel" alone. (It's a mom thing, I know)

I'll post more later. Thanks!! Love, Tami

Monday, November 3, 2008

Prayer Request

Caleb is asking for prayer concerning his digestive system. They will run a contrast test to see if they can see any blockages, but until then he cannot eat. He is asking that God would give him patience for not having food.

Thank you!!!

In Christ,
Tami

Still not sure

We are still not sure what is causing Caleb's stomach problems. Tammy said they were going to run another test, but I have not heard any more. Caleb sounds good the couple of times I've talked to him today. As soon as I know more I will post more.

Thank you again for all the support for Caleb's family! It means a lot!!

Love,
Tami

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Thanks!

Thanks Jan! Caleb has received a lot of support from many people, but as I am sure you are aware, there are going to be some large expenses. His out-of-pocket for this year is up to $4800 & then in January, there will be another $4800 or so. Then whatever insurance doesn't cover for prosthetics.

I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Applebee's fundraiser. Your support not only financially, but genuine care, was overwhelming. I thank you for everything people from all over the world are doing for my son! It means a lot!

Love,
Tami

Election Day Soup Luncheon at the Meadows

Hello everyone,
I have been asked to post this by my mother, Jan Nixon. She is having a soup luncheon at the Meadows on Election Day. In addition to the soup luncheon she will have a free will donation set up designed to help Caleb later on in his recovery. She would love everyone to come over have some soup/pick up soup to go and help Caleb.

Charlie

I've been asked to Post this!

Wyld Life and Young Life presents:(non profit, non denominational christian organization in Norfolk)
Bowling Benefit for Caleb-tues nov 4th 7-9pm$10,
Kings Lanes, Norfolk, NE
1/2 proceeds will go to Caleb's account at Elkhorn Valley Bank

I will check into the angel wings also.....thank you!!!

Better today

I called Caleb this morning & he sounded much better. He said he threw up about 3:00am & that relieved his stomach pains. They believe it's all the narcotics he's on that have slowed down the digestive system. They are also checking to see if there is any blockages. So, for the moment, no food. He is getting nourishment & has been by a feeding tube they keep in him to make sure his body gets the nutrition it needs to keep healing.

I just got off the phone with Tammy & she said Caleb had some friends that were coming to see him from Lee, I believe. Thank you! I know he so enjoys seeing his friends!!

Thank you all for all the prayers that have been lifted up for Caleb. Let's continue to pray for that left leg's healing and that this digestive issue doesn't become a problem. In Christ, Tami

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Stomach Pains

I've talked to Caleb this evening & Tammy (step mom). He is having stomach pains. It could be as simple as gas pains, but given our history, it's hard to relax about it. I am doing my best to remember that he is in God's hands whether I am in TN or NE, but it's not been easy. Please pray that his stomach pain would be alieviated. And that mom would be able to get some sleep in spite of it.

He didn't go to Hydro today. Hydro is where they use water to loosen the dressings on his wounds & clean them up and examine them. They just did wound dressing changes in his room today.

If all goes well, we are hoping to have Caleb back in NE by Thanksgiving. We've been told that it's not an unrealistic goal. We are checking into Clarkson in Omaha & Madonna in Lincoln. Transportation could also pose another problem as our insurance company may not cover a plane ride to NE. He may have to wait until he is able to fly commercially.

Sue, Caleb will not be going back to Lee University until August. He is really anxious to get back to his studies. He is a pre-med student wanting to go to the mission field. He had planned to go to South Africa this coming January, but that's of course been tabled for now. I have the same email address that I had before you moved, if you remember it. Otherwise our phone number is available through information. I don't really want to post any of that info on the blog, I hope you understand. It sure has been good to hear from you. I've missed you!

Well, I need to go, but I want to Thank you all for the cards, letters, thoughts & prayers! They mean so much to us. Love, Tami

Missin' Caleb already!

Well, we've made it back to NE & Dad & Family are in TN. We drove through the night & made it home about 7:30am. Todd is still sleeping as he drove 99% of the way. I called Caleb this morning. He said he is enjoying his visit with family. The drugs made it a little difficult for him to stay awake when he's on the phone. So, I didn't get a lot of info from him. I will call later today & see how things looked in Hydro.

His spirits are good though. He's been such a patient, gentle, kind person. He asks eveyone who walks through his door, what their name is & introduces himself & asks how their day is going. He leaves no one out & usually remembers their name from that time forward. Needless to say, he has really become a favorite on the 11th floor Burn Unit!!

Thank you Sue & Mike for the comment. I look forward to making sure Caleb reads it. He does try to stay updated on the blog also & read the comments. Mike, I even have Penn State sweats! (My step daughters live in State College!) Caleb gave me a bad time about that before we left. He said I needed some NE volleyball sweats!

We love all of you & are so amazed at all of God's people that are praying for Caleb! It makes me cry every time I think about it & I am so grateful that you've taken the time to pray for my son!!! Like Todd & I discussed on the way home. How Mary must have felt when they were crucifying Jesus!! I highly recommend The Passion if you haven't seen it! Thank you again! Love, Tami