Happy Easter!
We had a wonderful Easter. All four of us went to Easter Mass together. Ashley was fully engaged. She held her head up and looked to her left and right often. Ashley even received communion during mass.
That was the start of a full day. We hosted Easter (with a lot of help from relatives) so Ashley could be comfortable and yet visit with everyone. She had a wonderful day full of smiles and listening to stories as she got caught up on what all her visitors were doing lately.
So what’s new…
Ashley got a new pair of ankle-foot orthotic boots (better known as AFO boots). These help keep her Achilles tendons’ stretched to avoid any problems when she stands now and to insure she keeps the flexibility she will need when she is able to walk again. She wears them at night. We have to ‘break’ these in so she wore them for short periods and this week the specialist is making some adjustments to insure the fit comfortably.
A few times last week Ashley’s eating exercises did not go so well. The speech therapist told us not to worry; Ashley is actually building up her tongue and cheek muscles and moving them differently. We were concerned that this might be a set back, but it is merely another phase of recovery and they are confident that Ashley will restore the coordination she needs to be back on track with eating soon. Of course we can’t wait for the day that Ashley can receive all her nutrition orally.
Thank you for your continued prayers; your appeals have been answered and we feel the presences of the Holy Spirit guiding Ashley as she continues to exhibit unwavering focus in her efforts to recover. May you have a blessed Easter Season.
Ashley
ALS Walk
Joining the "I Sherwood Walk" for Aunt Donna
Go ND
There is nothing like game day at Notre Dame
Go IU
First time watching the game with Miles. He was always filming while a student.
Valpo Popcorn Fest
Hanging with Orville
TMA Camp in Kentucky
Ashley with Michelle and Jordan
A Great Day at the Pool Beats...
Hey, I'm working here!
Six Years Later... Still Motivated
The eyes and smile say it all
Way To Go Bro...
I taught him everything he knows
Ashley with Her Walker
Continuing her efforts to fully recover
Christmas in Florida
December on the Beach
Reporting for Beach Action
Someone has to enjoy it!
Ashley in Holly's Wedding
A whole lot of pretty
Go Bulldogs
Ashley & Miles Cheering on Wade and the Dogs
TMA Camp 2012
Dressed for the Western Theme
Proud Papa with Ashley
Keeping Dad Smiling
Spring 2012 in Chicago
The Sign Says it All!
February in Naples
Some of our WestWind Friends
January in Miami
Visiting George, Ileana, Ana & Tony
Always Connected
New Netbook keeps Ashley Connected even on Neighborhood Walks
Not now. I'm buzy.
Ashley Meets Dr. Lugo
Mary, Ashley, Pauline and Al Lugo (also an ADEM victim)
Let It Snow
Ashley and Mom Sledding
Imogene's Antlers
Ashley in a play with others using communication devices
Ashley standing and providing her own balance
How I Spent My Summer
Nothing Beats Being at the Lake
Ashley's Corrective Castings
A 3-4 week process to correct foot posture
Family Portrait on Serenade of the Seas
Recognize the backdrop? From a ship no longer with us
Ashley's Van
God Bless the hundreds that helped us get this van!
Christmas Morning
Tis the Season
Christmas Carols Pay a Visit
On the Treadmill at Therapy
Victory Junction Gang Camp
Mary and Ashley in the Village Area
Adam's Car
Ashley with our Crew Chiefs Katie and Matt
Two Important Men (and a dog) in Ashley's Life
Sandy, Dr. Kerr and Kazu
The Whole Family having Fun at Victory Junction
Ashley and Dr. Sim
Dr. Sim is the Medical Director of Victory Junction
Bowling at Victory Junction
On Horseback at Victory Junction Camp
Ashley after her first horse ride
Ashley Walking
She is working without a net!
Summer Tuesdays Friend's Night
Boating on Lake Freeman
Sandy & Austin at the Neuroimmunological Symposium
Sandy has done so much to guide and help us
Ashley Hits the Pool!!!
Ashley & Austin get a Mother's Day Hug
Ashley's St. Mary's Pals Visit
Andrea and Kelly Drop by before Heading Home
Ashley & Mom Watering the Flowers
Spring is here!
Ashley in Her Standing Frame
Ashley's Restored Smile
Dr. Teel's handy work has Ashley smiling as bright as ever!
Ashley gets a Visit from Emily
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Ashley's most prolific blog comment-maker checks out Ashley's new digs
Ashley and Mary react to the news they are coming home!
Ashley and her Dwenger High Pals
Ashley's award winning smile is back (no braces!)
Ashley and Mom at an RIC Live Christmas Music Event
An example of the Support Ashley is getting
One of several posters, cards and letters sent to Ashley as Christmas approaches
Ashley's view of Water Tower Place from Northwestern Hospital
Ashley's Christmas Tree
Transfering to a Car
This 'car' sits on the 12th floor of RIC
A Family Walk in Chicago
Along Lake Michigan with Mom & Dad
Ashley and Dad
At the Park with Mom and the Grandparents
View of Lake Michigan from Ashley's room at RIC
Early Birthday Party at Select
Nurse Carol (share's Ashley's B-day) and the staff celebrate
Ashley's View at Select in Ft. Wayne
Visitors during Therapy at Select
Ashley & Mary Fly in from Virginia
View from Ashley's room in Virginia
E-cards pinned up in Ashley's ICU room the first week in Virginia
7 comments:
Ashley,
Sounds like you all had a wonderful Easter. I hope the weather starts to improve so you can get outside. Jess is on her cruise and I talked to her Sunday and she was shocked at the size of the ship. We are unable to communicate at this time because she is not in areas with reception. I know she is having a blast and I can't wait to hear from her. Thursday Alex signs up for classes, then we are going out to lunch, he also mentioned clothes shopping and I don't think he means for me!!! Love you Cassidys
Happy Easter to you Ash!
It sounds like you had a nice one surrounded by your family and attending mass and even receiving communion.. that must have made your day! It looks like Spring is finally trying to make its premiere in Indiana... finally! that'll mean nice walks outside for you, YAY! I remember when we were younger we used to ride bikes in your neighborhood and thought that we were SO cool because we even went into the neighborhood next to yours without any adults! I am continually encouraged by your progress Ash, you give me strength through your perserverence, I hope you can fully realize how much you motivate everyone who hears your story. Keep on truckin' dearest, I can't wait to see you soon!
All my love and prayers and thoughts,
Rach
Ashley,
Just siting at work reading your latest update as this has become a favorite of mine. Speaking of favorites I was wondering how I am going to be able toplant 300 flats of flowers without yu and your foot planting method? I don,t have anyone to teach it as Rachel won't be around either. Just wanted to let you know that I miss you and will look forward toseeing you this summr at the pool. Take care!! John Merz
Ash--
Hey girl hey! So good to see you this weekend. I apologize for not being able to stay longer. My weekends always fly by so quickly, and there is also so much to do. It's ridiculous. And just when I think I have a moment to spare, Ma reminds me that I have to put my room in order. When Grandma Carl passed, we got a lot of furniture, and they took out everything from my room and put it in the guest bedroom... so I have no clothes in any drawers, no make up bureau set up, no ANYTHING put away. Period. It's very disconcerting to me. You know I like all my duckies in a row!
Ma said she brought over dinner for your family-- I hope they enjoyed it! Puffs are SOOOOO GOOD! Yummy Mexican casserole, too! "salsa" "salza." hehehe!
She said you were looking good and were all smiles the whole time. That is very good news to hear! One less week until I can be home-- and we can go on walks, go to the mall, whatever you want to do! I'm so excited to spend more time with you!
Your progress is so amazing. And how wonderful that (your therapist told us) you're strengthening your tongue/cheek muscles! Talking and eating-- great things that will result because of your determination! YAY FOOD! YAY TALKING! I know I enjoy those!:)
My family is going on Spring Break-- I'm so excited for Nicole! Ma said she'd love to spend some time with you when they get back, so make sure you tell your mom to call my mom in two weeks!!
Keep up the amazing work. Keep smiling that beautiful smile.
You're always in my thoughts, heart, and prayers!
Love you!
Xoxo,
Emily*
Hi Ashley,
We missed you over the Easter Holiday, but we'll see you soon. We went to the Lake for a day to check on things. We got quite a surprise when we went to check on Grandma and Grandpa's house and discovered a large hawk going crazy trying to get out from their screened porch. It had flown right thru the screen and made a vertical slit and then couldn't find the same spot to get out. The screen door was locked so we had to go in thru the house. Stan cornered it with a fishing net and steered it to the door, while my heart was beating a mile a minute. It looked mean and angry!
He got it out and I calmed down. That was our excitement for the day. I'm happy to hear you were able to all attend Mass together. Ashley, I've had two dreams lately that you and I have been sitting around chatting. I know it will be soon and it will be wonderful! We love you. Aunt Lynn, Uncle Stan and Angela
Hi Ashley,
We're thinking of you and missing you. We're preparing for Angela's First Communion so I dug out the photos from yours, Austin's, Alex and Jess's. How proud you all look! We love you, and can't wait to hear more about your progress. Aunt Lynn, Uncle Stan and Angela
Hi Ashley
Sounds like you had another family group for the holidays. Kathy and I went to Valpo for Easter and had a good time a Bryan & Stephanie Truitt's - Everyone always askes about you and are praying for you. Hope to see you soon.
We Love you.
Uncle Dave
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