Saturday, February 7, 2009

February 7th

More strength and control.

Over the last couple of weeks Ashley has demonstrated that she is kicking her recovery into a new phase.

Ashley has be able to move from laying flat on her back in bed to rolling to her side; moving her legs off the bed; sitting her self up and balancing in that position. We took another trip up stairs this week as well. Ashley was taking the steps faster and was able to lift her foot sufficiently that a few times that we did not have to help her position it on the next step. The real treat came when we got to her bedroom. She was sitting on her bed and coaxed to lay back. She did and then under her own power sit right back up. She then proceeded to do several ‘sit ups’ in a row. Obviously she is building up those abs!

Another noticeable control nuance was her ability to roll her ankle on request. Ashley would move her toes or raise and lower her foot on request, but we never saw such a display of motor skill before with her ankle.

There is also increased movement, on demand, with her right arm. The therapists have been able to increase her range of stretching and Ashley is raising her arm more often.

We had our official van presentation last week. We cannot express how liberating it is to be able to transport Ashley in comfort whenever we want and to know we will always be able to get her to therapy on time. We know that all the prayers and support we have received from all of you has been instrumental in keeping Ashley focused on her recovery. Ashley knows full well that she has your support and she is determined to show you that your investment in her is paying off.

Ashley, Austin, Mary and I would like to wish Mom & Dad a happy 50th Anniversary. You both mean the world to us and we love you!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ashley--

Hey, sweetie! Sounds like you are doing an amazing job, as always! I bet seeing your room and sitting on your bed was a great motivator, huh! I know what my room means to me, so I bet you're eager to get back to yours! Moving up and down the stairs is such an obstacle and you're doing such a great job! And those sit ups! I bet your therapists are happy you're working those abs again! I bet you'll beat me next time we have to do a Sit Up Race at therapy! :)

Nothing new to report on this end! The weather is in the 50s, which is absolutely amazing! I'm so tired of trudging through negative digits to school, through snow and over ice! I swear the ice relocates to be right in front of me no matter where I go! It deliberately tries to make me slip! My friend even bruised her tailbone from falling on the ice. It's like a skating rink! BUT NOT ANYMORE! YAY! It melted!

I love you very much, Miss Ashley. I miss you so much. I can't wait to come home again and see your beautiful smile. Keep up the positive attitude and keep churning out spectacular results!

You are an amazing woman, Ashley!

XoXo,

Emily*

PS. Walk! Talk! Eat! :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Ashley,
Angela might be able to challenge you to a sit-up contest, but I'll have to bow out. I don't remember how to do one.

Have you started a list of outings you would like to make? We're so glad you are more mobile with the van. May God Bless all who helped get you there.

Angela and I are joining Uncle Stan in Florida for a few days next week. I hope it warms up down there. I bet you are outside today, 50 degrees...yipee!

Keep up your great work. You'll be sleeping in your room in no time.
Love, Aunt Lynn, Uncle Stan and Angela

Anonymous said...

Sit ups! I can do 'lie downs.'
Ashley, heard you got a midnight caller the other night. -- That Grama :)
Saw pics of their wonderful party; and super pics of you all.
I love your 'wheels.' but I bet not as much as you do.
My gosh, you're amazing. Well, I am walking the halls at the high school :)
Love,
A.K. xx

Anonymous said...

Happy Valentines Day to the entire Harrington clan,
Reading your latest blog was amazing Ashley!!! You are working so hard and all of your efforts are paying off!!! Step by step you are making so many improvements, and we love that you are able to visit your own bedroom more often! It's almost like taking a field trip in your own house,so many new things to do and to see. By the time you are walking on your own you are going to be able to enter the "BEST AB's CONTEST! For Sure!!!! Sit ups are the worst!!!!
Lauren's first show choir competition at Northrop went well last weekend, the kids came in 4th place in the small mixed division! Not bad for the first time out! We perform this weekend in Dekalb they usually have a big show and lots and lots of competition!!!Lauren is leaving for her usual Wednesday evening practice as we speak, and Holly is heading out the door to cheer at an evening game tonight... it's always something!!! It is so good to see the grass again, even tho it is drenched with so much water! Our pump in the basement is going crazy!! Spring is just around the corner, atleast that is my wish!!! I did hear we may get snow showers tomorrow!!! Oh well.. so much for wishful thinking!! We are planning on heading to New York for a few days over Spring Break, We have never been there, so it should be exciting! Holly is going to sneak out of a few days of classes to go with us, as her spring break is different than ours. She already has made plans for herself for her own Spring Break.... somewhere warmer that's for sure!!! We will be thinking of you on Saturday hope you get lots of hugs and kisses from all those who love you!! You continue to inspire all of us! We love you Sweet Ashley!!!
Claudia Schnurr and gang

Anonymous said...

Hi Harringtons, and especially Ashley...

We check the blog just about everyday to check up on you...and to read all your accomplishments, well it's just thrilling. We know how much every little hurdle means, so keep it up. George is also doing a little better everyday...you know how it is , some good days, some not-so-good...but then sometimes we have GREAT days...We live for those :):)We were all very happy to see that you got your van. The folks in your community are INCREDIBLE ! You guys are obviously very loved...Please know that positive thoughts are sent your way all the way from sunny Miami...and prayers are said in your name to our Lord...
Your friends,
Anna and Tony Bergnes
(from Miami)
P.S. George and Ileana says hi !!

Anonymous said...

Happy Valentine's Day, Ashley! Keep up the great work!

Love,
The Wittes

Anonymous said...

Ashley, this is awesome news. I suspect you can do more situps than your dear, old, out-of-shape aunt! We love reading your blog and hearing all the good news about your remarkable progress. Keep it up. We pray for you every day!

Love, the Kentucky Slaters