Wednesday Evening, June 29th - Day 10 update

10 days!! It seems like we have been in that hospital forever... And the food is not getting any better either... I guess I should not complain at all because when I look at and talk to Tori I can feel her pain. I pray and hope so very much that she can heal and return to us!!

This morning between 10:00 am and noon I saw firsthand some joy in her eyes and face and it was inspiring. Tori was completely wide eyed and aware like we haven't seen her before. She actively scanned the room with her eyes focusing on whatever she could and she even turned her head at times. Maria and I then noticed a little bit of a facial smile as we talked to her. You couldn't quite see it with the tube in her mouth and the tape on her face but it was there. Then Maria went to take a shower and I began to really talk to Tori and when I asked her to give dad a big smile to which she actually responded!! I was initially quite astonished. I continued to ask her to smile and each time her cheeks would rise into a great grinning position. I am being so completely genuine and honest here with this description and when I called the nurse over to observe and witness it she simply stated "Wow!! That definitely appears to be a reaction." I basically said "Yeah nurse, no kidding - do you notice how she does it on cue when I ask her???" I would think at this moment we are definitely out of the total comatose state once predicted for Tori by the doctors... Don't get me wrong, I love and greatly repect our doctors and nurses and I wouldn't trade them for anyone else but they are very trained to keep you grounded and aware of the worst possible outcomes or scenarios. Just keep fighting Tori!!

I felt so amazed and invigorated during and following my interactions with Tori this morning!! It truly was beautiful to see and quite inspirational to witness and I am hoping that many more of you can experience it in the near future. I know in my heart that there is a great glow inside Tori just waiting to reappear and I am praying and hoping that it indeed will for all of us.

Tori also seems to be MUCH more sensitive to touch. I can very lightly tickle the bottom of her foot or toes and get a reaction. I can also get a reaction when touching her neck and other parts of her body.

After our morning interaction Tori decided to rest for the remainder of day. The doctors opted early in the morning NOT to try and remove the breathing tube. The dosages of drugs she is taking made her really drowsy yesterday and they felt she wasn't ready for the test today. Since she was relatively responsive today we will are now planning to try the test tomorrow morning.

Maria and I went home to Orem tonight so that Tori and us could be well rested for tomorrow. We know that Tori is in great hands with our most awesome nurse Judy!!

Thanks again everyone for the love, prayer and support for Tori. She needs it all and tomorrow will be a big day for her.

With love,

The Schmanski's