For the first time since August 12, when we arrived in New York, Raymond and I spent eight daylight hours outside the confines of Bellevue Hospital. Braving the confusion of Penn Station, we took the Long Island Railroad out to Long Island to visit some old friends from our days in New York. Chuck & Lucy Van Horn served us a fabulous lunch, and Chuck gave us a tour of the setting for The Great Gatsby. We returned, refreshed, and found that Jilly had successfully negotiated a second shopping trip with Rivky, this time to the drug store.
Overall, Jilly's therapy seems to be going well. She is a more willing participant in it and makes more progress every day, at least so it seems to us.
The remaining hurdles are an examination by the neurosurgeons and the removal of the PEG from her stomach. Aside from sporadic headaches, the PEG is her only remaining source of discomfort. Removal of it must be presided over by the surgeons who installed it. It's my understanding that this usually can't be done until six weeks after it was put in--which would be another ten days away; but the rehab doctor is hoping that it can happen sooner.
Today was the five-week anniversary of the accident. Donna Faye Burchfield, Jilly's great mentor, chairman of the dance department at Hollins University, dean of the American Dance Festival, told Jilly the other day that this unfolding story has taught her what hope is, and that it has changed her teaching. Anyone who saw Jilly during the first three to four weeks after she was hurt, then walked into her room today, would understand what Donna Faye means. We are so full of gratitude that we don't know where to put it.
Ingrid
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6 comments:
Amazing. So much love to Jillian. Thank you for this blog. I read if every day.
-Emily, Chicago, old friend of Jillian's
I am glad to hear that you and Raymond were able to spend some time away from the hospital, Ingrid. I am also thrilled to hear about how well Jillian continues to be doing. It was so wonderful to see all of you last week and I look forward to seeing you all again when you return home to NM.
Lots of love,
ana
Thinking of you Jillian. I read this blog everday as well. I am sending lots of love from Chi-town to you.
love
danielle
Jillian,
My heart sank when I heard about this accident. However, I am thankful that you are getting better everyday and that you are able to write messages about soy lattes! Continue to recover, and take it moment by moment. I know what it feels like to be moving one moment and wondering if you will be able to move again in the next moment. Much wellness and speedy recovery to you Jillian. (I hope you remember me~Natarsha~if not it's ok because I certainly remember you).
God Bless,
Natarsha
Just found out about the accident via a hollins newsletter today, and I just finished reading every single post. I'm sad she had to go through this but so glad she is doing well. It will take time.
- Keturah Hammond (Hollins '02)
As I read this blog everyday I am so happy with Jill's progress. It's nice to hear that she is a little more accepting of her therapy, although it didn't surprise me to hear that she was trying to get out of it as much as possible. It has been a long time since I have had contact with you all but I wanted to let you know that Jill and everyone there are in my thoughts everyday. It is nice to think back at all the wonderful memories I have of Jill and our friendship at Alwin's and The Academy...we had a lot of fun times!!! So thank you Ingrid for continuing this blog for all of us too far away to be there I'm sure your days are very full. I wish Jillian the best and send my love.
-Shana (Katz)
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