September 24th

Tomorrow is Ashley’s birthday, but today is also a big day. The therapy team will meet with Ashley’s attending physiatrist (pronounced-‘fizzy at trist’) (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor) and then they will present their goals for Ashley’s treatments.

Our case worker said that someone with de-myelination, such as Ashley’s will typically stay with them for 5-6 weeks. The typical stay for an individual with a blunt force trauma incident is 4 weeks. They will be forecasting today whether or not Ashley will be able to continue her rehabilitation at home on an out-patient basis, or if for physical reasons, she will have to continue therapy in a skill nursing environment in Fort Wayne for some time yet.

The therapy is aggressive here and is scheduled six days a week. Even yesterday on Sunday a physical therapist came by and did a ½ hour session with Ashley. They are laying the foundation for Ashley’s continued rehabilitation. We don’t know yet what to expect, but their reputation as the best rehabilitation hospital in America for the last 17 years is reassuring. Even after Ashley leaves we will be able to consult with them on Ashley’s continued rehab and rely on their guidance.

Ashley went shopping on Michigan Avenue yesterday! We knew she wanted a carrying case for her Apple Mac notebook computer so we went to the Apple store and got one. Needless to say Ashley enjoyed the outing. At just over 1.5 hours this was by far the longest Ashley has spent out doors since being afflicted. It did wear her out, but back at her room she could unwind looking out her window at motor boats, sail boats and yachts as they plied the waters of Lake Michigan.

Thank you for keeping Ashley in your prayers. It is not easy to have our family separated, but we feel all that loving support and it continues to reinforce our faith and hope.