Our Callie Jayne

My youngest niece, Callie Jayne, was accidentally run over by a family friend who was backing out of the driveway at her home this morning. With severe head trauma, 19-month-old Callie was air-evaced with her mom, Dana, to Phoenix Childrens Hospital. Her dad, my brother Jeff, was trucking in Colorado when he received the call, but his company had him flown to Phoenix. The longest flight in the world, he said.

Since her arrival in Phoenix, Callie has had a CT scan--which found 4 skull fractures and a blood clot on her brain--and she has undergone surgery to successfully remove the blood clot.

As of tonight the bleeding in her brain has stopped, her body is strong, and she seems stable. Dana has seen signs she feels are hopeful, such as Callie squeezing her hand. While the doctors believe Callie will not fully recover, we believe that is in the Lord's hands, and we have witnessed His miracles before.
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I went in search of a recent photo of Callie, only to find that in each one her face was either turned from the camera or hidden behind someone else's head. These two pictures were my only clear shots of her. The top one with Sarah was taken at our family Christmas party when Callie was 11 months old. She was not feeling very well, hence the red cheeks.
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At right she is with her dad Jeff at her big brother Justin's wedding in September 2007. She was about 7 months old. It's a lesson to me of the importance of keeping my camera handy and making sure no one is missed in chronicling our family time together.

For a more recent picture of Callie, please visit the blog of her big sister Ashley (see the link at left below).

Callie is a strong-willed little girl who will fight through this if it is the Lord's will. Dana said that during the flight off the mountain she felt strongly that Callie was being shown all the options and would be allowed to choose whether to return to her family or return to her Heavenly Home.

Please join Callie Jayne's parents, 12 older siblings, and extended family and friends in faith and prayer as we face this difficult time. We thank each of you for your love and support. We love you all so much!