Mom's Update

So much has happened in the past week.
We visited the firefighters at the Narrangansett Pier Station. Courtney made cupcakes and met some of the firefighters and EMTs who responded to the scene that evening. They showed us the Rescue truck in which Courtney was transported and the jaws of life and other equipment used to extricate Courtney from her car. We took Courtney's picture with the crew and thanked them profusely for saving Courtney's life.
We had lunch with Trooper Brendan Doyle and his Mom. Brendan and Courtney talked about their recoveries and commiserated about therapy. It was great to talk with someone who understands what we are going through.
I went back to work on Monday. It was quite a transition for everyone. Courtney stayed with friends and did a great job with schoolwork.
Courtney's attention to school work has increased dramatically. From 10 minutes 5 weeks ago- to 30 minutes then 1 hour and a huge jump to 4 hours! Courtney now does 4 hours of schoolwork straight through. She is reviewing some basic math concepts, other visual spacial concepts that are challenging, reading and comprehension exercises.
This past week has demonstrated to us that while Courtney has made enormous strides there's a long way to go. This part of the recovery is similar to the long uphill climb at mile 20 of the Boston marathon. It's time to dig in, remind ourselves of how far we have come and try not to focus on the long 6 miles ahead to cross the finish line.
Courtney has her challenges and we all have ours as we remind ourselves that while we've been blessed with courtney's amazing recovery, her personality is in tact, and she clearly will make a full recovery, there's alot of stuff to work through in the process.
As I explained to courtney: Imagine if I took everything out of your closet and bureau, dumped it on the floor and told you to find one single sock. Sometimes the sock is at the top of the pile, sometimes in the middle and sometimes at the bottom. We never know where the information Courtney is searching for is at the top, middle or bottom of the pile. But we know she must search for it. It's a confusing, frustrating and sometimes discouraging process.
As always, Courtney's determination is inspiring us all to stay strong, pray for strength and love one another along our way.