It has been a busy month. Ashley has done a lot since the last posting. She competed her serial castings and has two new sets of orthotic boots. One pair for the day and a more comfortable pair for at night. That involved a couple of road trips to Indianapolis.
We have been fortunate enough to go to the lake a couple of times visiting Ashley’s grandparents and other relatives. She has been on the boat and soaked up some sun.
Just over a week ago we all kept busy with Austin’s high school graduation activities. Here are Ashley and Austin at his Baccalaureate Mass.
We are pleased to report that Ashley has continued to get all her calories from regular food that we puree. No more canned liquid nutrition for Ashley! On the liquids front we are making progress though it is slow. That said it hasn’t keep Ashley from trying to use a straw in addition to sipping orange juice and iced coffee, two of her favorites.
Perhaps the greatest change we have seen in the last month is the increase in movement Ashley is having with her right arm. She is able to move not only her arm, but her wrist and fingers. She is winning the battle over the tone she has in that arm. Of all four limbs that has been her greatest challenge.
While the serial casting and new boots are making a difference there are more steps Ashley’s doctor and physical therapist are going to take especially with regard to the tone in Ashley’s right ankle. That will involve some botox and another round of serial casting. This should complete the process and provide Ashley with more comfort in standing erect while walking.
The tone in her right leg does not stop Ashley from peddling on her stationary bike. This picture does not do justice for showing the success she is having with that. Her muscles continue to build up renewed strength.
So Ashley is Eating well and continues to make progress on walking. That leaves talking. On that front Ashley continues to work on the mechanics of rebuilding her speech capability. It is interesting to watch her do her own exercises as she moves her mouth and tongue to form different letters. She does not yet have the ability to coordinate the flow of air through her vocal cords to form the words yet, but we know it is just a matter of time. Occasionally now Ashley will take a deep breath when asked. She was never able to do that on request before.
On the social front Ashley has had visits from several friends now that school is out. One evening a few of her friends came over and they skyped her friend Erika in Chile. I had never heard the term before, but ‘to skype’ is basically a video conference call over the Internet – for free. I was amazed at the clarity and sound quality. What impressed me most was the real time aspect to the call. There was no delay in the transmission. Sometimes technology can be a wonderful thing.
We find ourselves getting out and about in the neighborhood more often and bumping into folks we have not seen in awhile. Ashley is the indeed the neighborhood celebrity.
We are looking forward to a very productive summer. Ashley is going to start to take some therapy sessions in the morning so she has some afternoons open to do a variety of activities such as go to the pool and enjoy other outside activities.
Something we hear often and continue to be thankful for is, “Ashley is in my prayers.” Thank you all for your continued support. Ashley’s hard work, unwavering faith and the combination of all our prayers is what is pushing Ashley toward her recovery.
7 comments:
Hi, Ashley.
It was good to have an update on your progress, which is so amazing! I admit I e-mailed Aunt Kathy a couple of weeks ago asking for an update because I was having "blog withdrawal!"
Once again I'm impressed with the enthusiasm and effort you put into all you do, and with such grace. Just reading about all your accomplishments makes me want to do better myself!
You and Austin look quite "spiffy" in the picture at Austin's Baccalaureate Mass. How pleased and proud your parents must be to have so successfully raised 2 such remarkable children.
I hope Indiana weather is being kind to my Hoosier family members, and that you get opportunities often to tiptoe through the tulips (my favorite flower of all - which doesn't grow well in Florida, just my luck).
Love,
Trish (FL)
Phil 4:13
Hi, Ash!
It has been so long since I've seen you or heard anything! Not being in Fort Wayne has been a major drag. On June 8 I take the LSAT and I'm feeling mildly ill about that. Once that is done, I will come home more often, and hopefully get to see your beautiful face!
Speaking of pretty faces, you look wonderful in all of the pictures posted! Oh, it's so great to see that smile on your face. The Ashley Smile. So famous! So glamorous!
Your little bike machine looks pretty nifty! I'm glad you have a variety of exercises to help you out. And hooray for morning therapy sessions! Nothing like fun in the sun at the pool in the afternoon! If you would like company, I would love to join you sometime on an outing when I'm home. Of course, I'd love to hang out with you whenever, wherever!
As always, you and your family are in my prayers. I'm putting a lot of emphasis on the "talk" part of our Walk! Talk! Eat! prayer. Keep up the fantastic work, Ashley. Your progress is amazing! YAY!
I love you,
Emily*
My dearest Ashley,
Hola mi querida amiga. I was thrilled to read about all your progress today. It really just made my day knowing how much you have improved!!! Things are still going amazingly well in Chile and to tell you the truth, I'm kind of freaking out that I only have less than two months left! I don't really feel ready to leave, although, I truly miss you and home at the same time...I can't wait to see you when I get back and to see all your progress face to face. Most of all, I can't wait to give you a big hug! I miss hugs - Chileans are all into the kiss on the cheek...just not the same. Well, know that I love you tons and that you are always in my thoughts and prayer! Besitos y Abrazos desde Chile - XOXOXs from Chile!
Todo mi amor,
Erika
Ash! I saw you leaving graduation but you were just too fast! I couldn't jump out of my seat fast enough to catch up with you! You looked so beautiful and all of your pictures do not do you justice! Hopefully when Erika finally decides to come home from Chile I can come visit you with her!
Keep doing amazing - you're always in my prayers.
Love,
Little Laura
Ashley, Hope I didn't pester you too much :) At least didn't pinch you on the cheeks -- or Austin, either. Really did want to get him, tho. But he's too tall!
You all enjoy the summer!
Ashley, You are Hot Hot Hot!
Love,
A. Kathy and U. Dave xx
Hi Ashley!
It's been quite a while since I've posted, but I promise that I have kept a close eye on all of your progress. I'm thrilled to see all the gains you have made!
I hope to stop in to see you and the therapy team there at Lutheran one more time before I head down to Indianapolis for grad. school. I'm looking forward to seeing that bright smile!
-Adam Whitman
Ashley,
You look great in the posted pictures. You have a beautiful smile. Congratulations on continuing to work hard. We pray for you every night.
Love Jeff, Becky, Dan & Paul.
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