Day 187 – exhaustion, excitement, relief
Hi Everyone,
Have you ever felt so completely exhausted you didn’t think you had an ounce of energy left? Was there a time that you thought, ‘no way, I can’t do one more thing to push towards the outcome or effort you were hoping to achieve’. A long time ago, I attended a sales seminar that taught a valuable perspective that could be utilized by any person regardless of age or career path to counteract the aforementioned thoughts.
‘When you feel like giving up, it’s a very good sign that you’re truly making progress. So by all means keep going. Eventually you’re going to reach the point where just one more attempt, one more effort will bring real success. What a shame it would be to give up just as you reached that point’.
This has been one heck of a week! To recap; we were told we were going to be denied on Monday. Denial and the last paid day would be Wednesday. Corey could stay at the rehab but on our dime with diminished services or we could move her temporarily to a nursing home today, Thursday!
Needless to say, those options were not acceptable. You may have noticed the late postings. Unfortunately, I have been researching and writing for our appeal rather than sleeping. (I know…I can hear your unpublished lectures) I filed for our member appeal yesterday but also contacted Bryn Mawr to ask that they appeal today. We were hoping to overturn the decision to discharge Corey.
Despite the sleep deprivation and exhaustion, I’m happy to say that after tonight’s appeal Corey has been extended until April 21st. What a feeling; exhaustion, excitement, relief. Keep in mind we have no time to rest. Until we receive our appeal date it’s steady and full steam ahead. Preparation continues for our formal appeal.
So what’s today’s lesson Corey? Keep going, keep making the effort, no matter what has happened before. Somewhere up ahead is that one more effort, the one that will take us all the way to where we want to be. We’re going to keep pushing Corey, even when we want to give up.
On second thought, perhaps we’ll take one night to rest a little! Happy dreams, xoxo
Day 186 – redirect to what matters more
Hi Everyone,
When I arrived at the hospital tonight, Corey was in her new wheelchair. It’s not the car she wanted but she’s got new wheels! It’s custom, very techno and flatters her eyes; it’s got a blue frame!
She had an extremely busy day and was exhausted by the time we got there. John stayed with Corey as I ran home to meet a dear friend that is helping me sort through the pile of medical bills! What a gift to have the help to weed through and make sense of something that can be nonsensical!
Speaking of friends…we’ve lived in our community for 20 years now. I am so incredibly grateful for all of our friends. I’m especially overwhelmed by all of those community members we’ve never met. So many have reached out to help us in any way they can! Often times when a tragedy occurs, the support is strong initially but will eventually wane. We are so grateful that the reverse has happened for us; in fact our circle of supporters keeps growing. Amazing is an understatement!
Our own “New London Extreme Makeover” local edition is on for this Saturday and Sunday. Corey’s “other mother’s” will be sitting with her at the hospital both days so I can be home with our volunteers. For those of you that can help, I will be with Corey in the morning’s in therapy but then will run home to let everyone in. Saturday’s start time is 1:30pm. Sunday’s start time is 3:30.
Corey,
I have to be honest with you; it made me sad to see your new wheelchair. As cool as it is and as grateful as I am that it is customized to your body, I’m sad it’s not the car you wanted. I left the hospital to come home but sat in my car and cried for quite awhile before I could pull away. Sometimes I have to let it all out.
On the drive home I kept thinking everyone has disappointments, setbacks, bad breaks and frustrations. Sometimes it seems that they all come at once. Sometimes those challenges cause us to feel stuck. If we’re not careful, we’ll start to see the negative side of everything, and that is certainly no way to live.
At the end of everyday, we have to look back at what was positive. Count our blessings. There are so many good things about life, and too often we take them for granted. I am thankful for our home and the skilled volunteers that will make this renovation happen. Our home is going to be a little different but thank goodness we can redesign the living space to accommodate your needs without needing a major addition. I’m grateful for the donations and the fundraisers! I’m thankful for the volunteers that have generously stepped forward to help us on both fronts. We can not do this alone. I’m especially thankful for our family and circle of friends. The little ways people help truly is appreciated more than can be expressed in words. Honey, it’s amazing to think of all the people who love you and care about you.
So kiddo, if you’re feeling sad, in a funk or just like you’ve had enough already; Re-direct your negative energy and frustrations towards what should matter more…all the people in our lives that share their talents, love, friendship and support! Things are as negative or as positive as we make them. Adjust our attitude and we’ll keep rollin’ forward. Happy dreams, xoxo
Day 185 – the purpose of fear is NOT to stop you
Hi Everyone,
The insurance company has told Bryn Mawr that their last covered day is tomorrow, 4/6. I am in the process of appealing to Blue Cross. The neurosurgeon faxed me his report which I hope will be influential to the insurance company. I am also appealing to Bryn Mawr for an additional 2 weeks to give me time to fix up the house. They would like me to move Corey to a nursing home short term until the home care is assigned, the appeal process is complete or until our home is finished. I do not want her moved for several reasons including continuity of care, risk of infection as well as the fact she will be the only patient under 65 in the facility. I do not have any confirmation as I write this. The state representative for home care waivers will be coming out Thursday to evaluate our need and approval for clinical and therapy hours. I have also contacted the news stations and spoke with the patient advocate lawyer. I’m not sure which way any of this will play out.
As our time at Bryn Mawr is literally running out, I have been thinking of the experience of the last 6 months. I reread the letter to the Senator recapping the details of Corey’s injury. I am amazed at what this young woman has overcome. I have been thinking of the emotional roller coaster that we’ve been living. Each detail is replayed in my mind from kissing the girls goodbye as they left that night to kissing Corey tonight hoping she sleeps well. At times it’s haunting, bordering on obsessive. I review the pressure that each week brings waiting, fighting, holding our breath. I can’t explain the swirling thoughts, concerns, worry and fear each day as I struggle to stay in the mindset of One Day at Time vs. what are we going to do?
This medium has been my voice. The salutation is to all of you but the words are written for me. The positive thoughts that are composed are not only closure to the day but the bridge to strive to get up and do it again tomorrow.
That being said, tonight PT/OT trained me on therapy techniques, transition and grooming for Corey. The words that penetrate my mind are preparation, resistance and change.
As we worked through exercises with Corey I thought about her body’s muscles. They are stronger as a result of encountering resistance. Thank goodness she began as a strong healthy person. Her physical strength has made it possible to go a little beyond where she is each day. She gains strength not through luck or magic or a mysterious process; but by applying what physical and inner strength she has over and over.
Consider Preparation and Change. Two words which illicit two very different perspectives. Today these words also ignited fear. I read a motivational quote; the way to get beyond your fear is to go through it. Do the thing you fear and the fear will lose its control over you.
I gave that a great deal of thought too. Fear can help assess the risk and prepare for all kinds of challenging situations. I remembered Randy Pausch, a professor that wrote The Last Lecture. (This also happened to be Corey’s summer reading book). Randy stated the purpose of fear is not to stop you. Some fears are entirely justified while others are just plain silly. Yet no matter how valid the fear may be, there is never any reason for it to control you. Certainly it is important to look carefully before you move forward. And it is just as important that, after sufficient due diligence and preparation, you do indeed move forward.
Corey, what would be the antithesis of fear? Confidence, ability, strength and success! These traits are not built by settling on what is already comfortable and familiar. They are built by venturing out into unknown territory, prepared for the challenges and determined to do whatever is necessary. That’s what we are doing…each day preparing for our next step despite the unknown obstacles. Fear brings awareness but it also can inspire us to look for alternatives, seek solutions and face whatever may come. Resistance is no match for inner strength! Keep pushing kiddo, we’re moving forward. Happy dreams, xoxo
Day 184 – Part 1 & 2
Hi Everyone,
The pin was pulled from the grenade and today it exploded! We have been officially denied further coverage to stay at Bryn Mawr. I will be calling to start the appeal tomorrow. I will be meeting with our case manager to discuss details including what home care coverage we can receive as well as PT/OT/Speech therapies. I’m not entirely sure what all this will entail but I will keep you abreast of the process. This journey is a learning experience for all of us. I’m sure the information I find will help others at some point regardless of the injury or illness.
I have been working on an Injury-Recovery timeline in preparation for the appeal. I called Channel 10 and Channel 3 asking to help us expose what happens after the car is towed away. The USA Today medical writer did return my call; however, he can not help us at this time. He did lead me to investigate a lead, “the congressional brain injury task force”. They will be meeting me too! I have also contacted a patient advocate lawyer.
The letter to the Senator is complete. I will be posting it on a PART 2 to this page. Please consider forwarding it to your Senators (unfortunately, I did not have the time to research all their names). I wrote the letter from your perspective. We appreciate your support for Corey. I am hoping she will be the voice heard to make the changes for so many families across the country. Each traumatic brain injury patient deserves the opportunity for acute inpatient rehabilitation for the first year…not the first few months!
I’m not sure what the official discharge date will be, but we need to move full steam ahead on preparing the house. So far, the bathroom and interior ramp is covered by some wonderful anonymous donors. A co-worker is going to help with the ramp in the garage this coming Sunday. We need help with an outside deck and ramp (we hope will be partially donated by Lowe’s). Our fundraising efforts will purchase what is not donated.
As usual, this daily post needs to end on a high note. Well despite the explosion and the world spinning off its axis, we had a great night with Corey! I arrived at 5pm tonight. It was 70 degrees out! I kidnapped her for a long walk that led to the goose pond. JohnPaul and Caitlin surprised us and arrived at 6:30. The kids started telling stories, tormenting each other (and Corey – JohnPaul was throwing twigs at her) when we noticed Corey truly smile. That was all the kids needed to keep up the banter. Her smile expanded and she began to actually laugh! Although the laugh was silent, her body and shoulders were moving in a full blown belly laugh! At one point JohnPaul referenced something that was a private joke between him and Corey. She literally rolled her eyes at him.
What is most fascinating about this exchange is the stories were not just childhood “remember when’s”, they were stories from last summer and the time they spent together just before the accident. Not only did she completely understand them, but she was very present. More importantly, her laughter is evidence that she has some memory and it appears to be recent as well as long term.
Corey, laughing with the three of you again was so natural and brought me so much joy! You continue to amaze me. You hear everything we say and now you are showing us you understand. Honey, our journey doesn’t end at Bryn Mawr. I promise to fight for whatever time we can get to ensure you the best care possible. But whatever the outcome, we will continue to do everything, no matter what four walls surround us, to help you heal so you can make more memories to share and laugh about. And you will Corey, you will! Happy dreams, xoxo
Part 2 – Dear Senator
Dear Senator __________________
We are writing on behalf of Corey Beattie. Corey – age 18, was in a tragic car accident October 2nd. She spent 3 weeks in the ICU Trauma Unit.
She suffered a broken neck at C1, fractured clavicle, pelvis and femur with the worst injury being a Global Brain injury. She survived two brain surgeries, implant of a VP shunt to drain the cervical fluid and a femur repair.
Within the first 3 weeks, Corey’s eyes were open and she began to move reflexively. She was transferred to an acute inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital on the recommendation of the trauma team whose experience proved intensive inpatient rehab would offer Corey significant gains towards her recovery.
Since her arrival on October 22 she is now holding her head, sitting with assistance but gaining independent positioning, kicking her right leg, moving her left foot/toes, moving her arms and lifting her hips in a prone position. She has begun thumbs up/down, squeezing hands and hums for the initial forms of communication to command responses. She has begun showing signs of trying to formulate words as well as beginning to show emotion. Corey’s Neurosurgeon stated that he was surprised and impressed with her progress in just the last two months. She is showing more progress in 6 months than some of his patients with the same injury have shown in 2 years.
The issue we need to make public is that Corey’s Insurance is basing her length of stay on the FIM scale; Functional Improvement Measurement scale. A source of measurement that is unattainable for most levels of TBI survivors. In addition, her insurance plan with Blue Cross Personal Choice has NO CAP on acute care funding; however, because the Insurance Company is looking at a standard scale instead of Corey as an individual, her family is fighting for approval week to week. They want to deny further stay in a facility that is giving her the crucial stimulation that the first year of recovery requires! Their discharge is imminent!
Corey’s alternatives are grim. She has been denied by 20 nursing homes (65+) in her area because of her age and/or the facility not wanting to work with TBI patients. If she is approved for a nursing home, coverage is 120 days in a sub acute facility with the same FIM scale criteria and weekly approval measures. The insurance company maintains the power to decide sub acute care coverage as well. 120 days is not guaranteed.
The family’s alternative is to bring her home. Corey’s parents are divorced and they do not have family in the area for support. Neither parent can afford to become her full time caregiver. Insurance will not cover home care because Corey does not qualify based on their insurance’s medical necessity criteria. Her brain injury and dependence on skilled care doesn’t qualify as medically necessary as she only has a feeding tube.
Once Corey leaves the acute care setting, the coverage for therapy in a sub acute or for home care drops significantly from 3hrs/day 6 days a week to 2hrs/day 2-5 x per week based on her weekly evaluations.
Across the country, families and Medicaid are forced to supplement the patient’s needs. Medicaid funding is tenuous and doesn’t cover everything. The State waivers are limited and/or capped for additional services. Grants are only awarded to patients 21 and older.
Her local school district can supplement services however, their budgets are limited and that is an additional ongoing fight for the family!
Insurance companies consider cognitive development experimental. They do not understand that cognitive stimulation coupled with therapy will assist these individuals to gain the skills necessary to qualify the use of the FIM scale. In addition, inpatient rehabilitation will result in the development of skills necessary for the patient to regain their ability to be integrated back into their community. Intensive inpatient rehabilitation in the long run will save the insurance company money. The sooner the patient is integrated and independent the less insurance will pay long term. To judge patients and deny coverage prematurely is condemning them to regression in their long term recovery.
Gabby Gifford is privileged to receive unlimited funding, therapy and resources. For the thousands of regular citizens across the country that do not hold a Senate seat they are tossed into the “Treatment Gap” that Steve Sternberg of USA Today so eloquently explained in his March 22nd article. The patient’s families are forced to quit or lose their jobs and financially risk bankruptcy to provide the therapy their loved one deserves because Insurance won’t invest in them! THIS IS MORE TRAGIC THAN THE ACCIDENT!
Why should these individuals and their families be forced to accept the unacceptable? What a blessing for the Gifford’s not to see the other side of rehabilitation.
No parent or family member wants to receive “That” phone call, but the travesty of fighting for care truly represents the most devastating fracture suffered by the victims and their family. This is the real story of what happens after the car is towed away or the shot is fired!
We are reaching out to ask for your help. How do we make this public and fight towards getting minimum 1 year mandatory inpatient rehabilitation for ALL TBI patients? This is not just Corey’s issue; there are families across the country that are fighting just as hard for their loved ones. Perhaps Corey’s story will be the catalyst of change for everyone. It just takes one to make a difference!
Please help Corey and thousands of other victims across the county by creating a Bill to support Traumatic Brain Injury patient’s acute inpatient rehabilitation for the first year of recovery.
If you would like to contact Marie Beattie, Corey’s mother, please call her at 484-571-4778; or www.careforcorey.org
She will be able to give you the complete details of this young woman’s journey that is filled with nothing but obstacles.
Thank you for your consideration to this important issue.
Day 183 – shake on it
Hi Everyone,
How can you not have a good day when the Phillies win; a 3 game sweep to open the season no less?! Corey held her rally towel and proudly wore her T shirt. We enjoyed our day together.
She had OT this morning with George. Corey practiced sitting independently. She’s getting there…she held her self upright for one full minute. What I love is watching new therapists work with Corey. They know that she is doing well but don’t know the specific commands or directives that her usual therapists use. As a result, they try new commands and guess what…Corey is showing new movements!
George extended his hand to shake Corey’s, inviting her to reciprocate by saying ‘great job Corey, let’s shake on it’. She immediately lifted her arm and made the motion to extend her arm. I was very surprised! Her hand was clenched so he directed, ‘open your fingers to shake’. Sure enough, she opened her grip and connected with him.
Earlier this evening we skype’d with my niece Jennifer. Jen was always very close to Corey. When Corey was 3 years old, she got her first Barbie doll and she named her “Jenna-fur”. Tonight, Jen was asking Corey questions to illicit a thumb up response. Corey decided to show off and kick too! We did some target practice with the colored pins. I was telling Jen about Corey’s handshake with George. As I animated the motion, Corey reached out to shake my hand. I commented “are you reaching to shake my hand or wave to Jen”? Corey slowly switched her direction, lifted her arm higher, slightly turned her hand and opened her fingers almost to a full extension! We counted it as her 1st wave! She repeated the motion two more times.
Corey you continue to surprise me each day. Fair warning, I’m not holding back from today forward. We know you’re listening to each word we say and you confirm for us that you have cognitive understanding each time you follow a command you never were asked before. I’m excited and proud of you honey. I know these little gestures don’t seem to be very big, but they are tremendous signs that you’re on your way back baby!
I love you so much. Happy dreams, xoxo
Day 182 – 6 months
Hi Everyone,
Corey and I had a nice Saturday together. We washed her laundry, I gave her a manicure/pedicure, she went to the gym for a PT session and we worked on our homework assignments!
In PT, she stood in the tilt stand chair, exercised on the matte while laying on her stomach, then Jen lifted her to a kneel-stand position. Corey visually tracked her directional commands and we worked with bean bags reaching, grasping and releasing.
Donny, a weekend tech, hadn’t seen Corey respond to many commands. Corey and I were working with the felt bowling pins. From the hallway, Donny couldn’t figure out what we were doing! (Quite frankly the staff never knows what I’m going to come up with next!) We showed him what we do when we work on our homework.
Corey differentiated between the blue and red pin. She lifted her right leg to target blue-red-blue as well as other alternating color commands. Corey rotated her right foot in circles and reversed the direction when asked to do so. She reached for the pin when it was held out in front of her, opened her hand to grasp it, pulled it back towards her body then released her grip to hand it to me.
Corey was inconsistent with her YES/NO gestures but we did get 5 out of 5 for thumb up YES and 2 out of 5 for pointing her finger for NO.
The most exciting change today came as I was ranging her left leg. I told Corey I would count out loud for 10 repetitions. I asked her to count with me. With each bend of her knee, she hummed!
Sweetheart, what a fun day we had together! I love spending time with you. I’m so proud of your tenacity and willingness to keep working to strengthen your skills. Happy dreams honey. We get to play again tomorrow, xoxo
Day 181 – challenges are lessons waiting to be learned
Hi Everyone,
Corey had a good day. OT and Speech had good reports about Corey’s progress today.
Tonight our neighbor came to visit us. Corey began babysitting for this family when she was 9 years old. The young man’s name is Connor. He had serious medical issues from the moment he was born. Corey was Suzanne’s mother’s helper. She even learned sign language to speak with him until his speech developed.
Now that Corey is in the hospital, Connor (age 9) is babysitting Roxie! Suzanne shared stories of how well Connor is taking care of Roxie. She also shared that he is really into nicknames these days. Although Connor is well aware that Roxie is a girl, he’s nicknamed her Jingle Jangles (because of her license and collar), Sir licks a lot (she never stops giving “kisses”) and his personal favorite; Sir farts a lot (because he’s a 9 year old boy).
As Suzanne was sharing this with Corey, we swear she smiled. I’m sure she did because she knew Connor’s sense of humor so well!
I headed home a little early this evening and visited with some neighbors myself. Among other topics; we were chatting about the timeline of this journey. During our conversation, there was a statement that inspired tonight’s writing. “It’s been 6 months tonight since the accident…think of all that you’ve learned in 6 months”…
What a great question. Think of all the things we’ve learned in our life let alone the last six months. When we were born, we did not know how to walk, or talk, or feed ourselves. We’ve learned to read, to count, to travel from place to place. We’ve learned how to communicate via technology. We have the world at our finger tips to research and get access to online information. We’ve acquired practical wisdom, and mastered complex concepts.
Because of what we’ve learned, we are not limited to the initial skills and knowledge with which we were born. The things we’ve learned have enabled us to better understand and interact with the world around us.
Corey, we are leaning more than rudimentary skills. Look at all we have learned in just 6 months. We’ve learned more about Traumatic Brain Injury than we thought we ever would! It’s also important to be reminded that we’ve also learned how to handle the emotional balance of having one foot in today’s reality and the other in the past.
A friend forwarded this motivational thought today;
The challenges in our lives are lessons waiting to be learned. Be thankful for the challenges. Without them, we would not grow.
This thought might seem trite but guess what? Aside from the new medical knowledge, we’ve been reminded of the unconditional love of our family and friends. We’ve been blessed with new friendships and the generosity of strangers. We’ve learned to look at our day with an adjusted positive perspective rather than judgment, resentment, control or manipulation to change our current reality. We’ve learned to take things in stride. We’ve learned to prioritize on multiple levels. We’ve learned to look to what we can be grateful for.
For you sweetheart, you are re-learning your whole life for a second time. How many people get a second chance? You were never a fan of school and you are no stranger to learning things the hard way or as they present themselves. Staying present in Today is our lesson. Keep up the great work Corey. You continue to teach all of us each and every day, xoxo
Day 180
Hi Everyone,
B-7, I-29, N-44, G-58, O-75…What a fun night! The Knights of Columbus of West Grove, PA dedicated a night a Bingo to benefit Corey. We had a wonderful time with a delicious dinner, lots of friends and laughter. There were many friends from our community that we haven’t seen since the accident. It was great to catch up and share Corey’s progress with them. Conversations of her recovery led to multiple stories that took us strolling down memory lane. I will have to fill Caitlin in on most of the stories shared so she can write a sequel to her last post.
Everyone asked about Corey, Caitlin and JohnPaul. They all inquired on how things are going, as well as commented that there are no words to express their compassion. The most frequent question was how are we holding up? The truth is everyday is surreal. We’re dealing with the reality of this on one hand but in many ways we’re waiting for the dream to be over.
Tomorrow is April fool’s Day. It would be just like Corey to sit up and say, “JUST KIDDING”! Actually, this is my secret wish.
Corey everyone reminds us that your recovery is in God’s time. I’m more convinced that it’s in your time! I wish you were with us tonight. I know you would have had a blast. The people that have come out to support you continue to amaze me. Everyone’s generosity is astounding. You are loved so deeply by so many Miss Corey! You keep fighting to come out of your shell. Literally, there are thousands of people that love you, are cheering for you and praying for your full recovery; nothing less kiddo. We’re going to keep working towards that end so rest well tonight…I’ll be back tomorrow!
Happy dreams, xoxo
Day 179 – surprised and impressed
Hi Everyone,
Caitlin is a riot!!
I wish you all could have been in the room with us when she was writing her care page last night. She had a list of Corey stories that we had to compress to fit on one page. We laughed as one story fed into another! I believe I’ve finally convinced Caitlin to perform a Comedy night. We’re going to dedicate it to Corey because laughter is the best medicine! We just have to find a location and we’ll invite you all! PS – Caitlin would be happy to hijack the page again, so stay tuned…
As for tonight, you’re stuck with me, but I have good news to share! We had a late day appointment with the neurosurgeon. This man does not embellish anything. That is why his comments gave me great hope and excitement.
After Corey’s neurological exam, he commented that he was “surprised and impressed” with Corey’s progress since he last saw her in January. He commented that although her injury was extremely severe, she is showing signs of improvement in 6 months that most victims with her level of injury sometimes don’t show after 2 years. He is encouraged by her mobility and feels that she will regain motor skills and could be ambulatory but with some deficits; most likely on the left side. He is less happy with the fact that she is not vocalizing to communicate. He would have hoped that she was using her voice by now. That being said, he is encouraged by the fact that she is bright, reactive, alert and responsive to commands. He feels her cognitive ability may suggest that she could use alternate forms of communication such as computers and/or sign language to express herself. It’s not to say that she won’t regain her voice, but the longer it takes to regain vocalization the more it suggests that it will be another deficit she will have to accommodate for. The doctor also stated that we have a long road ahead of us. Long term functionality will not be known for at least 2 to 2 ½ years. He concluded that he would support the reasoning that Corey should stay as an inpatient for acute rehabilitation. It is clearly evident that the therapy and clinical care is working!
Corey, as Caitlin said last night, you had another day of blowing up the Doctor’s expectations! You don’t remember, but 6 months ago, this same man was trying to prepare us that you would most likely not survive the first surgery and IF you did, you may not survive the first week of recovery! WAY TO PROVE HIM WRONG KID!
We are going to continue moving forward. We are not going to look at 2 years because that is a lifetime away. We have today! Today was a great day. Tomorrow will present new challenges, new joys and new rewards. Bring it on! You are doing an amazing job Corey. We are so proud of you. Happy dreams, xoxo
Day 178 – Caitlin hijacked the page
YUP, Caitlin hijacked the Carepage again.
Dear supportive family members, friends, and dedicated fans:
Corey had a good day. Today was another day of blowing up the doctor’s expectations, kicking the nurses’ butts, and heading in the right direction. So, since there is no breaking news to report and an army of dedicated Corey fans to keep happy, I decided to take today to mix it up a bit and give my mother a literary break. So now, for your reading pleasure, here are some funny things about Corey that I bet you didn’t know….
– Has an unhealthy addiction to avocados that lead to a failed attempt to grow her own avocado tree.
– Once thought she invented the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
– Spent a large period of her childhood flushing her underwear down the toilet. The Septic System replacement of 2009 is believed to be caused by a surplus of Pocahontas underwear.
– She loves to go shopping and looks good in everything, but only buys blue clothing?
– She hates to read. Last summer she paid me to do her summer reading assignment. I believe she received an ‘A’.
– She consistently underestimated the width of her head when she was little. She got her head stuck in some of the strangest places. These places include, but are not limited to: Burger King Play Palace, the Nutt’s backyard fort, our foyer banister, and the Phoenix International Airport.
– If given the choice of any restaurant for dinner, she would choose Wawa.
– She once decided that her wedding song would be Cheap Trick’s ‘I want you to want me’. After telling her that would be a terrible song to represent her new marriage, she changed it to Queen’s ‘Another Bites the Dust’. We had to explain the concept a third time until she finally figured it out.
– As a Libra, she can be easily persuaded to do things. Personally, I convinced her to do some terrible things including: drinking chocolate water, eating Chapstick, using her as human measuring stick to see how deep the creek was, climb onto the roof to retrieve lost tennis balls, baseballs, etc. (NOTE: I wasn’t alone in these missions, JohnPaul and our neighborhood gang were also largely at fault.)
– She made a vow to have kids before me, so that her kids can beat my kids up.
There are thousands of things I could say, but I should probably stop at ten before I get in trouble. (Hopefully I haven’t revealed too much…) The most important thing about this list is that for every person who reads it, they will think of their own list of memories they shared with Corey. What an amazing thing to say about someone. That’s our Corey.
Goodnight, happy dreams, etc.
xoxo