Friday August 31, 2007

What a wonderful day! Kelsi started in speech therapy by showing that she can still read, do arithmatic and solve logical problems. Even though she can only mouth the words, it was clear that she was reading what the therapist wrote on the white board. The therapist would write two different words on the white board and ask Kelsi to point to a particular word. Kelsi would look at the two words and point to the correct one. Then she wrote 2 sentences and asked Kelsi to point to the sentence that said, "I like to shop". Kelsi did it. She gave her answers to the simple addition problems by holding up fingers. She showed improvements in physical therapy and did well in the occupational therapy session.

"I'm Back!!!" That is what Kelsi's personality said today. First thing to show up - her sense of humor. The therapist was having her grab bean bags from her hands and put them in a barrel. When she had just two bags left for the therapy session, the assistant therapist, sitting next to Kelsi, jokingly said, "Kelsi, you should put the bean bag on Daddy's head." She took the next bean bag and put it in the barrel. Then she took the final bean bag, and to everyone's surprise she put it right on top of Daddy's head. No-one thought she even heard the assistant say it. She proved she is listening to everything by following through on the suggestions. She was so proud of herself and it showed in the smile on her face.

Her face is showing expression and the far-away sad look is gone much of the time. It gets better. After Dad fed her 1-1/2 cups of pureed spaghetti (yum yum) and some apple sauce, dad asked Kelsi to say, "I love Mom". She mouthed the words and broke out in a big smile. Everyone was excited with the response. The therapist, wanting to be sure Dad wasn't left out said, "Kelsi, Do you love your Daddy too?" Kelsi sat, pondered the question for a moment, looked straight at Dad with wide open eyes and then responded with this expression (photo on the right):

Was this expression an accident? No! She repeated it just to be sure we knew. Later during the afternoon as we described the incident to the nurses she decided to demo the look a few more times. Her Mom managed to catch it on her cell phone. The look was strangely familiar. Among the photos she took of herself prior to the accident, we found the photo shown on the left. She's practiced that look a number of times. Those of you who know Kelsi well have seen this face many times. Now that part of her personality is blooming forth.

Kelsi also had a visit from a group of friends (next photo). When they first saw Kelsi, most of them shed some tears, but that didn't last. Kelsi hugged away the tears from each of them. After just a few minutes, Kelsi seemed to recognize them and had to stand up with them and 'hang out'. They told stories of things that they had done togther. One funny story brought a silent laugh from Kelsi. All the motions of laughing, but no sound.

At the end of the visit, Kelsi was too tired to stand or sit. She had the greatest day since she fell and now it was time to rest. Once settled in bed she fell soundly asleep.

For all of you who are praying for Kelsi, remember that the blessings of this day are profound and that the Lord has heard your prayers in abundance. We thank you for your faith and prayers.