Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Oh my, how time flies! Amanda celebrated her birthday on September 18th and is now 13 years old. A small gathering of family and friends helped her commemorate the occasion.
Amanda’s brother, Zach, turned 14 the day before her birthday. Zach 
has really matured (and grown!) recently and is more and more asked to help out with Amanda. Amanda adores her brother and when he walks in the room, talking (in his new deep voice), her face lights up with smiles. Many evenings Zach reads to Amanda and he regularly prays for her recovery.
Amanda is now in the seventh grade and attends Hanes-Lowrance Middle School, here in Winston-Salem. The teachers and staff all dote on her and comment on her increasing alertness and smiles. Amanda seems to particularly enjoy musical activities, circle time, and working with communicating by pressing a switch. This is our fondest wish at this time—for Amanda to begin to communicate, in some fashion.
Life remains busy! Many details have been addressed to improve the quality of Amanda’s life. She visited a nutritionist at Wake Forest’s Baptist Hospital this summer and now takes a “whole food” formula for half of her feeds. She has also been given juices, on a daily basis, since the summer. In September, she got a special “backpack pump” that fits right on to her wheelchair. This makes travel with Amanda—if it overlaps meal time—more convenient and more socially acceptable.
Efforts to get the proper “home-adaptation” equipment for Amanda have proven to be challenging, but little by little, progress is being made. Last week, her Hoyer Lift was finally delivered, but we are awaiting some parts before it can be used. We are still determining the safest and most efficient bathing situation. A shower-transfer-chair system is costly and may not function well as she grows. Another option being considered is modifying the master bathroom to make a large roll-in shower. So many things to think about!
Equipment has become a top priority lately. Amanda has grown taller and now weighs 75 lbs. Tending to her needs has become physically demanding, and there have been many a sore back for those who care for her of late! A new daybed has just been set up in the den, so Amanda now has a comfortable place to rest that is “out in the heart of the action” and is high enough and wide enough to position her, and change her, easily. A massage table was also acquired, recently, so Amanda can benefit from some massage. Her muscles tend to become stiff, due to her mild posturing and, just simply, lack of use. (It has been used to soothe a few aching backs, too!)
Amanda’s therapy program has undergone some changes, since the school year began. She now only receives PT and OT at home once a week. This means that the family and the CNA’s now do PT and OT exercises with Amanda throughout the week. 
She is frequently up in her stander these days—this provides Amanda with a cardiovascular workout, along with much-needed weight bearing exercise.
Amanda continues to receive acupuncture treatments—about every week and a half. As a result of these treatments, Amanda appears to be more relaxed and in good spirits. She really seems to enjoy her acupuncture sessions, and is full of giggles and smiles while there. In addition to the acupuncture, we have experimented, just recently, with an herbal remedy for Amanda that is supposed to improve her blood circulation, and hopefully reduce any blood stagnation that resulted from her head injury. It is too soon to tell if the herbs are of benefit, but, within the last two weeks, almost everyone involved with Amanda has commented on an improved alertness and responsiveness— remarks have been made by therapists, CNA’s, and teachers. She is definitely tracking more with her eyes and will often move her head to follow a person’s movements in the room. Way to go, Amanda!
Amanda will soon embark on a major journey. We are traveling with Amanda—in the big van (gas prices-yikes!)—to Delphos, Ohio to visit her dad’s family for Thanksgiving! This will be the first trip the family has made with Amanda that is longer than a few hours. The travel time is usually about 9 hours, but we expect it to take longer since we will need to make frequent stops to reposition Amanda and tend to her needs. Amanda has grandparents, aunts, uncles and (many) cousins who can’t wait to see her. Should be quite an adventure!
As this Thanksgiving Day approaches, the Mohler family feels very, very blessed. We continue to have high hopes for Amanda, and are doing our best to foster improvements. No matter how small, each little step is advancement, and we rejoice! Please continue to keep Amanda in your prayers, and have a wonderful holiday.
"The Lord's love never ends; his mercies never stop. They are new every morning; Lord, your loyalty is great. I say to myself, 'The Lord is mine, so I hope in him.' The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to those who seek him." --Lamentations 3:22-25
