Monday, December 21, 2009

Welcome Everyone!

I wanted to start a blog so that I can give updates and create a space for all of Matthew's supporters to share thoughts, memories, prayers, wishes, and intentions. I believe in the power of community in healing and overcoming some of life's most tragic obstacles. As many of you know, my brother Matthew and I are very close. This accident shook me to my core, made me re-evaluate my purpose in life, is helping to inform the direction I want to take in my work, and is giving me a renewed faith in prayer and spirituality. I am overwhelmed by the amount of support that everyone has shown.

Today, Matthew seemed to be more alert than he has been. He is still in the ICU and is not "out of the woods" yet, but is making amazing progress. His pelvis is badly broken, so the entire medical team has worked day and night in attempt to control the internal bleeding. Thankfully, the bleeding has slowed and he is needing much less blood than he did in the beginning. He is not aware of the extent of his injuries at this point and is going to need the support of all of his family, friends, and loved ones to get through the shock that will inevitably follow.

The miracle I witnessed today is one that filled me with love and hope that I will never forget. I took my brother's hand, as I have every time I have seen him since the accident, called his name, and told him I was there to see him. He opened his eyes and kept them open, turned his head, despite his neck brace, and smiled the biggest smile he could, given the number of contraptions and tubes going into his mouth. Thank God. That's all I can say.

14 comments:

  1. Thank you for the update, Erin. We are all keeping Matt in our hearts. I am glad to have this window into his recovery. Please also visit www.friendsofmattkelly.com and our facebook group of the same name. I will send out your blog's link on facebook right now.
    Love,
    Ryley Edwards

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  2. You and your brother are so wonderful and brave, and I know you will both make it through this awful ordeal by each other's side. He's very lucky to have you Erin.

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  3. Hi Erin. My name is Cara I used to work with Matt at Woodstocks. He has never had anything but amazing things to say about you. I'm lucky to call him a friend and will be back home in SD at the end of the month and will be there for you guys for whatever you need. You know as well as I do what a fighter he is. The boy doesn't let anything get him down. Love him to death. Thank you for keeping us updated, you have no idea how much it means. Here's to a quick recovery and strength to your family.
    Nothing but positive thoughts,
    Cara Jenkins

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  4. Erin, Thank you for starting the blog. We will remember your whole family in our thoughts and prayers. Karen Balian - Baghdassarian

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  5. Erin, all of us on the Woodstock's team are with you in thought and prayers. We really appreciate the updates. We're planning a major fundraiser for Matt and his family, so we'll post the details here as it gets finalized. In the meantime, we've set up an account for you at Woodstock's -- so anytime you're hungry, come on in or give us a call and we'll deliver food to you and your family.
    Laura & Jeff Ambrose

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  6. My prayers are with your family! We are here for you, that's what friends are for. So please lean on us.
    Lots of Love,
    Natasha

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  7. Erin, thanks for keeping us all updated! Like David said before, Matt is "Everybody's best friend." and we all just want to help in any way that we can. My heart goes out to you and your parents. Matt is a lucky guy to have so many wonderful people around him. Not luck, actually-- I think it speaks to the quality of Matt himself. A better man has not been made.

    -Jeff E

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  9. Dear Erin, I pray for Matthew's health, full recovery, and strength and comfort for you and your family. My love to you, Sara

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  10. Best wishes, the whole of SD's bike community is behind him!

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  11. Matts health and recovery will be in my prayers. Im so sorry to hear about what happened. My thoughts are with you and matt and your family. stay strong

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  12. Erin, You are one heck of a wonderful sister. My son Billy tells me that Matt has strength and intelligence beyond extraordinary - I see these are family traits. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Matt and all those that love him. Thanks for your blog - Mavonne Garrity

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  13. Matthew, you and your family (esp.you) have been in my daily prayers. You seriously are so strong & when you heal, we'll set up a lemonade stand & go door to door selling baked goods, so we can earn $, so we can go to Huricane Harbor again, just like back in the old days, remember? Erin, Matt is so lucky to have you in his corner--your whole family is amazing & growing up, you guys were all like "family" to me, so Matthew, just continue to show everyone how strong you are & you'll always be an angel in my eyes as well as everyone elses. Erin, if there is anything you need, if it is even as mere as an ear to talk to, don't be a stranger (805)341-1311. Please give Matthew a big kiss for me. love-jenna prewitt

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