Abby update November 3

Today Abby again got to eat, drink, and be merry (for the most part). She was alert and enthusiastic during meals and then actually joined us in another laugh when she kicked really hard in therapy and knocked her occupational therapist off her chair! Her attitude wasn't always so merry during therapy, however. At one point the OT approached her resistant arm (the one on the side with the collarbone fracture) and Abby's face immediately turned very red and angry. She definitely knew who she was and anticipated what was coming up. I have decided that therapists have to possess brilliant minds, compassionate hearts, and very thick skins...

Abby also got to spend a little time outside today visiting with our dogs. I so desperately wish that she could respond to the dogs, but she just isn't able to yet. Still, I think she knows who they are and is happy to see them. It did look like she smiled when Arby jumped up in her lap and licked her on the lips (dog germs--who cares?).

Thanks to those of you who have posted comments to the blog. I still haven't worked out a convenient way to do email access (I'll probably just plan to take an afternoon off occasionally and go to a library), but I do enjoy reading the blog comments (even those that persistently promote the virtues of pureed turnip greens...you know who you are!!). A couple of you have shared how this whole experience has brought people closer together and people closer to God, and I can testify that it's true. You know, Abby is the one in our family that always wants to pull the family together (usually for "Family Fun Night!"), and Gordon noted one afternoon in Austin when the waiting room was full of people supporting and encouraging us and each other that Abby is still pulling people together. We hope that's true for you. And we pray that Abby will one day again purposefully do that for all of us with her own special spirit...

Keep praying...
Abby's family