Mom and Dad's Update

Over 300 bears have been collected thanks to your generosity.

In a monumental effort, all the bears will find homes between now and Christmas thanks to Nora Mullen and many volunteers who will help to distribute them.

Some of the places where the bears will go include Hasbro, Wom&Infants NICU, Smith St Day Care Center (where Courtney volunteered), Ronald McDonald House and others.

Courtney had another busy day in rehab. OT came in and stretched Courtney out exercising her upper body and testing the strength of her torso and neck. Overall Courtney's posture is good and she has retained good strength in her torso. Her neck is very tight and will be treated with warm compresses and massage to loosen things up.

Later PT came in and stretched legs and feet testing the level of 'tone' or stiffness in her muscles and joints. This will be the focus for the first week here as the team wants to immediately reverse any effects these may have on Courtney to enhance her overall recovery.

Courtney met Dr. Katz today, her neurologist. Dr. Katz did a brief exam and spoke with Courtney and us for sometime. He has a tremendous reputation in this field and is a leading researcher in TBI.

Mary and Dottie once again did an excellent job of taking care of Courtney. Nana sat with Courtney throughout the night and said that she did very well.

Katy and Claudia brought more loose fitting comfy clothes for Courtney today and made a poster of pictures labeled that will help therapists work with Courtney on memorization.

Courtney will learn to use basic signals to let everyone know if she is in pain, sad, upset, etc as soon as possible.

Courtney's room is beautifully decorated with cards, Christmas stuff and of course her teddies.

Today I showed Courtney the advent wreath made by the Murphy's now with all 4 candles 'lit'.

It's hard to believe these 4 weeks of Advent have gone by. The difference between the first time I showed Courtney the wreath and today is significant. She understands so much more and watches everything closely.

Dr. Katz believes these small signs of improvement within the minimally conscious stage are a good indication that she will continue to improve but once again warned us that improvements will take time.

We continue to pray for a speedy recovery but know that God will bring Courtney back to full health in his time. We are so grateful this Christmas that she is with us and know every day that things could be so much different. That our shattered hearts might not ever have had a chance to be pieced together again - but thank God for his mercy. We believe that some day our hearts will be whole again and joyful.