Monday, March 16, 2009

Monday March 16th

Wow! There is a lot to tell since the last posting. I received a call last night around 11:15 asking for permission to do an emergency procedure on Clay. There had been a little accident during his dressing change and on of the IV catheters in his left wrist had been cut while removing the bandages. A portion of the IV tube had gone up into his vein and they could not get it out without making an incision in his arm and surgically removing the piece. They called back around 12:30 a.m. to say that they task had been accomplished. We were relieved but worried about what the day would hold. Mom and I were afraid he would be to groggy from the after effects of the surgery to perform well in his swallow test today. I am in Olney. DD and the boys are in Dallas with Grandma, friends, and family. At about 9:00 this morning the speech therapist came in and Clay successfully had dyed applesauce, a little graham cracker and some juice. He received the green light for some pureed foods. These would be the first bites he has taken since February 14th. Everyone was excited with this progress. The momentous day was not yet over. At 2:00 this afternoon when DD and Joy went in for the visit the physical therapist was working with Clay. After a little warm up, and with a little help, Clay was able to tip toe out of his ICU room and make a grand entrance onto the floor of the unit. There was much cheering and clapping from the entire nursing staff. Mom said he took no more than 8 or 10 assisted steps but there was definitely a small smile on his face when he reentered his room. He was worn out from all of these activities but he had to set up in the wagon for a while before he was allowed back in bed. All of his new food items did not set perfectly on his stomach and he created a bit of a mess at the 5:00 visit but he was cleaned up and back in bed for the last visit and Deidra said that he should sleep well tonight. Today was proof positive that all of those prayers are being answered. Please continue to pray for his face, the back of his head and his left hand. We are thankful for all of the progress and blessings so far and cannot wait until we can one day hold our little boy again and bring him home. Thanks to all and Good Night.

22 comments:

  1. Our dear friends, We just want to send you all our love tonight. Thank you so much for sharing your joys and sorrows with us. You all mean so much to us even if we have never met. I would love to of been there when little Clay made his appearance onto the floor of the unit. We would of been clapping and crying at the same time. You are always in our thoughts. Your friends, Stan and Helen Chipperfield

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  2. Great to hear of the great progress. I am so excited for Clay but have the tears for what you and DD must be going thru. We are thinking and praying for you all each day. Nathan, Alison, Caroline, Kayleen and Allie Potter

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  3. Wow!! With tears of joy in my eyes, I picture the pride and joy the nurses, mom and dad and family feel when Clay walked out of his room. We have him in our thoughts and prayers. I have students, my own kids, and myself praying for you all. Happy prayers for the Fites. Christy

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  4. Praise God! Sounds like things are progressing well, but we will continue to pray for Clay and the rest of the Fite family. I also can't wait for you and DeeDee to hold your little boy again! You are always in our thoughts.

    Patti and Chance Hornsey

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  5. From California: I sit here with a big lump in my throat and watery eyes after today's report! My heart is saying yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!" I feel exactly like the Chipperfields -- we haven't met YET (maybe a convention or something sometime?) but you are as much in my heart as my own family and I think of you as my family. Love and prayers always! Rena Coston

    P.S. I am proudly wearing my Fite Squad shirt which came in the mail today!!!!!

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  6. What an outstanding day! Praise God for each and every step that he makes toward recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday, throughout the entire day. Keep strong for Clay and each other. The Mings

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  7. Well, this just makes my day/night! I have been praying all day that today would be a day where you would all get really awesome news and feel like there really was a light at the end of the tunnel! So happy to hear of his sweet tip-toeing! I know this had to put huge smiles on all of your faces! I am also happy that he passed his swallow test, that really is a direct answer to prayer! God is Good! Love you all! Missy Wood

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  8. It is hard to write a comment through tears of joy, but oh! what a momentous day! A little set back and a great advance, too. There may be a day, soon, when you won't be able to fill this little guy up. And, we know it is only a matter of time - in God's hands - when you can take your little guy home. Again, our continued love and best wishes, Dawn & Pam

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  9. Way to go Clay!!! We are so proud of you and we love you~ You'll be running before long!

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  10. The Internet can be a blessing. Clay now has over 300 people following him...and many new friends.

    The Law of 200 prevails and there are probably 200 more following the status.

    Every day he is progressing. Phenomenal!

    Go Clay!

    PA Smith
    Ft Worth, Texas

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  11. Our eyes have tears, too, as we read of yesterday's progress...it means so much to those of us who don't even know you all...your hearts must be about to burst with pride and joy!! We continue to think of you and cheer you on from our corner!!

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  12. That was an EXCITING DAY!!! Keep it up "little FITER" Those nurses would of LOVED to see you tippy toeing out to see them!!! What are you going to eat today???Love and prayers. M&B

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  13. Hallelujah!!!!!!!! I have teary eyes of happiness for Clay and ya'll!! Clay is such a strong little boy!! That just makes my day better now!! We are praying for you little guy!!

    The Woods Family
    Quanah, TX

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  14. Well, reading this mornings update tells my why I was praying for you guys in the middle of the night! What a day for you all, food and walking out of his room. That's huge and the throwing up after eating again for the first time is totally normal. Know that we continue to lift you up constantly and keep on going Clay.
    Mel Birdwell

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  15. WONDERFUL!!!So happy to hear of all the progress Clay is making. It brings tears to my eyes to to read about all that he has overcome. We will continue to pray for Clay and your family.
    The Morrow Family

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  16. What a great day! It won't be long until you are chasing him down the hall. My Misty thought chocolate milk shakes were the best. They tasted so good to her. When Clay is able you might try one for him. They always stressed drinking milk when Misty was there. Hope things continue on a good note. Best Wishes!

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  17. God is so good! We are seing all our prayers answered a little at a time!! God has such great plans for little Clay and this family... you may never know in this lifetime how encouraged so many are through watching God work in this situation! It has encouraged me so in my faith... We pray for Clay everyday... My boys Will (8) and Jesse(5) always mention Clay when they pray at the table too! The faith of a child! You know Jesse's burns were not as much of his body, but he remembers the whole experience just the same!! It is so powerful to hear him say "And help Clay with his burns, in Jesus name"... We continue to lift you up and believe with you for complete healing!!! We will specificly pray for the hand, head and face you mentioned!! God bless you Fite family! Love the Cochrans

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  18. We are so happy to hear the progress! Clay you are fighter..Keep it up! We are praying hard for you!

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  19. Wow! It is so wonderful to hear about Clay's progress! You guys are continually in our prayers! Thanks for keeping us updated and please let us know if there is anything that we can do in Graham. We love you guys!
    Troy, Shana, Easton, and Lexi Wolfe

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  20. Our smiles and tears mingle with all the others as we read about such a big day of progress. Smiles for the progress, tears because it must be so hard on you as parents to see him go through the hard work of recovery. To see him being sad when you leave the room, to see him be so thirsty, the physical pain of the little setbacks, etc. That must take a lot out of you two - I hope you are both doing ok. I guess seeing him make progress every day kind of "fills" you back up, doesn't it? Glad he is such a determined,brave,and strong little guy! We think of Carson and Cody too - hope they are hanging in there. Glad they can be there this week. Love, Morgan and Michelle

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  21. We are always SO glad to look every night and read how much progress the whole Fite faimly has made. Your courage as parents, grandparents, and brothers has helped Clay stay strong!Always
    glad to check your notes about the days progress. There will be bumps in the road but it will soon be smooth.
    Love and hugs,
    Elsener 4

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  22. My dad went through the swallow test @ Parkland too. I remember how it was. food coloring and the pudding and ice and what not. I am SO glad Clay passed. Just being able to taste the food may be what he needs as an inspiration to keep fighting, to keep trying.

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