Abby update - October 17

Abby had a busy day today, and we are giving thanks for many small steps forward.

 

As I mentioned, she was opening her eyes quite a lot last night.  Though she is not yet focusing on people individually, this is more wakefulness than we have seen before.  Also during the night, the doctors began to wean her from the respirator, and, by morning, she was breathing completely on her own.  The trachea opening is simply being used to provide a little oxygen supplementation and to assist her in clearing her lungs by suctioning (although she has a great cough--the nurses were enjoying telling a story that she managed to clear her throat all over a nursing student at her bedside!!).

 

Another wonderful step forward today was her getting to spend two hours sitting upright in a therapy chair.  This really helped to clear her lungs and caused a great deal of the spasticity in her muscles to relax.  Of course, the therapists had to transfer her into the chair and aid her posture slightly with some belts, but overall they were very happy at her tolerance of the chair and are hopeful that this will help to improve wakefulness and other responses.

 

Gordon, Frank, and I have settled into a nice routine, and, with help from friends and family who drop by, we've been able to also enjoy some family time together.  As Abby's interaction needs increase, we may have to work to maintain this balance, but, for now, we feel very blessed to all be together as a family and have Frank do his schoolwork here.

 

Just one final thought, as today I skimmed through dozens of emails.  I'm amazed at the number of people who have written us notes of encouragement who have never met Abby.  I can't help thinking--if these people could only know our beautiful Abby, how much more would they share our heart-wrenching concern.  I guess it's just testimony to the bond among parents and the deep love of a child.  In either case, my most earnest prayer is that one day all of you [again] get to meet and share memories with our dear Abby and that you come to know why she's the joy of our hearts...what a testimony she will then share about the circle of caring surrounding her...

 

Thank you for your shield of prayers...

Love,

the Linams

 

 

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