Abby update - December 27

Abby had good therapy sessions at home with her physical and speech therapists today, but her big accomplishment today was in occupational therapy: She was able to tie her shoes completely on her own! In fact, each day Abby is getting better in the basic activities of daily life (ADL in OT-speak). She also is moving more independently around the house--requiring assistance from us now only on the stairs.

We also had nice visits from friends today (we were touched to be given a care package from some students we've never met at Del Valley High School), and then finished off a busy day with a visit to the Trail of Lights at the EmilyAnn outdoor theater site. We received a very special hug there from Ann Rolling, who knows how fragile and beautiful a gift a daughter is (see the story of the EmilyAnn Theater at http://www.emilyann.org/emily.htm). Visiting Wimberley's pedestrian trail of lights is one of our favorite holiday activities, but we had decided that we did not want to go this year without Abby. What a blessing that Abby was able to go with us (and that she walked all over the site--she didn't even want a ride in the golf cart that was offered!).

We and Ann agreed that events like the ones we've been through change your outlook on life forever, teaching you to measure things differently and treasure moments. It's ironic that Abby is being forced to live life that way now--Her short-term memory is very poor right now, so she doesn't worry about yesterday or tomorrow. She is smiling and talking and laughing very much in the moment, and, though I pray that she does recover better use of her memory, I also pray that we never forget to live in the moment and smile with the ones we love...

Happy moments to you,
Abby & family