UPDATES
February 18 2003 Update
Marla’s level of awareness continues to increase steadily. At the same time, she is also now prone to “flooding” – an overload caused by excessive environmental stimuli or emotional reaction to her frustrations when she cannot communicate. She cries often. This is very difficult for her, and for us to see her sadness, but be unable to console her.
On the exciting side, she has been fitted with a smaller wheel chair that allows her to use her legs to walk herself to her therapies. She enjoys the freedom of being able to move herself and choose where she wants to go (as long as it is in the general direction of her therapy classes). She also has been fitted with the next smaller size of tracheostomy tube, so we are anxious for her to pass her last swallowing test with thin liquids so that it can be removed. Marla also enjoyed a visit from her and Rob’s golden retriever, Woody, this past weekend. He passed all of his health inspections with the vet and with Craig’s therapeutic recreation department which supervises animal visits, so Woody is “certified” to visit Marla any time. Woody makes an excellent therapy dog. He gave Marla kisses (licked her hand) and was excited to see her, but gentle. He also proved popular with other Craig residents, and visited with several other patients, who appreciated his love.
Marla also continues to speak. At times her speech is very slurred and nearly impossible to understand. At other times, it is clear. Monday morning, when Peggy, Marla’s occupational therapist, greeted her with a “Good Morning!” Marla replied, “Hi, honey!” So she continues to surprise us and give us a smile. Again, thank you to everyone who continues to support Marla, and to all those who have left messages of love and encouragement. We are blessed by all of you.