Kelsey gets special visitor Wednesday
The family of Kelsey Shutes, 18, who is recovering from serious brain trauma at Kootenai Medical Center after a two vehicle collision February 9, sends out thanks to everybody for praying for Kelsey's left arm, because she was able to move it Wednesday, which was special in another way as well.
The motion in it is very limited, but she can pull it up and put it back down on her lap. She also found her voice, and instead of whispering, she now talks quietly!
She even came down with a small case of the flu Wednesday morning, but didn't let that get in the way of her therapy.
Most of the family was away from the hospital most of the day pulling off a special surprise two days in the making, and mom Kari said Kelsey wasn't very talkative much of the day and constantly asked where they were at.
When she saw them finally arrive with her loyal dog, Kamoni, in tow, she got tears in her eyes and was so happy.
She begged them not to take her back home, but hospital rules being what they are, they had no other choice.
When they returned to Bonners, some stopped to clean out the car she'd been driving home that fatefull night after a day spent in Moscow helping the Badger cheerleading squad win the district championships and a berth to state.
"I was at the scene of the accident, but didn't see the driver's side of the car," one family member said. "We are so lucky she is alive and with us today. The seatbelt saved her life."
Most of the family traveled back to Coeur d'Alene Wednesday night so they'll be at the KMC rehab center bright and early this morning to have breakfast with Kelsey.
"We are so proud of her and all of her hard work," her family said "We want to remind everybody that students at Bonners Ferry High School have done incredible things. Each and every one of them are truly amazing people. We also want to thank Mario's Restaurant for the donation and prayers, and Mr. Tim Gering, the principal of BFHS, for being so patient and understanding with Kelsey's recovery and allowing so much to happen within the school. We want to thank everybody else for their thoughts and prayers. That is what is getting Kelsey through her recovery! We love you all!"