Saturday, July 7, 2007

Saturday Evening, July 7th

Wow, 7/7/07 - that's pretty cool.. Welcome to another day in the life of Allie. We actually had another good day with a few rought spots.

Got here this morning and Allie was already up - she was watching tv and and was happy to see me when I came in. We just talked for about an hour and then she had a therapy, took a shower, had another therapy and Nancy arrived. Allie did great in her speech therapy where she did math problems and she got 13 out of 15. Fantastic.

Nancy and I then took her out to a Thai food restaurant for lunch where she had spring roll and shrimp pad thai. To our suprise Allie picked up the chop sticks and began eating with them just as she has always done. It's really amazing when she does things like that or just remembers things in general. Sometimes she will just do things that she used to do and you didn't realize she could and it blows you away.

Allie had a bunch of friends come by today and that is always awesome because they seem to bring her to a new level every time they visit. It's like Allie takes her focus off of us and she puts on her old Allie skin and becomes herself for a while. Not always rational talk but always better and more memories when her friends are here. Then they leave.....

Nancy and I were talking tonight and no matter what Allie has far surpassed the goals we set for her when she first got to the rehab. Back then we just wanted her to sit in a chair and be able to walk - I know there are so many others that have it so much worse than we do and we pray for each of them everyday but to each person is their own experience and we learn everyday.

Allie looked beautiful today, her hair is growing in nicely and she is so radient, even in this state she is so gorgeous and her smile is still the same one that stops you dead in your tracks.

There are so many philosophical questions and lessons you can learn when going through a trauma and everything you learn here could easily be translated into relationship and business lessons.

I would like to put out a prayer request for my sister Roni, one our biggest supporters and a great Aunt to Allie. Her dog Ice (a golden retriecver) and her best friend and companion of the last 10+ years had to be put to sleep last night. I am so deeply sorry for her. We all know how hard it is to lose someone or something you love - pet's included. We love you Roni!!!!

Well Allie has kicked us out so right now we are going to go and get some rest.

Yours in love
Allie's Dad

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Prayers from OKC for Roni tonight...I remember shortly after my husband and I got married, I had to put our cat to sleep. He was a great, beautiful little cat named "Killer" - he was truly ferocious, you know! :o) Anyway, I was so devastated that I called my mother-in-law and she was going to come to the city and stay with me until my husband got off of work. It's nice to have someone in your corner when you lose a dear pet. There are many of us here in support for the wonderful Cagen family and we are fortunately banded with all other supporters - what a chain of support has been created here! Many blessings your way, Roni, and we remember you in prayer as we continue to lift Allie and the rest of the family up in prayer as well.

Lynn Peters said...

Dear Friends,

I am so glad that you are having more good days. We continue to lift you and Allie in prayer, always thanking God for Allie's full recovery - never a doubt!

I share Roni's pain. I have had to put three special loved ones to sleep and it hurts just as much as losing a child... been there too! Roni, if you will send me an email (mtnvoice@citcom.net) I will search out and send you a copy of the poem that the Veterinarian's office sent to me when I had to let Smokey go home. They are waiting for us on the other side. This is just a short separation, but that doesn't make it hurt any less. I will lift you in prayer as well.

Nancy, I miss you and your smiling face! Feel my arms around you in a hearty hug. We all look forward to the time that Allie and you are back in Brevard. With the progress she is making, it won't be long.
Stay strong and get rest.

We love you all!
Lynn

Tibby said...

What a lucky and wonderful day this 7-7-07 day has been for ya'll! I'm so happy that Allie is doing so great and that you all got to go out for Thai food. Allie, you're doing alot better than me with those chopsticks!! Keep up the magical work, sweetheart.
Dr. Steve, I'm so sorry about your sister Roni, losing her dog, Ice. It is a heart breaking experience to lose your animal companion. Roni and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers tonight. We love you.
Tibby and Homer

Jeannot said...

My prayers go out to Roni, I know what it is to have a pet you love so much and he loves you back unconditionally. Ice, no doubt, is watching over you, Roni.