Sunday Evening, June 10th

Hi All:

What a day, what a day. This was an emotional one, not only for us but for Allie as well. Today was tough, gotta admit it.

I got up kinda early and got to cleaning the house which was long over due as we are both here all of the time. Then it was get ready for greduation. All in all I was pretty strong. Everyone is so kind and caring but standing amongst the hundreds of people at the graduation I felt pretty much all alone. I watched as pictures were being taken and as groups of friends snuggled together one last time giddy with excitement. Honestly, I was happy for them and never felt sad, just kind of alone. To all of our friends, Allie's included, thank you for coming by and saying hello.

The school had a cap for me and asked if I wanted a gown - I said a cap would be fine. They had a seat for me in the front row and I joined the processional as they marched by. Prior to this the band played music and then the chorus came on and sang for us. This is when I lost it! Mary Beth Shumate, the choral director and living doll pointed to me just before they sang and said this one is for you and I pretty much fell apart, much as I am right now as I relive it. I had never seen the chorus sing without Allie being in it. I thought of her in the hospital bed and I looked at the chorus ad listened to the words and knew I had to pull myself together or leave. Thank you to whoever handed me the tissues.

As they called Allie's name, I walked out onto the stage to thunderous applause. I was wearing a T-shirt (bluedevil colors) which said Allie Cagen on the front and FULL RECOVERY on the back and the more I moved onto the stage, the louder the applause got. I turned around to show them the back of my shirt and even though they probably couldn't tell what it said, they just kept clapping and cheering until I walked off. I blew them a kiss at the end of the stage, walked off and drove directly to the hospital to show Allie her diploma.

Here is where the other emotional part of the day was. It appears that Allie knew exactly what day it was and what was transpiring and the realization that she was not going was evident in her mood and in her actions. Nancy said she shed alot of tears today. She also said that at one time Allie tried to get out of bed, probably thinking that she was going to graduation and once she realized she could not get up she got quite upset, the understanding is setting in. After reassuring Allie that she will be able to walk and sit in the future, she setteled down a bit but keot watching the clock fully aware of what time it was and what time the ceremony was.

After I called to let them know I was on the way, Nancy said Allie was relieved and symboled the phew sign 9hand across forehead). We are all relieved that this part of life is behind us and gratefully await the next chapter (which we are in).

Our good friend Lynn Peters, editor and owner of the Mountain Voice newspaper drove down to the hospital, a hood hour plus away just to take a picture of Allie getting her diploma - now that's a newspaper person and an angel with a camera.

So graduation is over, what next? The neurosurgeon will be back tomorrow from vqacation and we anxiously await what he will say. Allie is making noises, not words yet but it is beautiful music anyway and we all await each sound.

I tried to update the blog last night because I forgot to tell you a great story but it wouldn't post so here it goes. Our good friend Jeff and Kelly stopped by yeaterday with their children Noel and Sam (Samantha - age 8). Well Allie just adores Sammie and Sammie just adores Allie and when Sam walked into the room and they saw each other the whole room melted, Allie reached out her arm, put it around Sam and hugged her tight. I was amazing the amount of love these two have for each other and how it filled the entire room with light and warmth. We all kinda cried.

Everyday is a new adventure and everyday is a blessing. We have gotten so many great posts to this blog from people all around the world who have let us know how this blog has helped them in thier lives, so the more you let others know about it, the more people we will be able to help together.

In love and light I wish you goodnight. Please, please, please check out the awesome post below this one, a video montage of Allie done by her good friend Ricky Worley. Ricky, awesome job. He has also done a website for allie, click on the link at the top of this blog.

You guys are the best!!!

Allie's Dad