Abby update - December 17

Well, computer problems delayed my post a little, but Sunday was a great day for Abby and for us!

The four of us sneaked across the street to my secret garden on the Incarnate Word campus and joined our new Ukranian Orthodox friends for their morning worship service. They have embraced us with so much love, and it was so good to be in church together again as a family of four. They also gave me inspiration for our holidays back home. The Orthodox Church considers the Advent season a time for reflection and preparation, and then they really celebrate during the Twelve Days of Christmas between Christmas Day and Epiphany. That sounds like a wonderful plan for our family this year!

When we got back to our room, friends were waiting for us. Abby and Frank took their traditional Christmas picture with their cousins Kim and Karen in front of one of the beautiful trees in the Warm Springs lobby, and then we signed Abby "out" for the afternoon. Our good friend, Ruth, and her mother joined us for good Mexican food at Cha-Cha's (thanks to our TPWD friends, the Schroeters!). Abby really enjoyed the colors, lights, and cheese enchiladas there (though not necessarily in that order...).

Then we headed out to Friedrich Wilderness Park. They have several paved trails there that wind through the oak-juniper woodland (a lot like Wimberley). Abby walked nearly 1/2 mile, and we all enjoyed the fresh air and perfect temperatures. I'm just imagining how good it must have felt to Abby to be back in the woods after so many weeks in hospitals. It's where she belongs--now, we just need to work on getting her back to climbing trees again...(Frank had to climb them for her yesterday).

The evening brought visits from some more good friends, and a happy Abby at bedtime. Thanks to everyone who helped make our day a good one, and thanks to God for a walk in the woods with our dear daughter again...

Now, I'd better get back to her room and keep packing up...
Lee Ann & the rest of the Linam clan