June 2003 Update
Marla, Mary and Leo continue their busy schedule of therapy at Craig. Marla was disappointed to learn that Jean and Peggy, her PT and OT from the very beginning at Craig, were being re-assigned to other patients. The primary duty for both is inpatient therapy, and with new patients coming in, both were needed on the inpatient team full-time. Marla had grown to like them both very much, and was sad to have to transition, but she understood. She continues to enjoy working with Celeste, her new PT, Marcy, her speech therapist, and Lisa, who works with her on recreation therapy in the pool. Marla has switched to a Monday, Wednesday and Friday schedule, each day with 6-7 hours of physical, occupational, and speech therapies. She now gets a day of rest on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so that helps her to keep up with the hard work of the long days at Craig!
On 5/31 and 6/1, Marla, Mary, and Leo packed up their belongings from the Brooks’ house on Race Street, and moved back up to Marla’s townhome in Northglenn, where she had been living up until the accident. It was a lot of work to move. Marla was a bit apprehensive about the move at first, but she and Mary and Leo seem to have settled in comfortably. Since Marla is back home, her cat Puck is living with her again, and she really enjoys his company as he snuggles with her at bedtime each evening.
On Friday 6/5, Marla visited the opthalmologist, where she underwent a minor procedure to plug the tear ducts of her eyes. It is hoped that this will improve the moisture in her eyes and reduce their sensitivity, since she is still unable to close them completely when blinking or sleeping. The plan is still for her to have surgery toward the end of June to help repair the bones in her inner ear, which hopefully will help to improve her hearing and comprehension.
On a recent visit to Glenwood Springs, on Memorial Day weekend, Marla enjoyed riding the new Iron Mountain Tramway to the Glenwood Caverns, north of town, where she took in the incredible views during a beautiful spring day in the mountains. Be sure to drop by and see the updated Photo Gallery to see pictures!
During the same weekend, Marla surprised her family by playing the piano! It took some prompting, as she was anxious that she wouldn’t be able, but when Mark pulled out some familiar sheet music, she joined right in, playing along with her un-injured left hand! She played the right notes, in the right key, and in the correct rhythm. Mary and Leo were very excited and moved to hear her making music again.
Marla also enjoyed watching a video that the students from her class at Glacier Peak put together for her. They each offered their heartfelt greetings and wishes, and gave updates on what they learned and on their plans for the summer. It brought tears to Marla’s eyes to hear their tender thoughts for her, always expressed with the purity and honesty of a child.