February 22nd

Ashley has remained consistent at eating well over the past couple of weeks. Liquids are still a challenge for her to swallow, but she is eating full servings of pureed foods each day. We see Ashley taking much more control of all her mouth muscles as she eats. She is even making more facial expressions. Of course we are prayerful that the progress she is making with eating will also lead to her rediscovery of voice. Ashley is quite pleased with her progress and we know she is continuing to work hard at it.

Lately we have increased the frequency at which we are getting Ashley on a gym mat in our family room during the week. For the most part we are letting her do her own thing. Ashley will roll from side to side and move her arms and legs in this unrestricted environment. We will help her up to her elbows as seen here to help her get a good stretch of her back and to put weight on her elbows. Ashley enjoys the freedom she has to move on her own so we will offer her the opportunity often.



Last night Ashley did some dancing, again. The husband of one of her therapists was playing at a local watering hole. Thanks to Fort Wayne’s total smoking ban we were able to visit, listen to music and of course dance without fighting off stale smoke smell. This marks Ashley’s first nightclub experience and, thanks to more establishments being accessible along with our ability to transport her, Ashley is doing more and building on her self confidence.

She needed balance support, but Ashley initiated and competed every step on the short walk from our table to the dance floor. As you can imagine she was beaming that famous smile of hers the whole time.

As we approach 20 months since Ashley was stricken with this debilitating, one time, demyelinating event we are thankful for all the strides she continues to make. Anytime we lament the slow progress Ashley manages to shows us something new. At times we think she is not only carrying the burden of her condition, but is also shouldering the responsibility of helping us keep a positive attitude as well. Praise God He is listening to all of your prayers!