As far as progress, today was a great day. She has really been working hard to say a few words, and she's getting close. The speech therapist brought in a slush, and would only give her some if she said "more." Oh my heck! That seemed so mean to do to a girl who has had a sum total of 5 bites of pudding in the last 20 days. But guess what? By the end of speech, Hannah was saying "more." It's a good thing that lady is the therapist and not me. This is going to be painful to watch and to keep my mouth shut.
She was also able to get up in the wheelchair for a longer period of time. The physical therapists want her to be able to do that so they can take her to the gym for therapy. In the gym she'll be able to do a lot more than what she's done in her room. So it's all good stuff and we are so happy about the progress. By night though, she is so exhausted and frustrated. We haven't been very successful at understanding what she's trying to tell us so we've been playing these long guessing games that usually end with her being really upset. And I don't blame her. Such a hard thing to watch. I love her so much-wish I could do more to take her pain and frustration away. Anyway, I'm sure that when she is well rested life will look better. Everything is overwhelming when you're tired. For parents too! So we are all going to bed. Good night!
This picture was taken right before Hannah went in to get her gallbladder out on Sunday. She was smiling all the way. I think she thought she was in a parade! Who smiles on their way to surgery??
I remember the speech therapy and how difficult is was. You may get a kick out of this - when my Dad had his stroke Abbey was quite young and he just loved little children. So he latched on to her name and practiced his speech by frequently repeating Abbey dabby doo, Abbey dabby doo! He would laugh when he did it and you could see he was happy. It's a painful process but with effort the speech will come back. Please tell Hannah we are rooting for her!
ReplyDeleteWhat great progress!!!! YAY for Hannah!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I came across this quote this morning and thought of you and Hannah and your family. You are amazing examples to all. Love you.
ReplyDeleteViki
“I recognize that, on occasion, some of our most fervent prayers may seem to go unanswered. We wonder, ‘Why?’ I know that feeling! I know the fears and tears of such moments. But I also know that our prayers are never ignored. Our faith is never unappreciated. I know that an all-wise Heavenly Father’s perspective is much broader than is ours. While we know of our mortal problems and pain, He knows of our immortal progress and potential. If we pray to know His will and submit ourselves to it with patience and courage, heavenly healing can take place in His own way and time.”
—Russell M. Nelson, "Jesus Christ—the Master Healer," Ensign, Nov. 2005