Hi everyone. This is Jill posting. I know you haven't heard from me in a while. I handed the reigns over to Diane shortly after they got to California. The time has now come to bring Holli back to Nashville. Diane has been so devoted to Holli and her care, but it is getting to the point where she will no longer be any good to Holli if we don't get them home. Holli's extended family in San Fran have been wonderfully supportive and loving to Diane, but we all know that there's NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
So.......... this is what we need. We need contacts in Nashville. Holli will need an accepting facility and an accepting physician in Nashville. Please if anyone has any connections within the health care community in Nashville, we could use your help. If you aren't comfortable communicating through this blog, you can email me at jilllyle@hughes.net. Everyone was soooo helpful when we were trying to get Holli to the states........ so let's do this now for Diane. Holli will certainly be in good hands in Nashville also, but if Diane is going to be her caregiver, she needs to get back home.


Thanks again for all your support,

Jill

As we approach the 4 month mark since Holli's accident, I can see that even though it is a slow process , Holli is making progress. We have been so blessed to have so many friends, loved one and even strangers that have helped us this far with their love, prayers and contributions. I know God has had his hand in every step of the way and that He will continue to be with Holli and me as we continue this journey. I want to thank everyone again for everything they have done. I really appreciate the calls, cards and emails. I pray that before long that the door will be opened for Holli and I to return to Nashville where she can continue to improve and hopefully wake up soon. I know that is where we need to be for many reasons but I do not know how or when that will occur. I will continue to pray for guidance and strength. Holli is still being very vocal at times with the same sounds that she has been making. There really is not much to report that is new. The doctor is trying a couple of medications again to try to help wake her up. I can tell she is getting frustrated at times trying to "talk". She is saying the M sound and at times the word Help. I was so blessed to have had my Mom, Dad and sister, Deree here with me this past week. It was bitter sweet....great being with them but sad because of the circumstances. I know Holli knew they were here and tried to let us know that in her own way. It was very hard for me to tell them good-bye. It has helped that her good friend from Nashville Wendi is here for the next several days. Holli and Wendi lived in the same neighborhood and found each other again several years ago. She has been a great support for me. I also have made some great friends here in San Francisco that has really been a comfort for me and is always looking out after me. I also want to wish my 89 year old Dad, Happy Father's Day. You are a great inspiration and I love you and Mom dearly. Well, Holli is finally asleep for the night so I guess I can also try to get some rest. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Diane

Holli has taken apple sauce as well as liquids by spoon this week. Also in the past three days Holli has been very vocal...saying more sounds, one with the M sound and then at times it sounds like she is saying "help". I feel she is trying to communicate and is very frustrated in doing so, she is constantly and loudly repeating herself. I know this is a step of progress but it is also hard to hear her so frustrated. We now have to keep the door closed when she really gets loud so not to disturb everyone else. My family will be here today. I am looking forward to spending time with them. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Holli has been doing well with her liquids by spoon. She had apple juice which she seems to really like. I have noticed that when she smacks her lips together like she is chewing that she wants some liquids. I am sure that her mouth gets so dry. She has seemed more restless the last several days being more vocal and moaning more....is this a sign of her trying to wake up alittle more? It is so hard to tell if it is that or that she is just more uncomfortable and letting me know about it. I have to be her advocate and to communicate her needs which is not a easy task somedays. I hate to think she is uncomfortable and in pain. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement.
Diane

Progress is so slow. Holli is doing well with her swallowing. She takes several sips of grape juice or tea from a spoon. The therapist tells me that probably next week we will try some pudding or yogurt and see how she handles it. Otherwise, Holli is much calmer and spends her daytime with her headset on listening to her music. She seems very content during these times. They get her up in the chair daily but she still can not hold her neck up straight so we have to use a strap across her forehead to keep her head upright. I will be glad when her neck muscles are strong enough to do this. I want to say thank you to everyone for your phone calls, cards and emails. It means alot to me to hear from you and to know that Holli and I are still in your thoughts and prayers. I get homesick and lonely for my family and Nashville friends. I am so glad that my parents and sister, Deree will be here in a week. I am looking forward to spending time with them and showing my sister some of San Francisco.