June 1, 2008
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It was “Sarah Day” yesterday around here.
It’s obvious it is getting more challenging to keep you posted on Hillary’s progress. The days between updates are getting longer and longer as Hillary’s social calendar becomes “fully loaded”. And my apologies up front for any repeated information on her progress as there is no time for looking back) We hope to take in a movie with our friends today– though she is very tired from “Sarah Day”.
So first a quick update:
Hillary is no longer going to be in physical therapy three times a week. Her therapist, Hope has determined with the amount Hillary walks at home the three day schedule is just no longer necessary moving her down for now to two days and soon to only one. We expect them to work a bit on swimming this week to be sure Hillary can enjoy fun in the sun, but for the most part, her time with PT will be for e-stem and learning exercises Hillary can manage for herself as she finishes her recovery process.
She probably could have been walking more from the beginning if we’d only used a garden hose. Apparently all it takes to move our girl to the next level of progress (literally level) is a downpour and she’s willing to climb mountains to avoid getting drenched. Last week Hillary and her dad had been downstairs when it was time to head to the main floor for dinner. Now Hillary can access every corner of our home, but to move from one floor to the next she has to go outside to access the opposite level. As Paul opened the door to take her out and up, they looked at each other, both deciding it was time to find a better way in light of the heavy rain in front of them. At the bottom of our L-shaped staircase, Hillary grabbed the handrail with her right arm and advanced each step with her left leg (yes, her left leg!!!!) and made it to the top. She had climbed another mountain to independence and I could hear the sounds of victory and feel them both beaming as they shared their news on the phone with me.
And though that milestone was thrilling, perhaps the more important benchmark for her was the news that came from her Occupational Therapist, Katherine Meueller. There are three movements one must make with their hand and fingers to naturally pick up something. Hillary successfully proved her ability to master all three this week. ZOOM ZOOM!!!!
And now to Sarah Day:
I remember the moments Hillary’s two Sarahs shared their news with her and the importance of their friend’s presence in their exciting upcoming celebrations of love. The first was Sarah Adams– one of Hillary’s childhood best friends. I believe Hillary was in Cardinal Hill (if not in Vanderbilt) when Sarah shared the news of her pregnancy with Hillary. Sarah told Hillary how much she needed her to get well and to help her with advice and assurance along the way. At the time, Hillary was unable to talk and deep in my soul I prayed, “Oh God, let her be well enough to be aware of that baby’s birth and the sweetness of friendship.” And later, very soon after Hillary returned home, it was Sarah Rottering and her fiance Justin who announced their wedding plans to Hillary while she still spent much of her time in her veil bed. Hillary–Part One–would have shouted her excitement to the world if she had heard such news before the accident–having thought Justin and Sarah were perfect for each other. Again, I prayed she would be able to be there for their wedding day; all the while holding my breath that she might not ever make it there as she refused to eat and began slipping deeper away from us.
I am happy to report “Sarah Day” wore our girl out having first attended Sarah’s baby shower for her soon to arrive daughter, Bianca—and in the evening/, with all of her colleagues from the shop (and many other friends), our girl attended the wedding of Sarah and Justin. She had a wonderful time! Our blessings are more abundant than we deserve.
So until the “Sarahs” can post their pictures from the big day for all of us, above are some more of our abundant blessings. Happy day after “Sarah Day”….and thank you for your prayers to The One who gave our injured angel the chance to be there. We are eternally grateful.
XOXOX
–Shawn
