Tuesday Morning, August 7th

Once again my schedule is a little messed up. Having Allie home and gettng used to the routine is great but throws off my blogging.

Yesterday was an experience. I was at work and it was the first time Nancy was the nurse, mom, caretaker, security guard, doctor and therapist. Phew, a hard task for anyone and it was no different for her. Allie was super mean to her and Nancy decided it would be best if we could hire a nurse to take care of her two days a week and Nancy would come back to work. A WONDERFUL idea. They both need a break from each other and we could really use her back in the office. I will be great for her to get back to a routine of doing what she loves and seeing the people that love her again.

We made a lot of calls to therapist and home health aides and we will be meeting with some of them today. We would love to get Allie to out patient therpy but she is still not happy riding in cars as Nancy found out yesterday. I seem to have better luck with her, Maybe I have thicker skin or maybe we are both two peas in a pod - whatever it is it is easier when we are both together and I am so glad I can be there for both of them. It still makes me misty as I write these things and feel (and) expose the love and emotions I have for them.

Allies friends came by last night and hung out for a while. Thank God, they have stuck by her and continue to do so. SO often you hear about friends falling away, but not Allie's. We never really know our children and the friendships they have made. For those of you who want to call Allie but don't know how, email me and I will give you our phone number or a way to personally contact her. She wants to talk to you. She would respond on my space but she can not remember her passsword. Imagine that!

Now for some really AMAZING NEWS. Allie wanted to go to Wal-Mart this morning so we got in the car and headed out. SLOWLY AND IN MY OWN LANE!!!! When we got to town I asked if she wanted to stop at the coffee shop. I am trying to get her back to familiar palces where she used to hang out and she said sure. Her friend Ashley was working behing the counter and Allie got her favorite - a Mark Twain Coffee Toffee topped with whipped cream. When we got in the car I asked if she wanted to stop and see Kimmie, her boss, great friend and one of the nicest people ever. Allie wored for the Oddo's, one of the nicest families who have really taken Allie into their family. We all adore them. She said sure and we drove over to the Inn. What a great reception she received!! After a few minuted Kim asked Allie if she was ready to get back to work and Allie put on an apron and with Kimmies instruction, started slowly getting back to work. (See picture of Allie and Kimmie). Well of I just broke down (on the inside) to see her interaction with the other waitresses and just having fun. I told her not to overdo it as we still had to talk to therapists (teachers) this afternoon but she wanted to stay, so they kicked me out and gave the the opportunity to get this posted immediately.

To all of the hospital people reading this, don't worry, Allie is extremely safe as the entire Oddo family is very well versed in owrking with brain injury and I am completely comfortable, anxious but comfortable.

Well I just couldn't wait to post this.

Allie's Dad