December 10th

Ashley is getting settled back into RIC. Since she was at Northwestern for nearly a month she is going through her re-evaluation by each of the therapy groups which started today.

Although we did not see dramatic changes in Ashley following the plasmapheresis she is showing improvements. She seemed more engrossed then before when we read comments off her blog to her. She had a range of emotions from laughing at the funny statements to crying at the serious passages. While no one wants to see their child cry we know that a lack of that emotion would not be normal. Ashley has very few bouts of depression and normally we can console her in a short time. She is showing a health motional range which is part of the improvement we are seeing.

Our hopes and prayers at that the staff at RIC will capitalize on those advancements and assist Ashley on accomplishing new milestones. By the middle of the week Ashley’s Physiatrist will tell us how long he is targeting for Ashley to remain at RIC. Of course our goal is to have Ashley in good health and on a track to recovery that we can continue from home via in-home and out-patient therapy.

Last week when we talked about going back to RIC Ashley would react positively, raising her arms and smiling. Obviously she was ready to leave the hospital and get back to therapy.

Mary picked up a small Christmas Tree for Ashley (a photo is posted to the bottom right of the page) and we are planning on celebrating Christmas with Ashley at RIC.

Meanwhile at home we are setting up the Christmas decorations while at the same time making preparations for Ashley’s return. The main project is the construction of a roll-in shower on the main level of the house and temporarily converting the living room into Ashley’s bedroom. The framing and electrical is done. Next comes the plumbing and then the tile work. We won’t be in need of a ramp. Ashley’s social worker said her wheel chair will be able to handle the couple of spaced out steps we have whether coming in the front door or garage.

Ashley is remaining strong which is a reflection of her faith. Each day as we approach Christmas we with thank God for the gift of Ashley. We know she has been an inspiration to so many before her illness and will continue to be as she works to recover. Thank you for your continued prayers. They are being answered and we are grateful.