Manhattan

Made for Manhattan. I walked down the hallway of the second floor of Mount Sinai hospital yesterday evening, an unfamiliar place, certainly a slightly different scence than the back roads of Colton. But, a place of purpose and healing none the less. Purpose; to finally see Brian and Emily. Their journey has been a long one.
For those of you visiting this story for the first time, Brian Keddy suffered a spinal cord injury this past July, 2005. Emily (Fisher) Keddy and he have spent the past 4 months in Vermont recovering and getting to the place where Brian can start physical therapy. Last week, after applying to many programs around the North Country, the couple found out that the only place that can accept them was Mount Sinai, Madison Ave, New York, NY.
Certainly a new kind of adventure for the couple, they were transported to the facility last Tuesday, and have started physical therapy. Emily, now 8 months pregnant, is Brian's primary care-taker and therapy partner. The program requires that a family member be part of the therapy daily. So, waking to sleeping (and during the night) Emily shares the caretaking responsibility with hospital staff. In her words, "I never thought I could do this," Emily has been surprising herself daily with the strength and determination to love and care for Brian, and plan for a new daughter who is planning to make her appearance sometime around Thanksgiving.
Certainly, this is a task. I (Katie Evans), arrived in Manhattan last night after a series of very seridipidous events, to share in this phase of the journey with the Keddys. This blog is an attempt to link friends and family via the internet so that the Keddy's can share their journey, and have people who can effectively know what is going on and pray. Once this gets up and going, hopefully Emily will be able to log her days, I'll do my best until then.
So, it's 10:30 am Monday morning and I am across the street at Wheaton College friends' apartment who just happens to be a resident at Mount Sinai in pediatrics. This journey has been a surprising and sure one, the sheer number of people making this time of healing possible is quite overwhelming. So, for now, Graham and Rebecca have offered their home as a place of refuge, and certainly is that.
Last night I visited the Keddys. I met Brian for the first time, and was so impressed with his spirit. He certainly has chosen the path of hope. As Emily was taking a shower, Brian shared with me how he was adjusting to this hospital, he liked the food, has made friends, and is excited about his recovery. As he sees it now, his life is precious and meant for something significant. He is eagerly anticipating the birth of his daughter, and is thankful that he will be able to spend a lot of time with her. Now, that's reason for hope!!
I brought old high school pictures of Emily and I to peruse, and laugh we did. It is good to see Emily after 9 yeard; hard to believe it's been that long. I think we're both convinced we've changed for the better:> For Emily, this time is purpose filled more than she could ever have imagined. She is adament that her life is made for caring for the ones she loves. And she is doing a great job at that!!!
For you family members reading this, a big encouragent to you (Noreen and everyone). You are loved and appreciated by your children in ways they can hardly express. They know the sacrifices that you are making, and are so thankful. They feel your love here, even though they know it is hard for both of you to be separated. Don't lose heart, Emily and Brian are well cared for. There is a great group of people praying, and acting. Today we are looking for an OB/GYN for Emily's weekly checkup. We plan on a walk in Central Park (1 block away!!) and to get Brian on a schedule so that life can relax a little.

At the end of each section, you can add comments and encouragement, please do!!