Abby update - November 23

Happy Thanksgiving!

And what a day of giving thanks to God it is! Today Abby said her very first word with voice (not just mouthed with breath sound). We were gathered with friends and family outside around picnic tables decorated beautifully with items gathered by the Recreation Specialist here and laden with much, much delicious food prepared by the two Grandmas and Aunt Da. The day was beautiful--blue sky, perfect temperatures, slight breeze. Gordon had just finished returning thanks for all the blessings and miracles in our lives over the past two months. After we all said "Amen" Abby then very clearly said "Amen" as well. And then we had to give thanks all over again...!

Just as we had hoped, removing the trach seems to be allowing her to find her voice. She also later said an audible "yes" (to sherbert) and "Da" (I tell you, her beloved Aunt Lynda seems to be the motivation for many new steps). She also silently mouthed many words today, including Paw-paw, Maw-maw, Mom, and the words to some songs. I can't wait until the Speech Therapist arrives tomorrow morning!!

All-in-all, Gordon and I agreed that it was one of the best Thanksgivings ever. And I think it's not just because Abby had some great new milestones today or that we were surrounded by so many loved ones, although those things made the day special. I think it's because we have learned to be thankful for so many small things. I am so thankful for a beautiful day. I am so thankful for a bird's song. I am so thankful for the lick from a dog's tongue. I am so thankful for a phone call from a friend. I am so thankful for a smile and the sound of a laugh. I am so thankful for the sight of a colorful balloon or the smell of a scented lotion. I am so thankful for children. I am so thankful for life. I am so thankful that God has granted us more days with Abby. I am so thankful for hope.

Faith, hope, and love--they have sustained us for these seven weeks and molded us into more than we thought we could ever be. Today we invited the mom of an 18-month-old patient, Priscilla, to join us for our Thanksgiving lunch. Priscilla was a near-drowning victim several weeks ago in El Paso and came to Warm Springs last week. During lunch her mom, Rose, had been watching Abby use her cup and spoon and laugh and was just thinking how good she looked. She took me aside after lunch and asked if Abby had ever been as "bad" as Priscilla. (Although we have seen Priscilla improve over the past week, she still does not have as much muscular control). When I could truthfully answer "oh yes" to her question, it gave her much hope. She has expressed much faith, and I pray we and others here can show her much love. Please pray for Priscilla and Rose with us. They are far from home, and some doctors have tried to temper her hope, but we know the source of hope and the reason for thanksgiving...

And, finally, I cannot close this long Thanksgiving post (I have noticed that my posts have gotten much longer lately--sorry about that--I'll try to promise to only get verbose on holidays from now on...), without giving thanks for you. Simply by reading this message you have shown that you are walking with us in this journey, and we love and appreciate you for that.

Amen!
Abby & family