Abby update - November 18

Ever feel wiped out after a tough work week? That appeared to be Abby's case today--she seemed to be pretty tired all day. Short therapy sessions this morning went well, then we had some fun visits with our dogs. Each week we can use their visits to measure some of Abby's progress. While once again she expressed smiles and laughter at interacting with them, this time she actually tried to move her hand to touch them and was able to grip Arby's ball when we gave it to her. Last week she couldn't do those things--more good baby steps...

We also enjoyed a visit from Taylor Schaede, her family, and another friend. The kids were good therapy for Abby--really trying to encourage her to talk and succeeding in at least getting her to move her lips. Who knows? Our well-meaning amateur therapists may have opened one other small door for Abby...we really value Abby's friends who have stood by her so closely during this long recovery...this ordeal has changed many of us in many ways...

Just as a closing note, since I wasn't able to check emails today, in order to get my encouragement fix I paid a visit to Abby's map (the link is in the left column of this blog). Even though I haven't added all the dots that people have sent to me through emails yet, it's neat to see how much the map of the U.S. is filling in, plus our friends in Germany, Mexico, and the Philipines, which, by the way, has been transported into the Atlantic Ocean (don't worry Julie & Brian, my dot was there for a while too...). Wouldn't it be a blessing to have a dot in every state of the U.S.? Maybe you'll want to give yourself a renewed inspiration about the compassion of people by visiting the map and then think about someone you know in one of the empty states who might be willing to pray for Abby. Imagine it--Abby's prayers carrying every state--now there's some politics we can all agree upon...

God bless you all,
-the Linams