There’s not much to update in the recovery realm. My dad got in this morning for a short visit and was soon reunited with my mom and Claire. They spent the morning and afternoon taking care of her while we played with Autumn and Heidi. Claire got to take another walk outside and hasn’t spent much time in her bed. We like keeping her out with us during the day.
My sister-in-law Michelle left yesterday morning after a week. She helped watch the girls and kept their minds busy. We are glad she was able to see Claire and help take care of her during this transition period. She bought Claire a sock monkey that Claire holds between her arms now (we do unfortunately have to put the business end of the monkey in Claire’s face – she won’t remember though). We miss her already.
Claire has followed the same sleep pattern two nights in a row now. We hope the trend continues. She’s getting the rest she needs and so are we. It’s giving us all the energy to work harder during the day. She still isn’t following simple commands and that is the required response to begin working on speech and other cognitive therapies. I am conflicted about the balancing act we are trying to strike with the medications: we want her comfortable, but I’m concerned the drugs may be clouding her ability to follow simple commands. I will be bringing this up with the doctors this week and asking if there is a way for us to be more aggressive during the day to get her off the sedation medications so we can gauge how well she can focus when not under the influence.
We continue to hope for Claire’s recovery and encourage her to work hard. Thank you for sticking with Claire’s story. We know it is going to be a long road, and we are thankful for your joining us on it.
Our Claire Journal 
I think you are very wise to listen to your instincts and have a talk with the doc about her meds and the possibility of lowering the sedatives.
I agree with your prayers for doctor’s wisdom regarding medications. I continue to ask our Lord God Almighty to completely heal and restore Claire,>>>body, soul and spirit, in Jesus’ Name I pray~
I’m happy you are keeping us all informed and writing this amazing journal. I pray that it will be used and published one day as a great testimony of your faith, perseverance, patience, love, gentleness, kindness, peace, and joy for the world to see and for MANY others to be encouraged.
Blessings and love,
Maryal
Thanks for the updates!
I am glad to read that Claire’s coma level has been reduced and her responses are showing improvement. I wanted to send my positive wishes for her continued progress and recovery.
-Taylor
Thank you so much for posting updates on sweet Claire. I read them daily and am praying for God to heal her completely. I am praying for you, Tiffany, the girls and all of your family during this very difficult journey. You are so loved!
First of all we must say how much we love each one of you! We are so proud of our Texas Family!!! You are doing everything you can to BE for Claire, to learn and to be open each and every moment, to every circumstance and especially to each other. We as well must tell you how much we look forward to your ‘blogs”, it helps us feel so much closer to each of you. Tyler, your honesty is such a gift to everyone that is following Our Claire. We can not go anywhere here in Spearfish without someone asking about Claire and her family AND telling us that they praying daily and more! W e too send our prayers, our love and faith that great things will/are coming from this journey, in spite of all the pain and heartache. Look for the Joy and the Beauty within everything, it is there. Grandma, Grandpa Simons
We are sticking with you guys till the end!! We prayer for you and your family daily!! We have family in Switzerland that ask and pray for Claire; so believe me we aren’t going anywhere;except for the big brooohaha when Claire is better!!!!! Thank you for your continual updates and it’s good to hear that you are keeping Claire up and about when you can!!!
Thank you, it’s good to have people like you with us. Thank you for making me smile.
Tiffany
I love her holding the sock monkey! We continue to pray for all of you. thanks for all the updates!
We continue to pray daily for Claire, her sisters, and all of her family, caretakers, and medical staff. I also pray that the wonderful bond you share as parents continues to strengthen as you each travel the journey together yet in your own individual way. I had to chuckle at the upside down sock monkey. My son carries his “woof-woof” upside down by the tag that is attached to that end. Comforts are always a must and I feel in my heart that Claire can feel the love that the sock monkey is filled with. Thank you for the updates and for sharing.
Just want you to know I still read your post every day. We haven’t forgotten. Our family is rooting for Claire and again…I keep saying this…I think of her often when I hold my Lauren (who just turned 4). They look to be about the same size. I think God is using her to bring Claire to mind to lift her up in prayer. Today my girls wanted to turn on music and have me twirl them around the room. As I was spinning I caught a glance of me and Lauren and thought of Claire. I wondered if she liked soft music and spinning like a ballerina in Tiffany’s arms. …I waltzed through my den slowly bobbing up and down with Lauren…praying for Claire.
With you with each word,
Amy
Amy–
Thank you for commenting. That post made me cry.
Tiffany
i’m not aa frequent commenter, but i am a daily reader and prayer warrior.
your steadfastness and patience are serving your family well. press on, sweet soldier, and so thankful for those who would stand in the gap so you can spend quality time with your other two. love reading too, how you and your wife are processing differently and you are sensitive to each other’s needs. sounds like you are surrounded with many wise folks.
just know that in the eastern edge of tennessee, there is a mom lifting you up.
may you feel His blessings and provisions every day.
Love the sock monkey! What a darling picture of your sweet girl. So glad you got time with Autumn and Heidi and your family and friends continue to support and love on your dear family. Continuing to pray and believing with you much recovery is yet to come. Stay strong and tender. Praying for the wisdom of all your docs and therapists and drug therapy. Asking and angel to refresh each of you with the Lords power and love.
Keeping you in my prayers! Constantly thinking of little Claire. Glad to read you’re getting a little rest. Keep your spirits up – hoping for good things.
Hi, guys!
We are in Wisconsin since last Sunday, but we read your post every day. You all are in our prayers and thoughts. . .
Always with you,
Oscar and Monica
I continue to pray and think of your beautiful little girl everyday….
The business end…bahahahaha! You are hilarious. That is almost as funny as when Claire was showing that nurse her bird (unintentionally- of course). It is good to laugh.
Today I have been dealing with some of my emotions regarding Claire and you guys. With my family gone to WI it gives me time to think. My heart hurts for you all, and I am so thankful that I was able to be there.
I love you- Martin Family.
Michelle
It’s great to hear that Claire was able to enjoy some sunshine; probably good for both of you! Thanks also for the close up pics of her splits. They are just as you described – with comfy, cozy fur! Bryan would be jealous because his splints when he was younger were much more basic.
I hope you were able to play soccer again this weekend. As you know, it’s not only a great stress reliever, but probably gives you strength to keep fighting and help Claire through her recovery.
All the best,
Karen, Brad and Bryan
Ben and I have been following your family through this. We cannot fathom what you’re going through. Every time I see something like a walk outside or a better response in her eyes and ears, I tell Ben the update and we cheer. Our God is a healer.
Today, our pastor preached on Luke 8:40-56 and talked about God’s timing for healing. I think of your family when I think of this. We are still praying and hold out high hopes for your girl. And we keep the rest of you close to our hearts as well.
God bless you and keep you. May His face shine on you tomorrow as you start a new day.
Ben and Melody
Tyler & Tiffany,
We are here, sticking it out … for Claire, for you, and your girls. We are telling others of your story, requesting prayers and warm thoughts for each of you and for Claire’s recovery. I pass co-worker’s in the hall @ work that ask about Claire, and how she is doing, and we all end up fighting tears as we talk about your precious daughter. So many of us that don’t know you are praying for you, our hearts are hurting with you, and we are sticking it out with you!
Much Love,
Debbie
Thank you Debbie. It helps me to read this post. It’s good to feel that there are people with me… sometimes it feels lonely. Thank you for traveling this with me.
Tiffany
Hi, Tyler and Tiffany, You do not know me but you know my daughter, Ricki Mathine. I just wanted you to know my husband and I follow your posts every day, Tyler you do a amazing job at giving information about Claire. I pray for all of you especially Claire. I know you have heard this a thousand times but if we can help in any way let us know or let Ricki know. Gail
I to have though that your blog will have to be published. This is a personal journey, one that many people will never experience, but through your words we are experiencing it together. Like a lot of people have said, your family is a part of our every day life now.
Gina
p.s. how is the posturing going? She seems so relaxed in the pictures. I wasn’t sure if the braces are helping out at all.
p.s. i know proof reading is essential, and maybe next time i’ll do that.
Thank you so much for your posts almost every day. I have known Susie for quite awhile and so feel as if I know all of you too since she speaks of you all so often. I just wanted to cheer you on in what you’re doing for Claire. I’m a CNA that has had several homecare clients that have had strokes. Some regain use of limbs or speech in a few days, others a few years, but they never gave up in their therapy and rehab. I love how you speak only affirmative words to Claire about how she can do something. This will help her more than anything to know she has loving support from you.
I’m praying for all of you, especially Claire that she keeps on fighting and persevering to regain all that she can.
Strength and blessings to you,
Patti, CNA
Please know that we are following Claire’s Blog every day and praying for miracles that will bring her back to her family! You all are loved and not forgotten in your daily fight for her!
Dear Tyler and Tiffany,
I feel blessed by you allowing us into your life and struggles. I pray for you all daily. I offer my Masses for you and I keep you in mind often through the day.
We are all with you in mind and heart.
Love to all,
Aunt Mary Ellen
Hello! Oh you can bet I will follow Claire’s story, and am sitting here wishing right along with you for her speedy recovery. Having a 7 year old and a child just about to turn 4 (a month from today actually), I feel your wound. I think of how I would cope if it was my youngest. Claire’s photos are so precious, the one in the bean bag brought tears to my eyes. She is so sweet and I pray for her to get well again, and be her precious little princess self running and reading and playing again!
Thank for for taking the time to update us daily. Our prayers are with you all and we love hearing progress, no matter how small. God bless you all.
You are still in my thoughts and prayers. I think of you every day- even if I don’t make it here to read… My whole family knows of you, of Claire and continues to pray. I have blogged both on my personal blog and my professional.. and it hit facebook- so even more prayers continue.
I swim every day with my 4 kids and often more children join us with their mothers. I explain what I know of Claire’s story and of yours and the girls… I urge parents to be very attentive of what their kids can and can’t do.
I pray she continues to show even the slightest of improvements, that the girls get to play with each other soon again and that you 2 get the rest you need. I also pray you continue to grow closer together as you write about here…
Be strong.
Have faith.
We are continually thinking of you and your family. The progress Claire has made is wonderful and having the sisters help in her rehab is heart warming and we promise will be life changing in a very positive way for them — when I was ten this exact thing happened to my little brother. You are doing an amazing job as parents. Get the updates coming.
Thank you for your kind words Hayes family.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Tyler, Tiffany, Autumn, Heidi & Claire (and all those who are nearest to your family’s heart):
This is another “You don’t know me, but…” person. One of Tyler’s co-workers told me about Claire, and I’ve been following your story since the very beginning – my heart has been touched in so many ways, and my thoughts are with each and everyone of you throughout every day. I look at my children, and I see Claire. I hear them talk, and I think about Claire. I see the attentiveness of my eldest child and I think of Autumn and Heidi. I see my husband’s love and I see the love Tiffany and Tyler have. I passed Baylor yesterday and I thought of you all. I truly hope the best for you all during this time and want to know how I can help. I hope some day I can meet Claire… even if it’s a short visit to read a story to her. I look forward to reading your posts every morning… Tyler, you are an incredible writer. You have a true talent for helping readers feel your raw emotions. Claire and your girls are so lucky to have you write about this. It will be amazing to see what it says a year from now, or five years from now. I am sending much love your way.
God bless you all! Even though my family doesn’t know you all personally, we feel so close to you through Claire. Thank you for your honesty and candor in your posts. We have been reading them since the beginning of Claire’s new journey. We are praying that her journey will eventually bring her to a full recovery! You are and will continue to be in our daily thoughts and prayers! We will hang in there with you!! Take care.
You may not realize this, but your journey is inspiring a lot of us! (certainly inspiring me!) Thank you for your courage in sharing your emotions and your thoughts.
It sounds like Claire is fighting to get better and your help and guidance is making a big difference!
I have sent prayer request to many, so even in Mexico City you have friends and family praying for Claire’s full recovery and for moments of grace for the whole family.
Hugs,
Maria
Still praying for your baby girl. I pray that GOD will continue to give all of you comfort and strength as you continue to fight this battle. Know that Claire is thought about and prayed for continuously throughout each day.
GOD bless,
Suzi Barton
Thank you for continuing the journalling. I’m sure it’s like therapy for you to write about Claire. It’s times like these that make us all thankful for what we have in life. Nothing is promised to us. It’s awesome Claire has wonderful parents and family supporting her! God bless you all!
So glad to hear that you’re able to get her outside. I know there is going to be healing power in that.
Still saying many prayers for sweet Claire and you guys. God bless you all.
Hey Tiffy and Tyler,
I just want you to know that I read every single update and am praying for Claire every single day. She is always in my nightly prayers and also throughout the day. I always pray as soon as I read one of your updates as well. I can’t imagine what you are going through but just know you have so many people out there that love and support you in prayer; including me. I love you guys and continue to faithfully pray for a miraculous recovery. Your updates are very helpful to know how to pray for her. I even prayed for her mucus after that one update about her swallowing and clearing her throat. HA! 🙂 I know God hears them all and is behind even the smallest accomplishments. We are all standing behind you in faith, hope and love. Praying for a good week this week – one filled with awesome progress.
Love you!
Dana
I continue to pray for you, the rest of the family and for Claire. I know that is all I have to offer, but I am grateful to be able to do that. God bless!
You do not know me but I read your blog daily and pray for strength & courage for you all. As the grandma of a 6 yr old special needs sweetheart I can relate almost to every aspect of your fight–from the intubation to the tummy tube. A month ago, while we had Riley, I was doing cpr all the way to the er one night. Thankfully she was revived and is now doing much better. So please know that you are not alone–I understand your daily battle and share your small steps of recovery with great joy. Praying for a complete and full restoration of life for Claire.
You guys are doing a wonderful job! I can relate to all of the raw emotions this long road brings. Keep that girl up and moving! Also if you would like information on some other less traditional forms of therapy that may help Claire in the near future please feel free to contact me!
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I assure you that you can say to this mountain, ‘May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,’ and your command will be obeyed. All that’s required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart. Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it. (Mark 11:22-24 NLT)
We are still here praying like crazy for your princess!
Dear God,
You are a God who answers prayer. You have promised that you do. God, you know that brain injury looks like an insurmountable mountain. And yet, Lord, you have authority over all the mountains of the earth, and can throw any one of them into the sea. I ask you, Lord, that day by day you will begin casting pieces of the mountain of brain injury in Claire’s life into the sea. And even though I may not see it every day, I pray, Lord, that you will give me the faith to believe that you are at work. Even on the days when I am so overwhelmed by this mountain of brain injury, give me the faith to believe that the mountain is crumbling and that your mighty hand is at work in ways I could never imagine! Move this mountain on Claire’s behalf, I pray!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Tons of hugs and prayers!
Pam and Makenzie!
I have been following your family’s story and praying for you all since Cheryl Price sent in a prayer request to our company. I can only imagine what your life must be like right now, and it is heart-breaking…but just keep on walking through this “valley” in your life…step by step. You are already doing a great job with this process.
A thought came to me while I was reading yesterday’s blog…this is a technique used with dementia patients in which the normal brain paths are damaged. Sing a song to Claire that she has sung or was special to her before the accident. The brain is an amazingly complex thing…sometimes you need another path to get to an area that is damaged. It’s worth a try if you haven’t tried it already. At the very least, it may be comforting to her. Praying God’s blessings to rain down on you.
be patient as god works in mysterious ways.we keep praying for claire.
I am so happy to hear that Claire was outside the sun must have felt nice on her face. I too am having a hard time thinking it was a month ago… but look at how far she has come.
I leave tomorrow for il to visit my family they are all praying for her and we will continue to do so… I hope to see u guys when I get back.
still praying
Kristen
I’m here for the long haul – praying for Claire.
Hi Claire ,
I just wanted you to know that we keep praying everyday for you and your family ! Maybe I dont say much, but we read your post everyday. We will be here sharing your recovery..
hugs
Diego, Pablo, Axel and Gaby
Tyler & Tiffany,
Thank you for sharing each day with us, I know it must be hard. Claire was always such a gentle soul in our class and Janice and I love her very much. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to pray for Claire to rest in the loving arms of Jesus each night.
Yours in Christ,
Christine Giuriceo
(IBC Teacher)
Tonight as I prayed for Claire I could remember back to the last time I saw her. I can’t remember what month it was but it was sometime last Spring. Tiffany, you were organizing the breastfast for the MOPS moms and sweet Claire was in her little umbrella stroller holding onto her blanket. I remember her precious face so well, with her whispy hair and kind eyes. I thank God for engraining that image in my brain so that when I pray for her I can see her beautiful face. Everyday as I hear my 3 year old playing or singing or giggling I too think of Claire! God bless you tonight, Molly Taylor