Elijah’s Story

Site created on December 30, 2021

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting. Elijah is 21 years old just this past month and was in a motorcycle accident (yes, he was wearing a helmet). A drunk driver pulled out in front of him. George and Bridget are on their way to Savannah, GA where Elijah is in the hospital. They are flying out this morning. What we all know so far is this: He is in critical condition He has significant head and face trama He is on a ventilator He is in the ICU George and Bridget are scared, but their faith is holding on to them tightly as well as their family, their church family and their work family and friends. Prayer Warriors are needed. Elijah is a graduate of Holy Trinity. He is serving our country in the Army. He has a long recovery road ahead of him.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Denise Green Johnson

Mama Bear Update:

Friday 1-14-22
Saturday 1-15-22
Sunday1-16-22

Elijah is settling in well at his new location:

LandMark Hospital
800 East 68th Street
Room 205
Savannah. GA. 31405

He will remain at this location for awhile (minimum 5 weeks) due to still having the Trach and feeding tube.

The Trac has to remain in as a safety precaution because his mouth is wired shut, just in case they need to get to his airways.

His Trach is plugged and he is able to verbally speak without having to use the whiteboard.

He is still on the feeding tube but they are also allowing him to take in liquids for further calories as he has lost 17lbs.  The hospital is giving him chicken broth and Ensure.  They stated that we can bring in other liquids and/ or smoothies.  He has put in his request for some berry protein drinks. Ma and Pa are happy to provide.

He is enjoying communicating via text and verbally with his phone.  

He has his lap top and has been doing some “binge watching” of some TV shows.

Today (Monday 1-17-22) he some Army Family coming to visit and more are wanting  to visit this week.

His days and nights are mixed up so he has been waking up around 1am and unable to fall back to sleep. He did report this morning (Monday 1-17-22) he slept until 5am.

He is in still a lot of pain with his jaw and left arm….BUT also not wanting to be on pain medication because of the brain fog.  

He did request that he wanted to try receiving a smaller dose of pain meds., however, his heart rate & blood pressure increased, therefore, they had to put him back on the original dose.  

We are planning on returning back to MN on 1/29/22.

He is at a stage where we feel comfortable leaving him.  

He is out of the trauma unit.

His brain is sharp and able to communicate his needs/wants.  

We have his Sgt listed as one of the contacts and authorized to  receive and make decisions for him (if needed)  when we have returned home.

The hospital COVID Rules allows non family Members to visit so he won’t be in his room by himself when we return home.

An Army “Family Member” has stated that they will open their home to Elijah vs going back to the barracks once he is released from the hospital if he is interested.

Each day I am amazed  and beyond grateful for this MIRACLE as WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Continued prayers for our NIGHT STALKER for our Heavenly Father/Physician to fill him with patience during this healing time.  

May he find the needed peace during this unplanned journey.

With much love,

The Essen Family
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