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!

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!