TLC‘s Putman family is navigating a period of deep grief after a devastating car crash that altered the course of their lives. Now, three months after the devastating car crash that killed Bill “Papa” Putman, Barb “Neenee” Putman, and daughter-in-law Megan Putman, the stars of TLC’s “Meet the Putmans” have shared an emotional update on the recovery of the surviving family members, including 11-year-old Gia Putman.
Gia Returns Home After Months in the Hospital
In a recent Instagram post, the family shared a lengthy note about Gia, the daughter of Brandon Putman and Kacie Putman.
As per the note, Gia has finally returned home after over 3.5 months of intensive medical care.
“GIA IS HOME! The doctors decided that Gia would be safe medically being cared for at home by us and we were discharged to come home on Thursday! We will continue her Neuro rehab starting Monday at a nearby facility, but the doctors thought being home would really help Gia as well,” the family wrote.
The Putman family shared details of an emotional homecoming for Gia.
“It was an emotional homecoming, and we couldn’t do anything else but pray as soon as we got in the door and thank God for that moment. Three and a half months ago, we didn’t think we’d ever bring her back home.”
A Long Road of Recovery Ahead
The note describes Gia’s brave health battle and return home, but it also notes the uphill struggle she faces as her recovery continues to be challenging.
“This is still going to be a long, hard road as we try to teach Gia to communicate, walk, and bring back some memories, but we have no doubt that God will be with us every step of the way.”
They also shared how familiar comforts at home are playing a role in her healing.
“We have an army of nurses here with all these girls that love caring for her and will continue to help her recovery by connecting some familiar things, such as the strong smell of garlic in our kitchen!”
Grief, Faith, and Finding Joy
In the note, the family shared their candid feelings about the emotional toll the past three months have taken on their lives.
“Over the last three months, people would check in and ask if we were okay or how we were doing. Frankly, the short honest answer would be, ‘Not good.’ We are in pain and constant anguish of missing not only Gia but Mom, Dad, and Megan.”
They shared how faith has carried them through the darkest moments.
“BUT with ALL that being said, NOTHING can take away the eternal, unwavering, deep down in our souls, JOY that Jesus Christ gives us. Without Him, walking through this season of life would be impossible.”
The message concluded with a passage that has guided them since the accident.
“We will end where we started with this accident on Romans 8:28, ‘All things come together for good, for those that love the Lord, according to His purpose.’”
Just to jog your memory a little, the tragic crash occurred near Detroit on the night of September 26, when eight members of the Putman family were traveling together in a Jeep.
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office told NBC News that a loaded semi-truck failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the vehicle, killing three people at the scene.
After months of grief and turbulent months at the hospital for the surviving members, the Putman family is holding onto hope as her recovery continues.
