Abby birthday update - April 2

What a special day. I think I’ll let Abby’s birthday cake sum it up:


Today was a wonderful day--for what it was and what it represents. Abby had a fun birthday party at the San Marcos River, and friends of all ages stopped by to wish her well. We have been loved so well by so many people, and today was just another illustration, as Wimberley friends, Hill Country Christian School friends, and Texas Parks and Wildlife friends stopped by to share food, hugs and well-wishes. The "teens" (including their most recent addition) spent most of their time in the river (or contemplating getting in the river), but Gordon and I were encouraged by all our friends and colleagues who also shared our joy today. (And we couldn't have pulled it off without major assistance from some TPWD friends--thank you SO much!).

We are so thankful for our 13-year-old daughter--that she is here, that she was given to us and given back to us, and that she reminds us to be thankful for each day and for what it represents. Tomorrow will be six months since Abby's accident and maybe I'll spend some time looking back at what each month represents, but today Abby just helped me be thankful for this day. Even tonight, she was the one who made us all notice the beautiful full moon. That's the way Abby lives and thinks right now--her memory is improving, and sometimes we see glimpses of typical teenage distraction, but mostly she just notices life around her. Through her eyes I feel like we have been given a gift of new sight, and I hope that we will treasure that insight long after these days of recovery are behind us...

I know that many of you feel that you have learned and grown through Abby's experience. Perhaps that is the work that God needed to do through this ordeal. So, we say both "thank you" for being there, and "you're welcome" for allowing Abby to touch you...
With love,
-Abby's family

P.S. I also want to share some good news from Abby's very special and wonderful brother. After Abby's party we hurried back to Wimberley for Frank's baseball game. Frank was pitching tonight, and though he's always a little nervous when he pitches (he never shows it), he pitched a full game, allowing only one run and getting 10 strike-outs. It was a very special day for everyone...