Wednesday, March 18, 2009

From Cocoon to a Butterfly


As many of you know, Madelyn is a lover of all kinds of bugs, insects, and Butterflies. So it is only natural for me to compare her to a butterfly who is resting inside it's cocoon, waiting for the day that she no longer needs the protection of her medication, oxygen, and special air bed. Madelyn is in her cocoon surrounded by the most loving doctors, nurses, physical therapists, respiratory therapist, and most importantly her Mom & Dad. They are all reassuring her that her progress is wonderful, that they are proud of her accomplishments thus far, and are looking forward to the day when she able to sheds all of her health problems and leave the hospital.

This transformation has been a miracle in the making and we are so very proud of her strength thus far. We are very aware that Maddy is still very sick. She is still in ICU in critical, but stable condition. They removed her chest tube last night, but she remains on the ventilator for lung-breathing support. They are currently changing the air flow pressure that holds her lungs full of air to a longer amount of time to allow more healing.

I want to thank Madelyn for the gift she gave me yesterday as I had to leave for the airport. She opened her big blue eyes and looked right over to me as I told her that her Aunt Sharla loved her. Thank you Maddy for fighting so very hard! She has continued to respond to her Mom, Dad, physical therapist, and nurses yesterday by opening her eyes and subtle movements.
All of this is really amazing considering the paralytic drugs she is on.

As usual, the Sacred Hearter's are the dream team in action and we appreciate everything that they are doing for Madelyn and our family. They are changing her vent numbers, which as you know, effects everything else. Her O2 is running between 70-90%. No other new numbers to report now.

Thank you to all of the Hamblen parents, students, and teachers who are continuing to support Madelyn and her family. We appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers.

As you enter into your world today please take a moment to think about our little Butterfly that is working hard to shed her cocoon and be healthy once again.

Thank you for keeping Madeyln in your prayers

15 comments:

  1. Good Morning Dear Maddy! I am so proud to here of all the good news - that you are working hard to fight off all those bad bugs (and oh yes there are even bad bugs out there)! You have made your Mom, Dad, Sister and all your Family (including friends) so happy with your progress. F-I-G-H-T, fight, fight, fight!! We are all cheering you on! We love you! Get Well soon! xoxoxoxo
    Love, Carrie - Bob - Bryce & Hunter

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good Morning Maddy,

    We are just checking up on you. I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you, and yet you have shown such incredible strength and are doing GREAT!!!!! Every little progress you make brings such warmth to our hearts. You and your family (as always) are in our prayers.

    Love,
    The Burdge Family

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Maddy,
    My friend from Arizona who is not very sophisticated on the computer called me this morning and wanted a Maddy update. Your lungs are healing Maddy!!
    I like how your Aunt Sharla portrays you as a Butterfly emerging from the cocoon, that is awesome. I am getting to learn about you Maddy and more about your family as well. I work with your Daddy and knew that he rode motorcycles, and he probably mentioned that his girls rode, but I wouldn't picture you riding a motorcylce like that girl!!
    Keep fighting Maddy and know that many prayers are being sent your way and to your family and to those that are providing care over you.
    God Bless, Julie S.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dear Maddy and Family:

    I said a prayer for you today
    And know God must have heard.
    I felt the answer in my heart
    Although He spoke no word!

    I didn't ask for wealth or fame
    (I knew you wouldn't mind).
    I asked him to send treasures
    Of a far more lasting kind!

    I asked that He be near you
    At the start of each new day;
    To grant you health and blessings
    And friends to share your way!

    I asked for happiness for you
    In all things great and small.
    But it was for His loving care
    I prayed the most of all!

    "I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17

    Thinking about and praying for you all, each and every day! Jerry Orr - Wheatland, WY

    ReplyDelete
  5. Maddy, we're so happy to hear how you've been responding to your loved ones! Everyday my family asks me for the latest update on how you are doing. Little Ava is insistant she talks to you (she still mentions how you read the cat book to her when she asked), and I have to remind her that we need to wait until you are healed. Patience is something I lack, but this helps me understand that sometimes the best things take time. Slow and steady wins the race! You have just been so inspiring, and it makes me feel so warm to hear how good and kind people can be.

    I want to thank your Aunt Sharla for the wonderful updates! The Allens continue to give the Johnsons and Flock family love.

    Anna, Sean, Ava, Baby Mia--oh and my Momma too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey there miss Madelyn,
    Keep fighting, your are making amazing progress. It is so incredible to see your family pull together and support one another in this hard time, you are one blessed girl to have such a loving family. Keep resting and fighting, it is inspiring to see you healing! You are in my thoughts and prayers...
    Your nurse, Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear Maddy and all the extended Johnson Family,

    You are ALWAYS in my prayers.....YOU NOW AMAZE me in beginning to wake........

    Please, Dear God, Keep this young girl safe and in your healing arms.....You can heal her and are showing it to all of us.

    I ask in His Name,

    Julie Foster

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Madelyn,
    I miss you a lot.
    Come home soon.
    I love you.
    love,
    Mallory

    ReplyDelete
  9. HI MADDY
    DADDY, MALLY, AND I MISS YOU SO MUCH. WE CAN'T WAIT TO HUG AND KISS YOU WHEN YOU WAKE UP. YOU ARE DOING A GOOD JOB AT GETTING BETTER. PLEASE KEEP TRYING. WE ALL LOVE YOU!
    LOVE, MOMMY

    ReplyDelete
  10. Think about Hamster names.
    love,
    Hamsters and Mallory

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey Mad~
    Your Aunt Sharla can't wait to be back by your side to send you all my positive energy. I am so proud of you, Mal Pal, your Momma & Daddy too.
    We all love you SO much and are here for you, every step of the way.
    Meow Meow wanted to name your hamsters some pretty goofy names. She's gonna need your help with this.
    Love you SO much!!!!
    Aunt Sharla

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hey maddie

    Its lilly from soccer. We all really miss and hope you get well soon. Soccers not the same without you. We can't wait to see you again you will always be in our prays.Hope to see you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey maddie

    Its lilly from soccer. We all really miss and hope you get well soon. Soccers not the same without you. We can't wait to see you again you will always be in our prays.Hope to see you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I know of a man who used a japanese product called xooma and he was able to leave a wheel chair and get off of morphine. Most people scoff at this but he is a family member and has dedicated his life for the last 20yrs to selling the product.
    I have nothing to gain by telling you this!
    Again most people scoff at this type of info because it is not sold by a pharmasuticle company and is all natural.
    Strength and encouragement to you little one.

    ReplyDelete