Monday, July 17, 2006

Since the last update, Amanda’s family has been hard at work, finishing up the basement project. It is almost complete! Soon, Amanda will be able to roll right in to the shower. Along with the new bathroom, the main room downstairs has been fixed up so Amanda can stay there when needed. It will also comfortably accommodate family when they visit from out of town. This is important because Amanda and her family can’t easily travel to visit relatives anymore.

Mid-April brought a new member to Amanda’s family-a dog! “Shadow” came from a situation where his family could no longer keep him and he needed a new home. He is a mixed breed, about five years old, and the sweetest, mellowest dog around! Luckily, “Tiger,” the cat, agrees!

Amanda has been relaxing over the summer break (thankfully not having to catch the bus at 6:40 am!). However, hanging around the house all day can get a little boring. Thank goodness for visitors! Along with friends, neighbors, and family, Amanda has had some special visitors from Calvary Baptist Church. Suzanne Passero, and her therapy dog, George, have stopped by recently. They have visited Amanda before and it is always nice to see them. George is a beautiful black Lab and he proudly struts his stuff! Jamie Castlebury also came to see Amanda this summer. Jamie comes by regularly and reads special stories to Amanda-which Amanda thoroughly enjoys!

The big news of late is Amanda’s upcoming surgery. She is scheduled to have spinal fusion surgery on Monday, July 24th. Due to her brain injury and the ensuing neuromuscular tone issues, Amanda has developed scoliosis-the muscles have pulled at her spine so fiercely that it has become curved in an unhealthy way. The surgery will involve attaching a straight rod to each side of her spine. Bone will then be grafted from her hips and fused to the spine, and this bone will eventually grow between her vertebrae. The rods will hold the spine straight while the bone grows in. This surgery should keep Amanda’s spine curvature from worsening and possibly jeopardizing her internal organs and it will definitely improve her posture and her ability to sit correctly in her wheelchair.

Amanda has proven over and over that she possesses a resilient spirit and we have every hope that she will come through this surgery with flying colors. Please keep Amanda and her family in your prayers as she undergoes this serious operation and the following recuperation. She will be in the hospital for approximately one week and then return home to continue healing.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” --Philippians 4:13

Comments

[Morgan Thomas]

Hey Amanda!!! I am so happy to hear an update!! aWWW WHAT A CUTE DOG!I Know you love that! i continue to pray for you everyday! I sent you an email about a week ago on your email... I hope you got it! I pray that your surgery will go well and you have a speedy recovery and that it will correct what needs to be done! Keep on fighting Amanda! I know your good at it! Hope fully this surgery will be a peice of cake for you! Well I will talk to ya later! Love you!
In christ , Morgan

[Leigh Stanley]

We'll be thinking of you and hoping for a rapid recovery. I think Shadow & Tiger are getting too spoiled! :)
Hang in there--Leigh

[Claire]

hey! we have only met once, which was after the accident. I'm friends with Sharon, who used to own Lanny's. I'm so glad that ur doing well. and the dog is so cute! I hope ur surgery went well and i can't wait to here another insoiring story...because with u, i know i'll get one!

Best of Luck!,

Claire

[Krista]

Amanda & family,

I hope that your surgery went well. You all seem to be doing wonderfully, which makes me happy to see!

You are still thought of every day and loved tremendously, Amanda. Though two years have now passed since your fall, you have not left the hearts and thoughts of so many of us who have been touched by your life.

I love you and will continue to lift you up before our Heavenly Father, who loves you so much.

Krista

[Aunt Jeannie]

Hi Amanda and family,
I know ya'll are preparing for some big changes in your lives soon. I just want you to know that we haven't forgotten you down here in Louisiana. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything goes smoothly and know that I love you all.
(WOW, time sure is flying, you're 14 NOW)
Aunt Jeannie