February 20th

Ashley’s grandparents came to visit over the weekend and we immediately pressed them into service. Among the things they helped us with was staining Ashley’s new dresser as we round out the renovation of Ashley’s temporary quarters on the main floor of our home. The new layout is working out quite well.

The big news so far this week is that Ashley’s award winning smile has returned to its original prominence. On Tuesday morning Ashley’s dentist straightened and bonded Ashley’s loose front tooth back into place. It looks as good as it ever did. It is certainly making eating a lot easier for Ashley as well.

On Monday we took Ashley to a neurologist that specializes in movement disorders. He is going to be assisting Ashley in dealing with her tone and spasticity issues. We are confident that the measures they will be taking in the up coming weeks will greatly aid Ashley in her efforts both for comfort and making new strides in therapy.

This also marks the start of five days a week in therapy for Ashley. With the move back to Fort Wayne we started out at three days of out-patient, then four and now Ashley receives physical, occupational and speech therapy everyday. Soon Ashley will be receiving a computer that will attach to her wheelchair. This system will primarily aid Ashley with communicating to others. It will also allow her to access the internet and forms of entertainment that she will control.

Ashley’s short-term memory is even showing strength lately. That was an area that is particularly susceptible with her type of injury. She can often remember the current date and will answer questions from topics discussed earlier in the day or in previous days.

There is no stopping Ashley. While the process seems painfully slow at times it is awe inspiring to see her continued determination. Now she has the brilliant smile reflect her confidence. A confidence that is reinforced with all the loving and prayerful support we are surrounded by.