Official website for Jessica Krehbiel

Dear Friends,

Well, it’s been exactly six months since Jessica’s accident. I can’t believe it! Time goes so fast and yet at times so slow. If I could have 2 to 3 years go by in a day, I would. I guess that’s kind of the nature of this injury. You don’t know what the outcome is and no one can tell you, so patience, patience, and faith is the key.

Jess has now been cut back to two days a week for therapy. Mondays and Fridays from 1:00 to 4:00. This poses a challenge to me as to what to do during the three days we aren’t at the hospital rehab. We are learning about doing our own therapy.

Jess still goes to her friend Peggy’s house on Tuesday for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. They cook and play games, talk and just hang out. We are looking for a Mario Nintendo. Jess really loves being with Peggy and looks forward to Tuesdays. Jess still goes to horse therapy once a week for 1 hour. Last Thursday they put her on a horse named Penny. She gets a kick out of the funny names of the horses. This particular horse was more spunky than usual. She’d never ridden Penny before. Usually she rides a horse named Jessie and usually the team members walk beside her, guiding the horse. They do alot of correcting her on sitting and balance. But this time they felt confident that Jess could manage the horse by herself. (She always wears a helmet) And she did! Her balance and posture were excellent. She guided the horse all by herself with the reins. She came home very proud of herself and really excited about her accomplishments. She said it brought back memories of being with her Grandma riding her horse. We were told that her trunk strength has improved alot since the beginning.

We’ve run into a few little unexpected bumps along the way. Jessica’s right arm, from the elbow down, will occasionally shake ever so slightly then kind of go limp. But this only has happened 2 to 3 times in a month and lasts about a minute. It is kind of scary. The doctor is not sure if it is fatigue or just a brain thing. Jess has also started a new medication for her muscles, to loosen them a bit, mostly for her left leg, hip, and her right arm. It is a very low dose and we have to look at it in the way that if it helps her to learn to walk then it is good. We also feel that it’s not a lifetime thing, just temporary for now.

We finished our 1000 piece puzzle and we are going to start a new one. Jess still goes to the gym at night for an hour with her dad. She’s up to 0.90 miles on the treadmill. Only a block away from a mile. We are working on strengthening her legs and arms. STRENGTH.

We would like to thank all those that check the website and all those who give their time and talents to help Jess. We are so appreciative. We find strength in the help and concern that is offered. Thank you.

Jess continues to progress and we pray daily for her successufl recovery. We ask humbly for your prayers, particularly for her left leg and right arm and that her brain will continue to re-route and heal. We pray that we will know what is best for Jessica and that the doctors and therapists will use good and wise judgement in Jessica’s behalf. She is our daughter and friend and we are committed to her full recovery daily. What an experience, one of those defining moments in our lives and always will be. We pray that as a family, we can heal of the aweful vision of her accident, the hospitalization, and the events of that day. We know happier days are ahead. To know Jess is to love her. Spending time with her is the best way to get to know the new Jess.

Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?
-Browning

Thank you Mr. Pennsylvania for the lovely Valentines. You are the warmth in our hearts. Five months till we meet again. Jess is keeping her part of the deal. Thank you. Go forth in faith.

Love to All

The Krehbiels
Tim, Geri, Sara, Baby Kade, Samantha and Ben