Today we got there a little earlier than usual. There was a food tray in her room, and it looked like they brought the food but there was no one there to feed her. I said good morning to her, and asked her if she knew who I was, and she said “Mama”. She was squirming around a lot on the bed, and was almost sideways, so I asked her if she was comfortable, and she said “No”. Then I asked her if she wanted me to fix her pillow and she said “Yes.” I told her to lift her head up so I could rearrange her pillow, and she did.
I got her as comfortable as I could, but the wiggling around she had done had brought her sheet down and she was showing her hiney to the world. I told her I needed to cover her up because she was showing her butt to Daddy Jim, and she sort of laughed, which made me laugh. She started the squirming again, so I asked her if she wanted some applesauce. She said “No”, but the nurse came in just then and said she wasn’t supposed to have that food tray, they brought it by mistake.
She had been rubbing her face with her right hand, which the hospital staff had put a glove on so she wouldn’t scratch herself, so I asked Emily if she wanted me to wash her face. She shook her head yes. I got a washcloth, and started washing her face. I asked her if she wanted me to stop, and she shook her head No. Then I told her to raise her head so I could wash under her chin, and she did. I asked her again if she wanted me to stop, and she said no, so I continued wiping her down with the cool cloth.
The nurse came in again and we had to leave the room for a minute while she did some things. When we came back in, Emily was wearing her new helmet. I told her she looked beautiful in her new hat. She started moving her lips trying to say something to me, and I asked what she wanted. She said “I love you Mama”. I just about cried! Then she was moving her lips again, and I asked again what she wanted and she said “Applesauce” I had to tell her she couldn’t have it, but the nurse said we could swab her mouth. She seemed to like that.
All of this sounds so insignificant, but to me is is wonderful and shows how much she has improved since yesterday. Again, thank you all so much for your continued prayers and concern. We appreciate it so very much.
You can send cards and letters to her at this address: (she can not receive flowers, candy, fruit, or anything like that, only cards)
Emily Rascoe
Room 8B01
Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center
Grady Memorial Hospital – 8th Floor
80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Cheryl says
February 15, 2013 at 5:10 pmMan! What a great update! Being around kids that have had strokes,this is HUGE progress for her! YAY! I’m so happy! Sending you lots and lots of love and hugs. Just wish it could be in person.
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak says
February 15, 2013 at 5:41 pmWonderful progress! That is such good news.
Jaimie
Beth says
February 15, 2013 at 6:15 pmWhat a great update! It is great to read these improvements. No matter your age, sometimes you need your mama. I am so happy you are there in GA near her right now!
Bethany Larrabee says
February 15, 2013 at 6:58 pmThat’s great Karen! You all are still very much in my thoughts!
Mystika Faith says
February 15, 2013 at 8:33 pmWhat a tragic story to read, but I’m so glad for you and her family that she has been improving. Sending lots of prayers that such great progress will continue to be made.
Linda says
February 15, 2013 at 9:19 pmI’m glad you stopped by to give me the update on Emily. I’m also glad to hear of her progress as well. I feel so helpless, but I know praying for her and having my friends pray for her is helping…so it is what I can give. Love you my Seester
Melanie Dupree Schuber says
February 15, 2013 at 9:33 pmBrought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing. I am so happy to hear of Emily’s progress! She is definitely a fighter. A child will always need their Mama no matter what age. We continue to pray for Emily and her family. One never knows what the next minute will hold for them. Life is precious and many times we take simple things for granted. I know that this is a huge lesson just how fast things can change. Again, so wonderful to hear of Emily’s continued progress.
Henrietta says
February 15, 2013 at 11:55 pmWonderful update! You are such a great Mom, Karen! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers every day! The road to recovery may be long but it sounds like the process has gotten off to a great start! Big hugs!!
MommyJenna says
February 16, 2013 at 12:57 amI am so glad to hear that she is making progress! Thinking about you all daily!
marilyn register says
February 16, 2013 at 6:06 amDear Karen, I just now read your blog. I am so sorry about Emily. So glad she is responding so well. She and all of you will be in our Prayers. I know she will be ok. She is a fighter and takes after her Mom. I am so glad you are there to be with her and incourage her in her recovery. May God Bless all of you.
shirley says
February 16, 2013 at 6:11 amyes it is wonderful news – may she continue to make lots of progress xx
Kathie Adams says
February 16, 2013 at 1:27 pmYour update made me cry… I am so glad to hear that she is responding so well – so quickly. Take care of you, too! Every baby girl needs her Mama. Continuing to pray hard for you and Emily
Jane Story says
February 16, 2013 at 5:47 pmNot insignificant at all! I am glad to have all the details! Your anecdotes reveal her personality coming through which is very comforting.
I’ve been checking for updates everyday — so appreciative of having
A way to keep up with her progress. Still praying for her, Tommy, the boys, you, and the rest of the family.
Thim says
February 16, 2013 at 9:06 pmKaren – We are all holding Emily in our hearts and our prayers – and you, and your entire family as well. I can’t imagine how hard this is for all of you, but I will continue to send you all of the love, good Karma, good luck and prayer that I have!
XO Thim
Kimberly says
February 17, 2013 at 6:51 pmYou have such a beatiful family Karen. Your daughter are just as beautiful as their mom. 🙂
Sheri says
February 19, 2013 at 12:46 pmI’m glad she’s recovering well. This is great news!
Sue Brown says
February 20, 2013 at 11:39 amNot insignificant sounding at all! I pray Emily will continue to improve! Praying for you, and all your family!