Kyara Dzenis

Kyara Dzenis

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Car Seat Trials

Today in therapy, Kyara had two new things happen. First we put her in the carseat that we hope insurance will pay for. This is a special carseat for "special" kids. It is huge. When we actually put her in, I went through a bit of shock. I think I really came to the realization that Kyara is (for now) disabled. This is real. My face must have shown my surprise/shock/upset because Dan said to me..."we have to get ready for her as she is now. This does not mean this is the way she will always be. I am not giving up on her." I swallowed my anguish, took a deep breath, and plunged forward with learning how to install this beast into my car.

Second, Kyara had her right elbow casted. She has a lot of tone in her muscles, and the OT, Donna, was afraid that Kyara would lose the use of her right elbow if we didn't do something for her. Her range of motion in that arm is decrease because she has it pulled up and into her body most of the time. So, they made a cast of her arm and then cut it off to create a splint. This is alot like what Dan did with Kyara's feet and ankles.

We also did not give Kyara one of her medications this morning. I think it made a difference in how she acted in the morning therapies. She was much more awake and seemed to participate better, especially in speech. She was mouthing at us again (which she had stopped doing last week), and even tried a couple of tastes of pudding. The first two tastes that Maria put in her mouth, Kyara moved around some in her mouth. She looked like she was tasting it. The third one, we asked her to open her mouth, which she did (huge feat in and of itself!) and Maria put a taste farther back on her tongue. This one didn't go as well and she gagged on it. Maybe too much, too soon, but I was still pleased with the session.

My dad left yesterday and got home safely last night. He was a big help and allowed my mom and I to get some much needed sleep! Tonight Gunars and Skylar went to Ansley's (our niece) birthday party. Skylar said she had a great time! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANSLEY!!

I go through different feelings when it comes to Kyara. At times, I am at complete peace with her and I just KNOW she will get better. Other times, I am in disbelief that any of this happened. One thing I know for sure, I will NEVER give up on her. Until the day I die, I will NEVER give up on Kyara.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

We join you! We will never give up on Kyara. That child is amazing and no matter where she is now, we know that improvements are in her future. We can't wait to get her back in close proximity to us. We want to see her and love on her. Please give her all of our love and tons of hugs and kisses. We also want you to take care of yourself and let those of us that love you guys know of your needs so we can help.

Love,
Laurie and Josette

Anonymous said...

Hi,
You do not ever give up on believing in her. I will not give up praying for all of you! God is going to show you good things to come and I really feel like you are going to see them on your way.
God bless and I still pray for you and Kyara everyday. There is nothing like a mother's love.
Keep your faith and you will help her get thur this time too.
God bless,
Lori Gray

Anonymous said...

You have the right attitude. Time will bring you eternal joy. Keep working hard!

The Vaughn's

Anonymous said...

Genie,

You bring tears to my eyes and lumps to my throat! I am definitely in this with you. The words you use are right on! Your transparency is rare in today's world. We admire you beyond words and feel so very proud to know a mother who can speak with her heart. Success is not weighed by income or title, but by the love and sacrifices we make for those around us. Remember to take care of yourself along the way too. God will and is going to bless you beyond your wildest dreams, you certainly do bless me! Keep moving forward and know that many are interceding on your precious family's behalf. Love to all of you, Spokane

Anonymous said...

I do believe Kyara has many more surprises in store for us all. We will never give up on her either. She has only just begun to show us what she's made of---true grit! As long as God is in control, the possibilities are limitless. We continue to pray for your entire family.
I have a feeling that when you do get to bring Kyara back home, you will have more help than you need. :) We are all ready and willing to help in any way we can.
Take care of yourself and safe travels to Gunars tomorrow.
God Bless you all
The Henley's

Unknown said...

We are so not giving up Kyara. She is so precious. Your family on the prayer list at my brother's church in Raleigh, NC and my niece's church in Chappe Hii, NC
I received this over email and I wanted to share this with you, The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. Kyara was ben with an inspiration to us all, even those of us we haven't met her. Take care of yourself. I say a special prayer for those , Dan and Donna, who are taking such good care of you all. Stay strong and God bless you all.

Winkie-Dink said...

Genie,
You know me--I always try to put a fun twist on anything, and this is anything but fun for you! Honey, I love YOU. Sure, we love all of you, but today I am commiting to pray for YOU a little extra. Kyara is a princess and I'd say this seat is her new carriage! Our Princess Ladybug is a sparkle of sunshine on a rainy day. Remember that God does not put more on us than he gives us the strength to carry--oh yeah--almost forgot---He is carrying all of you in His hands! You are the most amazing mom I have ever known. May God's grace and peace rest on you today. Hug Peggy. Love you Wink

Anonymous said...

Dear Genie,

As a mother, you will never give up on your children. That is your duty and your right, and Kyara will never give up on you either. Her strides in recovery are amazing, as small as they may seem, so don't lose hope, your little angel is on the right path to recovery.

We are all thinking about you and praying for you. Hang in there. Be strong.

Linda Sabala said...

Wow, Genie, the courage it must take just to wake up and face every new day, knowing the struggles it might bring! It's obvious that you would do anything, go through anything for your children...ANY of them! Kyara is just the one that happens to need you most right now. Through your blog we have gotten to know your family so much better, and God, I'm sure, has gotten quite used to hearing us bring your names before Him in prayer. With complete and humble faith we believe that He will touch Kyara and heal you all. The car seat is one more way to get Kyara back into the heart of her family again. I thank God that there is such a thing at this place and time, when she needs it. God give the strength you will need to get through today. You are an amazing person, and Kyara and the other girls are so fortunate to have you for their mommy! Love, Linda, Zachy's grandma.

Anonymous said...

Genie,
I cannot even begin to imagine the emotions you are experiencing. But you have handled this all with amazing strength and grace. Like you we will never give up praying and holding onto the belief in God's ultimate healing power for Kyara. We pray that they baby steps become more and more obvious as you continue down this road. Hold onto hope and most of all the love that holds your wonderful family together!!
Have a wonderful weekend!!
The Brandons

Laura said...

Yay for Kyara's progress with her therapy sessions and all the sleep she has been getting! That is wonderful news. You don't stop to amaze me. God knows you and your struggles, he is with you and your sweet family. I continue to pray and think of you often. ((HUGS))