Tuesday, November 6, 2012


Kirsten update:

Kirsten’s condition continues to improve as she needs much less medical support and is primarily facing more and more physical and occupational challenges.  She is strengthening herself with workouts with the PT team, meeting the trials of getting back into the things we all do in life, and keeping all those doctors and nurses from bothering  her all the time  J  She is much more mobile now getting around the facility with ease.

Her amnesia of recent events continues, but more and more current activities are being recalled.  She is greatly appreciative of all the cards and emails she is receiving and they decorate her walls.  It’s not yet time to have visitors as the added excitement conflicts with her need for rest and relaxation.  Her mind and body need to heal.  The therapists are doing a wonderful job of continuing her rapid progress, but this takes a toll on her stamina. 

Kirsten’s wit and humor are dominating her daily interactions with all the staff.  They are always on guard for an unexpected quip or comment that surprises them all.

Quote of the week from Kirsten:

“Sometimes it’s good to have something like this happen, because you learn you can live through it.”


Thank you for your continuing support and interest.

41 comments:

  1. Constant prayers for you all.
    Kirsten- thinking about you each day and sending you strength and smiles. You are very missed, dear girl.
    xo
    Megan Gallegos
    MEC team

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  2. What Megan said. :)

    You're always in our thoughts. And, we miss you at our meetings!

    Love you. Love you.
    Kim Egan
    MEC team

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  3. So happy to hear that you are making such great progress. Will continue to pray for you from NZL. Love the quote.

    Jim and Gerry, thankyou for your updates, you are special people and meeting you both, was a very healing experience for me. You have an amazing daughter who could show the world what life is really about. (achievement and enjoyment) it seems even with what has happened she continues to capture both of these things in her every day life.

    Shelley Wesselson
    NZL

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  4. Kirsten-
    Please know that you are in our thoughts and prays daily! Wishing you continued strength and healing! Hugs.
    Love,
    "Ms" Teresa Putnam

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  5. Even though I don't know Kristen personally, my ties are through her father, it has been inspirational to follow the events of the last couple months. I only pray that my two boys grow up to be half as strong and courageous as Kristen.

    Jared

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  6. Lots and lots of prayers coming your way. The quote from Kirsten had me in tears. She is such a strong and beautiful person. May her healing process continue to be speedy and miraculous.

    Much love,

    Tamara

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  7. So glad to hear about the progress. Jim - so thoughtful of you to create this blog. I'm deeply impressed with Kirsten's quote and also the whole loving family. What an example you all are. Best wishes for the continuing progress.
    Maryanne
    NZ

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  8. Thank you for spending the time and effort to keep us posted on Kirsten's progress. Hopefully our prayers and thoughts help keep you all strong and moving forward.

    Karen Barrett
    Smith'77
    Struan Farm
    Piopio
    New Zealand

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  9. Such a great quote Miss Kirsten :) You are going to rock this! Proud of you for working so hard at getting better. Miss you Madly!!!
    -Erin Rose

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  10. Love you K!! <3 Stay strong...I know you have this!

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  11. Read this again tonight. K, you are truly an inspiration to me... always have been and always will be. I love you so so much!

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  12. Read this again tonight. K, you are truly an inspiration to me... always have been and always will be. I love you so so much!

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  13. Hi J,G ,and K nice getting the updates,you are always in our thoughts, Kia Kaha

    Dale,Sacha,Isla,and Reed

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  14. THANK YOU Jim for keeping us updated. Kirsten, so glad you continue to regain your strength, and sooo happy that personality of yours shines bright. We love you and can't wait to see you again!

    Kelly Sivess
    PS. Can we send cards? And if so, where can I find an address?

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    1. 90 Falcon Hills Drive
      Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 USA

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  15. Great work on rehab Kirsten! Keep your spirits up. Your recovery and triumph over tragedy continues to be an inspiration.

    Jim, thanks for creating this blog for Kirsten. If there's a location we can contribute money to Kirsten's rehab could you post it on this site?

    -Steve Tapp & Family

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    Replies
    1. This is more complicated with the multi-country aspect and our family's desire to pay forward. More to come.

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  16. Thank you Jim for making this blog! Kirsten, we continue to pray and think of you everyday. Your quote had me in tears as well. You are an inspiration to us all and we are so glad you are doing so well.

    Lots of Love & Hope to you All,
    The Carter's

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  17. Wow that quote just blew me away!... Kirsten is truly an amazing person. Please let her know that she is in my thoughts and prayers. I miss her dearly!!! I am patiently awaiting the opportunity to visit with her when she is well enough to do so. Is there an address to send cards and gifts to? I didn't get the opportunity to send an email when she was still out of the country. I bought her a journal and a card awoke back, but I just don't know where to send it. :)

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  18. That comment above is from Irene Sisneros :)

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  19. Kirsten, Jim and Gerri,
    So happy to hear the continued progress of Kirsten. Love this blog so we can continue to send our prayers and thoughts to all of you without over stuffing your emails. As always, thoughts and prayers are with you all...hugs too.
    the 3 J's...Staianos

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  20. Gina Aldrete11/09/2012 3:13 PM

    Thank you for creating this blog so we can stay up to date with Kirsten's recovery! She's been in our thoughts every day and I am so glad that she is doing so well in the recovery process!!!

    We miss you lots Kirsten, and that quote fits the Kirsten I know and love so perfectly! :-) Your black belt yogis are sending you positive thoughts and love every day!!!

    Stay strong!!!

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  21. Kirsten - know how often your CUF family thinks of you and how thrilled we are to hear of your recovery. We miss you so much!
    Our thoughts, hugs, and wishes are with you every single day!!

    Margot Neufeld

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  22. I read about the accident online with great sadness and I kept up with any news I could. For some reason I was always wanting to know how everything was working out for you (Kristen) and your family. I'm glad to see things are progressing and hope everyday you get closer to your goals. I will keep up with your blog and look forward to updates.

    Kiwi in Chicago

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  23. I am so glad Kirsten is doing well. This story broke my heart when I read it. I know this accident has weighed heavily on the mind of New Zealanders and I hope that one day you can return and really see what we have to offer as a nation.
    Stay Strong.
    Vicki F, Christchurch, New Zealand

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  24. Much love from New Zealand. I realise you probably have most of what you need but if you ever need anything down here, tsreedhar@usa.net. Kia kaha.

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  25. It's so good to have this blog to see how Kirsten is getting on .. keep up the good work kirsten :)

    Wendy NZ

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  26. Your amazing Kirsten! Such a role model. I was heartbroken by your story but now im just so inspired by your strength. It blows my mind :) I wish you a speedy recovery and a lifetime of happiness.
    much love
    kiwi in paris

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  27. stay strong Kirsten! A friendly kiwi :)

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  28. Kirsten, you are a true survivor!!! I speak for all the Texas Stithems when I say you are in our prayers as we will continue to follow your amazing progress!!!

    Jennifer Laughlin

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  29. All the best for your Recovery Kirsten, we look forward to reading your updates, with love from 4 million kiwis!!
    The wallace family in Christchurch

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  30. Miss you and think about you every day. Can't wait to hear more updates. Love you! ~Rachel Clement

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  31. Thanks for making the blog, I hope Kirsten continues to recover well!

    Sending prayers from New Zealand, Kia Kaha Kirsten.

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  32. Kirsten,
    I think about you and pray for you every day. Stay strong and continue with your incredible recovery. You are an inspiration to so many. Sending you love and prayers.
    Stacey and Matt Carter

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  33. Ann Petersen-Smith11/13/2012 3:18 PM

    Hello Kirsten...Kirsten, I work with your mom (and miss seeing her at work). It is good to hear that things are going well and you are getting stronger every day. Thinking of all of you often and wish there was some way I could help. Craig must be a great place to be if you "love living in the hospital" ;0) Hospital food is so yummy! You have done such an amazing job getting better-at times it must be difficult but you just keep plodding through. You are an inspiration to us all. Keep getting better.
    I am wondering if you could do me a favor and give your mom a huge hug for me? I know that she is working hard to make sure you get the best care possible (and probably pushing you a bit to do the best you can). That is just how the Steinke's roll! Take care...
    Ann Petersen-Smith

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  34. Kirsten,

    We love getting news of your progress. You go girl! We're all rooting for you here. Miss you. gr

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  35. Kirsten,

    I've been thinking about you constantly and sending good, healthy, healing thoughts your way! Happy to hear that you're making progress and taking everything in stride.

    Emerson and Smith Love,
    Beth Niebur Montgomery

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  36. Grow strong Kirsten,we know you only in tragedy but Kiwis were moved by your plight and the love shown by your family here before you returned to the USA.I trust you will know that we continue to support your brave battle,and that one day we may see you again in happier circumstance.Kia Kaha from NZ.

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  37. Kia Kaha Kirsten from New Zealand.

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  38. Kirsten a Big Happy thanksgiving for last week to you and all your whanau (family). So glad that you are recovering well and regaining your memories and strength. You are an awsome inspiration and such a strong woman. Thankyou for sharing how you are going with us, those you dont even know, for me I know healing and re evalutation of life has come from the accident. Tell your mum and dad that I say hi and give each other a big hug from kiwiland. xxoo

    Shelley Wesselson

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