Abby (and Frank) update - May 12

Hello everyone. It's me again. Mom, the Blog-writer. (Any Hank the Cowdog fans recognize that intro?) If only blog-writing were the only hat I wore this weekend...but, what's to celebrate in a uni-dimensional Mom, anyway??

We all have had a good weekend so far. Gordon survived and enjoyed the airsoft field wars. We pitched a tent at the backside of our property (as far away from my house as I could get it!), and Frank and his half-dozen camouflaged comrades-in-arms cooked over an open fire, scrambled in and out of ravines, and went on countless missions, day and night. It was really a beautiful evening, and Gordon and I enjoyed pretending we were getting "away from it all" at the campfire 100 yards from the house...

Meanwhile, Abby recruited Taylor to walk in the Wimberley Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society with her last night. The girls retired to Taylor's house sometime in the night, while I took my turn walking the track just before sunrise. Though I missed walking with Abby, I enjoyed the chance to walk in the solitude this morning and reflect on the many friends and strangers who have faced their own battles and to marvel at the grace, strength, and hope so many have found. God bless Dulci (the young Honduran girl at the San Antonio Ronald McDonald House who has been battling cancer for over a year) and all those in need of hope and a cure...

And, speaking of grace, strength, and hope, this afternoon Abby played in her violin recital with the other students of Paula Bird. When we began day therapy at St. David's in Austin they asked us for specific goals for Abby. One of ours was that Abby would play in a violin recital this spring. Just setting that goal and seeing it fulfilled was such a source of inspiration and encouragement for us and for many in the audience. We appreciate Paula's deep love for Abby and the prayers of so many families in her studio. And we think Abby is a warrior (a beautiful and talented one, don't you think?).

So, for tonight, this Mom is again burning the midnight oil, but, oh, won't there be reasons to celebrate my blessings tomorrow!
Blessings to you...
Lee Ann, Gordon, Abby, and Frank