Copeland Family Fire

 Whitney (8:20 am PST, Sunday 6/26/22) Krew got a new compression mask this week, with silicone in it. It is tight and he is not able to move much in it, even open his mouth to eat. The silicone really assists with flattening the scars and helps with itching. We have to smear cream all over the scars just to get the siliconed garments onto his scars. Since it is new we are easing our way into wearing it the prescribed 23 hours a day. He switches out with his red mask without the silicone to give him breaks. Making my kids wear the garments and their splints might be the biggest challenge right now. They beg to not have them on. Kyle and I know the importance of these tools and we continue to get them on him and Pepper as much as possible. One day they won’t have to wear them anymore, but for now bribery is used on the daily.

Whitney (11:13 am PST, Saturday 6/25/22) Pepper was measured for compression garments this week. She will have a full body suit, broken up into pieces to allow easier bathroom breaks. We have seen a huge difference already with Krew’s, so we are anticipating great things. We love the gal who has done all the measurements for our whole family.

Whitney (9:30 am PST, Saturday 6/18/22) Chick-fil-a run in between appointments. It was fun to slow down for a minute.  While there, a very wealthy young man, dressed in a cool suit and sunglasses in his late 20’s I’d guess pulled up in a cool car, with his music blasting. He was in line behind us. As my kids were bouncing around excited to order their meal rattling off the precise orders they wanted, some not caring what they got at all. He watched and listened. When we got to the beginning of the line and rattled off the orders he patiently waited. When we had first arrived I offered that he go ahead of us because I knew we were going to take much longer than him. He just smiled and let us go ahead. That man paid for our order. It was a very generous offer as he stated “your family is absolutely beautiful I’d be so happy to pay for your meal, would you let me?” I obliged and was so grateful. I let him know that Kade’s jaw dropped open when he saw his car and he thought it was pretty

Whitney (8:00 AM PST, Thursday, 6/16/22) We enjoyed a beautiful buffet dinner last night. We were invited to join a group of burn survivors and it was so nice meeting new friends and enjoying an outing.  Krew really connected with a new friend that has been through so much with his burns. He was so gentle and kind with Krew who in true boy fashion wanted to show off all his scars. Krew started off very uncomfortable and a bit scared around him and visually struggled seeing him with his scars and missing limbs. By the end of the night Krew left the restaurant giving him a big bear hug.  Pepper really enjoyed sitting by dad and it was the first time she was independent in public. It was so nice to see her go up and get her own food and enjoy casual conversation with other adults. She’s a light and I’m so excited to watch her shine!  Thank you @myscarsarebeautiful

Whitney (11:21 am PST, Monday 6/13/22) After 158 days, 42 surgeries and countless procedures in the Pediatric ICU, Pepper was finally discharged last Saturday. It was an exciting morning when Pepper woke up feeling better than she had in a few weeks. She specifically asked the Dr, “Can I go home today?” He was so happy to tell her Yes!  It was a lot like bringing a new born baby home from the hospital for the first time. Overjoyed, proud, excited, and a bit nervous. I drove that minivan with both hands on the wheel and laser focus. We were bringing our girl home.  She is different physically, emotionally, and mentally. We keep seeing glimpses of Pepper before the accident, but I think she will be changed forever in some ways. But with most change I’ve learned, the possibilities for an outcome are endless.  It took me a few days to really let it sink in. When it finally hit me Friday night that she was home for good and we were all under the same roof again, I cried hard. In a way I was

Whitney (4:20 pm PST, Wednesday 6/8/22) Pepper is home!! Bigger update to come. We are overjoyed. 🥰

Whitney (10:40am PST, Wednesday, June 1, 2022) We had a Harry Potter farewell party for Pepper the other day at the hospital. Yes. You heard right! Pepper will be leaving the hospital in the next couple of weeks. We don’t have an exact date yet. Just a couple more boxes to check and she will be free!!  It was so good to see her smile. Her brother had her laughing so hard!! We ate popcorn, chocolate frogs and whoever dared at the every flavored jelly beans. I stopped after eating a rotten egg one! Our biggest challenge is getting a good medication schedule down. Her donor site has been so painful the last few days. We are hoping to get it settled and figured out in the upcoming days.