Monday, July 7, 2008

July 7th

Another milestone for Ashley! We visited Grandma and Grandpa over the 4th of July weekend and Ashley slept in a regular bed for the first time in over a year. She slept well and showed us that she has no problems with traveling. For the most part Ashley soaked up rays along the lakeshore while visiting with several family members. It was a fantastic weekend.

Although it was a short week for therapy the main emphasis has been getting Ashley to demonstrate greater control of her movements.

She is nodding her head for yes. She still needs to be reminded (for so long she has answered yes by raising her left arm) but she is doing well. It may take a while to get the ‘no’ nod down, but it won’t be due to an in ability to move her neck side to side. In fact the most recognizable change spotted by Ashley’s relatives this weekend is how quickly she looks to the person speaking to her, even when there are several people and the conversation is moving back and forth.

Ashley also is moving her legs immediately on request. It wasn’t too long ago that we cheered Ashley on to ‘kick’ a balloon off her legs. Now when we ask her to raise her legs she responds almost effortlessly.

Standing is something Ashley enjoys. While we have to assist her in getting up, she will lean forward when asked and usually after just a little nudge she can move herself from a seated to standing position. At that point it is just a matter of providing her with balance. She tends to stand on the balls of her feet, but she will settle into standing flat on her feet after a few moments on most occasions.

On the cognitive front we are really piling it on. Ashley is currently listening to three different books being read to her. Her friend Sam got her a couple of books on CD. We took the opportunity of the holiday road trip to start one of those. Ashley has enjoyed it and so far has shown an ability to keep track with the different story lines and characters.

When we consider that a year ago at this time Ashley was nearly in a coma and we were still on a day-to-day basis dealing with her condition it is a blessing to interact with her today (you can view the daily reports we emailed from Virginia in the 2007 archives at the bottom of the page). While there is still a ways to go there is no question that Ashley remains steadfast on maximizing her recovery. We have high hopes for this coming year.

We know that the combination of Ashley’s determination and hard work combined with your continued prayers and support will make this a reality.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ashley, it was wonderful to see you this weekend. You are working hard and it shows!!!! I couldn't believe it when you were standing on the deck and your dad was only there to provide balance. I'm not going to lie, you both scared me at first, but it was obvious you had it under control. Tell your dad he needs to work on his dance steps! Keep up the excellent work and hopefully we will see you again at the lake before the summer ends. Jess says hi and sorry she missed you this weekend. Love Aunt Beth, Uncle Craig, Alex, and Jessica

Anonymous said...

Ashley--

Hey girl heeey! You made it to the lake, that's wonderful! I was praying you would. Soaking up the rays-- I'm jealous! I was out in the sun, but no Sun Goddess-ing for me! I'll tell you about my weekend with Grant's family when I see you this week. And I can't wait to hear about yours!

I love coming over and seeing you do all the marvelous things your dad posts on the blog! I have a feeling of such immense joy when you raise your arms and legs for me, especially at the prompt: "Motivation, Ash-- FLORIDA BEACH!" Which gets the biggest smile out of you and you show me your eagerness on the "Walk" part of "Walk, talk, and eat!" I can't wait for that to happen!

You're doing great, sweetheart! Keep up the amazing work, and remember, Ash:
"Walk (on the beach),
Talk (while we're on the beach),
and Eat (amazing food on the beach)!" :) :) :)

I love you!

XoXo,
Emily*

Anonymous said...

Ashley, Mary, Jeff and Austin,
You are such a fine example of a family that puts Christ first. He is so present in your journey, through all your trials and your triumphs. Ashley, keep taking those small steps. They add up so quickly!
Our prayers remain with you all.
The Wittes

Anonymous said...

Dear Ashley,Jeff,and Mary,
What a great visit. It was so much fun to see all of you. Ashley, you ROCK !!!! Reading about all your progress is really uplifting, but to actually see in person how well your doing---Awesome. It sure was fun talking about all your cousins and Chad and Jen, your great cousins ( not always so great according to the stories, duh!) Hopefully we'll see you at the lake again before summer is over. I'm sure we could dig up a few more amusing tidbits of info concerning " The Misadventures of the Harrington,Cassidy,Giesler,Garrard
Families" and any other unfortunate fellow who stirs up a memory.!!!!!! Your all in our thoughts and prayers all the time.
We love you, Uncle Rick & Aunt Kris

Dear Austin, We missed you at the lake. Really hope you can make it there before the summer is over. Don't be afraid by what you just read. We only remember nice things about you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Ashley,
We just got home from the Lake today. It's been a great 2 weeks, especially with your visit over the 4th. I'm hoping to go back but Uncle Stan still has to work and he's wondering why it took me two weeks to paint one room. (It only rained 2 days, what can I say?) I'll have to come up with a bigger project to work on. Ha!
I hope you can come back for a boat ride, and bring Austin.
Everyone was so amazed and inspired by your progress and your positive attitude. It's great to see you so happy! We love you.
Aunt Lynn, Uncle Stan, and Angela

Anonymous said...

hey ash! i love hearing how amazing you are doing! i really wish i was able to visit you... only 3 more weeks til i'll be home, then be expecting a visit from me! camp is busy, but fun. one of the girls told me that i was like the mom she never had. it was so cute! anyways, you are amazing and keep up the great work! love you,
adrienne

Unknown said...

Hi Ashley, it’s your cousin Chad. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, in fact, you probably wouldn’t recognize me if you saw me! I think the last time I saw you you were probably about 6 or 7 years old. When I heard about your illness last year, though I knew you were older, I still pictured a 6 or 7 year old. Imagine my surprise when I check out your blog to find a striking young woman in all the pictures! It's hard to believe we've all grown up so much.

Anyway, I was at the lake this weekend and my mom mentioned that you had a blog. I couldn’t wait to get home a read it. I read it nearly start to finish while I was at work yesterday. As I read, I couldn’t wait to get to the next posting to find out what you had accomplished that week. Your faith and positive attitude are truly gifts to all of us. Reading about your determination and progress makes me proud to be your cousin. I hope that when I face my Mt. Moriah, I have the same strength and faith in God.

Kara and I are doing great. We have a 3 year old named Grady and another one due on February 14th. Maybe now I’ll finally be able to remember Valentine’s Day! That is Valentine's Day, right?

I’ll keep reading each week to see what’s going on. We’ve been praying for you and will continue with the “walking, talking, and eating” theme. I just know your body will catch up with your determination soon!

Maybe we’ll catch you at the lake sometime soon.

Till then, you’re in our prayers
Chad, Kara, Grady, and ?

Unknown said...

Hi Ashley, it’s your cousin Chad. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, in fact, you probably wouldn’t recognize me if you saw me! I think the last time I saw you you were probably about 6 or 7 years old. When I heard about your illness last year, though I knew you were older, I still pictured a 6 or 7 year old. Imagine my surprise when I check out your blog to find a striking young woman in all the pictures! It's hard to believe we've all grown up so much.

Anyway, I was at the lake this weekend and my mom mentioned that you had a blog. I couldn’t wait to get home a read it. I read it nearly start to finish while I was at work yesterday. As I read, I couldn’t wait to get to the next posting to find out what you had accomplished that week. Your faith and positive attitude are truly gifts to all of us. Reading about your determination and progress makes me proud to be your cousin. I hope that when I face my Mt. Moriah, I have the same strength and faith in God.

Kara and I are doing great. We have a 3 year old named Grady and another one due on February 14th. Maybe now I’ll finally be able to remember Valentine’s Day! That is Valentine's Day, right?

I’ll keep reading each week to see what’s going on. We’ve been praying for you and will continue with the “walking, talking, and eating” theme. I just know your body will catch up with your determination soon!

Maybe we’ll catch you at the lake sometime soon.

Till then, you’re in our prayers
Chad, Kara, Grady, and ?