November 30

One of the most common topics over the Thanksgiving weekend from family and friends alike was, “When are we going to see an updated posting?” There is no excuse for the extended hiatus. It has been a month and a half. I hope the Ashley blog following faithful will pardon me. Of course after reading the latest with Ashley I’m sure the wait will have been worth it.

Ashley has kept busy and has been working hard.

She has been standing on her own with increased frequency (not holding anything). She has exceeded six minutes at home.

In therapy she has walked three lengths of the parallel bars with the only assistance being to turn around to begin the next stretch.

She has walked with a therapist just holding a hand for support.

In the past couple of weeks Ashley has increased the control she has over muscle groups. She has shrugged her shoulders on request and, no doubt in her bid to get back on the dance floor soon, she can shake that grove thing!

Another important advance has been with drinking liquids. Ashley is gaining more control over her jaw and lips and is drinking more each week. She still needs the tube for sufficient hydration and to get her few remaining meds and vitamins. We don't know when, but it is obvious now that the tube will be going away.

While we are still waiting on those first words Ashley is communicating more and more via her computer, spelling and glancing at objects. While it can take awhile to communicate we are moving from simple necessities to more quality of live conversations with Ashley. She is able to tell us in more detail what she wants, how she is feeling and even comment on discussions we are having. She has certainly come a long way.

Often times we lose focus getting a meal ready and forget what is important. Whenever we are at the kitchen table ready to eat Ashley looks up at the cross over the doorway to remind us to say grace prior to the meal. This young lady is focused on her faith and she is seeing that her prayers along with the multitude coming from all of you are being answered.

We were able to make a trip over to Notre Dame and Saint Marys earlier this month and had splendid weather and an opportunity to see several of her classmates and friends. Although Navy spoiled the day for the football team Ashley had a great time visiting.

A late birthday gift for Ashley was attending the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert in Fort Wayne. We were in the forth row center. What a show!

Austin was home for thanksgiving and Ashley loved spending time with him. In addition to talking about his course work and ‘life-in-a-day’ of an IU student he talked about his videographer duties with the football team. He traveled with the team to Penn State and was on the field filming with over 100,000 screaming fans surrounding him. Ashley had the opportunity to get up close to watch Austin work (that's him with the video camera) during the Oaken Bucket game between Indiana and Purdue a couple of weekends ago.

Some of Ashley’s high school friends visited over the holiday weekend adding to the special time she had.

We have a lot be thankful for. As we prepare for Christmas we wish all of you to have a most blessed season. From Ashley and all of us!