August 25th

Today marks eight weeks with ADEM for Ashley. She spent four weeks at the University of Virginia Hospital and now four weeks in rehab in Fort Wayne.

Before giving an Ashley update, one of her friends asked if we read the comments left by visitors to the site to Ashley. The answer is yes! If you take the time to send Ashley a loving thought we will certainly relay it to her, and we guarantee you will bring a smile to her face.

At times Ashley's progress seems agonizingly slow, but she is making progress. We are noticing more movement by Ashley, and she is focusing in on visitors much more frequently and for longer intervals. She had a visit today from both her college roommate and a high school friend. She seemed much more engaged with them.

With therapy it is interesting to see all the different techniques they have. If one method is not getting a response they try a different approach with different tools. The result is they are getting more interaction from Ashley. The determination of the therapy staff is truly a blessing for us.

As visitors know we have posted scores of the cards Ashley has received and dozens of pictures to put Ashley in familiar surroundings. We have now added to the color palette of the room. We have added a half dozen various sized pillows that Ashley can use and covered them in cases of her favorite color, pink.

We know you are keeping Ashley in your prayers. We feel it and it is giving Ashley, as well as us, the strength we need to persevere.