The Copeland Family Updates

The Copeland Family Updates (Janie Hawley)

12/31/2021 9:30am

Update 12/31 at 9:30 am from Greg Copeland, Kyle's father who is at the UMC Burn Center in Las Vegas with Whitney, holding vigil with their family:

"The continual outpouring of love and support from so many, in ways both great and small, is quite overwhelming and truly appreciated.

Earlier today Whitney was able to spend some time with Kyle.  Afterwards, she reported that, “I sat with Kyle, and they lowered his sedation in order for him to hear my voice. He stirred a little and I was able to tell him I was there, and his kids were all safe and being taken care of.  I asked if he could hear me, and he squeezed my hand over and over. They sedated him shortly after. I loved feeling his fingers squeeze mine ♥️.”

This afternoon, Whitney had a tender moment with Pepper.  While it’s difficult to decipher her limited lip movements, when Whitney and Pepper can actually communicate it is a joyous moment for both of them!

Pepper asked about the bus and everything on it.  She remembered that the bus was on fire and asked about everything on it.  Whitney told her that everything was burned up and lost in the fire, but everyone in the family got out and is safe.

Whitney asked Pepper if she wanted to hear about a surprise and told her that someone had bought her a new iPod touch and that they are mailing it to her.  She smiled so big that Whitney thought her face might burst. Pepper then immediately asked about Kade, and Whitney said that he got a new switch.  She then asked about Emree and Whitney told her that Emree got a new tablet and Krew did too. She asked about Whitney and her Daddy.  Whitney told her that she still has her phone and it still works, and her Daddy will get a new phone.

Pepper nodded her head and looked very content.  Even in a sedated state, she still has the gift of caring for others. She is so sweet.

Pepper then opened both eyes and saw her mom for the first time.  She smiled big and Whitney saw the recognition in her eyes.  Pepper’s eyes are still swollen but she opened them just enough that Whitney could see that even though they look cloudy, they are still a pretty blue. We don’t yet know the extent of her eye injuries, but she nodded when Whitney asked if she could see her.  Small successes. Continued miracles.

They changed Pepper’s dressings today.  It was a longggg process that took over 1.5 hours. It’s an exhausting procedure.

They also changed Krew’s dressings.  It didn’t take quite as long.  His appearance is improving, bit by bit.

The swelling in Kyle’s face has improved from yesterday.  His vitals continue to be stable.  He occasionally responds to voices. However, they still haven't yet determined the extent of the injuries to the corneas of his eyes and won't be able to do so until the swelling goes down enough for a proper examination.

New Scheduled Surgeries:

Pepper-Friday 7am

Kyle-Saturday 7:30am

Krew-Sunday 7am

I have heard of a few LDS wards that are having a special fast for Kyle and Whitney and their kids this coming Sunday.  I think the best thing, and really the most important thing, is for everyone to pray earnestly and with great faith in the continued manifestation of miracles in the lives of my son and his family.

Lastly, Pepper is in need of particular intercessory prayers as her recovery will be the most significant and of the longest duration.

Again, thank you for the outpouring and ongoing floods of expressions of love and physical support.  They are truly and deeply appreciated.

Take great care,

Greg Copeland