Saturday Morning, August 23rd

Again I say, what a difference a day makes, especially with a child who has had a trauma. I do not use words like brain damage because the dictionary defines damage as "injury or harm that reduces value or usefulness" or brain injury because because I do not like what they infer. I am not going to place any limitations on the amount of healing that can occur not am I going to put into my child's mind or my own mind that her most vital organ is damaged or is reduced in usefulness. Instead, I might say she has suffered a temporary traumatic event. Don;t know where that came from but I do not like labels unless they are positve, useful ones.

Back to what a difference a day makes. Last Friday Allie was in the ER with hallicunations and and all kinds of wierd stuff. Then yesterday she attended a local community college. 2 classes, public speaking and theatre appreciation. I waited outside in the parking lot for her and met her between classes. She seemed OK after the first one, so she went to the second. It is so bizzare as Tuesday was the deadline to register and we just acted as if and went through with it. What was the worst that would happen. I mean she was still in the hospital on Tuesday, recoveing from who knows what and no one still knows but how was she ever think she was going to be able to attend class in three days? Was it panic? Was it anxiety? Was it ?????????? Who the heck knows. We just keep searching and hoping and praying and leading by example.

I spoke to my friend Joe Cook yesterday. Many of you have been praying for his daughter Paige and I am going to ask that you continue to do so and if you have a little extra in you, maybe you can pray just a little harder and lets not forget our little friend Rachel. Cars ugh. Three weeks ago I layed my motorcycle down on some wet pavement and went for a long slide. I am OK but please, if you ride and do not wear a helmet, put one on or go visit the neuro ICU. Nuff preaching but my helmet is always on. I can take some scrapes or maybe a broken boke but not a head injury.

To all of my friends who still check in every now and again. Thank you. We love and appreciate you. This is a journey of a thousand steps.

Full Recovery - Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad

Oh by the way, Allie got a tattoo on her left side chest area last thursday. Whatever? It is a little red heart with a treble cleft and a musical note in it. Yes I took her. It is better I am there then to just have her come home with it. She loves it. I think it is a freedom thing or right of passage. You go girl. Be back again soon to let you know how school is going.