We will always remember Ellie for her love for others, her creativity, sensitivity, and delight in life! Ellie's light has spread far and wide... may it continue to shine in our hearts.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Photo Journal

I know that Loretta gave you an update this morning, but I was able to get over to the house for a shower, so I wanted to get you some pictures. We shouldn't be in the PICU for very many more days, but I thought it might be nice for you to imagine where we've been "living" for this past two weeks. (Ellie will still be in the hospital for some time, but she will transfer back to Memorial Sloan Kettering once she is stable enough.)

A look at the door and nurse's dest from our corner of the room. Each room holds three beds and two to three nurses. We have seen a number of different patients come and go in our room.

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Looking at our corner of the room from the front door. (Ellie's bed is just behind the nurse who is sitting at the computer station.)

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A night shot from our window overlooking the East River and Roosevelt Island.

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Ellie while still intubated... and heavily sedated.

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Ellie post extubation (rather, third extubation)

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Shift change - John on his way out and Belinda on her way in... or vice-versa (I can't remember). Yes, that is a folding scooter that John's holding - he's our "runner" and boy can he get places fast!

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Snuggles last night - just before Ellie completely lost it and began hallucinating and thrashing. As you can see, she was more awake than I was. And she didn't sleep for the entire night. She eventually calmed down, but this morning she was talking without making sense and not responding to questions. The methadone times and dosages are still being "tweaked" today, but she is at least much calmer in her ramblings. As long as she is not afraid or anxious, she can be pretty entertaining at times. The black and white headband I was wearing in this picture was very troubling to her this morning. "It's all about black... and white." I asked if she liked it and she said "no" and when I asked if it was scary she said "yes." She has, however, decided "I'm ok with red." But "My head hurts from too much white!" And then this heart breaking declaration: "Been through...(long pause)... too much."

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14 Comments:

At 12:38 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Sarah!
Thanks for the pictures! It's so nice to see Ellie with her eyes open! They were shut pretty tight when I saw her. :-) I'm so glad you'll be out of the PICU soon! We keep praying! Ellie's right - she's been through too much! What a sweet girl.
I hope you have a restful afternoon together.
Carla
PS - In these pix, I think Belinda looks like Ginger! :-)

 
At 12:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you SO much for posting those pictures and giving us an insight into your lives these last weeks. So glad Ellie is doing better... I will pray God will give you strength as you continue to support her.

 
At 1:10 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a beautiful child you have!!
Get some rest Ellie. My two little girls and I are praying for you from Canada.

Hugs

Peter

 
At 1:28 PM, Blogger Jessica said...

Thanks so much for sharing the pictures, Sarah! I miss all of you@

 
At 2:11 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Our hearts are with you.
Even better, so is His.


The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 34:17-19

in The Best

 
At 2:34 PM, Blogger Whatleys' World said...

Hi! :) To reiterate anonymous #1, thank you for the pictures. :) It is nice to put a picture to what/where you have been writing about.

Yes, Ellie has been through so much. We continue to pray for you all. :) A hug to Ellie if it works out. :)

Karen

 
At 5:27 PM, Blogger Mollie said...

What a blessing to see the photos. I'm grateful for the privilege of lifting you all up in prayer. Knowing he is "able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask and think" - and many have been asking!
Mollie, Doylestown PA

 
At 6:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing the pictures, so that we can better envision you all up there. God bless and heal your sweet, precious girl. You're in all of my prayers.

Beth Nichols (Kim's sister-in-law)

 
At 7:57 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What an amazing family of love and light you all are! The pictures help a lot in our perception of what it is like for you. In the awake one of Ellie I see a family remblance to her handsome Uncle Mike! That was an interesting surprise. :) Leave it to John to find some cool wheels to get around on. Is he traversing the streets of NY on that little scooter or the hospital halls? Our hearts and minds are with you constantly and we are holding a vision of a happy healthy future. Many Blessings,
The Garcias in Paradise, CA

 
At 8:22 PM, Blogger Tricia said...

Yes, that sweet girl hs been through too much. I sooo get the color thing....we truely are kindred, (sensitive,) spirits. Thanks for the pics, Hugs to you and Ellie, Love Tricia

 
At 6:15 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ellie's blog is my home page as of the last week or so! Thank you so much for keeping us up-to-date. What a blessing to see her doing better!!!! We are praying the hallucinations will soon pass and the Lord will continue to heal and strengthen her. What a precious girl!

Love in Christ
the Corbetts in Gorham NH

 
At 7:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well Sarah your daughter has inherited your touch of color.
You have in the past brought touches of home to the hospital with you and a girl has to have color. Thanks for the updates, we love you guys.

 
At 10:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Ellie
Praise God that you are doing better.
We will continue to pray for you and hope to see you soon.Thanks for all the updates.God be with you all.
love
Mariah George& family

 
At 11:17 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Sarah and John,
You have a truly beautiful child in every sense of the word. I pray for your continued strength and faith, that these will help to sustain you during this time. I wish Ellie strength, determination, courage and the comfort of angels so that she emerges victorious from her battle.
With Love, Peggy (Belinda's VB Buddy)

 

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