March 11 2003 Update
Marla is currently fighting off a head cold. Her symptoms seem to be fairly minor, mainly some congestion and a cough, but it is hard to know exactly how she feels because of her limited ability to communicate. It is apparent that her cold has made her tire more easily. However, she rested well over the weekend and seemed to be feeling better as she began this week’s therapies on Monday.
Over the past several days, Marla has appeared the most calm and aware that she has been since coming to Craig. She does not become upset and agitated nearly as easily, and her attention span has improved. She continues to enjoy spending time outside, and the beautiful if unpredictable Colorado weather offered ample opportunity for outdoor activities this weekend. With temperatures in the mid-60’s on both Saturday and Sunday, Marla enjoyed several extended walks (in her wheelchair) around the grounds, each lasting 40-45 minutes. She certainly knows the route to follow to get outside. When arriving at the elevators, she always presses the “down” button in the proper sequence, and “1” to get to the first floor entrance, and does the same in reverse when going back to her room.
Marla continues to show her feisty side once in awhile. The snowstorms of a week ago left some piles of un-melted snow in the shade of buildings, and Missy, Marla’s friend and fellow teacher from Glacier Peak, asked her if she would like to throw a snowball at Mark. When offered one that had been hastily packed from the rapidly melting snow piles, Marla quickly obliged, hitting Mark in the knee. Payback time for all the “big brother” stunts she has had to put up with all these years!
She continues to walk upright more often, with the support of two people, one on either side, for safety. When getting up to eat or use the restroom, her rehabilitation technicians usually have her walk to get there. Also, the incision from her tracheostomy tube, which was removed on Monday March 3rd, 2003, is healing nicely.
On Wednesday, March 5th, 2003, Marla enjoyed a visit from Mary’s sister, Aunt Judy, her cousin Brad, and Uncle Joe, from Aspen. Marla has always had a soft spot for Brad, and when she saw him, she immediately reached out and grabbed hold of his hand. We are encouraged that she continues to show responsive emotions, and clear recognition of familiar faces. Aunt Judy went to several of Marla’s therapies with her. In afternoon speech therapy, Judy mentioned to Heather Wilson, Marla’s speech therapist, that Marla has always enjoyed music, both singing and playing the piano. Heather brought up a program on her computer in which a character sings a sequence of words matched to musical pitches, which Marla had to reproduce. True to form, Marla matched each one perfectly. This shouldn’t be any surprise to anyone who knows of her musical talents, and that she learned to play piano entirely by ear before learning to read music!
Every month, Marla’s team of physicians, nurses, and therapists gets together with the family for a conference to review her progress, and to plan a near-term course of action to offer her the best therapies to meet her needs. The next conference is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, March 11th, 2003 . Right now, the plan is for Marla to be discharged from the Craig in-patient program in early April. This doesn’t mean going home, at least in the near-term future. She will need to come back to Craig several times per week for on-going therapies on an out-patient basis for the foreseeable future. Her progress at this point in time, however, is very encouraging.
Marla’s recreational therapist feels that she is ready for an outing away from Craig hospital. The plan is for a fun visit to the park, or to a pet store to see some puppies and kittens, on the afternoon of March 11th. Marla is also working on creating some beautiful artistic candles by imprinting the wax with flowers and leaves as a part of her recreational therapy.
Mary and Leo continue to work hard with Marla each day, practicing the care skills that they will need to exercise when she is discharged. Leo continues to manage the financial and legal matters, and Mary acts as Marla’s medical advocate, keeping in constant tune with her drug regimen, her therapies, and is certainly the single focal point of information regarding her treatments.
As always, we appreciate the tremendous support for Marla. It is clear to us from the incredible tidal wave of caring that was exhibited by the community from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond as a part of her benefit dinner on March 7th, that she is a very valued and precious light in the lives of many. We are blessed by Marla’s light that continues to brighten each day, as the flame of her inner spirit is kindled by your prayers and love.