Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Paige continues to improve.  Her fever is down this morning and her white blood cell count is better.  Yesterday her TV was on for the first time for a few minutes in the morning.  We were concerned that the inauguration might not proceed without the presence of the feisty founder of the Kent Democratic Club.  She could hear the inaugural speech, and when asked what was on the TV she whispered "Barack Obama".  

She has since uttered a few words, and she has reached out to touch those close to her, but she continues to be in considerable pain.  We welcome your prayers for her recovery.

Paige has received great support from her school.   Her headmaster, her dean and her chaplain visited on Sunday and gave her prayers, love and support.  Her friends have sent her an avalanche of cards that we hope she will soon enjoy.  A Chapel service at Kent will focus on Paige today. 

Paige's wonderful boyfriend has been at the hospital since early Sunday.  He gives Paige great comfort with his steady and affectionate presence.  The driver and the other passenger in the car visited her, and we pray for their relief from the pain of seeing Paige so injured.

We are trying to be near Paige around the clock.  Her brother and sister have been very helpful in covering the wee hours and giving her their unflagging love and support.  Friends have kept us nourished with a steady supply of food, water and love.  We are very grateful.

While we all worry and worry, we know that Paige, in her old self, would tell us "Don't worry, be happy".  The song is posted here as a reminder of how much we all long for the early return of that old self.  

32 comments:

  1. Host Family and Paige,

    All of "The Hicks" of South Carolina and LSU send there love and kisses. We will plan a reunion in Caesars Head when Paige gets well. Many prayers and love.

    Bunny, Jay, Maggie, Grayson, and Ginger

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  2. Precious Paigie,

    I am so glad that you have joined "blogspot!" It really is a wonderful way to keep those who love you informed about your progress.

    We have not stopped praying for you and your family since we heard the news of your accident. I have asked for prayer for you on Katherine's caringbridge site as well, so many people all over the place are praying for you. I heard from a friend that two prayer groups in Athens were praying for you yesterday. So you are thoroughly covered!!

    We are with you, and will continue to be, thoughout your journey back. We are so very, very grateful that you are doing as well as you are today! (Answered prayers already!)

    Much love,
    Auntie Kim (and Uncle Brooks, Katherine, Jay, Amie, and Grace

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  3. Paigey i miss you dearly...i send prayers and lots of love to the family...paige even though i miss you ridiculously im not scared at all because i know you and i know the strength you comprise and i know you will get through all this!
    love always
    Lily

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  4. Paige,

    I know your in good hands there so I know I don't have to worry but I have been saying my prayers for you and your family since Sunday night when I found out. I think I speak for the school when I say I miss you and I hope to see you sooner rather than later. Love from field dorm 300 and more importantly love from me :) paigey get well soon cause it isn't the same here without you.

    Love

    Jobo!!!

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  5. Oh this is wonderful. Thank you for finding a way to keep us all updated on Paige's progress.

    Paige, Barack and Michelle did you proud.

    Love, hugs, prayers, to all the Hosts.

    Debbi OShea

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  6. Paigey,
    I love you to death, and am so happy to be reading this blog and hearing that you are doing better. I know you have the strength to pull through this, and hope to come visit as soon as possible.
    Love,
    Albal

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  7. Paigy-

    I'm so glad you are doing better. I have to admit, when I visited you on Sunday, my eyes got a little sweaty! I can't wait to see you feeling much better!

    Congratulations on Barrack becoming our new president! Don't mention anything to your sister, but I may have to make you my favorite Democrat now!

    LOL

    Mike B.

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  9. Paige,
    I'm so happy to hear that you're doing better. You are always on my mind, and I can't find words to describe how much I miss you. I'm waiting for the very moment that I'm allowed to come in and see you. Ryan is keeping me updated over the phone and through texting. I'm really thankful to have him, and I know you are too. I love you so much and I can't wait until you're back here with me and we can take walks together again :)

    xoxoxoo
    Collz aka CollizzlefoshizzleBOBIZZLE

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  10. Paige! So glad to hear youre getting better. Hope you got my Get Well flowers, I sent you a letter yesterday and one today. You have been in everyone's prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Beavers

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  11. Dear Paige,

    I am the mother of a Kent parent and wanted to send you many healing prayers from California. It is clear that you are surrounded by a wealth of love that will feed you through your recovery. I pray that your condition improves every day and that your spirit will carry you through this difficult time.

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  12. I meant to say "Kent student".

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  13. Our very, very best for a swift and complete recovery Paige.
    Much love, Jen, Gregg, Wren and Luna

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  14. Paige,

    I hope you feel better soon. Kent is definitely less cheery without you around. The removal of the breathing tube is a HUGE step so congratulations =) stay positive, the Docs know what they are doing and from the sound of things it is going very well

    -Chach

    P.S. Nice hat...

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  15. Paige,
    Though we’ve never met personally, I’ve come to know you through the beautiful eyes of your mom. Receiving the link to this website allowed me to breathe a little easier knowing each day is looking brighter for you. We are praying for you and your family and know the endless support you are receiving from those close and distant will give you the strength to heal fully.
    Our best,
    Gary, Bonnie, Matt & Nick Strati

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  16. Dear Paige-

    We are wishing you a speedy and thorough recovery and keeping you in our prayers.

    Ryan, Abby, Trey, and Keegan Harrell

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  17. Dear Paige,

    We are so happy to hear that you are doing better. You can't imagine how unhappy your cousins were on Sunday morning when they got the news. They ask me for updates every day, and now I can give them a good report. You keep on getting better, and know that your Philadelphia family is sending lots of love.

    Winnie, Chris, Rachel, Alex, and Philip

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  18. Paige!

    I miss you so much and i'm so happy to hear you're doing better. You are in my prayers and i love you. get better soon!!!

    Lauren Ell

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  19. Paige - the whole world is rooting for you - get well get strong - smile as soon as you can !

    Hosts - older and younger - this will be a very intense family time for you all - I hope this poem written by a young teenage girl helps...

    David ( Singapore) Tricia ( England ) Arabella - Scotland and Christopher ( newcastle , England) send their love ...

    FAMILIES - SARAH DIPLOCK 13 YO

    SOME FAMILIES ARE BIG
    SOME FAMILIES ARE SMALL
    BUT NO MATTER WHAT SIZE
    ITS THE SAME FOR THEM ALL

    FAMILIES ARE FATHERS ,THAT
    FROWN AND SAY
    "WE DIDN'T DO THINGS LIKE THAT IN MY DAY"
    THAT SKIRTS RATHER BRIGHT
    THAT SKIRTS FAR TOO TIGHT
    "NOW TELL ME WHERE
    YOU'RE GOING TONIGHT"

    FAMILIES ARE MOTHERS WHO
    FLAP AND FUSS
    "HURRY UP NOW OR YOU'LL
    MISS THE SCHOOL BUS !
    STRAIGHTEN YOR TIE,
    TIDY YOUR HAIR
    "ARE YOU SURE THOSE BIG
    EARRINGS ARE WHAT
    YOU CAN WEAR?"

    FAMILIES ARE BROTHERS, THAT
    JOKE AND TEASE
    AND WHEN YOU'RE NOT LOOKING
    THEY GIVE YOU A SQUEEZE.
    THEY THINK THEY'RE MUCH
    BIGGER AND BETTER THAN YOU
    AND FAR MORE IMPORTANT
    IN ALL THAT THEY DO

    FAMILIES ARE SISTERS WHO
    SHARE ALL YOUR THINGS
    YOUR BEDROOM,YOUR RECORDS,
    YOUR BRACELETS AND RINGS
    THEY USE ALL YOUR PERFUME
    AND LADDER YOUR TIGHTS
    THEY KEEP YOU AWAKE PLAYING
    MUSIC AT NIGHT

    BUT GOD'S FAMILY A UNIT
    WHERE WE ALL BELONG.
    HE SUPPORTS US IN TROUBLE
    WHEN THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG.
    HE SHARES IN OUR GLADNESS
    OUR SADNESS AND FEARS.
    HE LOVES US AND CARES FOR US
    THROUGH ALL OF THE YEARS

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  20. Dear Paige,
    Just who you want to hear from- an old boyfriend's mother! The last time I saw you was at Adirondack. There was a sobbing little girl who was very upset about saying goodbye to her parents. You pulled her into your arms, pulled her on your lap, started reading to her and playing with her hair. In a very short time, you had her smiling, then laughing. I have thought of that scene often because you were so beautiful, so loving and so gentle. You didn't even know anyone was watching. I thought about how proud your parents must be of you. I am really pulling for you. Love, Susan Gallagher

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  21. Paige!
    Feel better so so so soon. We are so sorry about what happened but we know you will recover extremely well. We miss you and camp greatly but know you are in our prayers!
    Love, Eleanor and JoJo
    P.S. Eleanor says How whiteeeee

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  22. Paige,
    The whole Cherna family (including Breezy and Rupert) are praying for you. Thank goodness you are as strong as they come and will be better soon. Stay tough! You can't imagine how many people are cheering for you. Much love, Courtney and Andy

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  23. Paige,
    Hope you are feeling better. It sounds as if you are on your way to recovery already. I'm thinking of you and sending you good wishes.
    Sincerely,
    Jesse Birdsall

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  24. Paige,

    Uncle Jimmy and I have been keeping up with your progress several times a day. You have always been so special to both of us - you're my card-playing buddy!! Get well, so that we can have more wonderful times at Caesar's Head. We love you so much - and your Mom, Dad, Liz and Brooks, too! Keep getting better.

    Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Terry

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  25. Hey Paige!

    I miss you already! I was with you last night for a few hours and a few hours today and you look BEAUTIFUL! I love you very much and you will be better in no time and we will be dancing up a storm in my room or kitchen. Barack is now president. Thank goodness because now most of your wishes will come true. I'll be back to see you on Saturday and I'm looking very very very forward to it! I love you so much you don't even understand! I have a surprise for you when I see you next...so get excited! Your amazing and stay strong!

    I miss you and love you so much!
    Orangina

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  26. Dear Paige,

    We spent all day on the pool deck thinking of you, and I've thought about you each night in the dorm, and all day as well. I just had some ice cream, and could only think of when I found you sitting on the floor before lights out with the largest container of ice cream I'd ever seen, and I'm pretty sure you finished it off! Everyone here asks how you are all day long, and I hope you know we're always thinking of you, wishing you well, and sending our love.

    Love,
    Ms. Lerchen

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  27. Pagers!!!!
    It's Ms. Mangum! All the way from Texas! It's always something with you isn't it?! Driving your parents and friends crazy, huh? (Smiling). Know that you have never left my mind and I'm glad to know you are slowly recovering. It's amazing how much support you have. (Smiling) It even reaches all the way down South. I'll drop a line every now and then and continue to pray for you.
    Love always,
    Sammy (aka Ms. Mangum)

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  28. Hey Paige!
    Stay strong and you will be better than ever in no time! Everyone knows how great you are and Nina has made it very clear to me especially! Hang in there!

    Andrew Lindey

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  29. Dear Paige,
    I am thinking about you and will continue to check back each day to see that you are getting better and praying that each day there is significant change.

    I will keep you, your family and those who are supporting you from both near and far in my thoughts. You are well loved and have such a bright, beautiful spirit.

    Get well fast!!!

    love always,
    Antonia Croghan

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  30. Good Morning Paige! I am so happy to learn of all your wonderful progress. You are working so hard, please know we are all here pulling for you.
    Lots of Love,
    Ellen Vreeland

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  31. Dearest Paige and George and Laurie,

    The practice of your love and commitment to each other , hour-by-hour, movement -by-movement is strengthened by your comments and your firm determination to take the steps so that the light and the strength for the next one will be forthcoming. You do what you can with what you have and where you are in the moment and that is obviously what fosters hope in all who care so much for all of you. How wonderful that Paige is making progress!

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  32. Paige,
    I knew you when you were at Round Hill Nursery School with my son many years ago. I haven't seen you since then, but I see your mother from time to time walking "the loop" in our neighborhood.

    Your blog and the day to day progress that's posted is a real inspriration for me. I read it every morning - it kind of gets my day moving! Your courage and determination will serve you well. It reminds me that with all of the things that are going wrong in the world today, everything will turn out okay as long as we follow your lead. The progress you have made is incredible and I wish you a complete and speedy recovery.

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