Christopher’s Story

Site created on December 25, 2017

Hello family & friends. 

This is Chris's mom, Carleen.   December 9th, 2017 Christopher's life changed in a single moment and so did mine.   A parent's worst nightmare came to life....the phone call I hope none of you will ever receive.  

Christopher was in a near fatal accident.   He was a passenger in a friend's car.  They hit a commercial van going approximately 40 mph.  Thankfully,  both Chris was  wearing his seatbelt.  Chris' side of the vehicle took most of the impact.  Chris was knocked unconscious.  No one called 911 to report the accident and we aren't sure how long they were there when a police officer happened upon the accident at about 9:45 pm.   Chris had to be extracted from the vehicle using the "jaws of life."  They literally had to cut the top off the car to get  him out. 

The ER staff were advised that Chris was on his way 15 minutes before his arrival; which gave them time to prepare.  Upon arrival Chris was unconscious, not breathing on his own with a weak pulse and his pupils were not responding.  A very grave situation to say the least.  It was determined there was bleeding on his brain.  He was rushed into surgery within an hour of his arrival.   A portion of his skull  was removed was removed to relieve the pressure on his brain.  The bleeding on his brain was stopped and a blood clot removed.  He successfully made it through the surgery.   He was breathing on his own and his pupils were responsive.  He was in a drug induce coma and I was told the doctors would keep in this state for a week.  So, the seven days of waiting helplessly began.  However, little miracles began happening right away.   

On December 12th, unbeknownst to me, the doctors decided to wean Chris off the drugs keeping him in a coma.  He woke up around 8 pm while I was the only one in the room!  A truly amazing miracle only 72 hours from the accident!  He recognized me and responded to my questions by blinking!  My Christmas gift arrived early and my prayers were answered!  My heart was so full of joy I want to scream from top of the world!  I was even more joyful than the day he was born!  December 12, 2017 is his re-birthday and will be celebrated every year from now on.

This journey Chris and I are walking together will be a long one.  The recovery process will take months; maybe up to a year or more.   I ask you to add our family to your prayers and any prayer chains or groups you belong to.

We hope you had a very joy filled holiday season and you too received a gift as grand as ours.

  

 




Newest Update

Journal entry by Kathleen Geier

It's said that the journey begins with the first step.....
I say wrong!!!!
The journey begins the moment its thought of.....steps are mere facts that help you get there....and steps come in many ways, shapes, and forms.....best exampled by this miracle name Christopher...and his determination to go home....which is exactly where he's headed come Wednesday.
And how perfect it is, that I would be writing/sharing this story on Earth Day, the day we honor our "Mother"....for its his Mother who carries the determination to get him home, to a safe place where his rehab continues.

I had a chance to spent time with Carleen, Christopher and Tom yesterday.  A day filled with much... I left my house at 0 Dark Thirty, headed South on the first Flight.  Was greeted curbside in Long Beach by Carleen.....then a light breakfast, a wonderful massage - YES a Massage, my treat for Carleen and a way to demonstrate/remind her of the need of Self Care, as the next chapter in this story begins.....a bit of shopping, as I had forgotten my sun glasses and had heard Christopher was in need of a new pair.....after all you need to be COOL ....or shall I say....Look Cool in your travels!

We had lunch and then the party began....with the simplicity of gifts for the road, the reading of a funny book....and more!

As I write, I'm remembering tandem skydiving....you get to the door.....you look out into the horizon and think "what the .....", the person tandem with you puts his right hand out, gives the "thumbs up" and you step forward into the unknown.....

I'm knowing as this week starts....Tom, John and Cookie's drive to Dallas is done with ease and Grace.  The trip to "aunt" Mary's from rehab on Tuesday, to the Airport(s) on Wednesday, and home in Trophy Club for Christopher, Carleen and Mary go smoothly!  I'm grateful for United and its team that stands ready to assist in the boarding and deboarding process - and all the angels along the way.

Today, I know Christopher's day will be full, as the past week has been, with family and friends stopping by ..... and for those who have been there in Orange County.....Mike, Vanessa, his Nana, his Dad, cousins, friends from work, family, family friends and so much more....that they too know, the next chapter begins...

And as I shared with Christopher the first time in December......You've Got this....your job is to Rest, Repair, Remember and Return....and he continues to say YES....I Got This!!!

Christopher - you have GREAT things to do....great stories to tell....and so much more.....and now you get to sing....On the Road Again, after all its Willie's Song, and he's from Texas!!!

Thumbs Up....you're on your WAY!
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