Merlin’s Story

Site created on January 25, 2024

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.


On Monday, January 22, Merlin slipped on his driveway in icy weather.  After slipping, he did hit his head, and immediately knew something was wrong. Fortunately, a neighbor soon spotted him on the driveway, and raced out to provide support.  She was able to get Jackie, and they were able to call the ambulance and get Merlin to Avera Rock Rapids.  Merlin had indicated that he was not able to feel his legs and feet, and had some limited mobility in his hands. After some initial scans, he was transported to Avera in Sioux Falls.  Further scans showed that there was damage around the C6 vertebrae and doctors determine to do surgery to provide support to that area. After the first surgery on Monday afternoon, they determined to complete a second surgery Tuesday morning to attempt to remove additional debris or calcification that may be causing the limited movement. Since then, he has been in Avera Brain and Spinal ICU, working on his recovery. 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Erica Groen

I apologize for the delay and the length of time to provide an update. 

Truth is, for a couple of weeks, not much had changed. Merlin moved downstairs and was getting more intensive therapy, and was making more progress. 

And the biggest news is yet to come!

MERLIN IS COMING HOME!!

Mike and I are heading down there early on Sunday to bring both Merlin and Jackie home. Mindy was there earlier this week, and was able to get a lot of the stuff Jackie had in the apartment packed, and now Mike and I will bring them home on Sunday!

We are grateful for Madonna rehabilitation center for all of the care and support they have given Merlin and Jackie to this point, and getting them to the point that they can now continue therapy at home. After they get home, Merlin will continue his outpatient therapy to continue making progress. 

When this began, I know the doctors said it was more of a marathon and not a sprint, but we are amazed that just over two months later we are able to get them home!  We know that there may be more hurdles and frustrations coming, but being in your own bed, in your own home will definitely be a blessing. 

Praises:
  • Thank you for all of the prayers, cards, and well wishes. They have been felt and appreciated more than you know!
  • Thank you for the great staff at Madonna who always worked in Merlin's best interests.
Prayers
  • For times of adjustment. This is the next step, and we know it will have some adjustments as well. That we all have patience and grace as we get used to what the next phase looks like
  • For continued improvement for Merlin, so that progress can continue to be made

Thank you all!
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