Over the last couple of weeks Ashley has successfully eaten orally each day. No doubt the prayers for eating are being answered. This is not at the expense of the walking and talking prayers you have all been offering up. Ashley is more vocal. She is taking more full steps in the gait trainer and she continues to improve on the stationary cycle.
On Thursday Ashley will finally get her official wheel chair. It has taken so long that we have joked that she would walk in and pick it up when it was ready. It will be similar to her current loaner chair. It will not be hot pink to match her new computer.
Speaking of her computer, Ashley continues to adapt well to it. Like everything else it takes consistent practice, but she already knows how it operates so she will be whipping out sentences in no time.
Ashley usually is not interested in TV, but she has been enjoying the Olympics. As a swimmer she was taking particular delight in watching Michael Phelps work his way, race by race, to a record eight gold medals in one Olympiad.
She can relate to the hard work it takes to be a competitive athlete. It is that experience, along with her faith, that is helping her maintain such an admirable attitude as she slowly regains her motor skills. We also know that she loves the affirmation she gets from those she crosses paths with and from reading comments from the blog.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
Ashley,
It was great to see you again when I stopped by the clinic to see Chris! Reading about all the progress you've made and seeing it are two completely different things. Keep up the great work!
-Adam W.
P.S. Glad to see that smile is as bright as it ever was :)
Dear Ashley,
Eat, walk, talk...our prayers are being answered. Thank you Emily, for helping us focus on that prayer.
We were thinking that if you want your new wheelchair to be pink, so be it. Wasn't it you who painted flowers on Grandpa's waverunner?
I'd like to come for a visit next Tuesday. I'll call your mom and make arrangements to meet you at therapy. Well, we're off to our first day of school. Love, Aunt Lynn, Uncle Stan, and Angela
Ashley--
Hello, sweetheart! I'm sorry I didn't get to see you before I left again. It got really hectic and I still haven't settled down! I moved in on Saturday, so of course, that was ridiculous! The apartment is still not perfect, but it's getting better and better. It's absolutely adorable. I hope you can visit! My roommate loves to decorate, so it's not just some place we live-- it's cozy and comfy! (See also: Small) haha! But we like it.
On Monday, Grant and I drove to Cleveland to visit with his brother. We had a nice time; I really enjoyed being in the city! The downtown area was so fun-- so different from Fort Wayne! The next morning, we drove to Cedar Point. Grant had never been, so he was really excited! We passed that one ride that you sit in and flip yourself and I thought, "'I think he's speaking Spanish-- we don't speak Spanish!' 'Ashley... that was in English.'" Haha!
We rode: Blue Streak (his mom used to work at Cedar Point in the 70s and that was her favorite ride! She requested we ride it!), Magnum, Power Tower, Millennium Force, Raptor (lunch break!), that indoor one... (Grant said to me, "What's the indoor roller coaster called?" ... "The indoor roller coaster." haha!) Wicked Twister, MaXair, and then Raptor again. The lines after that were going over an hour and a half and Grant was about ready to drop on his feet! Lots of excitement for the first time, and we've had a busy few days, so we skipped out. It was a lot of fun!
I missed you when I was there! We didn't get to ride the new one (Maverick), but when Nicole went, she said it was awesome!
From the sounds of it, you're not too far away from getting that Walk, Talk, and Eat business accomplished! You're doing so well! And eating orally?! Ahh! My heart smiled when I read that one!
Hooray for your own new wheel chair! I'm also excited that you've taken well to the computer. I bet it's a relief to be able to say what you want to do!
How is that head-nodding coming along? "Yes, ma'am!" And the head-shaking? Work on those; I know you'll have them down next time I return! I'm not sure when I'll be back, but you know you're my number one priority when I do!
I can't wait to see you; I miss you so much already. What am I going to do without my weekly Ashley Visits?!
Well, I think I've taken up enough of your blog space! I love you and miss you very much, and as always: Walk, Talk, Eat!!!!
XoXo,
Emily*
Ashley,
Excellent with the eating. We will continue to pray: eat, walk, talk. I can't wait to see you use the computer and pedal the bike. I also want to see your wheelchair. Will it be set up with your yes button? I'm so happy you have the computer, now you can tell us what you want and need. It will take alot of practice to get use to using it but I know you will do it!!!! Jess had school today and Alex starts next week. He headed up to PNC today to check it out. I gave him my charge card but I forgot to tell him not to go shopping at the lighthouse mall-opps. If I'm off next Tuesday maybe I can join Aunt Lynn and visit at therapy. Love you Cassidy's
Hi Ashley,Mary,Jeff and Austin,
Go Michael Phelps! Go Ashley!!!
You deserve Gold medals for all of your hard work as well KIDDO! Glad to hear you are adapting to your computer, everything takes time Ash, so go with the flow and you'll be spitting out everything on your mind in no time! Glad to hear your wheelchair has been delivered, now you can decorate it however you want and make sure you have a soft pad (possibly pink) for your rear end! I know they make those really soft lambs wool cushions, but I bet you already have one of those! The school year is off to a fast start I have the best Job in the world! Working half days is Wonderful!!! I get such joy boosting the confidence of so many little children each day! I see Jesus in so many of their little faces!
We continue to pray for all of you! You family continues to be an inspiration to many! Love and Hugs Claudia Schnurr and Family
Hello Ashley and all of you Good looking Harringtons,
Just wanted to let you all know you have been on my mind this morning. It looks like its going to be a beautiful Sun Shiny day. I have been working on paper work for school this morning, loads of fun I know! Holly is working at Sycamore Hills all Day and my Lauren is volunteering with the grandmas and grandpas at St. Anne's, a typical busy busy day at our house! I hope you all get out and enjoy some of the Sunshine Today, Everyone needs their Vitamin D !!!! Ashley, your Smile could light up any room, you are amazingly Beautiful from the inside and out!!! God's Blesings to all of you , Make this a Day You'll Never Forget!!!!! Love and hugs Claudia Schnurr and Family
Dear Ashley,
Oops I originally posted this under July 21st so I realise now, you may not have seen it, so here we are again!
Hi! I had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful Dad and brother at the the T.M conference. I wanted to get in touch with you as I know how difficult your situation is, as I too had A.D.E.M two years ago.
I was 30 when this awful condition hit me, and turned my life upside down. I was paralysed from the chest down and have learnt to do everything again. I can now walk pretty well and am aiming for running. Last winter I even managed to go snowboarding!
Its a long process but you will get there, I have faith that you can do it. You are not alone, and I will do whatever I can to help. Keep smiling, we will get there!
Best wishes
Jodie
Ashley,
You are probably at therapy right now working as hard as ever!Well... I on the other hand am on the computer doing lots of typing for School and I wanted to let you know i was thinking of you. Wow!!! I read the little note from your new friend Jodi!! Amazing to hear from other people in the same situation! But what an inspiration she is to you and to your entire family to keep moving forward step by step each and every day! Our Lord is walking all of those steps with you, and he is breathing over your family's shoulder as they are guiding you with their strength, Keep Going Ashley, You amaze us everyday with all of the progress you are making! We love you Honey!!! Claudia Schnurr and Family
Good Morning Ashley Dear,
I'm sure your family must have some
plans for this weekend, huh???
It's nice to break the routine every once in a while. Jer, Lauren and i will be TRASH BUSTING with the show choir at the Kruse Auction in Auburn!! Sounds fun... oh well.. atleast we will get to see some cool cars and alot of people who have lots of $$$$. We're planning our first ever Show Choir invitational at BD in March. Hey.. maybe your mom can bring you to that ! You will be amazed at the talent, and have alot of fun too!!
Well.. Whether you are sitting by a pool or lake or simply sitting in your backyard this weekend we will be thinking of you!
Love you Kiddo!! Enjoy your weekend with all of your family! we love you dearly!!
Claudia Schnurr and family
Hi Harrington Family,
I hope you all are doing something fun this Holiday weekend.
Ashley, you are awesome! Keep up the great effort. I am so proud of your progress.
I keep you in my prayers and have asked my students to pray for you also. Children's prayers are pretty powerful.
God bless,
E. Martin
Post a Comment