Gillian Pendergrast here. Thought an update was way overdue; so here goes ...
Matthiah Jamison, our youngest child (and our only boy), continues to make headway in his recovery from a devastating head injury he suffered over a year ago. He was sledding and he ran into a tree -- headfirst. He suffered a traumatic head injury including massive contusions, a fractured skull, and a severe concussion that left him comatose for several months.
Dcotors didn't hold out much hope for him. They told me out front that Matthiah probably wouldn't survive; if he did, he would have lifelong brain damage and/or disability. They said he would never walk, talk, hear, or see again: he would require twenty-four hour care.
I wish those doctors could see Matthiah now: Matthiah is walking (on two canes, mind you, but he is WALKING!!), and he has made great strides in all his therapies. He is learning to read and write his name, and he is learning his numbers and color recognition, among other things. He is very smart; we are so proud at how far he's come since that terrible day when he got inuured!
We don't know if Matthiah will ever fully recover, but each step forward is a huge answer to our prayers! He is determined to take back what was nearly taken away, and he is a very hard little worker.
His sisters Morgan Lynnae' and Kensie Danielle (who are now eight and ten), are his fierce and biggest protectors. They will do anything to help Matthiah get better; they are probably a good part of why their little brother has been doing so well. They work with him and encourage him when he doesn't want to work at his therapies or is having a bad day. They have learned about acceptance of "the new Matthiah" and his disabilities.
Unfortunately, due to all the trauma in light of our son's head injury, my husband and I have split up for good. I am now the children's full time caregiver/parent. Jim, my ex-husband, has divorced me: he couldn't take the changes in his son, so he left for good. It was a horrible time, and at times, I still blame myself for the breakup of our marriage.
Well, I hate to go, but it is time to take Matthiah to his speech therapy session, so I will go for now. I will try to write more next time; I'm sorry I have been a bad writer, but now you know why. I am trying to pick up the pieces of my shattered heart and try to move on. I'm also trying to be a good mother to the children and try to reassure them that I am not leaving them: I am here to stay. Just keep those prayers coming; they are very much appreciated!
~Sincerely, Gillian. :(
*To be continued.*
