Friday night-March 10

Hannah had a good day.  The rehab people are working hard to make her as independent as possible.  Every week they do an assessment on their goals for Hannah and see how independently she can do different tasks. They started off the day today by telling her they needed to see how well she could shower herself.  Yeahhh right. . . She's so funny though, she just politely said "I think I'll pass on that."  ha ha I don't really think that was one of their options but it worked for today.  I'm doubtful it will work tomorrow.
I usually walk to the gym to see her do therapy.  We sure see a lot of sad situations.  A lot of times I get discouraged watching how hard things are for Hannah, but today I realized they are working her so hard because they have hope that she's really going to get better.  Some of the therapies for the other kids are geared more towards helping them better navigate their new situations.  You see these kids dealing without a lot of emotions;  frustration, anger, defeat.  But then some days are good and you see a  sense of hope and accomplishment kick in as they are able to do something that they haven't been able to do before.  That's the rewarding part and I'm sure what keeps the therapists going. They definitely have emotionally challenging jobs.  Yesterday Hannah did something hard and Bob gave her a hug.  Another 17 year old boy said, "I need a hug too."  I asked Bob if he gave him a hug and he said "no." ha ha  I will have to track down him down and hug him.
This afternoon the Sheehy family arrived to spend some time with us.  They are always such good medicine.  Abbey and Zoe are planning on spending the day tomorrow entertaining and pampering Hannah.  I think Hannah has begun to enjoy these spa days, massages, heated blankets and room service a bit too much!  I hope she realizes that will not be continuing when we get home.  If she wasn't sick she might mistake this place for a five star hotel.  Too bad about the sick part.  ha ha. This really is such a amazing place though.  They do so much to engage the kids and focus on healing the whole child.   Being sick or hurt is traumatic for anyone, but I think especially frightening for kids.  This hospital just does an incredible job of making a hard, scary experience as good as it can possibly be.
Hannah also had some other friends that she loves come for a visit tonight.  I hope her friends know how much it means to her to have them take the time to visit her and give her a hug.  She really is getting homesick but visits help so much.
Today while Hannah was at physical therapy one of her favorite friends from the hospital (and mine) came in and hung a picture on the wall that says "In His strength I can do all things."  It's at the end of the bed where Hannah can see it every day.  Such a good thing to be reminded of!  Thank you Julieanne! No wonder Hannah loves you so much.
Hope you all have a great weekend.  Thanks so much for all you do for the Hale family-we appreciate your love and prayers more than you know!!!