Wrapped in Rest, Music, and Love
In support of
Chelsea Brem and Family
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Chelsea Brem and Family
Chelsea slept. All. Night. Long.
A few quick wake-ups, but otherwise 💤 and because of that, we slept too. We’re still sleeping nightly in her PICU room, right by her side.
Chelsea woke earlier this morning and again around lunchtime for a quick freshen‑up, then settled back in and has been sleeping since. She’s tired but looks comfortable and so much more like “our Chelsea.” She readjusted herself onto her side and even pulled the blanket up, trying to cover herself. Those little, instinctive movements mean everything right now. After being awake, agitated, and restless for nearly three days, her body clearly needs this rest and we’re letting it happen.
Her circadian rhythm is definitely off, which is very common after a traumatic brain injury. We’ll work with her slowly to help her days and nights get back in sync, but that is not our first priority. Healing comes first.
Chelsea remains in a quiet, low‑stimulation environment, which is essential for TBI recovery. This means low lights, minimal noise and conversations, limited visitors, and short, intentional interactions. A brain healing from injury can become overwhelmed very easily, and reducing stimulation helps prevent agitation, supports rest, and gives the brain the best chance to heal.
A few days ago, Chelsea’s sweet friends created a Spotify playlist called Chelsea’s Calm Collection, and it means more than we can put into words. 💗🎶 She isn’t listening 24/7, but she has been allowed to listen in short, carefully timed bursts, and it’s been such a beautiful, comforting gift of love and familiarity. If you want to listen to it with her, click here.
Chelsea is still on some sedation medications, and they are being weaned very slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. This process will take days. We don’t yet know if she’s experiencing pain or headaches — she hasn’t been able to communicate that to us yet, as she’s still not talking.
You should see the big gulps she’s taking from the tiny medicine cup today! And the little gestures: snapping her fingers, zipping up Kara’s sweatshirt zipper, patting her chest as she coughs. These are things we all take for granted — but right now, they are huge victories, and we celebrate every single one.
Thank you for the love, prayers, messages, and steady support. Chelsea feels it. We feel it. And we are so grateful. 💗
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