This Mothers Day weekend I stop to thank my Lord for all my blessings. Both of my daughters are very precious to me and I am so thankful for all the joy that they bring into my life. It is so wonderful that Holli has come so far and this Mothers Day is able to talk and laugh with me as a year ago I was just blessed to have her alive. Heather is such a wonderful daughter and has been there for me in so many ways . She has become my best friend and rock over the years. I don't know what I would have done on so many days when my strength would falter and I needed her strength. And to my Mom, I thank you for your love and showing me through your life about our Saviours love and how you are always there for our family no matter what the situation. You taught me to be strong and to keep the faith. I love you, Mom.
Therapy has started the serial casting of Holli's right arm. They have it at a 90 degree angle and Monday will take it off and stretch her arm more and recast it. I pray that with the botox and casting that her arm will improve. She has tolerated the casting well so far. She still has her good days and then her not so good days and gets very emotional at times. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Diane

Today Holli went for her first botox treatment to her neck and right arm. I pray that these treatments will make a big difference. She will get her next injections in 3 months. Holli tolerated them very well. Therapy is to restart working with her arm again next week.
Holli has been in a good mood for the past week. She is laughing more and seems calm. Some days she gets fixated on certain subjects and can get really upset about her "disability". We are all stressing that she does not have a disability but a brain injury with some physical challenges. She will quickly forget what we tell her and we just have to keep reminding her. Then on other days she will say "funny" things and just laugh at herself and sings songs along with her Ipod or the Arts station on tv. She enjoys being read to and playing Uno card game. She also loves going every Monday to get a manicure. The weather is starting to warm back up so we will be able to spend more time outside before it gets too hot and humid.

Good news Holli's botox injections have finally been approved!! She should be getting an appointment soon for her first treatment. It has taken 5 weeks for this to happen. I am so thankful that we can now start again to get Holli's right arm straightened. She has so much tone in that extremity that she desperately needs botox for us to be able to accomplish this feat.
Holli had a good friend, KT, from San Francisco visiting her this past week. They watched "The Little Mermaid" which they love to sing the songs. We have been having some beautiful spring weather. Holli and I have been going outside and ejoying the sunshine and fresh air.

This week Holli has been back to her old self of smiling and laughing. Her best friend from San Francisco, Eliza, was here to spend three days with Holli. Holli was so excited about Eliza being here. Before Eliza arrived on Wednesday, Holli dictated a letter to Eliza telling her that she was glad she was here and that she loved her. Holli was parked in the dining room at the big window watching for us to arrive. Eliza entertained Holli for the next three days, reading to her, giving her "gifts" and letters from friends back in SF. When Holli's roommate was out of the room , we would put on the music and Eliza would dance with Holli in her wheelchair. Holli again was laughing and trying to make jokes. Holli's big punch line was that she has "spinal myalgia" whenever she couldn't remember what she wanted to say and then just die laughing!! We were able to take Holli outside yesterday and enjoy the sunshine. Thanks, Eliza, for being here for Holli.

I received a phone call this morning from Holli's insurance, Amerigroup, that the doctor denied her going to Shepherd Center. I have already appealed the denial but may not know anything up to 90 days. I am reaching out to resources for help to see if there is anyone we can contact that could help with our case. I need once again your prayers for Holli and for guidance as we continue to pursue this fight to get her into Shepherds Center. I appreciate every ones love and support. I will keep you posted.
Diane

For the last several days Holli has been very sad and having very negative thoughts about her past. She has been remembering many childhood memories that have been upsetting to her. She repeatedly talks about remembering having bad feeling about people and people being mad at her and getting upset about "stupid things". She is talking constantly about all these thoughts and feelings. I keep reminding her that no one is upset with her and that she is truly loved. She gets so worked up at times that she gets a very rapid heart rate, sweaty and her skin is blotched. I know this is part of the healing process but it breaks my heart when she gets so sad and starts bawling or so anxious about her negative feeling. I pray that she will soon find peace and strength to get through this phase of her healing.
Diane

Got a call this morning from my social worker that Shepherd Center has agreed to negotiate with Holli's insurance company. It will be a hard road to get them to agree to send Holli out of network to Atlanta. We still need your prayers.
Harrison is in town to visit Holli and his friend Brody. Harrison was so shocked to see how well Holli was talking last evening. He will be in town until Wednesday and plans to visit with Holli again today. She told me that her memory is fuzzy and it is frustrating not to be able to remember. I know with time that this will get better.