Saturday evening Craig and I ventured out for the first time since November 15th. We were celebrating St. Patrick's Day at our dear friends, Maureen and Fran's home. I was anxious on the drive knowing that Courtney was also in a car that night with her sister Claudia. We got past the first 30 minutes of anxiousness and enjoyed time with friends (not in a hospital waiting room). That night we received a beautiful and heartfelt gift. Maureen had printed the entire blog, including comments, on colored paper. Each page is protected and in a three ring binder. We were moved to tears at this beautiful gesture of friendship.
Merry Christmas! Yesterday, March 22nd was Christmas for our family. We borrowed a tree from Auntie Linda which was a conversation piece and a decoration. Family and close friends came to celebrate this wonderful event. It was our first party since Courtney's homecoming and a truly blessed experience to once again have our home filled with laughter and happiness.
Santa surprised Courtney by leaving a couple of things under the tree. A purple IPod to replace one she lost in the accident and a journal. As always Courtney was very grateful.
Although I said this is not a gift event I was ignored! Courtney was showered with gifts and she said "Mommy, I have a lot of presents under the tree. I don't know why." Well, Courtney you've once again brought out the best in people as we were thrilled to be able to give and in return received the gift of your happy face.
I have a large family and so there were over 50 people. Courtney did a great job with the noise, the people, the hugs and kisses and more hugs and kisses, etc. She still generally requires a quiet environment with low stimulation so her ability to enjoy herself yesterday was an accomplishment in itself.
Now it's time to put away the St. Patrick's Day and Christmas decorations - Spring has arrived and Easter is almost here!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Mass of Thanksgiving for the Miracle of Courtney's Recovery
There will be a special mass of thanksgiving to celebrate Courtney's recovery and pray for continued and complete healing.
A very special friend Carol gave us bracelets with the inscription "I am grateful" - YES we are!
Along with the bracelet was the story of someone visiting the rooms in heaven - the rooms were filled with angels working on the requests sent up via prayer to heaven. There was one room that was nearly empty - the 'thank you' room. We hope to fill that room on April 23rd with thanks to God for Courtney's miraculous healing.
We hope to see you all there - those whom we know and meet new friends who have followed Courtney's story and prayed along with us, who are friends in spirit and hope.
All demominations are welcome!
Thursday, April 23rd at 7pm LaSalle Academy.
Specific location, directions, etc. will be posted prior to.
Please post a comment (which can be anonymous) if you are planning to come and the # of people attending so that we can plan accordingly.
Thank you!
A very special friend Carol gave us bracelets with the inscription "I am grateful" - YES we are!
Along with the bracelet was the story of someone visiting the rooms in heaven - the rooms were filled with angels working on the requests sent up via prayer to heaven. There was one room that was nearly empty - the 'thank you' room. We hope to fill that room on April 23rd with thanks to God for Courtney's miraculous healing.
We hope to see you all there - those whom we know and meet new friends who have followed Courtney's story and prayed along with us, who are friends in spirit and hope.
All demominations are welcome!
Thursday, April 23rd at 7pm LaSalle Academy.
Specific location, directions, etc. will be posted prior to.
Please post a comment (which can be anonymous) if you are planning to come and the # of people attending so that we can plan accordingly.
Thank you!
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.
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.
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