1yr; Day 589 – PATIENCE to Believe
Hi Everyone,
Happy Mother’s Day! We had a great day. I love having the three kids together. JohnPaul and Caitlin arrived just after lunch time. It was a beautiful day, warm with a slight breeze. It was nice to go back to our favorite spot by the goose pond. There are three park benches at one end of the pond up against a tall stone wall. Flanking the benches on either side are flowering pear trees. We park Corey under the shade of the tree to the far right facing the pond and the gazebo. JohnPaul always sits to her right on the right bench. Caitlin and I choose the middle bench to sit in the sun; I sit to Caitlin’s right positioning her in the middle.
As we begin to relax pretending that we are on some exotic island enjoying the sun at our imaginary poolside, suddenly we are pelted by berries. Looking to our left, there is JohnPaul and Corey smiling preparing to zing a few more at us. JohnPaul defended their actions by saying, “what did you expect? We’re sitting under an ammo tree”! I bent down to take a closer look at the berries, quickly picked up the scattered pellets and threw them back at the attackers! Needless to say, it was a berry war. Poor Caitlin was in the crossfire. Her only response was, “clearly I’m the only adult here”.
The rest of the afternoon and evening was filled with more laughter meeting Caitlin’s latest stand-up character and shenanigans with JohnPaul as he calls it (check out the gallery for a picture of him and Corey).
Last years Mothers Day celebration was much different. Corey’s girlfriends presented me with a gift from Corey that hangs in her room today; an Inspirational Word Sign ~ BELIEVE. At that time Corey could only give us a ½ smile and thumbs up. We relied on that word to push through each day without any promise that we would come close to what we hoped to achieve. Sometimes that’s what it takes; head down and forge forward. When you need a break, take time to look back and truly appreciate the distance you traveled. Your accomplishment will empower you to see what you can achieve next.
Corey last year seems like a lifetime ago. I’m grateful you can’t recall the physical limitations you had. Truthfully, the details of where you were are only important when you need perspective for overcoming today’s challenges. The fundamentals are still there. You are still the strong, determined, independent, and spirited, never back down, in your face confident woman I wrote to a year ago. You can do anything you set your mind to…including throwing berry ammo at your mom (although you need to work on your aim)!
Honey, I think this year’s word will be PATIENCE to Believe in the phrase Matter of Time. Everyday there are incremental changes and sometimes it’s difficult to see just how significant they are until we look back and compare. We still have a long road ahead of us but I can’t help but get excited when I think of what your accomplishments will be by next mother’s day.
On a personal note – I’d like to share my Mother’s Day gift from Corey this year;
Corey fell asleep at 8:30pm waking abruptly at 11pm with a severe Charlie Horse in her upper left thigh and extreme pain in her right ankle. I used massage therapy to release the spasm and as we waited for pain medication to lessen her pain Corey reached out for my arm. She pulled me closer to give me a hug and a kiss. Looking at me she said, “You are my mom” ~ “I love you so much” ~ “To the moon and back” ~ “You are my best mom”
Hallmark couldn’t write a better Mother’s Day card! xoxo
1yr; Day 588 – Rehab Boot Camp
Hi Everyone,
Corey had a good day. We both had about 4.5 hrs sleep last night and this morning she caught another 2 hours before Day 2 of Rehab Boot Camp began.
She had 3 hours of PT/OT broken down into four sessions. Session 1 OT 1 hour ~ Session 2 PT ½ hour ~ Session 3 OT ½ hour ~ Session 4 PT 1 hour.
Amanda, OT, cried when she heard Corey’s voice for the first time. It was somewhat of an assessment session. Amanda sat with Corey on the matte as Corey reached with her right arm for items in a box positioned on her left. She had to identify the items and rotate to put them away in a box positioned on her right. This progressed using the same motion but Amanda worked with Corey to use her left arm and hand.
The ladies moved on to bolster work. The gym has a large cylinder bolster that stands 4’high and approximately 3’ in diameter. Amanda placed it on its side so it could roll.
Sitting on the matte, Corey reached across with both arms and pushed her butt up to a leaning/stand position. She stood for about 2 mins. After 3 repetitions the bolster was placed upright. Corey then stood up leaning on the bolster (with Amanda and an aide’s assistance) for an additional 5 mins. This freeform exercise reinforces the benefits of the standing frame we use at home.
Suzanne, PT, couldn’t wait to work with Corey. She cried yesterday as she announced Corey’s arrival to the gym. The ladies continued working on Corey’s sit to stand exercises.
There was only an hour between the morning and afternoon sessions. By the time Session 3 was to begin, Corey was wiped! Rightfully so; she stood for a total 25 minutes during the morning sessions. Corey had difficulty managing the afternoon sessions because of her fatigue. It was important for the therapists to see the physical change in Corey so they can adjust her schedule for next week building in 1.5 – 2 hour rest times. Her fatigue is precisely why we need inpatient and not outpatient therapy! Imagine her hard work then commuting to and from the rehab. At home we manage her sessions to allow for her fatigue sometimes accommodating for it by working with her while she is in bed. Her rest time in bed is critical to help her develop her overall stamina.
Due to her fatigue, the majority of her afternoon PT session was matte work; mostly stretching so Corey could close her eyes. However, the last 15 minutes of Suzanne’s session was used to size Corey for her walker as well as taking a few steps together. Suzanne challenged Corey to help her “one up Natalie”. Yesterday Natalie and Corey walked almost 10 feet. Suzanne hit the 10 feet and asked Corey where her pain threshold was. Corey gave it a 5 as she pushed the walker forward raising the bar another 4 feet ~ 14 feet for Day 2. Exhausted and in pain she proved the saying No Pain, No Gain. Corey returned to her bed for a well deserved rest. She fell asleep at 8pm and so far is still asleep as I write this. Let’s hope Boot Camp will be her sleeping sedative so she and I can begin to sleep through the night! That would be a great Mother’s Day gift! Happy dreams, xoxo
1yr; Day 618 – graduation
Hi Everyone,
When a patient arrives at Bryn Mawr, the team thoroughly evaluates their physical/cognitive abilities for a baseline. The day before discharge the patient is assessed for a final evaluation. Today was performance day and Corey exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Cara, OT, evaluated Corey’s ability to eat breakfast, dress and manage her morning bathroom routine. She concluded her observation with ROM measurements. Corey’s initial evaluation for the left arm had a hint of isolated muscle movement. She could open and close her hand but any additional movement was limited and/or inconsistent. Today Cara measured her wrist movement at 58 degrees (an increase from Saturday). With initial help, Corey can push her arm from a bent position to full extension. More importantly; without help she can now bring her arm back towards her chest from full extension with a measurement of 85 degrees! Our goal will be to work on her ability to lift her arm independently (without her using her right arm to cheat). This goal is definitely attainable…look at what she’s done with that arm in a month!
Jessica, ST, is pleased with Corey’s word pronunciation. We’ve learned a few new games and Apps for the IPad that will help us continue her progress. One of her goals was to move to thin liquids w/o aspiration. We are happy to say she can now have thins by spoon. It’s a matter of time before she can start thins in a cup. Once again, a month ago we were introducing soft solids. Today she is on a full unrestricted diet and almost ready to add liquids. Our goal is to have her feeding tube removed by the end of summer.
Natalie, PT, has seen the greatest progress. Corey is now averaging between 75 and 100 feet of walking twice a day! She is still having pain in her ankles from the surgery and her legs from the exercise, horse ride and change in stance as a result of the surgery. All of this will dissipate with time. Her right foot is now at neutral position (a proper 90 degrees) and her left foot is a -6 degrees. Prior to surgery, her right foot was -10 and her left foot was -26. She has full range of motion on the right and we are working on developing the left. She is lifting, bending and straightening both legs on command ~ Sleeping Beauty is slowing waking up!
Tomorrow is graduation day…we are coming home. Our nursing staff is still thin but both agencies are working to share the case for full coverage.
In regard to therapy; our first 7 months at Bryn Mawr gave us a glimpse of what could be. The next year we were blessed to work with Gillian, Jen, Brittany, Alice, Diane, Christa, Jo and Jori. Without this team Corey would not have had the opportunity to come back to Bryn Mawr last month. They were her partners, helping her take her first steps, speak her first words and worked with her to continue to reach for more. The strides she’s made in the last month at BM has exceeded everyone’s expectations (including the Dr’s, nurses and therapists).
It is for this reason that we’ve decided to try Bryn Mawr’s Neuro Out-Patient program rather than home therapy. We are very nervous about Corey’s stamina, but then I think back to a year ago and remember how frightened we were to come home.
Graduation by definition is ‘arrangement in degrees, levels or ranks’. Corey’s progress has certainly mirrored pre-school through High School. Our goal is College! We will be enrolled in the Neuro program 3 days a week receiving PT/OT/ST and Cognitive therapy. If Corey can handle the full day (10-4; which will include lunch and rest periods) we are pre-approved for 13 weeks between Insurance and Medicaid coverage. Once we are home I will discuss the services she will receive from the school to round out the additional 2 days.
It has been our mission to give Corey the acute level of rehabilitation therapy (15-18 hours a week). Her progress is proof that in conjunction with the natural course of healing, the acute level of therapy is the reason she is achieving and exceeding every goal we set. It’s time to enroll her in the “College Prep” courses so she can start cooking!
Summer School is now in session…xoxo
1yr; Day 587 – She’s baaack!
Hi Everyone,
Corey had a good day. We both had about 4.5 hrs sleep last night and this morning she caught another 2 hours before Day 2 of Rehab Boot Camp began.
She had 3 hours of PT/OT broken down into four sessions. Session 1 OT 1 hour ~ Session 2 PT ½ hour ~ Session 3 OT ½ hour ~ Session 4 PT 1 hour.
Amanda, OT, cried when she heard Corey’s voice for the first time. It was somewhat of an assessment session. Amanda sat with Corey on the matte as Corey reached with her right arm for items in a box positioned on her left. She had to identify the items and rotate to put them away in a box positioned on her right. This progressed using the same motion but Amanda worked with Corey to use her left arm and hand.
The ladies moved on to bolster work. The gym has a large cylinder bolster that stands 4’high and approximately 3’ in diameter. Amanda placed it on its side so it could roll.
Sitting on the matte, Corey reached across with both arms and pushed her butt up to a leaning/stand position. She stood for about 2 mins. After 3 repetitions the bolster was placed upright. Corey then stood up leaning on the bolster (with Amanda and an aide’s assistance) for an additional 5 mins. This freeform exercise reinforces the benefits of the standing frame we use at home.
Suzanne, PT, couldn’t wait to work with Corey. She cried yesterday as she announced Corey’s arrival to the gym. The ladies continued working on Corey’s sit to stand exercises.
There was only an hour between the morning and afternoon sessions. By the time Session 3 was to begin, Corey was wiped! Rightfully so; she stood for a total 25 minutes during the morning sessions. Corey had difficulty managing the afternoon sessions because of her fatigue. It was important for the therapists to see the physical change in Corey so they can adjust her schedule for next week building in 1.5 – 2 hour rest times. Her fatigue is precisely why we need inpatient and not outpatient therapy! Imagine her hard work then commuting to and from the rehab. At home we manage her sessions to allow for her fatigue sometimes accommodating for it by working with her while she is in bed. Her rest time in bed is critical to help her develop her overall stamina.
Due to her fatigue, the majority of her afternoon PT session was matte work; mostly stretching so Corey could close her eyes. However, the last 15 minutes of Suzanne’s session was used to size Corey for her walker as well as taking a few steps together. Suzanne challenged Corey to help her “one up Natalie”. Yesterday Natalie and Corey walked almost 10 feet. Suzanne hit the 10 feet and asked Corey where her pain threshold was. Corey gave it a 5 as she pushed the walker forward raising the bar another 4 feet ~ 14 feet for Day 2. Exhausted and in pain she proved the saying No Pain, No Gain. Corey returned to her bed for a well deserved rest. She fell asleep at 8pm and so far is still asleep as I write this. Let’s hope Boot Camp will be her sleeping sedative so she and I can begin to sleep through the night! That would be a great Mother’s Day gift! Happy dreams, xoxo
1yr; Day 586 – fighting for inpatient
Hi Everyone,
We had a very difficult night. Corey was in a great deal of pain, her disorientation was magnified by the pain medication and it was a rough night. She and I only managed an hour’s sleep.
This morning PT/OT came in for a post surgical evaluation. This is needed for release to the Rehab. Once again we had to go to battle for approval. Dr. Long, Dr. Ruggerio, PT/OT all had to write/fax notes supporting the referral. The pre-certification department at BlueCross denied admittance. My BC case manager couldn’t help us (he has no authority over the pre-cert department). The issue wasn’t that she needed rehab, the issue was “did she need to be inpatient at an acute rehab hospital and why not an out-patient rehab near or home”.
I am very thankful for the Paoli social worker. She doesn’t take no for an answer either! Our battle began at 8am this morning. It wasn’t until 5:30pm that we got word Corey’s case made it to the Regional Medical Director for approval. We have been approved for 7 days pending progress notes…here we go again…
We left Paoli at 7pm. Bryn Mawr rehab is not far from Paoli. Corey is extremely disoriented and will not let me out of her sight. That being said, she’s thinks I’m her night nurse and can’t find her real mom. Thank goodness for pain medication and exhaustion; I’m staying in the Doctor’s lounge of the floor Corey is staying on incase she wakes up with night terrors or anxiety.
I’m going to try to sleep for as long as I can until I’m called. My bedtime prayer; I hope her mind comes back, I hope her pain lessens, I hope she sleeps through the night, I hope tomorrow is an easier day. I especially hope she has happy dreams, xoxo
1yr; Day 585 – Achilles tendon lengthening
Hi Everyone,
This is a quick update…Corey’s surgery went well. Her feet are now at 90 degree angles, casted in that position for the next 4 weeks. The casts are knee high. We can’t wait to start decorating them!
Corey is in a lot of pain tonight. She is taking Percocet but it’s not working for her. She’s very uncomfortable in the casts and keeps asking to take them off, along with trying to pull the IV and her feeding tube out. I’m hoping she calms down and can get a good night sleep.
Tomorrow we head to Bryn Mawr Rehab, not sure of the transfer time yet but will let you all know when we get her settled.
Thank you all for your texts and notes. We will keep you posted of any updates. KEEP THOSE PRAYERS COMING! xoxo
1yr; Day 584 – the “Plan” is not the “Goal”
Hi Everyone,
I recently had a heart to heart with one of my closest friends. We haven’t had an opportunity to see one another in quite some time so we had months to catch up on. As I shared some of the past and recent challenges we were facing she asked me a few questions.
1. What’s your goal?
2. What’s your plan to reach that goal?
3. How willing are you to be flexible?
She reminded me that “the plan” is not “the goal”. To reach our goal we might need to give up the original plan or at the very least some parts of it. If the plan changes it doesn’t mean that the goal is unattainable. It just means that it’s time to be more flexible.
This conversation replayed itself as we met for a consultation with the orthopedic surgeon this afternoon. Dr. Ruggerio Sr. examined Corey and confirmed that not only would she benefit from the tendon lengthening on her left foot, he feels it would be best to operate on both ankles! Then he proceeded to state that his double knee surgery scheduled for tomorrow called out due to pneumonia so he could fit Corey right in!
We are committed to the goal ~ Corey wants to walk. The timing of the plan has changed but may have created a number of new options available to her. There’s no turning back.
She will have her surgery tomorrow and spend the night at Paoli hospital. Thursday she will transfer to Bryn Mawr Rehab for 2-3 weeks. She will have casts on both legs for 4 weeks. Through out that time she will have intensive therapy and recasting to optimize her recovery.
Suddenly there are packing lists to be written and phone calls to be made to postpone current appointments. I had night shift duty last night so I think I’ll set the alarm for an early rise; tonight we need to rest so we can prepare for Plan C ~ Corey will soon be walking as she keeps me on my toes. Something tells me I’m going to need a new pair of sneakers to keep up with her…xoxo
1yr; Day 583 – True Grit
Hi Everyone,
Today was a good day and an emotional day. Corey had a tough morning. She is still coping with disorientation, anxiety, anger and short/long term memory issues. Caring for Corey with limited nursing has been challenging under these circumstances. I’m hoping that the change of Pharmaceutical companies for Tegretol will stabilize her mode and her memory will improve. The two home nursing agencies we have committed to are diligently trying to recruit new nurses (LPN/RN’s) that have TBI experience to join Corey’s case. With any luck, all the stars will align and we can get off this roller coaster ride…I’m ready for the carousel.
My father called at a particularly difficult moment today which happened to be perfectly timed. He not only talked me off the ledge, he talked me out of heading to the airport! Advocating and Care giving for a loved one is a 24/7 job. There are good days and really tough days. After our conversation, I received a number of daily calls from family, friends in the community as well as notes from our carepage. I would like to express how much we cherish, require and rely on each of you; even those of you who are out of state. It is my prayer that other families are as fortunate as we are to have such friendship and support. I can’t imagine walking this path alone. THANK YOU!
Corey is beginning to increase her steps along her path. Today was a big day for her. Despite her temper tantrum at the beginning of PT; I assisted her and Gillian with a stroll around the island in the kitchen using the walker. If you’ve seen the YouTube videos of Corey taking her first steps, you may have noticed an arm rest (called a platform) which supports her left arm. It forces her hand to open and grasp a handle as her forearm rests on the platform. It supports her stance and her arm. We have been waiting for her left shoulder, arm and hand to regain muscle movement so she can fully extend her arm and grasp the walker at hip height. We also have been waiting for her to gain strength throughout her core muscles and hips to support/shift her weight in order to take steps with both feet. Today was the day!
Gillian stands behind Corey for support. Corey holds onto the walker. My job is to face Corey, walk backwards as I encourage and guide the walker forward for her. I have the best view…I get to watch Corey’s face. Her eyes begin to light up as she feels her body moving the way she intends it to. Her smile starts out small as she concentrates with each step. Once her rhythm begins her smile is illuminated with a contagious energy of confidence, pride, joy and excitement ~ she’s walking again! I find myself feeling a childlike giddiness; I can’t stop smiling as I watch her.
Lap 1 was 30 feet, her record. Gillian asked her if she was tired and wanted to rest. She said, “No, I want to keep walking”. Corey added “I don’t need help”. Gillian asked Corey if she wanted to try removing the platform (a major step towards independence). Corey emphatically said yes. As we prepare Corey, she instinctively opened her left hand to release the handle and made motion to lift her arm off the platform. Gillian and I were shocked! We removed the hardware and asked Corey to grasp the walker with her left hand. As we reached to assist Corey, she initiated the movement to reach for the walker, extend her fingers and tried to position her arm independently. The word shock or surprised doesn’t describe what we observed.
Lap 2 was an additional 24 feet around the island! Not only did Corey have control of her upper body, her hips were straighter and her steps were the most fluent we’ve seen to date. She was beaming…I cried. 54 feet, a new first!
Corey, last October my girlfriend wrote us about a morning program that highlighted a story on a survey that was used to predict successful people. It was a True Grit Survey. She wrote; the amount of grit it takes for you to live in the moment is tremendous. Although you didn’t want to walk this path and it doesn’t help with your daily challenges, you inspire so many with the characteristics you share with Rooster Cogburn, the character of U.S. Marshall played by Jeff Bridges. I forwarded this note to Jim Haynes. Jim is a professional illustrator and new friend we’ve met via our Carepage. Today was a tough and emotional day for both of us. The afternoon mail arrived; there was a package from Jim. He created a poster that will hang in your room for us to read on days like today; reminding us to stay focused even when it’s hard.
(Thank you Karen and Jim, xoxo)
True Grit
•A clear goal
•Determination despite others’ doubts
•Self-confidence about figuring it out
•Humility about knowing it doesn’t come easy
•Persistence despite fear
•Patience for the small stuff that obscures the path
•A code of ethics they live by
•Flexibility in the face of roadblocks
•A capacity for human connection and collaboration
•A recognition that accepting help does not equate to weakness
•A focus and appreciation of each step in the journey
•An appreciation of other people’s grit
•A loyalty that never sacrifices connections along the way
•An inner strength that brings them to their goal
1yr; 7 months – PSA generic drugs affect the brain!
Hi Everyone,
This has been quite a week and it’s not close to being over!
Yesterday I attended a Legislation Day Rally at our State Capital in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Brain Injury Coalition invited me to join two other families to speak to the upcoming budget cuts for waivers and Medicaid and how it will affect our loved ones.
There was a large public turnout. I was very nervous. The rally was held in the rotunda of the capital in front of the main staircase at the main entrance for the House and the Senate. There were reporters, cameramen/woman as well as the state employees, visitors and rally attendees milling about. It was business as usual as we and 8 Senators spoke above the noise. As I was straining to hear the speakers, I was wondering if any one was truly listening. Were we making a difference? At the end of the rally we were approached by some of the attendee’s. One woman in particular gave me new perspective I was not prepared for. She thanked me for the points highlighted in my speech but pleaded that I not give up our fight. She shared her son’s story with me. It does not have a happy ending; in fact after 6 years he is now in a state facility, she has lost her job as a result of having to be his caregiver as well as recently losing her home due to the debt incurred since the accident. She asked me to keep fighting for her and families like hers that can not fight or aren’t brave enough to stand at a podium. I was speechless. Offering her a hug I agreed to continue to try to do my best. I left the rotunda and headed to the Senate and House to knock on doors and introduce myself to new contacts…and so it begins.
Tomorrow I return to Harrisburg to speak for the Coalition to the Department of Health and the Department of Public Welfare. In addition to DOH and DPW, the Brain Injury Association, the Acquired Brain Injury Network of PA, the Disability Rights Network, the PA Association of Rehabilitation Facilities and the members of the House and Senate Caucus will be in attendance. I will briefly share the beginning of Corey’s journey but focus on the families struggle to live past the accident.
This week has been filled with many struggles. In addition to daily calls from/to Insurance and Medicaid to resolve denials and appeals, handling calls from medical bill collectors as well as balancing Corey’s current cognitive challenges, behavioral outbursts and therapies; we also have a few big appointments.
Today was an appointment with the seizure specialist at Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia. Although we have seen Corey improve physically, cognitively I feel as if she’s rapidly declining. Her behavior is very similar to dementia and Alzheimer’s. We know that Corey is actively having silent seizures. Her medication can only manage them, not stop them. Our seizure specialist wanted the specific details to her change in behavior. The list included fatigue, headaches, short/long term memory issues, her inability to recognize me, rage, anxiety and disorientation…to name a few!
The Doctor asked if any of Corey’s seizure medications were recently switched to generic brands since our last visit. Just last month, the manufacturer for Tegretol issued an open ended back order; we were forced to accept generic. Generic Pharmaceutical companies create a mixture of substances “close” to the Brand but can use products from other countries (such as India and China) that do not have the same standards of quality as US companies.
Dr. S. gave me the names of 3 generic pharmaceutical companies that would be the ONLY acceptable companies to order the generic version for Corey’s seizure medication. It is his suspicion that Corey is having an adverse affect to the generic version of Tegretol because of the chemical makeup of the generic drug that may be supplied from one of the aforementioned countries. He is comfortable with maintaining a generic version but only if it is supplied from one of the 3 noted pharmaceutical companies. (Teva, Forrest, Mylan…Teva is the only company of the 3 producing the drug she needs) Dr. S was so calm and confident that Corey would be “just fine”, I felt as if a weight was lifted off my body! Let’s hope his “hunch” is correct!
Tomorrow is another busy day. My speech is at 10am then I will head back in time to take Corey to see Dr. Long at 2:30pm in Malvern. Please keep us in your prayers. Send your guardian angels to whisper in Dr. Long’s ear…tomorrow Corey must have a physical therapy evaluation. We are up against the threat of losing PT/OT/ST from Insurance. I have no idea what alternatives we have but we obviously can not lose therapies yet.
Good night all; time to write another speech…xoxo
1yr; Day 608 – Corinne is Houdini
Hi Everyone,
Corey is making great physical progress; however, she is going through a very difficult emotional phase. She has been waking up with night terrors, day terrors (after her naps), disorientation and severe separation anxiety when she loses sight of me. Once the therapists distract her, I slip out of the gym and Corey stays focused on the task. If there is a lull in activity, that’s when she begins to look for me.
If the therapists or nurses are unsuccessful with their distractions, she gets volatile. This morning, the nurses were quite impressed with her ability to strip her bed of all the linens, including the fitted bottom sheet, while she was lying in the bed. In addition, she was able to remove her tank top without removing her T-shirt. Now that takes skill! We are now convinced that Corinne was an apprentice to the Great Houdini in a past life.
I had a lengthy meeting with Dr. Long discussing Corey’s behavioral issues. We are going to work closely with the Behavioral therapists to try to come up with strategies and techniques to diffuse Corey’s alter-ego. I was sarcastically joking with one of the nurses today; “Everyone’s been praying that Corey comes back to us walking, talking and eating”. “Well she’s here”!
Speaking of coming back to us; we had very special visitors today. Karissa and her parents drove up to visit. We were so excited to see them. Karissa looks amazing. She’s walking as she holds her dad’s hand. She is softly speaking now and it was wonderful to hear her voice for the first time. Carla and Kevin felt the same excitement as Corey was engaged in our conversation. My favorite moment was watching Karissa smile. She is a beautiful young woman but when she smiles, her face lights up and she’s stunning.
She and Corey don’t remember each other but they must sense a bond. The minute Karissa entered the room, she went directly to Corey’s bedside and the girls reached out to hold each other’s hand. We had a very nice visit. It was a very special gift to see them again.
Corey life will not ask your opinion as challenges present themselves. Life will demand something of you every minute of the day. The more willing, gracious and positive you are in accepting the challenges you’re assigned determines the value of what you gain from the experience.
Each experience has hidden gifts within them. The greatest gift we’ve received is the friendship, love and support of thousands of friends. Cherish those hidden gifts, give of yourself so others will experience the same and you will certainly continue to receive the very best that life has to offer, xoxo