June 8th

TGIS – Thank Goodness It’s Summer (almost).  We had more than our fill of winter weather this last season.  The spring has been wonderful and Ashley is enjoying it.

Ashley holding her friend Erika's baby Eva.

Up until April Ashley continued to go to Speech therapy almost daily and working out at Turnstone three times a week.  Then she started to feel ‘under the weather’ and it just seemed to linger longer than a common cold should.  Well it turns out Ashley had mono; as in Mononucleosis, or as we use to call it, ‘the kissing disease’.  If that is how she contracted it she’s not kissing and telling…

Any illness has a pronounced negative effect on Ashley.  It makes her lethargic and most every task is more difficult to complete.  The months of April and May were not productive from a rehabilitative standpoint, but Ashley is regaining her strength and drive.

One thing to brighten Ashley’s outlook is a recent gift from her grandparents.  She is now the proud owner of a Maltese puppy.  Ashley accepted the early birthday gift idea in mid-March.  We contacted Ashley’s Great Uncle Dave who has a friend that is a veterinarian and also had Maltese dogs as pets. Within a couple days we were contacted by a breeder whose Maltese had delivered a litter just days before.

Ashley had already decided on a name, Rudy, after the small walk-on football player at Notre Dame (as featured in the movie “Rudy”).  She relates to the determination and hard work ethic Rudy possessed.

The fact that Rudy was born on St. Patrick’s Day makes it even more fitting.

 

Ashley with Rudy leaving the breeder's home in Valpo.

 

The newest member of the family.

 

Rudy is either full of energy and ready to play...

 

or out cold.

 

Of course Rudy has a Notre Dame bed!

 

Rudy is 80% hair and 20% body.  He practically disappears taking a bath.

 

 

Ashley and Rudy lounging poolside.

 

In July Ashley will be making her third trip to the Center for Courageous Kids in Southern Kentucky for the Transverse Myelitis Association family camp.  We will have an opportunity to meet with other individuals and families dealing with demyelinating conditions and to learn of the latest advance in therapies and treatment.

 

We hope you have a wonderful summer!