Courtney had an impressive day today. It started out with a bath that required help only from Mom because she was rolling from side to side herself and holding on to the railings.
Following that Courtney had ice cream for breakfast! She proved that her swallowing skills are strong and continued to make sounds with her vocal cords.
Courtney showed the strength of her abs and all those workouts in the gym paid off - as she was leaning back against Lisa, a PT with Alyssa, her regular PT was standing in front of her she leaned forward from a 45 degree angle to sitting practically straight up - on her own - with no assistance.
Courtney then moved her head and followed sounds as her Aunties, who were sitting in the room, said hello to her one at a time and she turned her head toward each of them. I called her several times from across the room and each time she picked her head up to look at me.
Later in the afternoon she was in her wheel chair and Craig was sitting in the corner behind her. I told her "Daddy sitting behind you" - Courtney leaned forward and turned her head to see her Dad!
I had just told the nurse 'we're going to take Courtney for a walk' - then Craig asked "is it okay if we take Courtney for a walk?" - If Courtney could have decked him she would have! She pulled her head forward and looked at him as if to say "what the heck are you doing? I'm out the door!"
The day continued with a wonderful visit from her bff Jillian. She looked at Jill as though she were an angel from heaven. Jillian has visited many times while Courtney was in the hospital but today was definitely Courtney's most alert visit with Jilly. The two shared tears and kisses and hugs and a wonderful visit. The best part of the visit was the 2 armed hug Courtney gave Jill. For many weeks therapists and we have been trying to get Courtney to move her right arm. The power of love was all that was needed for motivation for Courtney to raise that arm and wrap it around her friend!
A beautiful day for Courtney and we look forward to many more to come!
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2 comments:
That is wonderful news! You are such strong parents and a wonderful family. Your story has touched so many people during this holiday season and made them realize how lucky they are. Courtney is making such amazing progress daily, and will continue to, I'm sure. I can't even imagine what it would be like to have a relitive or friend in the hospital...especially during a time of joy and happiness.
Last year, my sister was in the hospital, with pneumonia, but nowhere as bad condition as Courtney. That was a extreamly hard time for my family and I.
I don't know how you make these faithful updates, and I don't know how you keep going everyday, I don't know where your faith and hope comes from. You are definatly a work of God. He is with you and Courtney, and your family and friends.
When I was Christmas shopping for my mom, a few days ago, I saw ornaments that were in the shape of globes. As I was looking for my name, I saw Courtney. I dropped all my things and said that I was going to buy this for Courtney. My stepdad was there and he said that he would buy for Courtney, from us. When we got home, I immeadeatly went on the blog to check for updates. There was one that said that Courtney had recieved a globe ornament with her name on it. My mom suggessted that I keep it and hang it on our tree, to remind us of this Christmas, and of Courtney. It is hanging on our tree now, and it looks beautiful. I see it every morning, and I say a prayer for Courtney and her family. I thank you all so much for taking time out of your day, to tell everyone about Courtney. Thank you for teaching me two great lessons: To always believe in God, and to be thankful for what you have, no matter what. God Bless.
Love, Sydney
Great news Hollingworth family! You're the best!
UB
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