It started many weeks ago, praying for a miracle and Friday at noon our little miracle check out of the hospital to begin life anew. A new birth a new, a new day, a new life awaiting her as she is wheeled out to the car and back to her home where we are all awaiting to begin our lives together. There will be many days of therapy and healing and we are so glad God has given us the opportunity to walk through this journey. As wierd as it seems I am sure we will miss these days and having all of this time together. We will miss the nurses who have cared for her and the doctors who saved her. I will miss the pastors I have come to know. I will certainly miss the other patients and their parents and the feeling of bonding with people on a truly pure level.
It will be great to go home and yes the blog will probably continue forever.
Love you all
Allie's Dad
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Sunday Afternoon, July 29th
Early post today. Some good, some not so good, some great. I'll tell you after this is over I'm going to Disney World and I'm never going to complain about not having a day off.
Allie was sniiiiipy this morning and even though I tried a few times to leave and come back I think she was tired and just wanted to be left alone so Naancy, Matt and i went out to lunch and came back a few hours later to new and imroved Allie. When we got back we rounded the corner and the was Allie with a whole new audience watching her Millie video. She is a hoot. She used to watch the same video over and over to learn it but she has taken it to a whole new level. It is so cute to see her from afar interacting with people. She is now dressing herself in her jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirt, with her short hair and beautiful smile she is radiant - looks alot like Demi Moore in Ghost. Every time I see her from a distance like that I just fall in love with her again and again. You know everything is going to be OK.
Allie has never been a touch feely person and never liked to be hugged or held close and that is something that is so hard because you just want to hug her and let her know that everything is going to be OK and that part really saddend me because you love something so much but you can not hold it. Boo hoo - poor me. Really though that is a very sad part for me but it is how Allie has always been.
We all watched the Millie video again and Allie was sweet as pie. Her memory is coming back more and more each day as are her skills, motor and mental. She was just playing checkers with Isaac a young fellow who has basically the same injury as allie but not to the same extent. Allie has always liked working and playing with younger kids and those two bring this place to life. Right now Robin, one of the greatest nurses has taken Allie and Issac down to the gift show for a little outing and that is such a great thing for them. I love when the nurses are proactive and interact with the paitients like that.
We brought Allie a big chocolate bar this weekend that some of our good friends the Metzgers gave us to give to her and it was really alot of fun to see everyones face light up when we came in with a 5 pound Hershey bar. Let's just say there was some candy eating going on. Allis still has a HUGE piece in her room and I know she is excited about that.
Matt and I have to go up the hill tonight but we'll be back tomorrow. I really like going back to work. I love my office and my patients (family members) and I love what I do.
Tomorrow is the big meeting when we will discuss the day Allie goes home, probably Friday morning or before. I have a lot of work to do at home with alarming the doors and windows. We have to keep the little girl safe. Don't want her to get lost.
Anyhow I have a feeling that this week is the true come back for everything. We begin rebuilding our practice to the powerhouse it once was and we begin living as a FAMILY AGAIN. I know the journey is taking on a new face and I am looking forward to it. No Fear - No Doubt, just gratitude and appreciation for everyone who has made this possible. Believe it or not you have not only saved her life but ours.
So to everyone - Good Night.
Love Ya'll
Allie's Dad
Allie was sniiiiipy this morning and even though I tried a few times to leave and come back I think she was tired and just wanted to be left alone so Naancy, Matt and i went out to lunch and came back a few hours later to new and imroved Allie. When we got back we rounded the corner and the was Allie with a whole new audience watching her Millie video. She is a hoot. She used to watch the same video over and over to learn it but she has taken it to a whole new level. It is so cute to see her from afar interacting with people. She is now dressing herself in her jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirt, with her short hair and beautiful smile she is radiant - looks alot like Demi Moore in Ghost. Every time I see her from a distance like that I just fall in love with her again and again. You know everything is going to be OK.
Allie has never been a touch feely person and never liked to be hugged or held close and that is something that is so hard because you just want to hug her and let her know that everything is going to be OK and that part really saddend me because you love something so much but you can not hold it. Boo hoo - poor me. Really though that is a very sad part for me but it is how Allie has always been.
We all watched the Millie video again and Allie was sweet as pie. Her memory is coming back more and more each day as are her skills, motor and mental. She was just playing checkers with Isaac a young fellow who has basically the same injury as allie but not to the same extent. Allie has always liked working and playing with younger kids and those two bring this place to life. Right now Robin, one of the greatest nurses has taken Allie and Issac down to the gift show for a little outing and that is such a great thing for them. I love when the nurses are proactive and interact with the paitients like that.
We brought Allie a big chocolate bar this weekend that some of our good friends the Metzgers gave us to give to her and it was really alot of fun to see everyones face light up when we came in with a 5 pound Hershey bar. Let's just say there was some candy eating going on. Allis still has a HUGE piece in her room and I know she is excited about that.
Matt and I have to go up the hill tonight but we'll be back tomorrow. I really like going back to work. I love my office and my patients (family members) and I love what I do.
Tomorrow is the big meeting when we will discuss the day Allie goes home, probably Friday morning or before. I have a lot of work to do at home with alarming the doors and windows. We have to keep the little girl safe. Don't want her to get lost.
Anyhow I have a feeling that this week is the true come back for everything. We begin rebuilding our practice to the powerhouse it once was and we begin living as a FAMILY AGAIN. I know the journey is taking on a new face and I am looking forward to it. No Fear - No Doubt, just gratitude and appreciation for everyone who has made this possible. Believe it or not you have not only saved her life but ours.
So to everyone - Good Night.
Love Ya'll
Allie's Dad
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Saturday Evening, July 28th
Well for those of you who thought our trip to Brevard would turn out horrible, you were wrong. Sorry, just had to throw you off there for a minute. It was teriffic!!! Wasn't so sure it was going to go well when I got tot he hospital this morning as Allie was a little out of sorts. Big day on Friday so the next day she is usually tired. We considered holding our trip off until Sunday as it was raining out and you know but.... we decided to give it a whirl. We are going to have to learn to handle these situations so there was no better time than the present. But let's back up a minute.
Allie had speech therapy at 9:00 this morning so I got her at 8:30 just to make sure she was up and ready and much to my suprise she was already up, showered, dressed and sitting in the rec room with two other people watching - what else - the Millie video. Every person on the 3rd floor at the Roger C Peace center is a huge fan of Allie's. Her new (temporary) speech therapist Denise (who is awesome) took Allie for breakfast since our girl did not like what arrived (and for good reason), so they went downstairs. Denise and Allie have great rappore and I always enjoy hearing from her how well their session went. Well after awhile of sitting upstairs I decided to do down and get some breakfast myself being careful not to let them see me - but I saw them and it brought tears to my eyes. There they were in middle of the atrium eating their breakfast and just chatting like two girlfriend who had not seen each other in a while. A very normal, perfect picture. For a moment all was right in the world as if nothing had ever happened.
After her therapy we got in the car and drove up the mountain to our home. No problems on the ride - in fact it was a joy with some singing and game playing. At home - picture perfect, a few moments to acclimate to the dogs and just like it has always been - was this a dream - was there ever an accident. Of course there was but I have these moments when. I cooked up a big Sunday lunch (on Saturday) and we all ate at the table and talked for an hour and a half. Wow this was amazing and if this was a sign of things to come, well we were going to be OK. After a while Allie wanted to go downtown abd I agreed even though she was beginning to show signs of being real tired. We all got in the truck and all hell broke loose so we headed back down the hill to the hospital and hour away with her crying and screaming that she was hurting and needed an ambulance to take her. Brain injury -WILL NOT distract from our most amazing day.
As soon as we got to the hospital she calmed down, we went upstairs and it was if it never happened - again, brain injury. All is well and life is good. We are going to be fine and Allie is going to make a Full Recovery. She is real tired now and in the shower again. Nancy and Matt went to the movies so I guess I will try to catch up with them.
Peace and Love
Allie's Dad
Allie had speech therapy at 9:00 this morning so I got her at 8:30 just to make sure she was up and ready and much to my suprise she was already up, showered, dressed and sitting in the rec room with two other people watching - what else - the Millie video. Every person on the 3rd floor at the Roger C Peace center is a huge fan of Allie's. Her new (temporary) speech therapist Denise (who is awesome) took Allie for breakfast since our girl did not like what arrived (and for good reason), so they went downstairs. Denise and Allie have great rappore and I always enjoy hearing from her how well their session went. Well after awhile of sitting upstairs I decided to do down and get some breakfast myself being careful not to let them see me - but I saw them and it brought tears to my eyes. There they were in middle of the atrium eating their breakfast and just chatting like two girlfriend who had not seen each other in a while. A very normal, perfect picture. For a moment all was right in the world as if nothing had ever happened.
After her therapy we got in the car and drove up the mountain to our home. No problems on the ride - in fact it was a joy with some singing and game playing. At home - picture perfect, a few moments to acclimate to the dogs and just like it has always been - was this a dream - was there ever an accident. Of course there was but I have these moments when. I cooked up a big Sunday lunch (on Saturday) and we all ate at the table and talked for an hour and a half. Wow this was amazing and if this was a sign of things to come, well we were going to be OK. After a while Allie wanted to go downtown abd I agreed even though she was beginning to show signs of being real tired. We all got in the truck and all hell broke loose so we headed back down the hill to the hospital and hour away with her crying and screaming that she was hurting and needed an ambulance to take her. Brain injury -WILL NOT distract from our most amazing day.
As soon as we got to the hospital she calmed down, we went upstairs and it was if it never happened - again, brain injury. All is well and life is good. We are going to be fine and Allie is going to make a Full Recovery. She is real tired now and in the shower again. Nancy and Matt went to the movies so I guess I will try to catch up with them.
Peace and Love
Allie's Dad
Friday, July 27, 2007
Friday Evening, July 27th
Music is the soul of Allie and today her soul has been reborn as she rediscovered her voice and the love of music that helps her breathe.
After saying she will never go to college because she could no longer sing (and tearing my heart apart in the process) the day turned into one of the best days ever - a true defining moment and breakthrough in her healing process bringing Allie to a new level of recovery - one we had been quietly hoping for and one that will propel her back to being our Allie.
After this mornings blog things were really going well and the whole family was together just having fun being together - really no meanness just having a good time. Matt is so good with Allie, they are such good friends and he handles her so well. I am truly proud to say that he is my son. He is one of the nicest, kindest, soft spoken people I have ever known. He has a great sense of humor but more importantly a gentle spirituality which allows him to transcend the hospital setting and allows him to just be pure love for his sister. He reads alot on Zen and follows what he reads - he is calm, gentle breeze in the storm of trauma.
We had a GREAT lunch together in the rec room with a few other patients and just laughed the whole time until it was off to another therapy session for Allie. During her occupational therapy sessions the last two days Allie and Shannon worked on writing thank you notes and we were all totally blown away by the way she writes now and puts together thoughs and sentences. As good as you or I would. The Lord is good to us - Thak You. All she had to go by were the addresses on the envelopes and she put together the names and the appropriate thanks ie: family member vs. friend. It will be impossible for everyone to get a personalized thank you but I am hoping that in the end - if possible - each of you will be thanked correctly.
While Allie was in therapy Nancy, Matt and I ran out into town to ahve lunch at a new Indian Restaurant - Good. On the way back Allie's voice coach and earth angel (Ginger) called to let us know she was with Allie so we decided to let them be alone for a visit. Allie loves and respects Ginger and visa versa - Ginger knows how to get Allie going and they had the best visit. Ginger was so excited - Allie told her it hurt her to sing so Ginger just told her to hum the songs which she did and eventually started to sing - LOUD. Allie was so excited when we got back.
Well after a quick shower (#4 of the day) we were off to go see Hairspay, a movie Allie adores. She had seen the origional with Ricky Lake and has also seen it on Broadway. This was going to go one of two ways but since everyday is a great day for a breakthrough - this was going to be one. On the way to the movies Allie asked to listen to Matt's IPOD something she had not shown any interest in and once she put the earplus in that was it - the heavens opened up and her soul was rekindled - without saying a word we knew Allie was now walking on high ground and her true healing was happening MUSIC - what Allie lives for was once again flowing through her viens. Out of nowhere she was singing and knowing all of the words to the songs and the names of the artists and not just one song -every song and she was asking us, do you want to hear me sing this one and on and on all the way to the movies. Nancy and I just sat in the front seat looking at each, thanking God, crying and sayig yes, yes, yes, please sing another one to which she happily did.
Inside the movie it happened again. Allie sat through the whole movie paying attention and singing along quietly to every song in the movie. She knew the lines - she knew the songs and she had the feeling. It was great to see that at the end of the movie, Allie was crying. She is very sensative to things that are good and she was so happy that in the end the lead girl got to dance on tv, got the boy of her dreams and that black people were able to intergrate with white on tv. I loved to see her emotion.
After the movie we went to the Ronald M cDonald house to get Allie her Ipod. Yahoo, she wants her music. We had a great dinner there and are now back at the rehab. Nancy went back to the house because she wanted to ride out the high without running the risk of Allie getting tired and snapping at her. God Bless her - she deserves to ride this high for a long, long time as do we all - yes you all included.
I could write all night about emotions and healing but Allie wants me to go watch her sing in the Millie video so I am off to be with her. Today makes it all well. God said he would never leave us or foresake us and we held firm to that and alway will.
God bless you all
Allie's Dad
WE LOVE YOU GUYS - TOMORROW WE TRY BREVARD!
After saying she will never go to college because she could no longer sing (and tearing my heart apart in the process) the day turned into one of the best days ever - a true defining moment and breakthrough in her healing process bringing Allie to a new level of recovery - one we had been quietly hoping for and one that will propel her back to being our Allie.
After this mornings blog things were really going well and the whole family was together just having fun being together - really no meanness just having a good time. Matt is so good with Allie, they are such good friends and he handles her so well. I am truly proud to say that he is my son. He is one of the nicest, kindest, soft spoken people I have ever known. He has a great sense of humor but more importantly a gentle spirituality which allows him to transcend the hospital setting and allows him to just be pure love for his sister. He reads alot on Zen and follows what he reads - he is calm, gentle breeze in the storm of trauma.
We had a GREAT lunch together in the rec room with a few other patients and just laughed the whole time until it was off to another therapy session for Allie. During her occupational therapy sessions the last two days Allie and Shannon worked on writing thank you notes and we were all totally blown away by the way she writes now and puts together thoughs and sentences. As good as you or I would. The Lord is good to us - Thak You. All she had to go by were the addresses on the envelopes and she put together the names and the appropriate thanks ie: family member vs. friend. It will be impossible for everyone to get a personalized thank you but I am hoping that in the end - if possible - each of you will be thanked correctly.
While Allie was in therapy Nancy, Matt and I ran out into town to ahve lunch at a new Indian Restaurant - Good. On the way back Allie's voice coach and earth angel (Ginger) called to let us know she was with Allie so we decided to let them be alone for a visit. Allie loves and respects Ginger and visa versa - Ginger knows how to get Allie going and they had the best visit. Ginger was so excited - Allie told her it hurt her to sing so Ginger just told her to hum the songs which she did and eventually started to sing - LOUD. Allie was so excited when we got back.
Well after a quick shower (#4 of the day) we were off to go see Hairspay, a movie Allie adores. She had seen the origional with Ricky Lake and has also seen it on Broadway. This was going to go one of two ways but since everyday is a great day for a breakthrough - this was going to be one. On the way to the movies Allie asked to listen to Matt's IPOD something she had not shown any interest in and once she put the earplus in that was it - the heavens opened up and her soul was rekindled - without saying a word we knew Allie was now walking on high ground and her true healing was happening MUSIC - what Allie lives for was once again flowing through her viens. Out of nowhere she was singing and knowing all of the words to the songs and the names of the artists and not just one song -every song and she was asking us, do you want to hear me sing this one and on and on all the way to the movies. Nancy and I just sat in the front seat looking at each, thanking God, crying and sayig yes, yes, yes, please sing another one to which she happily did.
Inside the movie it happened again. Allie sat through the whole movie paying attention and singing along quietly to every song in the movie. She knew the lines - she knew the songs and she had the feeling. It was great to see that at the end of the movie, Allie was crying. She is very sensative to things that are good and she was so happy that in the end the lead girl got to dance on tv, got the boy of her dreams and that black people were able to intergrate with white on tv. I loved to see her emotion.
After the movie we went to the Ronald M cDonald house to get Allie her Ipod. Yahoo, she wants her music. We had a great dinner there and are now back at the rehab. Nancy went back to the house because she wanted to ride out the high without running the risk of Allie getting tired and snapping at her. God Bless her - she deserves to ride this high for a long, long time as do we all - yes you all included.
I could write all night about emotions and healing but Allie wants me to go watch her sing in the Millie video so I am off to be with her. Today makes it all well. God said he would never leave us or foresake us and we held firm to that and alway will.
God bless you all
Allie's Dad
WE LOVE YOU GUYS - TOMORROW WE TRY BREVARD!
Friday Morning, July 27th
Good Morning
UNbelieveable, this is our 100th post. As it is every day, today starts with a day of refelection and gratitude - where we were, where we are and where we are going to be. As it is every day my heart is filled with gladness, sadness and anxiety. Aware of the past unsure of the future but positive of the outcome. FULL RECOVERY - NEVER A DOUBT.
With trepidation we will be taking Allie home tomorrow for a visit to reaquaint her with her towm, home, friends and most of all her dog Sammy. Should be quite an adventure. We will probably leave after breakfast and try to make it a day. Pray for us.
Right now her schedule of therapies has been cut down and she is really doing better and better every day - The miracle girl is making great strides in her recovery. She continues to amaze me with her strength and ability. I just can't wait until some of the verbal meanness calms down, she is just so confused. Brain injuries.
After therapy today Allie wants to go see the movie Hairspray so if she is still in the mood, that is what we will do. It is a moment to moment thing
Yesterday was an emotional day, somedays you just get so sad to see your child in such a state where she really does not know what is going on around her and to just think that she lives in the hospital and to see her there tears you up. This morning she told me that she was not going to go to college anymore because they took her brain our and she could not sing or dance anymore because it hurts so why should she go and waste money.
No matter how bad or emotional it gets your faith is always renewed by the great people of the world who call and write or stop by and visit and lift your spirits. From complete strangers to good friends not a day goes by where people don't help us survive.
Allie and I went downstairs before becasue she does not like the breakfast they send her (fruit plate, bagel and yogurt). Just an example she wants subway, then not she wants starbucks, no, cafeteria, then subay, starbucks, cafeteria, subway, cafeteria, starbucks .........
Anyhow enough about us - how are you guys doing? Let us know
We love you all
Allie's Dad
UNbelieveable, this is our 100th post. As it is every day, today starts with a day of refelection and gratitude - where we were, where we are and where we are going to be. As it is every day my heart is filled with gladness, sadness and anxiety. Aware of the past unsure of the future but positive of the outcome. FULL RECOVERY - NEVER A DOUBT.
With trepidation we will be taking Allie home tomorrow for a visit to reaquaint her with her towm, home, friends and most of all her dog Sammy. Should be quite an adventure. We will probably leave after breakfast and try to make it a day. Pray for us.
Right now her schedule of therapies has been cut down and she is really doing better and better every day - The miracle girl is making great strides in her recovery. She continues to amaze me with her strength and ability. I just can't wait until some of the verbal meanness calms down, she is just so confused. Brain injuries.
After therapy today Allie wants to go see the movie Hairspray so if she is still in the mood, that is what we will do. It is a moment to moment thing
Yesterday was an emotional day, somedays you just get so sad to see your child in such a state where she really does not know what is going on around her and to just think that she lives in the hospital and to see her there tears you up. This morning she told me that she was not going to go to college anymore because they took her brain our and she could not sing or dance anymore because it hurts so why should she go and waste money.
No matter how bad or emotional it gets your faith is always renewed by the great people of the world who call and write or stop by and visit and lift your spirits. From complete strangers to good friends not a day goes by where people don't help us survive.
Allie and I went downstairs before becasue she does not like the breakfast they send her (fruit plate, bagel and yogurt). Just an example she wants subway, then not she wants starbucks, no, cafeteria, then subay, starbucks, cafeteria, subway, cafeteria, starbucks .........
Anyhow enough about us - how are you guys doing? Let us know
We love you all
Allie's Dad
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Thursday Morning, July 26th
Well here I am again with a morning blog. Still can't seem to beat Matt to the computer and have to wait until I get to work in the morning.
Really nothing new to report today so maybe I will have more for you later when I get down there. Nancy did say that she had a long meeting with the psycologist yeaterday trying to work out the details of getting her home ie: outpatient therapies vs. having someone come to the home for the first few weeks. We are also deciding which therapies would benefit her the most at this time. Most definitely speech and occupational, we are still deciding on physical and recreational. There is also the anger - which is really not anger but for lack of ba better word let's say anger issue. Brain injuries are perplexing she can get real ugly with you one moment and then a few minutes later when you ask her about it she says she can not remember doing it nor is she angry. Just gotta learn how to mamage it and keep your personal feelings and emotions out of it.
Well I have patients waiting so I'm off. Check out the pic of Allie plaing checkers - what a miraculous step. Thnak you God and all of the prayer warriors still going strong for us.
Love and Recovery
Allie's Dad
Really nothing new to report today so maybe I will have more for you later when I get down there. Nancy did say that she had a long meeting with the psycologist yeaterday trying to work out the details of getting her home ie: outpatient therapies vs. having someone come to the home for the first few weeks. We are also deciding which therapies would benefit her the most at this time. Most definitely speech and occupational, we are still deciding on physical and recreational. There is also the anger - which is really not anger but for lack of ba better word let's say anger issue. Brain injuries are perplexing she can get real ugly with you one moment and then a few minutes later when you ask her about it she says she can not remember doing it nor is she angry. Just gotta learn how to mamage it and keep your personal feelings and emotions out of it.
Well I have patients waiting so I'm off. Check out the pic of Allie plaing checkers - what a miraculous step. Thnak you God and all of the prayer warriors still going strong for us.
Love and Recovery
Allie's Dad
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wednesday Morning, July 25th
Good Morning
With Matt home I seem to be running a day behind with everything, he is great and it is wonderful to have him home but in the evenings when we get home from the hospital he seems to beat me to the computer every time. Teenagers are quick. Anyhow here's the Tuesday review.
After about 18 hours in bed I seemed to have beaten the food poisioning and Matt and I went down to see Allie bright and early in the morning. She didn;t have any therapies until 11:00 so I knew we would have some good time to hang out in the morning. The best I can say is we had time. Poor little sweetie was glad to see us at first and then -click - something set her off and she wanted me to go. It's interesting trying to figure what sets her off but at times I feel like she is trying to play or tease but due to the injury does not know that her words are inapporpriate and it's sometimes hard to watch because you can see that she obviously does not understand or want to do what she is doing but it's almost like she realizes it is not correct but does not understand how it's incorrect or why we do not like that behavior. I was firm with my voice a few times yesterday when I would tell he I did not like the way she was talking to me or her mom and she seemed to respond to that, also ignoring her when she is like that after you tell her you will not speak to her if she continues to talk like that seems to work. Poor sweetie, she will get better - for she knows not what she says.
Afternoon not much better but Nancy got back safely and looks great after a few days off. Allie and Matt bond really well together and one of the coolest parts of yesterday was Allie asked Matt to play a game of checkers with her,. so they set up the board in the rec. room. I was amazing to see them sitting together laughing and actually playing checkers and understanding the game and playing it all of her life. She was not up to her normal great game but played well and was not slow in thought or movement. I will post a picture of them later.
We are getting to the crucial moment when we have to decide our next step. In the next day or two we have to decide wether Allie comes home or goes to a different facility. Nancy and I are both leaning towards coming home and doing out patient rehab. If things do not go well we always have the option of the inpatient - It's in Gods hands and we will wait and see.
Have to run off to work now, so I wish you all a blessed day.
In health and recovery
Allie's Dad
With Matt home I seem to be running a day behind with everything, he is great and it is wonderful to have him home but in the evenings when we get home from the hospital he seems to beat me to the computer every time. Teenagers are quick. Anyhow here's the Tuesday review.
After about 18 hours in bed I seemed to have beaten the food poisioning and Matt and I went down to see Allie bright and early in the morning. She didn;t have any therapies until 11:00 so I knew we would have some good time to hang out in the morning. The best I can say is we had time. Poor little sweetie was glad to see us at first and then -click - something set her off and she wanted me to go. It's interesting trying to figure what sets her off but at times I feel like she is trying to play or tease but due to the injury does not know that her words are inapporpriate and it's sometimes hard to watch because you can see that she obviously does not understand or want to do what she is doing but it's almost like she realizes it is not correct but does not understand how it's incorrect or why we do not like that behavior. I was firm with my voice a few times yesterday when I would tell he I did not like the way she was talking to me or her mom and she seemed to respond to that, also ignoring her when she is like that after you tell her you will not speak to her if she continues to talk like that seems to work. Poor sweetie, she will get better - for she knows not what she says.
Afternoon not much better but Nancy got back safely and looks great after a few days off. Allie and Matt bond really well together and one of the coolest parts of yesterday was Allie asked Matt to play a game of checkers with her,. so they set up the board in the rec. room. I was amazing to see them sitting together laughing and actually playing checkers and understanding the game and playing it all of her life. She was not up to her normal great game but played well and was not slow in thought or movement. I will post a picture of them later.
We are getting to the crucial moment when we have to decide our next step. In the next day or two we have to decide wether Allie comes home or goes to a different facility. Nancy and I are both leaning towards coming home and doing out patient rehab. If things do not go well we always have the option of the inpatient - It's in Gods hands and we will wait and see.
Have to run off to work now, so I wish you all a blessed day.
In health and recovery
Allie's Dad
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tuesday Morning, July 24th
Hi All
Sorry I missed last nights blog but I was suffering from a case of food poisioning and was in bed. I actually had to shut the office down at noon and go home. YUCK! but feeling much better now. Just before 8 am and I am heading out to see Allie now. She's awesome!
Spoke to her on the phone last night and she was very pleasant. Really missed seeing her yesterday. I know today is a great day for a breakthrough so let's all be real positive with opur thoughts today and let's put Allie back on everyones prayer list and let's get her blog site resent out around the world today. With you guys we can lift her up higer than we already have - A lot higher.
I write more after I see her.
Love and Recovery
Allie's Dad
Sorry I missed last nights blog but I was suffering from a case of food poisioning and was in bed. I actually had to shut the office down at noon and go home. YUCK! but feeling much better now. Just before 8 am and I am heading out to see Allie now. She's awesome!
Spoke to her on the phone last night and she was very pleasant. Really missed seeing her yesterday. I know today is a great day for a breakthrough so let's all be real positive with opur thoughts today and let's put Allie back on everyones prayer list and let's get her blog site resent out around the world today. With you guys we can lift her up higer than we already have - A lot higher.
I write more after I see her.
Love and Recovery
Allie's Dad
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Sunday Evening, July 22nd
Hi have to start tonight by letting everyone know what a great time I had last night and how grateful my family is to Kim and Allyson and to Loretta and Sabrina and to all of the bands, friends, community friends and businesses that made Allie's Benefit such a success. Let me not forget Michael Collins and the good folks at the Bread of Life. Now I know I have left people out and I am sorry but the page isn't long enough nor is my memory good enough to list everyone.
Kim, please thank your mom for me, sorry my memory isn't working (name problems).
We had about 300 people attend to listen to music, eat good food and hang out with good friends. It was a complete success and we are all so grateful to live in our community where people care and come together for each other.
Allie's situation has once again given me cause to look at myslef and compare how I feel now and hoe I may have felt before her injury - what type of person was I and what type of person am I now. Was I the kind of person who would have helped someone out? Would I have attended a benefit and/or donated money and if so how much to someone I may or may not have know. Would I have taken the initiave to throw a benefit for someone? I would like to think so but in all actaulity I know that the Steve today would and will do a lot more than the Steve of pre May 14th would have. So when I look for the positive in this and find another way to be grateful, I have to say thank you for helping me change in this way.
Our girl was tough today. She seems to think that she is not sleeping well although the nurses assure me that when they check on her she is sleeping - all night in fact but it is a horrible feeling the next day if you felt you have not slept all night. Let's just say she was quite snippy all day. Matt and I did get her out in the car for awhile but she seemed a litt;e more confused than normal today we just headed back to het room. The poor girl was just tired. It appears that when she giggles alot while talking to you, its going to be a rough day. Anyhow tomorrow is another day closer to Full Recovery so Matt and I said good night and headed up the mountain.
All in all a good day. It was great having Matt with me again and finding out how his summer was and what his plans for the next few weeks are.
Once again, a heartfelt thank you to everyone.
Allie's Dad
Kim, please thank your mom for me, sorry my memory isn't working (name problems).
We had about 300 people attend to listen to music, eat good food and hang out with good friends. It was a complete success and we are all so grateful to live in our community where people care and come together for each other.
Allie's situation has once again given me cause to look at myslef and compare how I feel now and hoe I may have felt before her injury - what type of person was I and what type of person am I now. Was I the kind of person who would have helped someone out? Would I have attended a benefit and/or donated money and if so how much to someone I may or may not have know. Would I have taken the initiave to throw a benefit for someone? I would like to think so but in all actaulity I know that the Steve today would and will do a lot more than the Steve of pre May 14th would have. So when I look for the positive in this and find another way to be grateful, I have to say thank you for helping me change in this way.
Our girl was tough today. She seems to think that she is not sleeping well although the nurses assure me that when they check on her she is sleeping - all night in fact but it is a horrible feeling the next day if you felt you have not slept all night. Let's just say she was quite snippy all day. Matt and I did get her out in the car for awhile but she seemed a litt;e more confused than normal today we just headed back to het room. The poor girl was just tired. It appears that when she giggles alot while talking to you, its going to be a rough day. Anyhow tomorrow is another day closer to Full Recovery so Matt and I said good night and headed up the mountain.
All in all a good day. It was great having Matt with me again and finding out how his summer was and what his plans for the next few weeks are.
Once again, a heartfelt thank you to everyone.
Allie's Dad
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Saturday Afternoon, July 21st
Hi Everyone
Heading over to the Benefit for Allie in a few momets and wanted to check the blog, it has now officially been hit over 11,000 times in the last ten weeks and Ricky's site has been hit over 2,500 times and Allie's video has been hit well over 1,000 times. The power of prayer is the power of healing. Thank you all.
On a sadder note our dear friend and number one supporter Sabrina just lost her mother-in-law a few minutes ago. Betty was a strong and beautiful woman and we know now she is pain free and living in the arms of our heavenly father, We pray Frank, Sabrina, Zach and their families will find comfort in our prayers and thoughts.
I hope all of our prayer warriors will bless her transition.
With love and gratitude,
Allie's Dad
Heading over to the Benefit for Allie in a few momets and wanted to check the blog, it has now officially been hit over 11,000 times in the last ten weeks and Ricky's site has been hit over 2,500 times and Allie's video has been hit well over 1,000 times. The power of prayer is the power of healing. Thank you all.
On a sadder note our dear friend and number one supporter Sabrina just lost her mother-in-law a few minutes ago. Betty was a strong and beautiful woman and we know now she is pain free and living in the arms of our heavenly father, We pray Frank, Sabrina, Zach and their families will find comfort in our prayers and thoughts.
I hope all of our prayer warriors will bless her transition.
With love and gratitude,
Allie's Dad
Friday, July 20, 2007
Friday Evening, July 20th
Therefore i say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you recieve them, and you will have them. Mark 11:24
I read this verset his morning and it reminded me of how much our attitudes ahve to do with the success we have in life and how much we can control our outcomes. Many a motivational speaker has said what the mind sees and believes, the mind can achive and I have a large sign written on the wall above my adjusting table which says Our perception controls our reality. That is what it means to understand the reality of Full Recovery - Never a Doubt. The programming and reprogramming of our perception of what is real will lead us to achive the desirable outcome - with the outcome being the best possible recovery, body, mind and spirit for all involved. God wants nothing but the best for us and hads given us the ability to create our to create. In my book, I wrote about the Creative Principle or creating from the end backward. Nothing new but a Universal Principle and strategic principle of success which allows us to set up our outcome, to see it and actually become a part of it. Once we know what we want and we can see it , fell it and be it, the steps to create it will show themselves, then we just have to be bold and tenacious enough to walk the steps to completion. My good friend Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of the chicken soup for the soul series has awlays said, "Whatever you want - wants you More". This is so cool because everyday we envision Allie Fully Recovered, in College and acting on Broadway and everyday it's conforting to know that the Universe is working hard because it wants that for us - even more.
Allie was what I call controlably snippy today. From the first thing this morning she was a little on edge, possibly because of last nights outing to the mall or maybe just not great sleep or what ever, hey we are all snippy from time to time without having to think up why but it was not bad and she was easily handelable. I make up my own words.
Of course she had a lot of therapies today and she asked me to leave at 12:30 so I got in my car and went to the movies to see LArry and Chuck the new Adam Sandler movie - infortunately I thought it was a stinker!!! Got back around 4:30 and Allie wanted to go back to the mall so we went to the elevator and when the doors opened her friends Madeline and Rachael were there (I love when her friends come) so she spent the next hour with them and then it was off to the mall again where we made a major $1.00 purshase of a purple bar of soap (favorite color) and a $3.00 bar of Godiva - still has great taste in chocolate. Some things she never lost.
When we got back at aroung 8:00 her chorus and theatre teacher (Mary Beth Shumate) from Brevard school was waiting with 2 dozen yellow roses and a beautiful card. She is so awesome. Allie really ahs a lot of great people she has aligned herself with. Quite amazing for a 17 year old to have friend all around the world but Allie is the kind of person that stays in touch with everyone she has ever met.
She is quite tired now so she is taking a shower, then off to bed. Another great day - minor snippyness but we are so blessed. Imagine just a few short weeks ago we thought we would lose her and we had no idea who would be coming back to us and today Allie is with us and Full Recovery is peeking through the clouds.
If you are in Brevard tomorrow, I hope you will be able to join us at Allie'S benefit roast. There will be three live bands, pigs roasting, a big BBQ and a silent auction. It begins at 4:00pm at the bread of life on S. Cauldwell street in Brevard. For those of you that can not make it in person, I can already feel your thoughs with us - thank you.
Nancy is flying to NY tomorrow to be with her mom on her 80th birthday and Matt is home from camp.
Thanks all the news that is news so have a wonderful evening.
Allie's Dad
I read this verset his morning and it reminded me of how much our attitudes ahve to do with the success we have in life and how much we can control our outcomes. Many a motivational speaker has said what the mind sees and believes, the mind can achive and I have a large sign written on the wall above my adjusting table which says Our perception controls our reality. That is what it means to understand the reality of Full Recovery - Never a Doubt. The programming and reprogramming of our perception of what is real will lead us to achive the desirable outcome - with the outcome being the best possible recovery, body, mind and spirit for all involved. God wants nothing but the best for us and hads given us the ability to create our to create. In my book, I wrote about the Creative Principle or creating from the end backward. Nothing new but a Universal Principle and strategic principle of success which allows us to set up our outcome, to see it and actually become a part of it. Once we know what we want and we can see it , fell it and be it, the steps to create it will show themselves, then we just have to be bold and tenacious enough to walk the steps to completion. My good friend Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of the chicken soup for the soul series has awlays said, "Whatever you want - wants you More". This is so cool because everyday we envision Allie Fully Recovered, in College and acting on Broadway and everyday it's conforting to know that the Universe is working hard because it wants that for us - even more.
Allie was what I call controlably snippy today. From the first thing this morning she was a little on edge, possibly because of last nights outing to the mall or maybe just not great sleep or what ever, hey we are all snippy from time to time without having to think up why but it was not bad and she was easily handelable. I make up my own words.
Of course she had a lot of therapies today and she asked me to leave at 12:30 so I got in my car and went to the movies to see LArry and Chuck the new Adam Sandler movie - infortunately I thought it was a stinker!!! Got back around 4:30 and Allie wanted to go back to the mall so we went to the elevator and when the doors opened her friends Madeline and Rachael were there (I love when her friends come) so she spent the next hour with them and then it was off to the mall again where we made a major $1.00 purshase of a purple bar of soap (favorite color) and a $3.00 bar of Godiva - still has great taste in chocolate. Some things she never lost.
When we got back at aroung 8:00 her chorus and theatre teacher (Mary Beth Shumate) from Brevard school was waiting with 2 dozen yellow roses and a beautiful card. She is so awesome. Allie really ahs a lot of great people she has aligned herself with. Quite amazing for a 17 year old to have friend all around the world but Allie is the kind of person that stays in touch with everyone she has ever met.
She is quite tired now so she is taking a shower, then off to bed. Another great day - minor snippyness but we are so blessed. Imagine just a few short weeks ago we thought we would lose her and we had no idea who would be coming back to us and today Allie is with us and Full Recovery is peeking through the clouds.
If you are in Brevard tomorrow, I hope you will be able to join us at Allie'S benefit roast. There will be three live bands, pigs roasting, a big BBQ and a silent auction. It begins at 4:00pm at the bread of life on S. Cauldwell street in Brevard. For those of you that can not make it in person, I can already feel your thoughs with us - thank you.
Nancy is flying to NY tomorrow to be with her mom on her 80th birthday and Matt is home from camp.
Thanks all the news that is news so have a wonderful evening.
Allie's Dad
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Thursday Evening, July 19th
Possibly the best day of my life. Thank you everyone for your love and support - God is good (Thank you Marla).
OK here we go. Left work today and headed to the hopsital. I told Allie the other day I was going to get a tattoo that said Allie and Dad BFF(Best friend forever) sow ithout telling anyone I went to the tattoo shop and spent an hour looking around and talking and then left without getting one although I did make an appointment for next week - I'll keep you filled in. Saw a fairy flying that reminded me of Allie breaking free and flying again???????
When I got to the hospital, Allie was in a great mood and was getting along with Nancy and all of the nurses and therapists. We hung out for a few hours and all was great. It was hang out day today where everyone gets together and makes jewlery so I made Allie a necklace with ,atching keychain and earrings. Then we took a walk down to our wishing fountain and like we do every day we threw our penies in and made our wish. Mine came true!!!!
Now for the good part. Nancy left to go back home, she isw picking Matt up from camp tomorrow and will be home for a day or so. After she left I asked Allie is she wanted to go for a ride3 in the car and she said she did, so we drove down Main Street, Greenville. They had bands playing tonight but it was much to hot to get out (about 100 degrees and Allie is NOT good in the heat) so we kept going and wound up at the Mall. We were going to go to Barnes and Noble (somewhere we have always gone and spent time together) to get her a book but these was a Macy's across the street and the true Allie kicked in - she wanted to go to the Mall, so we went to Macy's where she wanted to look for a prom dress. My heart was doing flips. I was in Macy's with Allie and she was looking at dresses (so what if she thought it was for the prom - this was huge and her mood and attitude was so great the whole time it ws like a fairytale). She picked out a green gown and a flower dress went in the dressing room and came out with the dresses
on. I have never been happier. Allie then said she wanted to go to other stores = could this be real??? I asked if she was tired and she said she wanted to look for dresses. This is the first time she has show any interest in shopping or being out and when she was ready to go she calmly siad I'm tired now -we immediately left and got in the car but now before she spotted Starbucks or Star FiveBucks. The old Allie was kicking in, she didn;t remember what she liked so I ordered for her to which she said me gusta (I like). Back to the hospital with a happy heart.
While I pray all day everyday sometimes when I need stregnth i FIND IT IN YOU. God carries me but you guys lift me up and inspire me . When I need it most, I find a post (sorry)
Anyhow Allie is in the shower for the second time in 3 hours but what the heck, she likes it and she's clean.
Love Ya'll - Thank you so so much for your love.
Allie's Dad
OK here we go. Left work today and headed to the hopsital. I told Allie the other day I was going to get a tattoo that said Allie and Dad BFF(Best friend forever) sow ithout telling anyone I went to the tattoo shop and spent an hour looking around and talking and then left without getting one although I did make an appointment for next week - I'll keep you filled in. Saw a fairy flying that reminded me of Allie breaking free and flying again???????
When I got to the hospital, Allie was in a great mood and was getting along with Nancy and all of the nurses and therapists. We hung out for a few hours and all was great. It was hang out day today where everyone gets together and makes jewlery so I made Allie a necklace with ,atching keychain and earrings. Then we took a walk down to our wishing fountain and like we do every day we threw our penies in and made our wish. Mine came true!!!!
Now for the good part. Nancy left to go back home, she isw picking Matt up from camp tomorrow and will be home for a day or so. After she left I asked Allie is she wanted to go for a ride3 in the car and she said she did, so we drove down Main Street, Greenville. They had bands playing tonight but it was much to hot to get out (about 100 degrees and Allie is NOT good in the heat) so we kept going and wound up at the Mall. We were going to go to Barnes and Noble (somewhere we have always gone and spent time together) to get her a book but these was a Macy's across the street and the true Allie kicked in - she wanted to go to the Mall, so we went to Macy's where she wanted to look for a prom dress. My heart was doing flips. I was in Macy's with Allie and she was looking at dresses (so what if she thought it was for the prom - this was huge and her mood and attitude was so great the whole time it ws like a fairytale). She picked out a green gown and a flower dress went in the dressing room and came out with the dresses
on. I have never been happier. Allie then said she wanted to go to other stores = could this be real??? I asked if she was tired and she said she wanted to look for dresses. This is the first time she has show any interest in shopping or being out and when she was ready to go she calmly siad I'm tired now -we immediately left and got in the car but now before she spotted Starbucks or Star FiveBucks. The old Allie was kicking in, she didn;t remember what she liked so I ordered for her to which she said me gusta (I like). Back to the hospital with a happy heart.
While I pray all day everyday sometimes when I need stregnth i FIND IT IN YOU. God carries me but you guys lift me up and inspire me . When I need it most, I find a post (sorry)
Anyhow Allie is in the shower for the second time in 3 hours but what the heck, she likes it and she's clean.
Love Ya'll - Thank you so so much for your love.
Allie's Dad
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Wednesday, July 18th
Hi Guys
Kind of tough to make a blog sometimes when I am not down at the hospital but here's how the day is going. Allie is doing great in therapy but is being rather rough on Nancy. We know this is a phase.
Had a meeting with the doctors, therapists and administrator to discuss her future plans. After the meeting we are still up in the air. Hopefully they will extend her a week or two there to give us all time to help her a little more before we take her home. The challenge is how to handle her when she starts to get mean but more so how to read her body language - this will help us get a jump on her mood swings and we can either diffuse them or help her with words -"Allie would you like some alone time......" or "Are you tired?" This really helps and eventually she will be able to voice these things on her own. Let's face is, what teenage wants their parents around all of the time?
Check out what our good friend Beth Imhe did. She immortalized the Full Recovery Butterfly by having it tattooed on her ankle the other day. How cool. See the picture on the left side of the page.
Time to go. We'll chat tomorrow.
Allie's Dad
Kind of tough to make a blog sometimes when I am not down at the hospital but here's how the day is going. Allie is doing great in therapy but is being rather rough on Nancy. We know this is a phase.
Had a meeting with the doctors, therapists and administrator to discuss her future plans. After the meeting we are still up in the air. Hopefully they will extend her a week or two there to give us all time to help her a little more before we take her home. The challenge is how to handle her when she starts to get mean but more so how to read her body language - this will help us get a jump on her mood swings and we can either diffuse them or help her with words -"Allie would you like some alone time......" or "Are you tired?" This really helps and eventually she will be able to voice these things on her own. Let's face is, what teenage wants their parents around all of the time?
Check out what our good friend Beth Imhe did. She immortalized the Full Recovery Butterfly by having it tattooed on her ankle the other day. How cool. See the picture on the left side of the page.
Time to go. We'll chat tomorrow.
Allie's Dad
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Tueday Evening, July 17th
And the night ends on a very high note. We went back up to Allie's room and she was all peaches and cream for about an hour. I had to drive back home so I said good night and she said good night and it was a great way to end the night. She was great to Nancy and all was well - the times you live for.
The Full Recovery is in Full Motion. We guess that's healing!!!!
Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad
The Full Recovery is in Full Motion. We guess that's healing!!!!
Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad
Well if I can be perfectly honest, right now at this very moment - life sucks. Day in and day out, moment to moment you just have the highest of hopes and a heart full of love ready for that great moment or even a calm moment to come and you are greeted with meanness which is now loud and sometimes using curse words now. It just breaks your heart and drains your spirit and we know it's not Allie but still the same the hurt is real. It's not even the hurt it's just the fact that she has absolutely no understanding of what happened, why she is in the hospital and even the fact that she is being mean and tomorrow they what to have a meeting to discuss discharge plans (yikes).
At different times during the day, this blog can take on different tones, a few minutes ago Nancy was really upset and justifiably so. After 65 days you just want your life back at least some sense of normaly, everything starts to suffer.
It's so interesting, I have been trying to do this blog for the last forty minutes but people we have become friends with in the hospital keep coming by and they alk to you and cheer you up - that's what keeps you going, no I am ready to go upstairs again. Also, Stan the head administrator for the rehab just stopped by and he is so pro Allie it is incredible. He is doing everything to make things happen for her.
I try to share real feelings with you only so you don't think that everything is rosey and hunky dorey all of the time because it isn't. We are still full of hope and know that Full Recovery is only around the corner. Allie IS doing great and to look at her and speak to her you may never think that anything is wrong. We are truly at a cross road and as the people we are and with the beliefs we have we usually take the road less traveled and that has always worked for us. We are NOT going to drug her into submission, we are going to pray and work with her and get and give the best we can for her. She is and always has been a brilliant child and her light continues to shine but for as brilliant as she is she is just as difficult and in this condition she is the same, so we will love her lots and lots.
Nancy is talking to Allie on the cell phone right now. When she kicks us out we go and sit in the lobby and wait, then we call her and ask if she wants us to come back. Right now she does so for all of my friends out there in Allie land - Good Night and Gid Bless.
Allie's Dad
PS - The other day I put in the blog that Ful Recovery needed a logo of a Roller Coaster with a Guardian Angel on the front of it and our good friend Pam from Brevard Printing sent one to us, see side panel. Good Night
At different times during the day, this blog can take on different tones, a few minutes ago Nancy was really upset and justifiably so. After 65 days you just want your life back at least some sense of normaly, everything starts to suffer.
It's so interesting, I have been trying to do this blog for the last forty minutes but people we have become friends with in the hospital keep coming by and they alk to you and cheer you up - that's what keeps you going, no I am ready to go upstairs again. Also, Stan the head administrator for the rehab just stopped by and he is so pro Allie it is incredible. He is doing everything to make things happen for her.
I try to share real feelings with you only so you don't think that everything is rosey and hunky dorey all of the time because it isn't. We are still full of hope and know that Full Recovery is only around the corner. Allie IS doing great and to look at her and speak to her you may never think that anything is wrong. We are truly at a cross road and as the people we are and with the beliefs we have we usually take the road less traveled and that has always worked for us. We are NOT going to drug her into submission, we are going to pray and work with her and get and give the best we can for her. She is and always has been a brilliant child and her light continues to shine but for as brilliant as she is she is just as difficult and in this condition she is the same, so we will love her lots and lots.
Nancy is talking to Allie on the cell phone right now. When she kicks us out we go and sit in the lobby and wait, then we call her and ask if she wants us to come back. Right now she does so for all of my friends out there in Allie land - Good Night and Gid Bless.
Allie's Dad
PS - The other day I put in the blog that Ful Recovery needed a logo of a Roller Coaster with a Guardian Angel on the front of it and our good friend Pam from Brevard Printing sent one to us, see side panel. Good Night
Monday, July 16, 2007
Dear Friends
Sonia Arnold from the Brevard Little Theater has just written to infom me that Brevard Little Theater and Brevard College would like to honor Allie with the proceeds from their July 27th performance of Charlotte's Web to be performend at the Morrison Playhouse (Porter Center)
We braciously accepted this offer and hope you all will pack the house out. This is a Friday night so let's all go to the theater. Wouldn;t it be awesome if Allie could attend????
Also this Saturday (July 21st) night our friends and community will be honoring Allie with with a benefit dinner, concert and silent auction. There will be live music, a pig pickin and silent auction. It will be at the Bread of Life on Cauldwell Street right behing Norma Clayton Realty.
The fun and festivities will begin at 4:00pm and go until????? We hope you will all come and have some fun with us!!!!!
God Bless
Allie's Dad
Sonia Arnold from the Brevard Little Theater has just written to infom me that Brevard Little Theater and Brevard College would like to honor Allie with the proceeds from their July 27th performance of Charlotte's Web to be performend at the Morrison Playhouse (Porter Center)
We braciously accepted this offer and hope you all will pack the house out. This is a Friday night so let's all go to the theater. Wouldn;t it be awesome if Allie could attend????
Also this Saturday (July 21st) night our friends and community will be honoring Allie with with a benefit dinner, concert and silent auction. There will be live music, a pig pickin and silent auction. It will be at the Bread of Life on Cauldwell Street right behing Norma Clayton Realty.
The fun and festivities will begin at 4:00pm and go until????? We hope you will all come and have some fun with us!!!!!
God Bless
Allie's Dad
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Sunday Afternon, July 15th
And the roller coaster heads down the hill.
I'll tell you what Full Recovery - Never a Doubt needs a logo of a roller coaster with an angel on the front of it or something because just when you think you're goingup hill - whoops now you're going down and it's just as fun, scary, exhilerating, frightening and lets say frustrating.
Allie was brutal this morning and this afternoon and was maybe more off than ever today - certainly louder than ever to the point that we could only leave. You know it's not Allie, it's the injury but sometime you wow! Yesterday I had a few words with food service about Allie getting the wrong breakfast and the woman downstairs was the nastiest. This is not our first run in but from what everyone says, it's just just par for the course and while I can be strong with them they ahve to understand I just want Allie to have breakfast and I think they would understand that soemtimes a parent could be frustrated dealing with a child with a brain injury for 64 days. Just babbling but it's so wired you would think people that work in hospitals would be a little more understanding.
Allie was aprticulary brutal around lunch time today. We took her downstairs to a subway and while eating something set her off bad so we said we were going to leave until she apologized (behavior modification techniques ???) anyhow we walked away where we could see her but she couldn;t see her. We were interested to see what she would do. She wrapped up her sandwich to throw away, cleaned her area and put her top on her water, then she saw me and came walkeing our way, threw her stuff away and started to get ugly with us again so I told her to go to her room. She still says she does not have one there but started to walk the right way back. We hung back to see if she would go the right way. She did not. We have walked that way 50 times but she can not remember yet the right way to go and will say that she has never done it before. We caught up with her and brought her upstairs with her yelling at us on the elevatorlouder than I ever heard. Once we got to her room we left, got in the car and just drove in silence for a long time, then we parked and melted down, then we talked some more and felt a little better.
We wound up in downtown Greenville, SC and just walked down Main Street in the rain. Someone told us about a healing stone they used to help recover from their brain injury so we found a gem shop and the girl there made us a bracelet out of the stone. This made us happy. We also bought some Arnica, St. Johns Wort and Omega 3 - just can't get her to take it. Soon.
Anyhow we got back to the room and she was in a good space. Her friend Kristen was there and that always makes Allie happy. Well Kristen left and suffice to say she was god for a little while then - well let's ust say I started this blog in her room and now I am in the rec room. If it weren;t for leaving Nancy stranded, I probably would have gone home already - just being honest.
I know we are luck, and I know hundreds of people would trade places with us in a minute but when you are in the moment it is sad, heartbreaking, frustrating, angry ........ You leave for a few minutes and rationalize it and try to start all over.
Full Recovery - Never A Doubt
It's not Allie - It's the injury
Allie's Dad
I'll tell you what Full Recovery - Never a Doubt needs a logo of a roller coaster with an angel on the front of it or something because just when you think you're goingup hill - whoops now you're going down and it's just as fun, scary, exhilerating, frightening and lets say frustrating.
Allie was brutal this morning and this afternoon and was maybe more off than ever today - certainly louder than ever to the point that we could only leave. You know it's not Allie, it's the injury but sometime you wow! Yesterday I had a few words with food service about Allie getting the wrong breakfast and the woman downstairs was the nastiest. This is not our first run in but from what everyone says, it's just just par for the course and while I can be strong with them they ahve to understand I just want Allie to have breakfast and I think they would understand that soemtimes a parent could be frustrated dealing with a child with a brain injury for 64 days. Just babbling but it's so wired you would think people that work in hospitals would be a little more understanding.
Allie was aprticulary brutal around lunch time today. We took her downstairs to a subway and while eating something set her off bad so we said we were going to leave until she apologized (behavior modification techniques ???) anyhow we walked away where we could see her but she couldn;t see her. We were interested to see what she would do. She wrapped up her sandwich to throw away, cleaned her area and put her top on her water, then she saw me and came walkeing our way, threw her stuff away and started to get ugly with us again so I told her to go to her room. She still says she does not have one there but started to walk the right way back. We hung back to see if she would go the right way. She did not. We have walked that way 50 times but she can not remember yet the right way to go and will say that she has never done it before. We caught up with her and brought her upstairs with her yelling at us on the elevatorlouder than I ever heard. Once we got to her room we left, got in the car and just drove in silence for a long time, then we parked and melted down, then we talked some more and felt a little better.
We wound up in downtown Greenville, SC and just walked down Main Street in the rain. Someone told us about a healing stone they used to help recover from their brain injury so we found a gem shop and the girl there made us a bracelet out of the stone. This made us happy. We also bought some Arnica, St. Johns Wort and Omega 3 - just can't get her to take it. Soon.
Anyhow we got back to the room and she was in a good space. Her friend Kristen was there and that always makes Allie happy. Well Kristen left and suffice to say she was god for a little while then - well let's ust say I started this blog in her room and now I am in the rec room. If it weren;t for leaving Nancy stranded, I probably would have gone home already - just being honest.
I know we are luck, and I know hundreds of people would trade places with us in a minute but when you are in the moment it is sad, heartbreaking, frustrating, angry ........ You leave for a few minutes and rationalize it and try to start all over.
Full Recovery - Never A Doubt
It's not Allie - It's the injury
Allie's Dad
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Saturday Evening, July 14th
Nothing but good news today! Allie is progressing and doing wonderfully and has jumped to an entirely new level of understanding and remembering.
Got here at 8:00 this morning and Allie was up and milling about doing here own thing. To my amazement, during the noght Allie began writing down questions she wanted to ask us today and she had drawn a picture of our family, Dad, Mom, Matt and herself. She also wrote down that she wanted to call Rachel today to talk to her about the play. Right now we are watching Allie on the DVD doing her part of Ms. Dorothy Brown in Throughly Modern Millie. She is fixed on the play right now and watches it lot which is cool because she is rembering alot of the lines and the actions. She said tonight, do you know how excited I was to be in the play and I said Yes I do to which she said it's sad because I can rember practing all of the time but I can't remember being in the play. I can't remember doing it. I said you will, look how much you are remembering and we move on.
We started the day by going to the zoo and Allie was excited to see the animal, however, when we got there the place was a zoo (haha). The place was just way to crowded and we didn't think it would be a good idea to bring her in there plus she said her legs were hurting and she didn't want to walk, so we left and went to brunch. Allie wanted eggplant parm so I took her to a greek diner. They only had chicken parm but that was plent good with our girl. After nine weeks of hospital food some chicken parm and spaghetti is like dining at the Waldorf. We sat there for an hour and a half and just talked and Allie did wonderful.
We came to the conclusion that part of Allie's mean streak may have had to do with missing a cycle and then coming up on one and being hit hard. Poor kid - everything is magnified.
After lunch we came back to the rehab with a successful outing under our belts full and happy at the progress. I forgot to tell you that they took her stitches out this morning and she didn't need drugs and it was done while she was awake while they did it. This is so huge it's beyond words that they let them do it.
Nancy and I took Allie to her room and put the play on for her, then asked if she wanted so alone time and she did so we left and went to the mall. I wanted to go just to me in the main stream for an hour. While we were there we both got chair massage from some chinese guys in the middle of the mall that did a form of massage called Qi. Well that was the best $12 we each could have ever spent. These guys made 10 minutes seem like an hour. If you ever need a vaction, go to the mall and seek one of these guys out.
Long one tonight:
We got a call at the mall that some of our friends were at the rehab visiting Allie so we shot back real quick and our frinds Pam and Clyde and Pam and Shauna were there with gift and cookies for Allie. Well after a while Allie wanted some space so Pam and Clyde, Nancy and I went out for dinner - now here is something really cool. During dinner Nancy's cell phone rang - it was Allie!! I forgot I left my cell phone with her and she text messaged us. She said call me I miss you. How cool is that??? She entered Nancy's cell number and text messaged and spelt all of the words right. Then she did it a few more times, each one longer and better.This is incredible guys we are breaking through huge hurdles today.
We know Full Recovery is on the horizon and it is awesome. This trauma thing is quite a roller coaster but everyday is a learning experience with Allie and with God. We are always provided for and everything is possible for him who believes.
Have a great night. Thanks for your love.
Allie's Dad
Got here at 8:00 this morning and Allie was up and milling about doing here own thing. To my amazement, during the noght Allie began writing down questions she wanted to ask us today and she had drawn a picture of our family, Dad, Mom, Matt and herself. She also wrote down that she wanted to call Rachel today to talk to her about the play. Right now we are watching Allie on the DVD doing her part of Ms. Dorothy Brown in Throughly Modern Millie. She is fixed on the play right now and watches it lot which is cool because she is rembering alot of the lines and the actions. She said tonight, do you know how excited I was to be in the play and I said Yes I do to which she said it's sad because I can rember practing all of the time but I can't remember being in the play. I can't remember doing it. I said you will, look how much you are remembering and we move on.
We started the day by going to the zoo and Allie was excited to see the animal, however, when we got there the place was a zoo (haha). The place was just way to crowded and we didn't think it would be a good idea to bring her in there plus she said her legs were hurting and she didn't want to walk, so we left and went to brunch. Allie wanted eggplant parm so I took her to a greek diner. They only had chicken parm but that was plent good with our girl. After nine weeks of hospital food some chicken parm and spaghetti is like dining at the Waldorf. We sat there for an hour and a half and just talked and Allie did wonderful.
We came to the conclusion that part of Allie's mean streak may have had to do with missing a cycle and then coming up on one and being hit hard. Poor kid - everything is magnified.
After lunch we came back to the rehab with a successful outing under our belts full and happy at the progress. I forgot to tell you that they took her stitches out this morning and she didn't need drugs and it was done while she was awake while they did it. This is so huge it's beyond words that they let them do it.
Nancy and I took Allie to her room and put the play on for her, then asked if she wanted so alone time and she did so we left and went to the mall. I wanted to go just to me in the main stream for an hour. While we were there we both got chair massage from some chinese guys in the middle of the mall that did a form of massage called Qi. Well that was the best $12 we each could have ever spent. These guys made 10 minutes seem like an hour. If you ever need a vaction, go to the mall and seek one of these guys out.
Long one tonight:
We got a call at the mall that some of our friends were at the rehab visiting Allie so we shot back real quick and our frinds Pam and Clyde and Pam and Shauna were there with gift and cookies for Allie. Well after a while Allie wanted some space so Pam and Clyde, Nancy and I went out for dinner - now here is something really cool. During dinner Nancy's cell phone rang - it was Allie!! I forgot I left my cell phone with her and she text messaged us. She said call me I miss you. How cool is that??? She entered Nancy's cell number and text messaged and spelt all of the words right. Then she did it a few more times, each one longer and better.This is incredible guys we are breaking through huge hurdles today.
We know Full Recovery is on the horizon and it is awesome. This trauma thing is quite a roller coaster but everyday is a learning experience with Allie and with God. We are always provided for and everything is possible for him who believes.
Have a great night. Thanks for your love.
Allie's Dad
Friday, July 13, 2007
Friday Evening, July 13th
HI Guys
Well we took a huge step and took most of the day off. When we got up this morning I just looked at Nancy and said go back to sleep, we are taking the day off. When we got up we went for coffee talked for a while, then went and walked around the Greenville Zoo. We hadn;t been there since the kids were little and it was awesome - a lot of great memories and animals. Then it was off to the India Palace for lunch - then a movie (Fantastic Four 2 stars) then K-Mart and off to see Allie.
We got to the hospital around 4 and it is now around 8:30 and things have been going very well. When we got to her room she was sitting on the bed readin the newspeper from our hometown that reported on her accident. She likes that her picture was on the front page and asked us why people were praying for her. Kind of breaks your heart but man she's reading the newspaper. She dosen;t get all of the words right but more and more every day.
Allie asked if she could see the DVD of her play so I found a TV and put it out in the rec room. All of the nurses and alot of patients gathered around to watch Allie sing and she blew them away. They all clapped and she was once again the star. This was a huge break through because during the performance I would look over and she would be lipping some of the lines and some of the songs. Another breakthrough!!!!!
Some days are just so hard. You hold onto your faith and your beliefs and you know that Full Recovery is just around the corner but in those diffivult times you can waiver and break a little bit and the bad thoughts come into your head - that is normal but you know that God has given you this situation for a reason and you will do what ever you need to do for as long as you need to do it and you just hope and pray that when you see her the next time she will be sweet again. As we pulled into the parking lot this evening we both has anxiety over who whould be waiting for us today and sweet Allie was there.
We are learning behavior modification and how to help her break certain patterns and how to change certain behaviors.
Thank you for all of the cards and flowers that came today and for your kind words. We know that as time goes on this becomes old news but I think now more than ever we need support so thank you all.
When Nancy and I talk, please understand that we know how blessed we are and we understand how many others in the world are going through things that make our situation look like childs play and our hearts and prayers go out to them. Sometimes when I am having a bad time and get down I almost scold myself, sort of how dare you have those feelings do you know how lucky you are - I do - some days you just get tired but never ungrateful and we always give thanks for how far we have come and in such a short time.
I am kind of just blabbing right now trying to express how grateful we are for Allie's recovery and how thankful we are to you - all of our friends.
Have a great night. Allie has only one therapy tomorrow so we will try to get her out in town. We'll let you know how it goes.
Yours in Recovery
Allie's Dad
Well we took a huge step and took most of the day off. When we got up this morning I just looked at Nancy and said go back to sleep, we are taking the day off. When we got up we went for coffee talked for a while, then went and walked around the Greenville Zoo. We hadn;t been there since the kids were little and it was awesome - a lot of great memories and animals. Then it was off to the India Palace for lunch - then a movie (Fantastic Four 2 stars) then K-Mart and off to see Allie.
We got to the hospital around 4 and it is now around 8:30 and things have been going very well. When we got to her room she was sitting on the bed readin the newspeper from our hometown that reported on her accident. She likes that her picture was on the front page and asked us why people were praying for her. Kind of breaks your heart but man she's reading the newspaper. She dosen;t get all of the words right but more and more every day.
Allie asked if she could see the DVD of her play so I found a TV and put it out in the rec room. All of the nurses and alot of patients gathered around to watch Allie sing and she blew them away. They all clapped and she was once again the star. This was a huge break through because during the performance I would look over and she would be lipping some of the lines and some of the songs. Another breakthrough!!!!!
Some days are just so hard. You hold onto your faith and your beliefs and you know that Full Recovery is just around the corner but in those diffivult times you can waiver and break a little bit and the bad thoughts come into your head - that is normal but you know that God has given you this situation for a reason and you will do what ever you need to do for as long as you need to do it and you just hope and pray that when you see her the next time she will be sweet again. As we pulled into the parking lot this evening we both has anxiety over who whould be waiting for us today and sweet Allie was there.
We are learning behavior modification and how to help her break certain patterns and how to change certain behaviors.
Thank you for all of the cards and flowers that came today and for your kind words. We know that as time goes on this becomes old news but I think now more than ever we need support so thank you all.
When Nancy and I talk, please understand that we know how blessed we are and we understand how many others in the world are going through things that make our situation look like childs play and our hearts and prayers go out to them. Sometimes when I am having a bad time and get down I almost scold myself, sort of how dare you have those feelings do you know how lucky you are - I do - some days you just get tired but never ungrateful and we always give thanks for how far we have come and in such a short time.
I am kind of just blabbing right now trying to express how grateful we are for Allie's recovery and how thankful we are to you - all of our friends.
Have a great night. Allie has only one therapy tomorrow so we will try to get her out in town. We'll let you know how it goes.
Yours in Recovery
Allie's Dad
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Wednesday Evening, July 11th
Tonight I have that feeling of excitment I used to get when Allie would do something special or take it to another level and I have that same feeling right now. Something great is happening.
Got off work aroung six this evening and decided to take a rund down to the hospital and bring my little pomeranian (Atlas) with me. I thought is would bring a smile to Allie's face and I wasn't wrong. I walked into the room and Allie was in a GREAT space. She was sitting on her bed looking at one of her theatre scrap books and chatting with Nancy. She was looking at all of the plays she was in and while she couldn't remember being in them she was getting some vague familarity when we would remind her of certain scenes. She was smileing and laughing and very happy.
When I walked in with the dog she looked up and with a smile just went ATLAS and he ran over to her. She was kind of wierded out by him and just like a little kid who has seen a dog for the first time, was taken aback. You know how a little kid just reaches out and then pulls her hand back. She said he was the cutest little dog ever - and he is.
Nancy, Allie, Atlas and I have now been in the same room together for an hour and a half and this has been a great evening. So glad I came, these are the moments you live for. She is happy and chatty and was racticing reading some of the cards that were sent to her. She really loves those and is doing better with her reading everyday. When she gets stuck if we spell the word she gets it. Just part of the recovery.
We never know what each day will bring but certianly each one is an experience. Nancy and I one again want to thank each of you for your prayers and cards and gifts. We wish that we could thank each of you personally but we hope that as you read this you give yourselves a big hug and fell the love we have for each of you. Without you and your prayers we dont know where we would be.
Full Recovery - Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad
Got off work aroung six this evening and decided to take a rund down to the hospital and bring my little pomeranian (Atlas) with me. I thought is would bring a smile to Allie's face and I wasn't wrong. I walked into the room and Allie was in a GREAT space. She was sitting on her bed looking at one of her theatre scrap books and chatting with Nancy. She was looking at all of the plays she was in and while she couldn't remember being in them she was getting some vague familarity when we would remind her of certain scenes. She was smileing and laughing and very happy.
When I walked in with the dog she looked up and with a smile just went ATLAS and he ran over to her. She was kind of wierded out by him and just like a little kid who has seen a dog for the first time, was taken aback. You know how a little kid just reaches out and then pulls her hand back. She said he was the cutest little dog ever - and he is.
Nancy, Allie, Atlas and I have now been in the same room together for an hour and a half and this has been a great evening. So glad I came, these are the moments you live for. She is happy and chatty and was racticing reading some of the cards that were sent to her. She really loves those and is doing better with her reading everyday. When she gets stuck if we spell the word she gets it. Just part of the recovery.
We never know what each day will bring but certianly each one is an experience. Nancy and I one again want to thank each of you for your prayers and cards and gifts. We wish that we could thank each of you personally but we hope that as you read this you give yourselves a big hug and fell the love we have for each of you. Without you and your prayers we dont know where we would be.
Full Recovery - Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad
Wednesday Morning, July 11th
Just a quicky to let you know that Allie changed rooms again yesterday. With Allie so mobile, they thought is would be a good idea to put her on the pediatric hallway which has doors in the hallway (not room) that lock at night. This way if she decides to wander she can only go as far as the nurses station. Great idea.
Her new room number is 3912
It's a great day for a breakthrough!!
Allie's Dad
Her new room number is 3912
It's a great day for a breakthrough!!
Allie's Dad
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Tuesday Evening, July 10th
What a nice day. I'm happy to report that Allie's anger is starting to subside, at least for today and I have no reason to believe that she wil not do anything but get better and better. Full Recovery - Never a Doubt.
We had our meeting with the doctor and therapists today and had a great discussion. They all told us how Allie is doing and how far she has come and it's great to hear them positve about her and how well she is progressing. Each therapist was positve and the psycologist was very encouraging. We also met with Stan the Rehab Administrator and he was also great and encouraging offering to help in any way he could. We are all so blessed to be in this place. We also discussed what to do with Allie from here. We want to do the best for her and discussed maybe putting her in another full time rehab in Atlanta that comes highly recommended, one of the top 20 in the country but we were told that we were being premature. Just trying to get our ducks in a row. So as of right now we are going one day at a time and happy to be doing so.
We also met another family today that came back for a visit, Justin (19 years old) was in an auto accident last Sept 11. He rolled his truck end over end at 100 mph. Pretty much the same story as Allie and he is fine. The wierd part is that she is in the room that he was in. It's nice to see others who have gone through this and hear their stories and get support from them. This is exactly the intention of Full Recovery.net to build a support system. They were very encouraging and said Allie was way ahead of the game and would be just fine. Music to my ears.
Allie has been nice to me all day today (few minor minor episodes I was able to get her off of quite quickly) and that is a prayer answered. The goal or parameter for her coming home lies in her ability to be safe and the safety of others. Right now it's not possible but soon.
Nancy is a trooper and we are strong as ever and out faith continues to grow on a daily basis. We love each other and are committed to returning our family back to normal and even better.
Well I have to head back to Brevard as I have to work tomorrow. We still have plenty of bracelets and tee shirts left if you would like to waer one. The reason for wereing one is to show support and to let others see it. This is one way to get the name Full Recovery our and to continue to build our network of people helping people.
We love you all, we feel your prayers and we appreciate everything you have done for us.
Have a great night
Allie's Dad
We had our meeting with the doctor and therapists today and had a great discussion. They all told us how Allie is doing and how far she has come and it's great to hear them positve about her and how well she is progressing. Each therapist was positve and the psycologist was very encouraging. We also met with Stan the Rehab Administrator and he was also great and encouraging offering to help in any way he could. We are all so blessed to be in this place. We also discussed what to do with Allie from here. We want to do the best for her and discussed maybe putting her in another full time rehab in Atlanta that comes highly recommended, one of the top 20 in the country but we were told that we were being premature. Just trying to get our ducks in a row. So as of right now we are going one day at a time and happy to be doing so.
We also met another family today that came back for a visit, Justin (19 years old) was in an auto accident last Sept 11. He rolled his truck end over end at 100 mph. Pretty much the same story as Allie and he is fine. The wierd part is that she is in the room that he was in. It's nice to see others who have gone through this and hear their stories and get support from them. This is exactly the intention of Full Recovery.net to build a support system. They were very encouraging and said Allie was way ahead of the game and would be just fine. Music to my ears.
Allie has been nice to me all day today (few minor minor episodes I was able to get her off of quite quickly) and that is a prayer answered. The goal or parameter for her coming home lies in her ability to be safe and the safety of others. Right now it's not possible but soon.
Nancy is a trooper and we are strong as ever and out faith continues to grow on a daily basis. We love each other and are committed to returning our family back to normal and even better.
Well I have to head back to Brevard as I have to work tomorrow. We still have plenty of bracelets and tee shirts left if you would like to waer one. The reason for wereing one is to show support and to let others see it. This is one way to get the name Full Recovery our and to continue to build our network of people helping people.
We love you all, we feel your prayers and we appreciate everything you have done for us.
Have a great night
Allie's Dad
Tuesday Morning, July 10th
Hi Guys
Everything is OK. Sorry I missed the blog last night, I just needed to take a rest so after work I went home and went to bed.
We have a one o'clock meeting with the doctor's and therapists to discuss how Allie is doing and where we go from here. Some thoughts kicked around last night were an inhouse rehab for traumatic brain injuries in Texas or TN. Who knows, things change everyday. I pray we are just able to take her home but that will not be possible if she stays in the angry phase as we are not able or equipped to handle her like that. She is scheduled for another two weeks where she is and alot can happen in two weeks.
Pray for her.
Love Y'all
Allie's Dad
PS Don't forget to post
Everything is OK. Sorry I missed the blog last night, I just needed to take a rest so after work I went home and went to bed.
We have a one o'clock meeting with the doctor's and therapists to discuss how Allie is doing and where we go from here. Some thoughts kicked around last night were an inhouse rehab for traumatic brain injuries in Texas or TN. Who knows, things change everyday. I pray we are just able to take her home but that will not be possible if she stays in the angry phase as we are not able or equipped to handle her like that. She is scheduled for another two weeks where she is and alot can happen in two weeks.
Pray for her.
Love Y'all
Allie's Dad
PS Don't forget to post
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Sunday Afternoon, July 8th
Well so far today has been the hardest. Unfortunately, she has been in a foul mood all day and has directed her words towards Nancy and I. We know it is just a phase and that this too shall pass but it is very draining to hear all of her meanness and I won't even say her's because I will not give her ownership of it. Let's just say the momentary bad words of the injury which will pass.
We attempted to take Allie out for lunch today and maybe to a movie but let's just say that did not go very well and after 40 minutes we came back to the hospital emotionally and physically drained. This truly is an amazing experience. Like I said yesterday, there are so many lessons to be learned and so much to be gained if we apply the lessons faithfully and consistently. What are the lessons. I get back to you on those but suffice to say, if you can get through a trauma, you can get through anything and things certainly take on a different perspective.
After Nancy and I dropped Allie of we went to lunch and a movie - we had to!!!! Lunch was great Stax Omega a real NY Diner in the middle of SC if you can believe it. Then we went to see Evan Almightly. Great movie, laughed, cried, laughed, cried - probably not everyone would cry but there were many good messages in the movie; in particular, when Evan was talking to God, God said "When you pray for patience he does not just give you patience, he gives you the opportunity to practice patience" He said "When you pray for courage, he does not just gives you courage - he gives you the opportunities to be courageous" and "When you pray for a closer family, he just doesn;t give you a closer family - he gives you an opportunity to have a closer family" Holy crap, sounds alot like me. I pray every day to be a messeanger and minister and God gives me the opportunity, I pray for a stronger family and he gives me the oportunity... well all of the opportunities have been put in front of us and we are thankful - no one said it would be easy but God is good and rewards the grateful and that we are.
So as we sit in the rec room riding out the current storm we are thankful for the ability to have good times and for the blessings of being able to leave here one day with our daughter. The road is long .....she ain't heavy - she's our daughter.
God Bless
Allie's Dad
We attempted to take Allie out for lunch today and maybe to a movie but let's just say that did not go very well and after 40 minutes we came back to the hospital emotionally and physically drained. This truly is an amazing experience. Like I said yesterday, there are so many lessons to be learned and so much to be gained if we apply the lessons faithfully and consistently. What are the lessons. I get back to you on those but suffice to say, if you can get through a trauma, you can get through anything and things certainly take on a different perspective.
After Nancy and I dropped Allie of we went to lunch and a movie - we had to!!!! Lunch was great Stax Omega a real NY Diner in the middle of SC if you can believe it. Then we went to see Evan Almightly. Great movie, laughed, cried, laughed, cried - probably not everyone would cry but there were many good messages in the movie; in particular, when Evan was talking to God, God said "When you pray for patience he does not just give you patience, he gives you the opportunity to practice patience" He said "When you pray for courage, he does not just gives you courage - he gives you the opportunities to be courageous" and "When you pray for a closer family, he just doesn;t give you a closer family - he gives you an opportunity to have a closer family" Holy crap, sounds alot like me. I pray every day to be a messeanger and minister and God gives me the opportunity, I pray for a stronger family and he gives me the oportunity... well all of the opportunities have been put in front of us and we are thankful - no one said it would be easy but God is good and rewards the grateful and that we are.
So as we sit in the rec room riding out the current storm we are thankful for the ability to have good times and for the blessings of being able to leave here one day with our daughter. The road is long .....she ain't heavy - she's our daughter.
God Bless
Allie's Dad
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
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
Friday, July 6, 2007
Friday Evening, July 6th
All in all a very good and positive day for everyone. Nancy and I had a good prayer and positive talk today and reenergiged one another and our commitment to Allie and her Full Recovery. It's refreshing to feel so energized and dedicated to giving her all of our time all of the time. We are convinced that being with her all of the time has made a huge difference in her recovery.
The team psycologist brought me some great reference material for brain trauma and I really appreciate the way she has helped me both mentally (I think I made that word up).
Allie really did well today having less and less anger throughout the day. When I got here this morning she was already up and wathcing TV. She was happy to see me and was great for the first 45 minutes and then she got mad and told me to leave. It odd, she tells you to go but in her eyes, voice and actions that she really doesn;t mean it but and you feel bad becasuse you can almost sense her frustration like she knows what she did was wrong but she can not figure out how to stop it ande get you to come back. It's sad!
She had or la4 therapy sessions and is doing well in each of them. She having trouble reading but she is figuring it out. There is a long way to go. Every day new things come up for us to think about, small things like learning how to cross the street or give money in a store or any number of things.
We went for a ride in the car today. I had the top down on the convertable and the day was beautiful but how. My first mistke. Allie is not good in the heat. I wanted to take her to the pet store to look at the puppies but on the way there she got very aggitated and did not want to go in the store and boy was she mad at me. I took her back to the rehab, brought her to room and went out for two hours - it was great!!! Went to the bookstore and sat in silence. Ahhhh silence.
Physically our girl is in great shape and all the rest is coming - Never a Doubt. Allie wanted me to let you know that we are having chocolate ice cream and that it is great.
So have a great night and have some ice cream.
Allie's Dad
The team psycologist brought me some great reference material for brain trauma and I really appreciate the way she has helped me both mentally (I think I made that word up).
Allie really did well today having less and less anger throughout the day. When I got here this morning she was already up and wathcing TV. She was happy to see me and was great for the first 45 minutes and then she got mad and told me to leave. It odd, she tells you to go but in her eyes, voice and actions that she really doesn;t mean it but and you feel bad becasuse you can almost sense her frustration like she knows what she did was wrong but she can not figure out how to stop it ande get you to come back. It's sad!
She had or la4 therapy sessions and is doing well in each of them. She having trouble reading but she is figuring it out. There is a long way to go. Every day new things come up for us to think about, small things like learning how to cross the street or give money in a store or any number of things.
We went for a ride in the car today. I had the top down on the convertable and the day was beautiful but how. My first mistke. Allie is not good in the heat. I wanted to take her to the pet store to look at the puppies but on the way there she got very aggitated and did not want to go in the store and boy was she mad at me. I took her back to the rehab, brought her to room and went out for two hours - it was great!!! Went to the bookstore and sat in silence. Ahhhh silence.
Physically our girl is in great shape and all the rest is coming - Never a Doubt. Allie wanted me to let you know that we are having chocolate ice cream and that it is great.
So have a great night and have some ice cream.
Allie's Dad
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Thursday Evening, July 5th
HI Everyone
The day finishes with the return of Chatty Kathy. Somewhere during the course of the afternoon Allie returned to her sweet self - she still has moments when she gets a little mad and sends me out of the room but I leave for 10 minutes and come back and all is well and forgotten.Wahoo!!
I am sitting with her right now and while she is talking nonsense incessently she is being so funny and happy.
This afternoon we went to what they call "Hang Out" at time when all of the patients get together and do arts and crafts. I made Allie a really cool necklace and another woman made her a bracelet - then I went to Publix and bought some mini pasteries, so all is really good.
SO all in all a good day and another prayer answered. She is getting better everyday even when it doesn't seem like it to us. We will never be foresaken now will we. Full Recovery - Never a Doubt. I also met a very cool woman today who is an Recreational Therapist who works for the hospital but runs for the something called the West End Co-op, a marketing company here in Greenville that makes tee-shirts and other marketing products - their number one seller is their cookies. The realy great part is that is run totally by people who have brain injuries - totally, 100%!!! Now that's awesome and you can bet that that is where we will order all of our products from. If you order promotional or need t=shirts check them out at www.westendcoop.com and her name was KIMO.
Peace and Recovery,
Allie's Dad
The day finishes with the return of Chatty Kathy. Somewhere during the course of the afternoon Allie returned to her sweet self - she still has moments when she gets a little mad and sends me out of the room but I leave for 10 minutes and come back and all is well and forgotten.Wahoo!!
I am sitting with her right now and while she is talking nonsense incessently she is being so funny and happy.
This afternoon we went to what they call "Hang Out" at time when all of the patients get together and do arts and crafts. I made Allie a really cool necklace and another woman made her a bracelet - then I went to Publix and bought some mini pasteries, so all is really good.
SO all in all a good day and another prayer answered. She is getting better everyday even when it doesn't seem like it to us. We will never be foresaken now will we. Full Recovery - Never a Doubt. I also met a very cool woman today who is an Recreational Therapist who works for the hospital but runs for the something called the West End Co-op, a marketing company here in Greenville that makes tee-shirts and other marketing products - their number one seller is their cookies. The realy great part is that is run totally by people who have brain injuries - totally, 100%!!! Now that's awesome and you can bet that that is where we will order all of our products from. If you order promotional or need t=shirts check them out at www.westendcoop.com and her name was KIMO.
Peace and Recovery,
Allie's Dad
Thursday, Morning, July 5th
GOD MORNING! How interesting, I started out typing good morning and and that is what came out. How wonderful and what a special way to greet the day.
Well I had my moment of doubt and I feel stronger and more cleansed by it because I allowed it to happen for a moment, I shared it with thousands who care and I was uplifted in prayer and the healing words of you all. Thank you and God Morning.
Allie is in therapy right now and now I am in the rec room. As I enter the day with gratitude in my heart I know that this phase will pass - when? In his time and we are OK. FULL RECOVERY - NEVER A DOUBT. Is she still being abusive - you bet but that's OK - instead of waiting in her room, I wait in the rec room.
Good passage this morning that helped - "Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times." Romans 12:12
We are so joyful because we have have so much hope and that is the essence of Full Recovery. Interesting but all one has to do to have gratitude in thier lives is walk around this place for a day or read the newspaper. Right now there is a three year old girl in the ICU that got hit in the head with a branch that fell 30 - 50 feet from a tree while they were visiting the zoo yesterday or the little girl that had both of her feet cut off wile on a ride at the amusement park the other day and these are only a few of the people we need to rally around and pray for.
The more positive energy we put out on others, the more that is returned to us. So thank you all for your positive thoughts and energy - it will be returned to you 100 fold.
Right now Allie just walked by with her therapist. She was holding a bag of laundry and was heading to the laundry room. What a blessing, we have never been able to get her to laundry at home so this really is progress. God is good, maybe next she will make her bed, that would really be a miracle!!!!
In love and blessings,
Allie's Dad
Well I had my moment of doubt and I feel stronger and more cleansed by it because I allowed it to happen for a moment, I shared it with thousands who care and I was uplifted in prayer and the healing words of you all. Thank you and God Morning.
Allie is in therapy right now and now I am in the rec room. As I enter the day with gratitude in my heart I know that this phase will pass - when? In his time and we are OK. FULL RECOVERY - NEVER A DOUBT. Is she still being abusive - you bet but that's OK - instead of waiting in her room, I wait in the rec room.
Good passage this morning that helped - "Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times." Romans 12:12
We are so joyful because we have have so much hope and that is the essence of Full Recovery. Interesting but all one has to do to have gratitude in thier lives is walk around this place for a day or read the newspaper. Right now there is a three year old girl in the ICU that got hit in the head with a branch that fell 30 - 50 feet from a tree while they were visiting the zoo yesterday or the little girl that had both of her feet cut off wile on a ride at the amusement park the other day and these are only a few of the people we need to rally around and pray for.
The more positive energy we put out on others, the more that is returned to us. So thank you all for your positive thoughts and energy - it will be returned to you 100 fold.
Right now Allie just walked by with her therapist. She was holding a bag of laundry and was heading to the laundry room. What a blessing, we have never been able to get her to laundry at home so this really is progress. God is good, maybe next she will make her bed, that would really be a miracle!!!!
In love and blessings,
Allie's Dad
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Wednesday Addendum, July 4th
As I was leaving Allie tonight it brought so much sadness to me. I was sitting in her room doing the blog and I thought she was in the bathroom, however, when I finished I went to look for her and she was gone. She NEVER leaves her room alone so when I found her watching TV with another person in the rec room it caught me by suprise. The hard part is just the sadness of seeing her in her pajamas sitting in a hospital rec room and sadly, almost seeming like she belonged there. It made me think that that could possibly be how she spends the rest of her life - in her pajamas, in the rec room with Nancy and I coming to visit. She just does not know when we are there or if we were there today and sshe eems to be OK when and if we are not. As I was leaving I said Goodnight Allie, I'll see you tomorrow and she just said OK (kind of dead panned)and turned back to the TV - that killed me.
Enough Sadness.
Full Recovery - Never a Doubt (but sometimes a thought)
Allie's Dad
Enough Sadness.
Full Recovery - Never a Doubt (but sometimes a thought)
Allie's Dad
Wednesday Evening, July 4th
Hi Everyone
Just a quick 4th of July note. Had a failry good day. Allie is being brutal with her words and it is very difficult to be around her at this time but we just stay calm and continue to love her - however right now it can be hard and we have had to take some breaks here and there. We are now sleeping back at the Ronald McDonald House - thank God as being in the room for two weeks and together 27 hours a day can make you crack.
Through out all of this new phase we just continue to love and encourage her. Nancy is taking a break and going home for a few days while i stay here with her. A much needed rest.
We took Allie out in town today and took her to the Mellow Mushroom, a favorite pizza place of ours and all went fairly well. Salad and pizza - what could be bad?
Today was a rediscovery of emotions and the feelings of extraordinary love. Our friends and patients and towns people rallied around during the 4th of July celebration at a booth we had up during the street fair to find out how Allie was doing and to give well wishes, love and support. I can not believe how much people (especially in our small town) will rally for one another and help a neighbor in need. These people spent their entire day working a booth for Allie and then thanked us for allowing them to have the experience - how can you not cry. Thanks everyone, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day and THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today we have so much to celebrate.
Allie's Dad
Just a quick 4th of July note. Had a failry good day. Allie is being brutal with her words and it is very difficult to be around her at this time but we just stay calm and continue to love her - however right now it can be hard and we have had to take some breaks here and there. We are now sleeping back at the Ronald McDonald House - thank God as being in the room for two weeks and together 27 hours a day can make you crack.
Through out all of this new phase we just continue to love and encourage her. Nancy is taking a break and going home for a few days while i stay here with her. A much needed rest.
We took Allie out in town today and took her to the Mellow Mushroom, a favorite pizza place of ours and all went fairly well. Salad and pizza - what could be bad?
Today was a rediscovery of emotions and the feelings of extraordinary love. Our friends and patients and towns people rallied around during the 4th of July celebration at a booth we had up during the street fair to find out how Allie was doing and to give well wishes, love and support. I can not believe how much people (especially in our small town) will rally for one another and help a neighbor in need. These people spent their entire day working a booth for Allie and then thanked us for allowing them to have the experience - how can you not cry. Thanks everyone, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day and THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today we have so much to celebrate.
Allie's Dad
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Tuesday Evening, July 3rd
Hi Guys
Good to be back. Sorry I missed last night but all is well today and when I got here this evening it seemed that ALlie was better than ever. A few of her friends were here and they were just chatting. She looked up and me and smiled, the last thing I expected to see.
Allie is currently in a phase of recovery where she can be very mean and she has been focusing that on Nancy for the last few days, who bless her heart has been a true hero in this ordeal. It' salway the mother they seem to attack and I can understand how frustrating that can be for Nancy. Let's all send her a big smile and a hug.
The Allie I see tonight after being away for two whole days, the longest so far is one who has grown immensly. She seemed relaxed and comfortable. She was dressed in sweats with her grey PACE sweatshirt on and looked like your normal teenager who is just hanging out with some friends. Her hair is growing in nicely and she looks great. Her therapists all say she is continuing to improve and her night nurse JUDY (a doll) smiled at me when I came on the floor, looked at me and said she is doing great.
We know this phase will pass I just hope and pray that it will be quick.
We will take Allie out again tomorrow and it was suggested by the doctor that we take her home for a few hours, while this may sound great it poses some serious issues for us that we may not yet be able to handle, such as, what is we can not get her to come back? She is strong and willful and it could get upsetting for everyone so I think we will wait on that for now.
I would like to thank my good friends Michele and Marla (The FLYLADY) for all of their help and advise in getting Full Recovery fully off the ground and all of our good friends in Brevard who will be representing Full Recovery with a booth at the Annual 4th of July Celebration, Allyson and all of Allie's friends and our friends and patients. Your love truly is whats good in the world.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Love and recovery,
Allie's Dad
Good to be back. Sorry I missed last night but all is well today and when I got here this evening it seemed that ALlie was better than ever. A few of her friends were here and they were just chatting. She looked up and me and smiled, the last thing I expected to see.
Allie is currently in a phase of recovery where she can be very mean and she has been focusing that on Nancy for the last few days, who bless her heart has been a true hero in this ordeal. It' salway the mother they seem to attack and I can understand how frustrating that can be for Nancy. Let's all send her a big smile and a hug.
The Allie I see tonight after being away for two whole days, the longest so far is one who has grown immensly. She seemed relaxed and comfortable. She was dressed in sweats with her grey PACE sweatshirt on and looked like your normal teenager who is just hanging out with some friends. Her hair is growing in nicely and she looks great. Her therapists all say she is continuing to improve and her night nurse JUDY (a doll) smiled at me when I came on the floor, looked at me and said she is doing great.
We know this phase will pass I just hope and pray that it will be quick.
We will take Allie out again tomorrow and it was suggested by the doctor that we take her home for a few hours, while this may sound great it poses some serious issues for us that we may not yet be able to handle, such as, what is we can not get her to come back? She is strong and willful and it could get upsetting for everyone so I think we will wait on that for now.
I would like to thank my good friends Michele and Marla (The FLYLADY) for all of their help and advise in getting Full Recovery fully off the ground and all of our good friends in Brevard who will be representing Full Recovery with a booth at the Annual 4th of July Celebration, Allyson and all of Allie's friends and our friends and patients. Your love truly is whats good in the world.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Love and recovery,
Allie's Dad
Monday, July 2, 2007
Monday Morning, July 2nd
Sorry I missed the blog last night - computer trouble, but here we are this morning with a recap.
Yesterday was Allie's big day out. We were supposed to go out in the morning but she was not up for it - we had to give her a sedative the night before in order for us to take the staples out of her head. When her friend Kristen showed up around 1:30, Allie decided it was time to go go we loaded into the car and went for our first outing to downtown Greenville, SC. We walked on Main Street for a while and then went over to the river. Allie still has a very hard time with short term memory so was confused as to where we were going and what we were doing. After a while she got hot and was ready to go back. That was cool, we made it out for around 2 hours. When ever she gets hot or uncomfortable she likes to fall back to the security of her room - don't we all.
Her friend Kristen is a doll as are all of her friends. I showed Allie a bunch of pictures I had on my computer and it was great to see them begin to jog her memory. It started when she saw a picture of our 4 dogs and she could name all of them, then she saw other pictures of cousins and while she could not come up with their names, she immediately knew she was related to them, she did know my sister Roni and when she saw my brother Kenny she knew I was related to him. Positive momentum - never a doubt.
Allie can get a little snippy from time to time and we are trying to figure out how much is healing process and how much is teenage??????????? Either way you just tell her you love her, walk away for a moment, collect your thoughts, come back and all is well again.
It's quite incredible, I go back and walk through the ICU aiting room every other day and it is a never ending cycle of people in the most unbearable amount of pain, each family in their own little corner hovering together for strength and I feel so much empathy for them. At this time in Allie's recovery I do not feel that kind of pain anymore but I like to remember it. Unless it has been you child, friend or family member it's hard to imaine how numb these people are and how much love and direction they need, that is one of the reasons I keep my head shaved as a reminder of how precious life is and how much we can all help others, wheter if it's a smile or doing volunteer work or just giving someone a hug.
I know how blessed my family is with Allie's recovery - she was not supposed to make it but God has a higher purpose for her and I believe for everyone who has kept up with this blog as each of us are touched by it - some in a good way some maybe not in so good a way but either way it has a life changing effect.
To those of you that have supported us during this time - thank you.
Have a Great Day
Check out this website - it has an Article on Allie's Graduation - go to: www.mtnvoice.com and click on Feature Article 1
Allie's Dad
Yesterday was Allie's big day out. We were supposed to go out in the morning but she was not up for it - we had to give her a sedative the night before in order for us to take the staples out of her head. When her friend Kristen showed up around 1:30, Allie decided it was time to go go we loaded into the car and went for our first outing to downtown Greenville, SC. We walked on Main Street for a while and then went over to the river. Allie still has a very hard time with short term memory so was confused as to where we were going and what we were doing. After a while she got hot and was ready to go back. That was cool, we made it out for around 2 hours. When ever she gets hot or uncomfortable she likes to fall back to the security of her room - don't we all.
Her friend Kristen is a doll as are all of her friends. I showed Allie a bunch of pictures I had on my computer and it was great to see them begin to jog her memory. It started when she saw a picture of our 4 dogs and she could name all of them, then she saw other pictures of cousins and while she could not come up with their names, she immediately knew she was related to them, she did know my sister Roni and when she saw my brother Kenny she knew I was related to him. Positive momentum - never a doubt.
Allie can get a little snippy from time to time and we are trying to figure out how much is healing process and how much is teenage??????????? Either way you just tell her you love her, walk away for a moment, collect your thoughts, come back and all is well again.
It's quite incredible, I go back and walk through the ICU aiting room every other day and it is a never ending cycle of people in the most unbearable amount of pain, each family in their own little corner hovering together for strength and I feel so much empathy for them. At this time in Allie's recovery I do not feel that kind of pain anymore but I like to remember it. Unless it has been you child, friend or family member it's hard to imaine how numb these people are and how much love and direction they need, that is one of the reasons I keep my head shaved as a reminder of how precious life is and how much we can all help others, wheter if it's a smile or doing volunteer work or just giving someone a hug.
I know how blessed my family is with Allie's recovery - she was not supposed to make it but God has a higher purpose for her and I believe for everyone who has kept up with this blog as each of us are touched by it - some in a good way some maybe not in so good a way but either way it has a life changing effect.
To those of you that have supported us during this time - thank you.
Have a Great Day
Check out this website - it has an Article on Allie's Graduation - go to: www.mtnvoice.com and click on Feature Article 1
Allie's Dad
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