Sign Language

Good Afternoon,

Today or tomorrow, we should be receiving Rachel's long-term care report. This report will be the "game-plan" that we will follow as go through the recovery process.

We now have a base-line of ability to work at. She has demonstrated that she can see, can move her legs, arms, hands, feet, and breathe on her own. She isn't speaking right now, and we don't know when the speech pathologist will begin working with her.

RuthAnne and I read aloud to Rachel for about 1/2 hour late last night, which she seemed to enjoy. Every time I stopped reading, she would open her eyes until I began reading again. We then did some exercises, and ended the evening with her tearfully hand signing that she loved us.

Ryan is holding up well, as are Phil and Crystal (her parents). Now that we seem to be out of 'crisis mode', we are all focusing our energy towards the coming weeks and months, as Rachel literally re-builds her life. I would advise everyone reading this note to take full confidence in the fact that Rachel has nearly an "unfair advantage" over others in a similar situation, namely:

1. One of the most competent medical teams in the nation overseeing her recovery.
2. Unmatched support from friends and family.
3. A uncommonly healthy background, leading up to this incident.
4. A strong, stubborn mind ;)

For prayer, focus on her ability to speak and swallow, as well as the right side of her body, as it seems weaker than her left side.

More updates are soon to come.

- Josh