Kyara Dzenis

Kyara Dzenis

Monday, February 9, 2009

Monday Morning... First Day of Rehab

Kyara is officially moved from Peds Surgery service to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM& R). This morning she will begin intensive rehab with the team. She will be working with PT and OT at 10:00, Dan will recast her legs after, then she will meet with Speech. I understand she will also meet with a neuro-psychology who will work on cognitive skills. As I understand, she will get PT and OT at least twice a day. BUSY GIRL!!! I pray this will help her recover better. I ready to get started. I told Gunars, today feels like the first day of school. I feel like I should be doing her hair, getting her dressed in new clothes, and putting her best face forward! It is exciting! I have high hopes for the therapies.

Gunars has been wrestling with a very difficult decision. He is in a difficult position being the breadwinner in our family. We are in a position where we had to decide whether it was better for Gunars to stay here, or go home and go back to work. I don't envy him at all. It is very stressful to have to provide for all of us, and to know that means leaving Kyara. After considering the all of the options, Gunars has decided to go home tomorrow and come back up on the weekends. Since we are so far from home, it really stinks. If we were in Atlanta, he could visit everyday, but that is obviously not possible in Michigan. I am really proud of him for sacrificing for the good of the whole family. Since Skylar has next week out of school, we decided that she will stay here instead of going back with him. I don't see the point in her making the long trip for 2-3 days of school. It will be a better transition for her to go back after the break. She will continue to go to school at the hosptital all this week and next week.

Thank you again for all of the prayers and positive thoughts. We are looking forward to seeing what rehab will do for Kyara and pray it will be just what she needs.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Things are really looking up. Please know that when Kyara is moved to a facility in the Atlanta area you will have more help than you will be able to use! There are many ready, willing and able friends of Bunny's back here just waiting to take turns volunteering to help and share in Kyara's recovery process. We look forward to getting you all back to Georgia! Much love to all,
Liz Grove and Family

Anonymous said...

Oh, let's hope that Kyara's new busy schedule results in progress towards recovery!! As for Gunars... very very difficult decision... but hopefully Kyara will be transferred to Atlanta soon and everyone can be home again.

Love, Tina, Carlos & Nico

Anonymous said...

Hard work in rehab and practice will make for a stronger Kyara. We continue to pray well wishes for you all. Keep your heads up!

The Vaughn's

Anonymous said...

Genie, will Gunars be driving up to MI from Atlanta on the weekends? I suspect so... I don't know how long it takes to make that drive, but I'm sure it's substantial. Having had to endure many 20-hour drives myself, it is very important that he prepares himself with lots of rest throughout the week, making sure he has fluids in the car and food too. The physical stress of such long drives will take a toll on his alertness, so for God's sake, please make sure that he has ways to keep him awake on those long drives (coffee, music, gum, etc). Michelle & I will continue to pray that your family is safe and for Kyara's continued sucess in her recovery. Please take care.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for amazing results from the therapy!! And very thankful you guys have so many resources available for Kyara!!

We will pray for safe travels for Gunars as he returns home and a peace for all of you as you are apart.

Anonymous said...

We are excited with you all! Before Kyara is done with all of the physical therapy she will be telling them what to do. It may be a long road to fully recover, but we have no doubt of the great things to come through Kyara! God has a purpose and a plan for her life and she is headed in the right direction. Kyara is so blessed to have parents that fight right along beside her and never give up. We truly admire your strength and your endurance to win this race with her, your family, and each other. Gunars, we are praying for you. We know how much you love your girls and have witnessed how much you cherish each one. I just love it when a daddy loves on his little girls like you do, girls need this especially in the times that we live. Genie, we are praying strength and perseverance for you. You have always made sure your girls had fun and played hard with them. You are full of energy and need to eat right and get the rest you will need. We miss you all and watching the girls walk over to our house too. We look to the future when Kyara will be sleding down the snow in Spokane. Stay positive and know that good things will come! They are happening as I write this, I thank God for His perfect will and answers to prayers being lifted up for Kyara and your entire family. Love you all! Spokane

Anonymous said...

Good luck! We are all praying for you!
Heather, Kurt, Carolyn & Rocco Isaly
Columbus OH

Just a girl said...

I'm so sorry Gunars! I can't imagine how hard it is for you to leave. Our prayers and love to all of you.
Martha, Brian, and Ben Donnelly

Anonymous said...

Were still praying and lifting your family up in prayer at our church.

The Beckers

Anonymous said...

Genie, You, Gunars and the girls have been in our prayers since the moment we met you in the Ronald McDonald House while waiting for Zachary's birth. Surely your strength and your ability to continue day after day have been a divine gift. Gunars is doing exactly what must be done, as are you. During this month of miracles, we will pray for a miracle for your beautiful little girl. Our hearts will be going through rehab with you and little Kyara. Love and good thoughts, Zachary Hagerott's grandparents.

ireina said...

Genie, I know it is going to be hard for you not having Gunars around everyday but I am sure you are going to have good news to give him as Kyara continues to progress in therapy and hopefully soon will be able to be transfered to Atlanta. We continue praying for all of you. God bless you,
Ivette and family

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Gunars! Have a safe trip back to Georgia and before you know it your family will be home with you. Keep plugging away Kyara! Keep up the strength Genie!
Love the campbells

ps happy belated bday gunars!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like they are going to keep Kyara busy! I pray this is what she needs to get her moving forward more rapidly.
Sorry to hear about Gunars' dilemma. That is a tough spot to be in. We will pray for his safe travels back and forth. So good to hear they have fun activities for Skylar. She has been such an amazing BIG sister through this. Everyone will be glad to see her back at WRES. Tell her to enjoy that snow while she can, we sure won't have any down here. :)
Hope everyone sleeps well tonight. We will keep you all in our prayers. Give Kyara a hug for us.
The Henley's

Unknown said...

You guys continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We can't even imagine how hard it must be for Gunars to go back. Hang in there.

God Bless,
Ann, Rho, Randal

Anonymous said...

Genie,

As always, our prayers are with you. (EmmaLaine actually said a prayer for Kyara yesterday before lunch.) We anxiously await word as to how yesterday's therapy sessions went. Gunars safe travels and both of your strength are in our prayers as well! Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

I know this decision was tough for Gunars...safe travels and know that there is a reason for all of this. Please know that you all are lifted up and that Kyara will blossom with the therapies that are planned for her. The girls are planning when we can get together and they can all play together. Give everyone a hug for us. Lana, Russell, Caitlin, Savannah, and Alexander

Anonymous said...

Genie.. I have not met you in person but I feel like I have gotten to know you as I read your blog. I just wanted to write YOU a note this time. As a mother of 3 beautiful girls I can't imagine what you are going through and I admire your strength. Gunars found an incredible woman and I am very happy for him. I am sure that this positive strength that you guys have is what is helping in your little angels recovery.
My family and I will keep on praying for Kyara and your family. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Lots of Love and prayers,
The De Velasco-Ferr Family