Five Years

Yes it has been five years since our world turned upside down.

The good news is Ashley has had a strong upswing in rehabilitative progress. Ashley is fully aware of where she has been and she knows exactly where she is heading; toward a full recovery.  In just this week Ashley has accomplished the following:

-          In therapy she walked using only a standard cane and minimal balance support.  She didn’t merely take a couple steps.  Ashley walked from the furthest corner in the therapy gym to the lobby; approximately 80 feet without having to sit down.

-          With a microphone headset on, Ashley ‘plowed’ through multiple single-syllable spelled out sounds.  Even with the amplification it was soft, but she was adjusting and properly annunciating the majority without having to restate them.

Ashley received a big surprise that no doubt has had an extremely positive psychological impact on her recovery.  Her good friend Holly is getting married this fall.  Ashley thought she was going to a bridal shop to see Holly try on her wedding dress.  Once there Holly asked Ashley to be one of her brides maids.  Needless to say Ashley said yes (through a lot of happy tears).

Speaking of friends, Emily (creator of the Walk, Talk Eat Ashley mantra) is home from law school for an internship this summer and visits with Ashley each week.  They are reading another book together and talking about their weeks.

We have experienced a warm spring since the last posting.  Ashley helped with the Easter decorations. 

While brother Miles was home over spring break we spent a day up in Chicago.  In front of the Hancock Building Ashley posed for this picture.

Speaking of hope, here is Ashley with Hope Ashley.  Hope will turn two this July.

It was a nice day to be outside on St. Patrick’s Day as well.

This August we will be going to a different camp for the Transverse Myelitis Family Camp.  It will be at the Center for Courageous Kids in Kentucky.  Coincidently a former high school classmate of Ashley’s, Adrienne, was a counselor there for two summers while she was in college.

We are looking forward to seeing Sandy, Pauline, the doc’s and all of the friends we have made at the four camps we attended at Victory Junction in North Carolina.  We will be sure to tell you about our experiences at camp.

Summer time means lake time...

In closing, thank you to all of you.  Your continued prayers and support have been what has made it possible for our entire family to keep focused on Ashley’s recovery and to be thankful that Ashley is progressing; even after five years.