Abby update - October 24

Some things with brain injuries happen slowly, but some things happen fast--such as jumping from ICU to rehab! At 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 we made the decision to go to Warm Springs and by noon on Oct. 24 we (and all our tons of stuffed animals, books, cards, snacks, etc.) were here in Room 432.

Our first afternoon has been a good one. We've had very personable nurses (though it's a little hard to get used to not having a nurse right beside her bed at all times) and the pediatric rehab doctor and all three therapists already visited Abby. I think she'll like them very much--we do. Tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. we start therapy. At times we still feel like we have so far to go, but people here are offering us many words of encouragement in the success stories they have seen.

I just wanted to give a bit of updated contact information. The phone number in Abby's room is 210-595-2460. Visitors can come between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., although you might want to call ahead, as we understand her days will be very busy with therapy and the other care activities. One of us will sleep in her room, while at least for now the others will be staying at the nearby Ronald McDonald House. (What a blessing we have discovered that these houses are!).

Unfortunately, with this email, we have to say "Bon voyage" to our dear friend Jessica. Tomorrow Jessie leaves to visit her sister Julie and brother-in-law Bryan in the Phillipines. When Jessie was a teen Gordon was her youth leader, but these three weeks Jessie has very much been a minister to us. She has filled very big gap in our hearts, especially in Frank's. Thank you Jessie. We love you.

And we love the rest of you, for the many ways you are standing behind us...

Lee Ann, Gordon, Abby, and Frank