Tuesday Evening, September 25th

Today was a keeper!! Wow, what an awesome day full of memories that I will keep forever.

Allie and I went to therapy this morning and it was good. I asked Alli's therapist if I could have the first and last few minutes of each session to go over my thoughts with her and to get her feedback on how Allie was doing. One of the things I have discovered along the way is that if you do not ask them, they will not just come out and tell you. This is where Mark Clark at the rehab excelled - he, after knowing how much we wanted to be involved, went out of his way to find us each day and spend time explaining to us what was going on, what his rational was for what he was doing, where he was going with his treatment and what he thought the outcome was going to be. I believe on the website I will add a downloadable card that says just that: 4 questions: and 1 piece of advice.

1. What are you doing
2. What is you rational for doing it
3. Where is this treatment leading us
4. What is your expected outcome
5. Question until you are satisfied

Anyhow I asked her the 4 questions and I was satisfied so that was that. Unfortunately, to many health providers get their dander or insecurities up when you ask them questions but you have every right in fact it is your duty to know everything that is happening so you can make an informed choice .

Well after therapy we headed to the Maggie Valloey, a beautiful mountain community on western Morth Carolina. This place is a throw back in time with nice shops..... We drove to one shop which said the most photographed spot in the mountains so we both got out and went in. It was you typical mountain store with knick-knacks, and jellies and ciders. Seen one, seen 'em all but they had a large metal tower that you could climb up and see the view for the low low price of 50 cents each, so after Allie agreed up we went. Three weeks ago the girl couldn't climg 10 stairs and today she went 83 up and 83 down (I'll add pictures later). What an awesome accomplishment!!! She is doing so good. We just sandg the whole ride up and were happy to be with each other. It is so good for me to hang out with her and it just means so much to me.

After the stair climb we drove down to an amusement park in the mountains called Ghost Town. Now you have to picture that this is a mountain amustment park so everything is on the top of a huge mountain and the only way up is on a chair lift. As Allie would say Oy Guvalta. Anyhow we paiud our fair and off we went on this HUGE chair lift. I'm gonna say it again HUGE chair lift. Well we had a great time going up and Allie really liked it. It took about 15 minutes to get up. When we got off, I had them stop the lift all the way so Allie could get off easily and they happily obliged.

The amusement park was closed but the restaurant and a few other things were open so we played the shooting game ind it was a hoot. I showed Allie how to hold the rifle and off she went. She hit a few targets and we had alot of fun. Then in the gift shop we bought a Wizard of OZ mug. Allie has started collecting coffee mugs with actors and movie themes on them. How fun.

Also on the way up the chair lift they take your picture and ours came out great - it's really funny. Of course I bought it and ofcourse you will get to see it - as soon as I get it scanned. Then it was a beautiful ride down. The sun was shining and the temp. was probably 75 and just georgous. It was the kind of day you never want to end.

Well we were both hungry so we stopped for a little Mexican then 20 minutes of shopping and home we go - piano lessons at 3:30. While shopping we did manage to fine some home made chocolate and bought just a few pieces. We have decided to limit out chocolate intake.

The way home was just as much fun as the way there and we got home in plenty of time. Bob he instructor showed up, they had a great lesson and here we are. Allie and Bob get along just fine.

I'm going to go now. Allie is standing over me right now getting annoyed that I am writing.