Monday Morning, January 19

Hi Everyone

So our tale comes to an end, or so it seems for the moment but it is just so happy that I needed to let everyone know as this truly is going to be my last blog. I have been journaling the whole time just to have a complete record of her entire journey.

I was originally going to end my blogging days on the day that Allie went off to college and that occurred last week. It was a wonderful day as we dropped her off at the dorm and went inside to get her roo set up. There was something magical about the day - who ever would have thught that just eight short months to the day she would be attending her first class at University. Many, many days ago I would have been happy if she was walking at eight months so leaving her alone in a dorm room was far beyond my wildest dreams. Fourtunately her best friend lives just up one flight in the dorm and she has a beau, so her little life is a fairytale at the moment - away from mom and dad, living in a dorm at a great college and having your best friend and beau right there in the same building. Wow

Well I had to add this one last note: We went and saw Allie last Friday and took her and her gentlemen friend out to dinner. She looked great as she met us in the parking lot and had big hugs and smiles for mom and me. This was great!!! She was happy to see us! We went downtown Asheville and walked aroung for a while and then had a big sushi dinner. It was a snowy day and the weather was cold as we walked around and we were worried for her as she walked the campus going up and down stairs to get to the different buildings but you can't worry about everything, we have learned to let go of many things or at least not voice them out loud. But all of this is said for a reason and lends itself to show how well things are.

Allie is just so happy being Allie and she is so Okay with the accident and being who she is. It makes me cry inside to see her so back in her element - there are som issues but they are minor and nothing that isn't being worked out.

Now back to dinner and the nicest way to end this final entry. As we dropped Allie and Andy off at the dorm we hugged them both good night and as they turned to walk away we sat in the car and watched as they hugged each other. It was dark and the lights were on in the parking lot as they stood there silouetted against the buildings; we could feel the feelings they had for each other - it was a beautiful moment as they then turned for the building and he took her hand in his and together he helped her up the stairs like two sould that belonged together or had possibly been together for a long time and had once again found each other.

Nancy and I sat there in silence knowing that everything was truly going to be okay. As they reached the top of the stairs, she turned and waved to us - and life goes on.

Full Recovery - Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad

Allie can be reached at:

Allie Cagen
University of NC Asheville
One University Place
Asheville, NC 28801
Founders Hall Room 203B

Wednesday Morning, January 3rd 2008

With a New Year upon us, we are back to work and school and life as normal. Hard to believe I can say life as normal considering 2007 but this is now our normal life. It's different but it is better in most every way. Funny ow when we set goals we sit back and evaluate where we were, where we are and where we want to go. This time we sat down and figured out where we are and where we want to go because for me there was no before May 14th. On that date we were reborn to a new world and our lives had just begun the journey they were supposed to be on at this time. Will they change again?? If they do we will embrace the change as we do now.

How can we give thanks to everyone who has carried us and loved and prayed for us and supported us on our journey and cared for us and cried with us. How can so many people be so kind. No matter what the shape of the world may appear to be, when there is human struggling, the universe calls it's angels together to surround and support those who need it. Your kindness has overwhelmed us.

From the many people who knitted blankets to those who sent baskets and flowers to those who read and answered the blog to those who visited and to those who prayed for us. THANK YOU

Nancy and I look forward to 2008 as a year of healing, a year of growing and a year of recomitting ourselves to each other and to those who need us.

Allie is doing really well.
So the new year beging with excitement and joy. We have so much to be thankful for.

Stay tuned.

Allie's Dad