One Year Later

Sunday marked one year since the car accident.

Now being able to look back, it’s awesome to see how God protected us from what could have been fatal injuries and to see how He has taken care of Ben.

The first picture is of Ben (taken 10-20-07) the day after the accident. At the time that picture was taken his brain was still swelling and the seizures were just beginning.


Now we can look back and see what God has done.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!

Psalm 34:3

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23

Benjamin Update

On Feb. 20, our little Benjamin celebrated his first birthday. He is climbing the stairs lickity split and is acting very normal, is nearly walking, and his neurologist is pleased. We are praising God for these milestones in this young life.

His last MRI revealed there is still fluid in the stroke area. His neurologist is not concerned because he can see the child and knows he is acting very normal, except of course for his vision loss. However, the neurosurgeons (who have never seen the child) reviewed the scan and were alarmed and wanted him to have a shunt immediately due to the amount of the fluid present. They have an appointment with the neurosurgeons in Oakland on the 17th of March to put in the shunt. He will have a repeat CAT scan on the 5th of March and if the fluid level is decreased, his neurologist will cancel the appointment with the surgeons on the 17th. Our desire is that the fluid level will be decreased to spare him having a shunt put in. Pray for grace to handle whatever the Lord desires in this situation.

Also, Nannette had a severe contusion on her leg from the accident. The bruising has healed but she still has pain. He doctor was very alarmed about her having a blood clot and ordered a stat test to determine if there was a clot. We praise God that the test came back negative as she is pregnant and a clot would put her and the baby a great risk. He now testing is for a possible muscle tear.

Continue to pray also for Nannette and Dave as they have many appointments with their lawyer as he continues to deal with the insurance company.

Update on Benjamin

Benjamin is almost 11 months old now and we are praising God for sparing his life.

His MRI results from 12/28 reveal he did have a stroke (quite large) as it does show scarring with permanent damage. The stroke was not from the impact but from the jolting from the impact. His peripheral vision is the only thing that was affected. This loss of vision will not return but he will learn to compensate. It would have been worse if his acuity vision (sharpness or depth perception) would have been damaged. The brain bleed on the front of his brain is completely healed. The neurologist is amazed and says Ben looks perfectly fine. He is doing everything appropriately and will walk soon. He is scheduled to see a pediatric opthamologist within a few weeks to begin to determine vision loss and appropriate therapy to help him compensate. He has been seeing an occupational therapist already since the accident.

The pictures are recent Christmas photos of Benjamin and Alex. Very cute if I do say so myself.

Big brother Alex will be 4 next month.

Thank you everyone who has prayed and kept him in mind.

Marty (a.k.a. "The Mom")

Benjamin Update

We had an appointment with the pediatric neurologist yesterday. In his words he was "stunned at his progress." We have a MRI scheduled in about 8 weeks which will allow us to see if there is any permanent damage to his vision. We will start weaning Ben from the seizure medication in two months. He is able to sit up on his own and has been all smiles. We praise God for how he has healed Ben thus far.

On another note, the CHP is having difficulty finding the accident report. Please pray that this other facet of the accident will go as well as Ben's recovery. Thank you all again for your prayers and support these past few weeks. We look forward to what God is going to do from here.

Dave, Nannette, Alex, and Ben

Good News on Ben!!

Here are some photos from today. Ben is improving and we are grateful to see the Lord answering prayers. He is beginning to track what he sees and has gained back some of his neck strength. His disposition has been much better since he was taken off some the medicine for his throat. He is still on his anti-seizure medicine, and hasn't had one for a week. We have an appointment with the pediatric neurologist this Friday to see how we will manage his care from here on out. Please continue to pray for his strength to crawl and creep. He was just beginning too just before the accident. It has been humbling to see God's hand work directly in our lives in such a dramatic way. Though these weeks have been difficult we still count it a privilege that God would do such and awesome act in our lives. Thank you all for lifting up Ben and our family in your prayers. Please continue to pray for the other facet of the accident, the insurance. The police report has not been released, and we still do not know if the person who hit us was insured. We know that God will work through this situation as he has with Ben, none of this was a surprise to Him. Thank you again for your prayers.

Dave, Nannette, Alex, and Ben

Recent update on Ben

I (Kerry) spoke with Nannette yesterday and was thrilled to hear little Ben is getting stronger and stronger. He has been so weak while in the hospital and everyday he gains more strength. He is lifting his head and trying to push himself up again. All positive signs of healing. He is eating very well and has regained movement in all of his extremities. This was a concern last week when his right side wasn't responding as well as they thought it should. Nannette was hoping he'd be back in his high chair soon. It's the little things that can make the biggest difference!

Ben is enjoying being at home and the strides he has taken since he's been home have been big. It seems being in familiar settings has helped him and calmed him a lot. Praise the Lord he hasn't had any more seizures in several days. If this continues he will be weaned off from his seizure medicines over the next weeks and months. He is laughing and "talking" again--Beautiful sounds!

The greatest concern for prayer is his eyesight. No one knows for sure how much he is able to see. I've always been told they can test a child's eyesight... but apparently it's not that simple. He hasn't been focusing or responding to his surroundings visually since the accident. Nannette said he did reach for a toy yesterday when they placed it in front of him. This was a positive thing because he hasn't been responding to any movement or thing in front of his eyes. It's still a big unknown and a concern. They just have to wait and see. Please be in prayer.

Dave and Nannette are relieved to have Dave's parents from Wisconsin there with them now. There are a lot of new adjustments that need to be made and it has been a relief to have them there. Dave was supposed to go back to work today, but there are so many loose ends to tie up. It's the little stresses that build up and cause the most anxiety. Dave's parents will stay for a few weeks.

It was neat to hear Nannette give testimony of the love and care of God's people and of God Himself in their lives. She has been overwhelmed at all they have done and have provided. God has been at work preparing them for this-- even before the accident. He is so good.

Thank you to all who have called or simply prayed. It has been a gracious encouragement to see the love of God lived out in the hearts of His people. People who don't know Ben or his family but have so lovingly brought them before the throne of God. God is at work and has chosen to heal and we are in awe.

Saturday update on Ben

Benjamin is home!!!! He was able to go home Friday - exactly one week after this entire ordeal started! That in itself is amazing and truly is the hand of God. We praise the Lord for this kindness.

Ben's seizures have subsided. There is possibility that he may seizure at home, but if he has none for 2 to 3 weeks, they anticipate that the seizures will not return. They will do an MRI in a few weeks to check on the progress of the brain healing. He is young and so the chances of quick healing is high.

There is definite loss of his right peripheral vision in both eyes. (Trivia tidbit: Both of the eyes have right and left peripheral vision. You can learn something new every day!)

There is talk of an account being set up by family and friends in CA to help with the expenses accumulated. If anyone is interested in this, let us know and we can contact you with this information as it becomes available.

Thank You to everyone for your love and prayers. It is so wonderful to see the body of Christ come together. We praise the Lord for this gift of healing. None of this has caught our God by surprise and His plan continues to unfold. Pray for all the families involved - including the other drivers. May they see God in this time also. Continue to pray for Dave, Nannette and Benjamin on the long road of recovery ahead!

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them, t
he days that were formed for me,
when as yet there were none of them.
How precious to me are your thoughts,
O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:14-17

Friday Update on Ben

Ben has been transferred to another hospital in the Sacramento area because of insurance issues. This changes all of Ben's doctors so there has been a bit of an adjustment.

Ben is irritable because of the medication he is receiving for his respiratory condition. He was seen by ENT and he thinks he is progressing well with his breathing.

He is eating well, in fact he is very hungry, which is also from the medication. He has not had any recent seizures. His cry is stronger and more like usual.

The big concern now if for his vision. From speaking with Nannette last night, it seems as though he cannot see close, she thinks he may be able to see movement in the distance as they move across the room. The pediatrician yesterday (unfortunately a new one) didn't act too concerned. The neurologist on staff at this hospital will see him today.

Please pray. God is our strength and our very present help in our time of trouble.

Martha

Wednesday Update

Wednesday has been a quieter day for Ben. He has had some more seizures, but they have been very mild ones. Right now it is thought that they are just reactions from the head trauma. There is no knowing how long he may experience them as every case heals differently. They are trying to regulate them with medication.

He has some swelling in his throat thought to be caused from irritation of the ventilator tube. The tube is out, but they are waiting for the swelling to subside. The swelling is causing some restriction and they are watching this carefully. They are giving him breathing treatments, running tests to check for restrictions or infections and scheduling him to see an ENT to rule out any other possible cause.

The injury to his brain is on the left side. They are noticing small improvements each day to his reactions and movements of his right arm and leg. Today he was grasping mom and dad's fingers. These seemingly little steps bring joy to the long days.

There is actually talk of sending him home as early as Saturday. They have reached the wait and see level as they wait for the swelling on the brain to go down, and he can do that as well at home. Nannette is understandably anxious about being home with him if he has another seizure (and that is a very big possibility). Dave's parents are making arrangements to be there so they can support Nannette at home and Dave can get back to work. (Mom is a LPN / Respiratory Therapist). Hopefully it will set their minds at ease.

Pray for Dave as he is operating on little sleep.

And so, we continue to pray for strength, endurance and continued healing. We praise the Lord for the gifts of life and healing He has provided - even those are undeserved. He is a gracious God.

Thank you to everyone for all your support and prayers.

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."
Lamentations 3:21-24

Another e-mail update from Dave. . .

I just talked to Nannette, and we had some set-backs in the form of four seizures today. I will be at the hospital all night (that shift seems to work best for myself and Nan). Please pray that I will be able to stay alert and attentive, as I usually fade out around 4:30 or 5 a.m. Pray also that they can figure out the right dosage of seizure medicine. They seem to keep switching between two types and quantity.

Thanks again for your prayers,

Dave, Nan, Alex and Ben

Tuesday Update on Benjamin

Benjamin had a good night and is having more periods of wakefulness today. His lack of alertness yesterday is believed to be a normal pattern because of the head trauma. His swelling is reducing and they are beginning to see Ben's sweet little face again.

He is beginning to respond with some eye movement and to sounds like mother's voice and glow worm (one of his favorite toys). He will be moved out of ICU and to a pediatric room. Praise the Lord for these little signs of healing!

The seizure yesterday is believed to have been caused by low sodium and now he is being given something to prevent it from happening again.

The biggest news that they discovered yesterday is that he suffered a stroke during the original injury. The damage from the stroke is in the cerebellum which controls eyesight. It remains to be seen what the ramifications will be because he is so young, but speculation is that his peripheral eyesight has been blinded.

There are some insurance nightmares on top of all this. They are part of the Kaiser Group and he is at LC Davis and Kaiser wants their patient. This would require a transfer to another hospital and could create traffic nightmares for Dave and Nannette getting to and from the hospital. Of course, God's hand remains evident because there are actually family connections in the new hospital area that have offered a place to stay if it is needed. All the little grace gifts God gives are very encouraging.

Thank You for all the prayers. I do hope that all may see God's glory in this entire ordeal. He was not caught by surprise in all of this and has a plan. We pray for the many opportunities Dave and Nannette have to live the gospel in front of the nurses and doctors. May they see that God is their hope in the midst of their tears!

Feel free to leave a comment of encouragement for Dave and Nannette. We will make sure they get them. It encourages them to know they have the support of their many friends and family.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah.
Psalm 46:1-3

End of the day update

Ben had a sleepy day today. They are watching this lack of alertness carefully. It could just be the normal pattern of recovery after a concussion or from having a recent seizure. There is also some concern because of the length of the seizure. They did do an EEG this morning, but Dave and Nannette haven't heard the results or what they think caused the seizure.

He is eating some and seems to be keeping it down. That is good news.

Nannette is on duty for the night and Dave gets to go home and sleep. Pray for endurance and rest. I am sure that in the quiet of the night fears can be very loud. I hope that these quiet hours become times of sweet fellowship and dependence on the Lord.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Psalm 121:1-3

More news on Benjamin

Ben has suffered another setback and had a seizure early this morning.

This was a very terrifying experience for Dave to witness. I can only imagine the helplessness of watching your infant son suffering.

I have no news as to what caused this or as to whether or not it could become a pattern. It seems that everyone, including the doctors were caught by surprise with this development.

There is more news to come . . . so check back again.

Please pray for Dave and Nannette to depend on God's sufficient grace. What an opportunity for God to reveal Himself to them. May they see His hand and seek His will.

Monday update on Benjamin

We have better news about little Benjamin.

Benjamin is off the ventilator and he is breathing on his own. They removed the neck brace and Nannette (his mother) was able to feed him a bottle. That was a great relief and a joy for her! They suspected that he might vomit some in the next few days as he attempts to eat, but I haven't heard how he has handled the food yet. Apparently this is normal.

There is less concern about the eye strain. My understanding is that it is caused from the original injury swelling and there is no concern that it is signaling new developments or new injuries.

As for little Alex, they had him checked over again and he seems to be okay and has stopped vomiting.

Benjamin still has more days of recovery in the hospital ahead of him, so continue to pray for endurance and strength for the family.

We praise the Lord for this gift of healing.

Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."

Isaiah 41:10-13

Benjamin Update (Sunday)

Because the information about little Ben is changing so frequently, we are going to try to keep a running update here on the blog so everyone can be updated as frequently. I (Tina) am getting this information 3rd hand from trained a medical expert (my mother) who gets rather technical. I will try to be as accurate as I can.

For those of you wondering what has happened, I'll start from the beginning.

On Friday, October 19th David and Nannette and their two boys, Alex (age 3) and Benjamin (age 8 months) were rear ended at a stop light and pushed into the intersection causing a multiple car pile up.

David suffered a severe concussion and apparently Nannette and Alex only suffered lots of scrapes and bruises. The baby, Benjamin, was injured critically. He suffered bleeding on his brain and is in pediatric ICU.

The bleeding on the brain was stopped initially, but Benjamin has been sedated and is breathing with a ventilator. There have been a few MRI's and CT scans to check for more bleeding and other injuries.

There was a MRI done on Saturday that has not been read by the radiologist as of the writing of this post. If the MRI reads no more damage, they are hoping to wean Ben off of the ventilator because he seems to be breathing more on his own. He is responding to pain (which is a good thing).

The update as of Sunday, October 21 is that it appears there have been some slight setbacks. They have noticed that one of Ben's pupils is strained so they are ordering another CT scan and an EEG. Apparently, in my non-expert understanding, they are looking for clots or more bleeding that could be causing the strain.

They also tried to take out the ventilator tube to the lungs but his throat is swollen. I don't know if this is cause for concern, but they are leaving the ventilator on until more questions are answered.

Also, little Alex is continuing to vomit. They are taking him back into the ER to see if there is any concern for this.

Continue to pray for renewed strength for Dave and Nannette. This is wearing on them physically and emotionally. They need extraordinary wisdom to deal with the insurance and any other details concerning care for Alex.

Leave a comment for Dave and Nannette and let them know of your support and prayers.