March 12, 2006

The Second Anniversary of Amanda’s Accident

It is hard to believe that two years have gone by since that fateful moment when Amanda slipped and fell off the roof of her father’s house. Many mixed  emotions accompany this anniversary. We had hoped that Amanda would have regained more function by this time—it is easy to feel discouraged. But at the same time, there have been consistent improvements along the way—although small—that enable us to remain encouraged. Amanda’s warm smiles and sweet laughter fills our hearts with joy and wonder every day.

The world of Traumatic Brain Injuries is a murky, unpredictable one. No two injuries are exactly alike and the healing process is different for every individual. What are some things that can positively affect recovery? Repetition and over-learning of tasks, triggering old familiar memories, stimulation of the senses, keeping muscles flexible and bones strong, and plenty of positive and loving interaction with people who care.

This update is dedicated to the many people who play this important role in Amanda’s life: the folks involved in her routine care; the folks who help out with equipment and home modification; and the folks who stop by and visit periodically. It is because of this compassionate support that Amanda is as healthy and thriving as she is today.

For two years now, Amanda has attended Lowrance Middle School here in Winston-Salem. She is in a classroom with about nine other students who are classified as multi-handicapped or severe and profoundly disabled. Teacher Leslie Anders, the school nurse, and the assistants have their hands full with this class! They are very attentive and devoted to “their children.” At school, Amanda is practicing pushing a switch to respond to questions. Ms. Anders believes that Amanda is taking in more and more at school all the time and is reacting increasingly to activities in the classroom. We are hoping to get set up at home to try using switches here, where we can experiment with various positions. This is our primary goal for Amanda this year—to be able to communicate in some fashion. (Oh, how we wish we could hear that adorable voice of hers again!)

Amanda travels to and from school on a bus equipped with a special lift for wheelchair passengers. Most of the kids on the bus are regular students—only Amanda and one other little boy are in wheelchairs. Amanda is READY to get out of her wheelchair by the time she gets home! Ashley, our newest CNA, takes good care of Amanda in the afternoons and lavishes lots of attention on her.

Every two weeks, Amanda goes to see Boyd Bailey, for her acupuncture treatment. This is a pleasurable outing for Amanda—she just adores Boyd and seems to tolerate the acupuncture needles well. We still attribute much of Amanda’s cheerful disposition to these treatments—it was after her very first acupuncture session that she began to smile! A few times a year we travel to Asheville and take Amanda to see Cissy Majebe, who first started Amanda’s acupuncture program, for follow-up sessions. Amanda has also been taking an herbal remedy, for over six months now, that really does seem to be increasing her alertness. Since beginning the herbs, Amanda has consistently demonstrated improved responsiveness and eye tracking. 

One of the greatest challenges of Amanda’s care has continued to be the bathing situation. After exploring various options and considering how each would accommodate Amanda as she ages and grows, we finally made the decision to build a handicapped-accessible bathroom. Our home has a semi-finished basement with a yucky bathroom that needed renovating. We plan to fix this area up and create a space that can function as an apartment for Amanda, if needed, in the future. Fortunately, Amanda can access both levels of this house. So, for now, she can spend “bath days” downstairs and the rest of her time upstairs. The bathroom we are building will have a large shower that Amanda can be rolled into, while in her shower chair.

Of course, no “home improvement projects” can ever be simple—right? One thing has led to another and another…and so on! Before renovation of the basement could take place, water damage and drainage issues had to be addressed. So, in came the backhoe and out came the dirt! We had to dig out around the foundation of the house and waterproof the walls, all the way to the footer. This has now been completed, but in the process our front yard, driveway and side porch got destroyed! Bring on the landscaper!

Greg has worked countless hours on this complex project. With only weekends and an occasional night to work, it seemed that Amanda would be an old woman by the time the bathroom was complete! Thank goodness for family. Cynthia’s cousin, Paul, has come up several times from Charlotte to contribute his carpentry expertise to the cause. And last week, Grandpa Arnie, Uncle Kevin and Uncle Dan came in from Ohio and Asheville to help out. From morning ‘til late at night, “the boys” hammered and sawed and tiled and dry walled.  Uncle Arnie and Uncle Jeff, who own a custom-cabinetry business in Ohio, donated a beautiful bathroom vanity and cabinet. The bathroom isn’t done yet (sigh) but MUCH progress was made! Thanks, guys!

One step at a time. Every little bit helps. Every contribution and every kindness counts. Amanda benefits from it all. From the visitors who come by to read to her and talk, to the folks who share their pets—Amanda is delighted. Every card, every email, every comment posted on the website is treasured. One thing that has amazed us has been the days when we feel most disheartened and overwhelmed, someone—somehow—just when we really need it, reaches out and lets us know that they care! Suddenly, our spirits are lifted and we know we can pull through. We are constantly reminded of the inherent good in people. This is the beauty of life with Amanda.   

“It is only with heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” --Antoine de Saint Exupery

Comments

[nicole griffin]

so happy to hear Amanda is becoming more alert, God knows the plans he has for her.(Jeremiah 29:11) We serve a mighty awesome God. Stay strong and don't loose faith.... Matthew 6:34

[Morgan Thomas]

Hey Amanda!
I am glad to hear about your improvements! I hope that the renovation goes good and that it works out well for you and your family! Sounds like its been a tough process! Fortunatly renovation doesnt last forever even though it may seem that way sometimes.

I miss you so much!!!! I will have to come bye and see you soon. everyday for the past three months i have had my schedule packed for 8am-8pm
but now its over!We also just got back from disney world for a week and a half as well.
so.... Hopefully soon! Ill give you a call! I do want you to know that I am so sorry i havnt came in a while but you are always in my prayers and thoughts! I know I havnt been there but I hope you and your dad and cynthia and zack and everyone else knows that I am always here if you need me I may not always actually be home but im still "here" if you need anything! hehe. (didnt really know how to put that.)but... anyways. I am continuing to pray for you!
your bff.
morgan

[Marcie]

I'm glad to see an update on you! It's been 2 years. Wow. I remember sitting in the waiting room the night of with Ashlyn, Lyndsey, Dalton, Meagan and Mandy..

You are so strong and still continue to go STRONG! I really do look up to you and how you never give up.

You and your family are in my prayers, always.

<3 Marcie.

[lorraine]

Amanda, it was great to see you today at our office. you are so alert, and smiling. you looked beautiful. i can't tell you how much you and your family have been an inspiration to me. i think of you when i need courage and strength because i feel that if you and your family can weather life's circumstances as graciously as you all do, i can be strong in my circumstances as well. you are all very lucky to have each other, even extending to your families that live far away. to hear of and see people who pull together like your family does gives me a warm feeling inside. it is an example of how all families should be. thanks for being such a good example for the rest of us. keep working hard and moving forward.

love,

lorraine

[Krista]

Amanda & family,

Love and best wishes to you all from Drew & I.

We continue to remember you in prayer, and are always happy to read updates on Amanda.

It looks like things are going well and you are settling into your new home.

May the Lord continue to bless and restore you!

In Christ,
Krista

[Morgan Thomas]

Hey Amanda!

Hope everythings going well! I miss you! Sorry I havnt talked to you in a while! My Family and I continue to keep you in our prayers! Hope you have a great memmorial day coming up!
In Christ,
Morgan

[Mandy Reitmeier]

Hey Amanda! I can't believe it's been 2 years. Time goes by so fast. I've missed you guys since you moved! It's not the same without you :-(

I'm so happy to hear how well you're doing! How's your summer going? Mine has been so busy! Mostly with basketball; I'm going to be a Freshman at Reagan next yeat-I'm so excited/nervous! But I've been doing a bunch of basketball stuff there, it's pretty hard but a lot of fun.

Well I hope everyone is doing well, and hope to see you soon girlie!

Love,
Mandy