December 24, 2005 - Late Morning
Yesterday was another good day in Amanda-land. She used the walker for the first time. She not great with it yet, but she's learning and improving. She refused to use the "bands" her PT gave her to work with until her big brother pressured her into it with Kurt watching on. She wasn't very happy about it, but she did it. She shot Ron a very dirty look before she reluctantly pulled on the bands per the PT's instructions. (Have we mentioned yet that she appears to hate PT? Physical exertion has never been our princess' favorite thing.) Her attention span is still about 45 seconds so everything is still a little bit of struggle but she's continuing to make those small steps forward. Brenda is arriving tomorrow and is looking forward to not only seeing the many improvements that Amanda has made, but meeting so many of the Dallas folks that have been taking such great care of Amanda and making so many personal sacrifices for her. In the meantime, happy holidays to everyone reading the blog today!

20 Comments:
At 12:15 PM,
Anonymous said…
Happy holidays from everyone in Saginaw (Michigan). Keep it up, Mandy - listen to your big brother! Lots of love and best holiday wishes & cheer to all of you. Merry Chrismahanukkwanzaakah! -rachael.
At 12:35 PM,
Anonymous said…
The days are busy when we are with Amanda and yesterday i was fortunate enough to be with her bu did go out when both Kurt and Ron were there as I know it is vital to her well-being that we observe the "no more than 2 visitors at a time" rule.
I'm an early riser and befor Ron arrived (I shared theis with them and they both laughed), Mandy looked at me and said, "These Doctors p _ _ _ me off." LOL!
One of the nurses, (named Mandy) was standing there at the time. Mandy asked the Princess, "And what do they do that P - - - - - you off?"
Amanda looked at the nurse for a bit and then said, "They just do."
What a gal!
Though I'm working today, I wish I could be there again and I look forward to Friday (my only day off) hopefully seeing her again.
Love, TAnn
At 2:09 PM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas mouse,
I had to take a break from the sermon and worship preparation to find out what the lattest is on your recovery.
You are doing great and I know you will make it to a full recovery. Please do what the physical therapist tell you even though it is dumb and foolish and all the explative that you like to use. They have really studied to learn how to maximize all the relearning or reconnecting your brain needs right now.
So DO AS YOU ARE TOLD!!! with no arguments. Well maybe a few. I bet if you ask what the exersise does they will tell you how it will help you recover faster.
My prayer currently is that when I come down in January you will be home and up for a visit.
Love
Pastor Deborah
At 4:19 PM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas Mandy and Kurt,
We are so encouraged by all the progress Mandy is making. I know it is hard work, but worth so much.
Sherri and I feel that our lives are so muuch richer knowing you both. Sherri is always coming up with some little quip and saying "... its a Mandyism"
Kurt, I cannot drink a glass of Lambic beer without thinking of you and Mandy.
Have a warm and wonderful Christmas.
Walt and Sherri
At 7:07 PM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas Eve to all!
Our visit with Amanda this morning was a nice one. She had no therapy while we were there so it was a quiet easy morning. She slept much better last night than most nights so far. So hopefully she is on a good sleep schedule now & can stay awake in class:)
Sean brought her a snow globe with a penguin inside. She would start to open the gift, then set it down. After a bit, Ron asked her if she'd like help & she said yes...of course she got what she wanted!
Mandy is eating & swallowing really well so hopefully soon that trach can come out & she will have one less thing to mess with that she's not supposed to. Those little hands are fast & furious!
When Ron was pushing her in the wheelchair, she held Sean's hand. Then when Ron was backing her into the elevator, she gave Sean a double peace sign...pretty cute & a bit sweeter than the double fingers she gave TAnn recently!
She finally got a chair that fits her tiny body, which was nice to see today.
Over all I believe I can see Amanda size steps forward at a steady pace:) This is the best Christmas gift of all!
I love you Kurt & Mandy!
Christine
At 11:05 PM,
Anonymous said…
I've been following the great progress and am very happy to know Mandy is doing so well.
I want to wish Kurt and Mandy the best Christmas possible.
You "GO" girl.
Wes
At 10:30 AM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas from Janice and Alan. As soon as WE both get well, we'll be down to see YOU both. Our cruise to the Caribbean was absolutely wonderful! Get well Mandy so we can all go together next fall. We are hooked!
Alan and Janice Wilkerson
At 11:58 AM,
Anonymous said…
Kurt & Amanda,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Amanda,I am proud of the progress you are making. I'm coming to see you on Wednesday. Have a great day!
April Hylander
At 12:51 PM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas from warm, sunny Colorado Springs! Can't wait to see you all next week!
-Brian
At 12:54 PM,
StaticNomad said…
Merry Christmas Amanda and everyone else. I hope you have a blessed one. :) You and Kurt, and everyone else too!
At 2:09 PM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas Kurt and Amanda and all of you in the Amanda "Circle of Love". We're thinking of you guys today and feel very blessed to be a part of the circle!
Love Lj
At 2:57 PM,
Anonymous said…
Christmas Day ~~
Thinking of you today ~ hoping you are still moving forward ~ sending all positive thoughts to you and all there with you today.
Love to you ~ Tann
At 4:35 PM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas Amanda and family,
I am so thrilled with all the tiny steps forward - for I know they are leading to a wonderful huge journey.
I am having a quiet Christmas with my family - so much to be grateful for this time of year, especially to hear how well you are doing Amanda.
I will be thinking of you all and sending thoughts of love and peace your way!
Love,
Kelly B.
At 5:49 PM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas to Kurt, Ron, Kevin, Brenda and Amanda from Savannah! The Neuro ICU nurses think about all of you often and hope you have a wonderful holiday!
At 12:11 AM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas Little Princess Cousin of mine!
I konw you are working hard for your recovery. Good Job Cousin Good Job.
I pray for youe recovery everyday. I wish you 1000 Angels to come by and give you a health Kiss to help you get better. We all Love you Mandy we really do!
Keep trying Girl You are doing great!
Love Paul Rex And all the Rex's. Merry Christmas again!
At 3:29 AM,
Anonymous said…
Merry Christmas Amanda and Kurt! You and your family have been in my thoughts throughout the day. I hope you all had a nice peaceful day. I miss you very much Amanda and hope to see you very soon. Thank you all the updates everyone, it's so nice to hear her progress and visits with others.
Love, Rene
At 9:16 AM,
Anonymous said…
Amanda, Keep up the good work and do as the PT says. I'm praying that you make a full recovery. If you do what the PT says, you'll make a full recovery MUCH faster. Best wishes for 2006!
Lynita Rogers
Roanoke, TX
At 10:13 AM,
Anonymous said…
Hey Ron, Keep pushing her. I think it's awesome how she responds to you and the Love you have for her. Kurt it was good to see you in good spirits Saturday and I hope to see ya'll again soon. Looking forward to hearing how Christmas Day was too.
Sean
At 4:33 PM,
Anonymous said…
Okay, well I'm taking some time away from Mandy to get caught up in my office, etc. HOWEVER, I don't like it! I am so glad Ron & Brenda are here & she's getting lots more attention from Kurty since he is off for the week. Having him by her side is the BEST therapy! I wish there were a "group home" in Haslet,TX so I could be there constantly when that time comes:) Dream big right?
I just know I'm missing out on some great happenings & it's killing me! Just thought I'd share with the other bloggers today:)
Christine
At 4:53 PM,
Anonymous said…
Amanda,
I wanted to wish you and Kurt Happy Holidays and let you know I'm thinking of you.
Keep working.
Randy
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