It never fails that we are the busiest at home when the children are in school. You think, "Phew, a break," but then the appointments, maintenance, schedules, all come together and leave you with no time to update blogs. ;) The family is doing well, most are adjusting to their changed family, and the slow and steady path back to normal is on going. Here's a little update from the fabulous, one handed Jen:

"We spent from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. doing Dr's appts. The Cardiologist did an Echo of Naomi's heart. The fluid has not increased, but also has not decreased the way he was hoping it would. So, he doubled her Ibuprofen dosage and we are bringing her back in on Friday so he can look again. If this fluid doesn't go down, he will have to go in and drain it. That is scary for Naomi...I'm doing my best to help her stay calm about it...and, of course, we're praying.

Since she is on Warfarin (a blood thinner), along w/the other drugs, we have to be careful and watch her for bleeding. This could happen while she is brushing her teeth, or she could bruise and bleed under her skin. I have to check the back of her neck and tops of her hands for purplish spots...which would be bleeding."

Jen is off to the "bone doctor" today to have a look-see at her wrist.

Today's the day...

Naomi is on her way home, complete with a set of precautions and restrictions and "look out for"s. We are happy to see her back with her family and we'll update you on the homecoming tonight!

Cards and well wishes for Naomi can be sent to the house now! The MMC emails were such a great boost for her, it would be a shame to miss out on them now that she's home. A stamp is a small price to pay for a lovely girl's smile.

Excellent Naomi news!!

Weather permitting, Naomi should be coming home on Thursday!! She tried using a cane today, but the walker is much more stable. They were able to find a small enough one for her, so it is much more comfortable for her now. Although itchy, her brace is working fine and the doctors are hoping that her back will heal on it's own.

I was able to be with Naomi for her ultrasound today to check for blood clots in her legs. Free and clear! She does have two small clots in her lungs and one in her right arm, but those are being treated with blood thinners. Her treatments will continue for about three months, which include blood tests and pills. A few sticks and blood draws are a small price to pay for a healthy body. There is a second treatment option that doesn't require having her blood drawn and tested but does require daily injections. The pills and tests are the lesser of evils for now.

Naomi is so well taken care of at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital wing that the prospect of coming home is a little scary. Keep Naomi's spirits up with emails during her last few days at the hospital. She needs to keep her eye on how missed she is at home and not so much on the anxiously anticipated car ride and the thought of being without her nurses. She really has been in wonderful hands over these past few weeks. It will be nice to have the whole family back together again.

"Aftermath" or "Nature Finds A Way"

We were wondering why Elijah was picking at his leg injury, but it seems a twig was embedded in the injury and worked it's way out, buds and all. Some reminders of the accident are more amusing than others.

Our baby girl is up and about!!!

I don't have the details yet, but it looks like she was fitted for her pelvic/back brace!! It must have felt nice to stretch her legs. My heart is just soaring with hope at the sight of this!!

Another night in the children's wing...

Jen, the "Mom" here...
Jason and I have decided it's best I spend the night here at the hospital again as we are expecting bad weather tomorrow. A special 'thank you' to Mrs. Mitchell, who came by on short notice to "Grandmother" my children until Aunt Moriah could be there to spend yet another night. We are truly grateful.

As I was visiting here today, I was able to meet with a few of the doctors.
Naomi had a CAT Scan this morning and is scheduled for an MRI tomorrow. The doctors are trying to determine whether the fractures in her back can be corrected with a brace, or if she will have to have the same type of surgery that Jason had.
If they opt for the brace, they will monitor her as she heals...over a period of about 2 months. There is a chance that she will then heal with a 'tilt' to her spine, which could cause chronic back pain and possibly surgery at a later date.
For those of you who, like me, are praying; please pray that Naomi will be able to heal through the use of the brace. I am praying that we will see a full recovery for my little girl who has already been through so much.

We do have Internet access here in the hospital room and I will give an update when I can.

Naomi is very comforted when I read the many emails that have been sent to her through the hospital...along with the letters and cards. I cannot thank you all enough for being there...especially those (the list is long) who have been driving me to and from the hospital.

Tools of the trade

Right now the Cloukey's trade is healing, inside and out. Because of the generous donations from this blog, Hawk was able to purchase a walking cane, complete with ice cleats. Falling or even slipping slightly really isn't an option for him for quite some time, but no one has told Jack Frost to lay off the ice maker.

Naomi has been suffering from panic attacks since the accident but her amazing Pastor gave her prayer to bring her through. During her CT scan yesterday she started to panic, but prayed and God found her the help she needed to bring herself under control.

Funds or faith, thank you to all who have helped over the past few weeks!!

Naomi's big move

Our lovely Naomi has moved to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital wing of Maine Medical Center. You can still send her personal messages through the MMC online service, but she can now see visitors!!

SHE WANTS TO SEE VISITORS!!

Naomi still has a good long stretch in the hospital, so a little reminder of the outside world and some friendly faces will give her a nice pick-me-up.

Ever-Hawk

Yeah!! Jason is home!! There is a little more to him and a little less of him. Not saying anything bad about hospital food, but with all the surgeries and stress, Hawk lost ten pounds over the past few weeks. You see it mostly in his face, but his whole body just looks worn. He is complete with a (very cool, I might add) camouflage brace and neck support. Hawk's able to walk around, but has a five pound lifting limit to protect against any strain on his back repair and neck fracture. He'll be wearing his brace for at least the next two months while all the bones heal. Doctors were able to repair his lower back with a titanium rod, but the neck, clavicle, and rib fractures will heal on their own.

All that aside, his homecoming was the best birthday present a newly nine year old (and six and ten year old) could have asked for. He has been greatly missed at home, and his presence is a nice step back to normal. Jason has come great distances in the past few years and his success and determination will serve him well to heal from his injuries and maybe take steps in a new direction. Hawk is already off the charts for his healing progress. I don't think he's done amazing us.

We are all glad to see you up and around.

From Jen...

Today is Jonas' 9th birthday. His Aunt Moriah and Uncle Ryan are taking good care of him and Elijah and Tamra. Jonas woke up this morning, excited to be 9, and said that, for his birthday, his present was 'Daddy coming home.'

I finally made it here today - with the intention of posting, but will just leave a comment. I'll be staying with Naomi again tonight - as Jason makes his way home. Naomi is having a hard time going through the withdrawal of the drug used to sedate her these past two weeks. There is just no way I can leave her while she is in this state. We are hoping to have her completely off of this drug before tomorrow morning - and then be moving over to the Barbara Bush Children's wing of the hospital.

Two nights ago, upon returning home, I remembered to get the mail. I cannot even express how much the cards, letters, donations, and even emails from friends, family, people in our community, and complete strangers has encouraged and strengthened me. I want each and every one of you to know that, though I haven't been able to call, or write you yet, I read every single word you wrote. I look forward to the day I will have some time to tell you personally how much those words have helped. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

It's time to get back to Naomi's room now. Last night resulted in only one hour of sleep for her...but I'm hopeful tonight will be better. There are just too many names for me to list right here, right now...because I just have to get back.

Love, Jen (Mom)

Babies need their Mommies

...even when the babies are twelve. Jen spent the night at the hospital last night to be with her daughter. She just needed her Mommy.

One of the nicest things about the wonderful network of friends and family around the Cloukeys is that it allows Jason and Jen to be "super-parents." They cannot be in all places at once. Hawk is still recovering from back surgery in Portland, Jen is shuffling back and forth between home and daily visits to Maine Medical Center and Brighton Medical Center, and there is just no way for them to take care of themselves and their four amazing children without the help they are receiving.

Thank you to all who have been staying with the Cloukeys, helping Jason and Jen do the magic act of being in more than one place at once and making every day a triumph of healing. They are a truly blessed family.

From friends...

"Hi Naomi,

We are all sending best wishes and hoping you get better SOON!! We all miss you and love you very much! Get well soon!!

Love, Tiahna Carmona"

If any friends have a special message to the family, leave it in the comments of this post! All well wishes are appreciated! Updates have slowed as the shock has worn off, but medical and travel expenses and the need for donations are still there. Remember to spread the word and keep the Cloukey family in your thoughts!

Another representative pulls through!

Senator Susan Collins has been an amazing help to the Cloukeys, connecting them with relief programs from finding a home health nurse to help with shopping. Thank you!! Maine really does care about it's people!

Her determination wasn't dampened, at least!

The doctors pinpointed the cause for some withdrawal symptoms from one of her medications and put her back on it, easing off slowly this time. It appears Ms Naomi decided she was done with the tubes. The little stinker reached up and pulled out the tubes in her mouth and stomach yesterday! There was no damage done and they were planning on taking them out anyway, so she just beat them to the punch. Seems genetics pulled through and gave her a little spice with the sugar.

Jason should be home MONDAY!!

The kiddos finished their first week back at school! A big thank you to Bowdoinham Community School for understanding that they had been through a lot and giving them a little room to settle back in. We couldn't ask for a more amazing school.

The trouble with long roads...

... is that often times you travel two steps forward and one step back. Although treatable, Naomi is suffering from complications. One of expected risks of being on a ventilator is contracting pneumonia. The [breathing] tube that was previously removed needs to be reinserted for just that reason, and she is now back under sedation. Naomi will be undergoing a scan today to locate a blood clot in her arm. This is apparently a common side effect from [removing] the main IV in her neck, but they need to locate and track it. Please keep her in your thoughts today.

(edited to correct information)

email from John Brophy...

"Big news today: Jason has been transferred to the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland, 335 Brighton Avenue, Portland ME 04102-2374. He is in Room 111.

Naomi has had the tubes taken out of her mouth, and she is talking. She might even be eating solid food tomorrow. Right now her body is still getting rid of all the excess fluids that built up. We talked to Jennifer at 6:30 this evening. She was just leaving Naomi and going to see Jason, whose new hospital is only about 5 minutes away [from Maine Medical Center].

I just called Jason, who is doing "not too shabby" in his words. He was actually transferred yesterday afternoon. Today he had his first therapy session, which was mainly an evaluation of what his status is, and what he will need. He says the food has improved over his last location (which may just be his taste buds coming back), and his pain is manageable with the meds they are giving him.

Your prayers are working!

Love, John"

From Memere...

"Thank you to ALL who have sent well-wishes, prayers and help to the Cloukeys. Your generosity is very much appreciated and needed. Just knowing that they are not alone in this is a blessing. Thank you and God bless.

Memere (Susan LeMay-Cotter, Jason's Mom)"

From Pat Brophy...

"Dear Cloukey Family,

This is grandmom and mom Brophy from Virginia.I have been keeping up to date with all the newest posts from friends and family.Thank you all for your prayers, and helping my daughter and Jason and their children at this time. We so much appreciate all you are doing. Jennifer and Jason have great support at this time. Jonas, don't worry about the watch. It is only a material item and can be replaced. You, however, are my one and only Jonas and we are so happy you are doing better. All our neighbors and our friends and our church have put the Cloukey family on prayer lists.God will heal your family. Trust in Our Lord. Give Naomi a kiss for me when you visit her.

Love, Mom Brophy (Grandmom)"

A little note on everyone...

Jason has been recovering well from his surgery, walking when he can with a brace, and has moved to rehab. Good news: he should be coming home in two weeks!!

Naomi has been having more awake time, which is wonderful, although she is very emotional. Partly due to the disorientation of being in the hospital and partly due to the tubes in her mouth which prevent her from really communicating. She has been able to answer yes and no questions and give a good squeeze to the nurses. Naomi is such a brave girl and has come leaps and bounds already in the past week! Fortunately her breaks in her pelvis and back won't require surgery, but she will need a pelvic brace before she can sit up.

The boys get their stitches out tomorrow!! Tamra and Jonas have been back to school for two days now, and hopefully Elijah will join them soon. It's nice to have a little slice of "normal" when everything else is so far from their usual reality.

Jen is doing well. Her follow up appointment from her surgery will be next week. I'm not sure if the cast pieces will come off for good or if the external pin will be removed, but there will be a step in that direction.

It's tough to have the emotional damage and the physical reminders of the accident, but at least every day is better than the previous. No one is regressing, Slowly but surely, everyone is healing inside and out.

From Pepe Cloukey...

"Thanks everyone,

My wife & four sons @ home have deferred our New Years celebration until my grand-daughter is up about. We are praying for her continued progress. I am amazed @ what God is doing among our family & friends. Its times like this that you realize how rich we really are. Our family has really pulled together. God is truly all knowing. Please except our thanks.

Love, Dennis Cloukey"

295N between marker 35 and the following gaurdrail...

If you look at the center of the photo, you can see the broken trees that slowed the momentum of the van. The second photo gives a mild perspective of how far they rolled off the highway.

The continued support from this blog gives the Cloukeys so much strength. Thank you all for donating, coming back to read updates, and for spreading the word! It is making more of a difference than you could ever know.

Jonas is AWESOME!!

He told me to say that. However, he really is a trooper and a half and is very excited to be going back to school. Jonas's injuries were limited to bruises and glass cuts that required stitches, but he is back to bounding around and being Jonas, which makes everyone smile.

Jonas was taken to Midcoast Hospital along with his mother, Elijah, and Tamra. Unfortunately in the ambulance ride following the accident, a special watch (a long awaited Christmas present) was routinely removed and has yet to surface. If anyone who was involved in the accident reads this, please contact the family! It would mean a lot to Jonas!

Jen's coming home!!

It's tough to leave her babies, but Elijah, Jonas and Tamra have been under amazing care at home. Knowing her family is in such capable hands has allowed Jen to take those moments needed to process and gain the perspective she needs to face the next few days, weeks, months, however long her family's road turns out to be. Two nights in the hospital have done her wonders. She looks well rested and is ready to come home today!!


There are roughly eight pins and a plate running the length of Jen's forearm with an external temporary pin in place until the bones become more stable. Her Mother-in-law said that she saw the x-rays and both bones in Jen's forearm were broken in multiple places and her wrist was pretty much crushed. Jen was the one who climbed to the road to flag down help on the highway- it's amazing what a Mother can do despite her own pain. She is a strong woman, mother, wife, friend, and individual. She's been blessed so far with capable doctors and a loving support team. Keep her recovery in your thoughts.

Not all politicians are bad..

This is the first time I've ever contacted my State Representative for anything, and I have to say that whoever said that politicians don't care, never met Seth Berry. I asked him to help us get the word out, AND HE DID! No questions asked.

Thank you Seth Berry. You're the man.

group hug

Thank you everyone so much for all your well wishes and support.

I just got off the phone with Jen at Midcoast Hospital. They are keeping her in the hospital another night, post-wrist surgery, to try to balance out how the pain medications are working with her system. She will have 8 permanent pins and a metal plate in her wrist. She is groggy but has been calling the other hospital to check on Naomi and Hawk frequently. Hawk was able to go in and visit Naomi this evening, although I think it was very difficult for him.

I can't thank you enough for your support.

from Pastor Bobby Mitchell

I wanted to update independently in case everyone hasn't read the comments in the 'Naomi Lynn' post...

"Jen just called me and said that a nurse just informed her that she asked Naomi to squeeze her hand if she heard her and Naomi responded with a good squeeze. That is greatly encouraging to all of us, I'm sure. Jen told the nurse that God is answering prayer. To God be the glory. He is certainly helping Naomi and, no doubt, He is helping those that He is using to help her. I appreciate all of the medical staff at Maine Medical doing such a good job."

If anyone has first hand updates, feel free to email me so I can post them on the blog. We thank all of you for helping us keep friends and family informed!!

Jen update

Hi all, I got a quick call from my parents where I learned that Jen's wrist surgery was successful. They are keeping her in the hospital overnight, to be able to check up on her when the anesthesia wears off.

Thanks everyone.

Naomi Lynn

Naomi is the eldest child of Jason and Jen Cloukey, and had the worst of the accident. She is such a charming and spirited twelve year old girl, it breaks everyone's heart to think of the state she is in. Naomi was wearing her seat belt, but because of the force of the rolling van she slipped from it and became entangled, hanging half out of the shattered rear vent window of the Grand Caravan. She fluctuates between stable and critical which (considering her injuries) is to be expected.

For now, the medical emphasis is healing the bruising on her heart and lungs. She has tubes in her chest and a shunt in her heart to relieve pressure and there is a ventilator regulating her breathing. She was released from the induced coma, but remains extremely sedated. Naomi also suffers from three breaks in her back, a fractured pelvis, and a laceration in her liver. I spoke with her mother, Jen, this morning and she said that when she stirs you can see how much pain she is in. Although she is technically stable, she is still very delicate.

You can send Naomi well wishes through an online service at Maine Medical Center. Her stats respond positively when these are read to her daily. Naomi's condition is a very painful, lonely place for a little girl to be in, and knowing that there are so many people thinking of her recovery brings her great strength.

An Angel For An Angel

Tamra Jane had an extra angel looking out for her. She escaped with a few scratches and a bruised foot which is healing just fine. The artistic youngest Cloukey was working away on a velvet poster with her cousin when I checked in on them today.

The Cloukey's extended family has been a Godsend. They have been providing round the clock care from dusting to pill regulation and driving. You really find out what people are made of when placed into hot water, and you couldn't ask for a stronger family than the Cloukeys.

From: John Brophy

Hi all,

I just learned from the website (www.helpthecloukeys.org) that Jen is scheduled for surgery on her wrist tomorrow. They're putting permanent pins in. The web site has been updated with pix of Elijah, and Jen's cast, since yesterday.

Also, Pat & I just got off the phone with Jason, who's been transferred to a regular room (#608). He's actually walked to X-ray and back, using his back brace, and seems in good spirits.

This morning we talked with Jason's sister Mariah at Jen's house. Naomi is improving; still too sedated to talk, but the swelling is going down. Elijah, Jonas, and Tamra have all been in to see her and were OK.

Love, John

Surgery for Jen, I'm afraid...

After her appointment this morning, Jen has been scheduled for wrist surgery tomorrow. She will have permanent pins in her bones which will increase her chance of arthritis down the road and limit the weight load for that arm for quite some time. Ambidextrous as she is, this is a tough set back for her. It's better to have the bones set properly than it is to heal quickly but crooked. Keep her in your thoughts tomorrow.

Mr. Fantastic

It's one thing to experience trauma; it's another to impress doctors in the midst of it. With a ghastly glass cut on his leg, the charming and ever eloquent Elijah had an in depth discussion of possibly genetic combinations with the doctor stitching his leg. "I'm not just saying this, but he's the best ten year old patient I've ever had," was what he told Jen.

You expect parents to pull through and be the strong ones in extreme circumstances, not the children. They are allowed a little give when it comes to such devastation, so it makes us all the more proud of them when they face it with grace. When they are aware enough to say things like, "When you said, 'Hi,' you said it differently. Why?"

The gash in his leg requires daily washing and wrapping to reduce the swelling, and he has crutches to walk around with, although the medications make him dizzy.

Children know more than we think they do, even when we do all we can to shelter them from the extremes. As long as I've known him, Elijah has had a wisdom beyond his years. You see it in his eyes, that is, if you can get past looking at his stubby nose. I hate to think it was in preparation for anything in particular, but it's come in handy this time around.

Prayer Request -- update #2 on Jennifer & family

From: John Brophy

Latest developments: We talked to Jen yesterday morning (1 Jan, around 10:30). Naomi had started having difficulties Monday night and Jen's pastor drove her to the hospital. The doctors inserted a tube into the sac around Naomi's heart to relieve pressure caused by air which had built up, causing elevated heart rate & blood pressure. The numbers improved while her pastor was reading the Bible to her. Jen also read to her, and she was declared stable early in the morning. Jen said they're no longer keeping her in a coma, but she is so heavily sedated that she doesn't open her eyes or move while you're talking to her, although she can hear you. Also, her body is still very swollen. Although the hospital says it's OK for the boys to see her, Jen thinks the sight might be too scary for them.

Jen was home resting when we talked, and Jason was being operated on that morning. Jason's sisters were there helping out, Jen still gets tired very quickly. Jonas is walking around, but Elijah is still so sore he's being carried between rooms.

We talked again at 8 PM: Jason's surgery was successful. He had shattered Lumbar vertebrae #2 & #3, so a bar was inserted from L1 to L4, basically holding the bottom 4 vertebrae rigid. He also shattered C7, but apparently that will heal itself while he wears a neck brace. He has a broken clavicle and a couple of broken ribs. They will be moving him to a rehabilitation facility, possibly next week.

Kathi, you have the correct address:
1594 River Rd.
Bowdoinham ME 04008-5621

Email: erinsbigsister@gmail.com we mostly use erinsbigsister@yahoo.com for email, but the gmail address is also good.

I called the hospital and found that you can't send things to patients in the Special Care Center, but Erin (much cleverer than I) went to the hospital web site (www.mmc.org) and discovered you can click on "Online Services" from the menu on the left, and select "Send a Patient Greeting" to type a message into a form, which will be printed out and read to the patient by a volunteer.

Erin also gleaned email addresses of Jen's friends from old emails Jen had sent her, and informed them of the accident. They responded by setting up a donations web site.

I'm trying not to deluge everyone with minute-by-minute updates; if anything significant happens I'll pass it on immediately, but while we're all just watching & praying I'll send an update every other day.

Love, John

This Isn't What You Want To Hear

When you get a call from your best friend upon their return from vacation, you don't want to hear that they have been in a near fatal car accident. You want to hear that you have a de-caf date so you can catch up on how thier holiday was. You want extra children running around your house so you can make them cookies. You don't want to hear that their children are hurt, stitched, on crutches, bruised, or sedated into a coma.

The Cloukey family (Jason- a.k.a. Hawk, 32, Jen, 32, Naomi, 12, Elijah, 10, Jonas, 8, and Tamra, 6) was ten minutes from home at mile marker 31 on 295 North when their van slipped on ice and rolled six times down the embankment of the highway. Hawk was thrown from the vehicle, Naomi was halfway out of the rear vent window, with the rest of the family left hanging inside. Jen climbed 150 feet to the road to flag down help, noticing only then that she had a broken wrist.

This is the most amazing, resilient family I have ever met, but they have been through too much to recover on their own. This blog is to update all who care for this special family, reach anyone who can contribute by donating to thier expenses, and to encourage everyone to keep them in your thoughts. Contributions will go toward the sea of medical expenses and help the cost of transportation to and from Maine Medical Center in Portland where Hawk and Naomi are staying. If you are a business that would like to contribute meals or fuel, please contact the administrators, otherwise your donations through PayPal go directly to the Cloukey family.

To friends of Jen Cloukey

From: Erin Brophy
To: The friends of Jen Cloukey

Hi all,

I have gathered your email addresses from some old emails you were copied on from my sister, as I believe you are all good friends of Jen.

I just wanted to let you know about their recent car accident - and everyone's status, details follow:

My sister and her family were in a bad car accident on there return trip to Maine from spending the Christmas holiday in Virginia with us. Naomi (12) and Hawk (32 just Friday) are in critical condition at the Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, while Jen (32), Elijah (10), Jonas (8), and Tamra (6), were all treated and released at the hospital closest to the accident, in Brunswick.

Hawk had back surgery today, they inserted a metal rod into his back. I have pretty spotty details on this, but sounds like he will recover, although he likely will not return to his old line of work, roofing. update: surgery went well, no smoking in the future or guaranteed arthritis, sedated now, they will try to move him to Rehab soon. He had 2 shattered vertebrae, and the bar fused them together. He also has a broken clavicle and ribs, which need to heal themselves.

Naomi is less stable. They are watching her lungs mostly, although she has laceration on her liver, a fractured pelvis, a bruise on her heart, and her back is broken in 3 places. Apparently the back breaks are not spinal, so she is not in danger of paralysis.

Jen broke her wrist and, the other kids had cuts and bruises. The boys both have cuts that have been stitched up. Jen and other kids are home, and Hawk's sisters are with them at their house, helping them to get around.

The accident was at the end of their 14 hour drive home, they were 10 minutes away from home. They are thinking the cause was black ice, or a faulty tire, but we're not sure.

Hawk has a lot of family in Maine, and Jen's church community has leapt into action and they are doing everything they can to help Jen with anything she needs help with, so that is a real comfort. I will probably go up there sometime over the next few weeks to visit and do what I can to help.

I just wanted to let you guys know, to please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

I'll keep you posted with updates when I have them.

Thanks and love.
Lets hope the new year brings good
things.

Erin Brophy