Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Oh my, how time flies! Amanda celebrated her birthday on September 18^th 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

Comments

[Beverly Truslow]

Happy Birthday Amanda! Happy Thanksgiving too. I hope your trip goes really well. I know your extended family will be very excited to see you and spend time visiting with you.

Amanda, I still have the picture of you sitting on my desk and I see it each day when I am at my computer. I think of you often. It sure is great to see the wonderful new pictures of you that have been posted. You have really grown and your smile is beautiful... just like you.

Take care, Amanda. I hope I can see you sometime soon.

Love,
Beverly Truslow

[Morgan Thomas]

Hey Amanda,
Happy thanksgiving!! I`m sure you and your family are very excited about going to Ohio! We recently just made a long trip to st.louis missouri!

I really miss you at school! I wish i could come see you alot more often cause i know i havnt been to see you in a while! It seems like my schedule just keeps pileing up!

I am going to come see you very soon though but i will give you some time to get setteled back in after your trip! But if your dad wants to call me when yall get settled back and tell me a good time Ill come! I hope your enjoying your new house! Its very pretty!

Amanda,I am still keeping you in my every thought and prayer! I still tell people to pray for you when we have prayer request time at school!

Hope to see you soon,
Your bff,
Morgan

[Billy Boy]

Dear Amanda,

I wish you a special thanksgiving and pray for your continued recovery. You are always on my mind.

[Krista Holgate]

Amanda,

Wow, you've gotten so much bigger! And it's exciting to hear about all of the progress you're making. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily, and I know God is continuing to work a mighty healing in you, your family is seeing it every day.

I do apologize for not seeing you in a while. Life gets away from us if we aren't careful and I'm afraid I've let a lot of time pass without paying you a visit. I will be by to see you before Christmas.

You are a mighty little girl! I have no doubt you'll beat this thing. Kudos to your amazing family for their faith and strength; you're amazing people, Mohler's!! You are all examples to me of how to persevere and turn tragedy and adversity into hope, faith and joy. My hat's off to you.

With Love and Awe,
Krista

[Morgan Thomas]

Hey amanda!
I am going to try to call your dad and see if i can come see you really soon!!! I will deffinitly see you before christmas! and just like mrs.holgate said in her last comment i say i agree to that most strongly! Because amanda you have so much strength you and your family! I hope your doing good and im sure you are! I am looking at a picture of you and me and i feel really bad that i havent seen you in such a long time! But i hope you know that not a day goes by that i dont think about you and your in all my prayers! See you soon girly!
your bff,
Morgan

[Morgan Thomas]

Hey Amanda! Merry Christmas! I hope you and your family had a great christmas! I had fun seeing you the other day! I hope you are enjoying your christmas present! I sure am enjoying my winter set! I hope to see you soon! Love you!
your bff
Morgan

[Morgan Thomas]

HAPPY NEW YEAR AMANDA!!!
Amanda,
I hope you had a great year and that the days to come in 2006 will be filled with seeing you smile and continue to progress! I know and I am praying that everyday to come for this year and the years to come will be filled with joy and happiness! I hope you are enjoying your New PJS! I am so excited about this new year I think its going to be great! Well Ill talk to you later! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers always!
Your BFF,
Morgan

[lorrie]

Please update!