Friday, May 18th

Bill is staying with Annie this weekend, so I can take a breather. This time in the hospital is alot easier than last time, but it's still a 24 hour a day thing, so I am very appreciative of the break. Have I mentioned lately how much I appreciate Bill? He really is the bomb. Caretaking is not for sissies.

I mentioned this in a previous blog, but walking around the hospital really heightens your awareness of the daily burden that so many parents bear in caring for their special needs children. And not just the physical burden, but the emotional drain of seeing a child suffer. I see alot of pain and worry on parent's faces. It's a tough place to be sometimes. But it is also a place to learn to appreciate little things like rocking your little one. Life is so fragile.

Anyway--today Annie kept up the good work. She spent some time in the "gait" trainer, walking through the hall (with lots of help). She stood for awhile and rocked back and forth on her own weight. She threw up her applesauce this morning, but kept her vanilla pudding down this afternoon. The speech therapist never has to wonder what she doesn't like. She just gives it back to him in a bucket.

So...thank you again for remembering us in your prayers. I do feel so selfish in asking for them. But you know, I asked Bill & my sister to pray this morning for Annie to have good attention, and this afternoon--she had good attention. Every incremental change she makes is directly related to your prayers. When Bill & I walk through our day, we do it in the strength God gives us. We can't do this without the Lord.

Love, Jean

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10