Don't you forget about me (Don't Don't Don't Don't)

Hello everyone,

We're home and SO glad to be here. I have to say, though, that the new pediatric wing at St. Francis Medical Center is absolutely amazing, and if a child has to be hospitalized, what a great place to receive great care! We had the most amazing doctors and nurses...Dr. Ray, Dr. DeCoursey, Tonya, Angela and all of the wonderful folks in ICU, and the sweetest gals on the second floor...Karen, Michelle, Roberta, and each and every one of the nurses and staff who took such wonderful care of Sahara. The inpatient rehab team helped get her moving again, and we thank all of the PT and OT therapists. You are ALL fantastic, and we appreciate you so much!

The shunt has helped Sahara tremendously. It's remarkable how much difference it has made in the time it has been in place. She feels better, is much more alert, and is working hard to get back to the level of movement she had before the fluid started building up inside her pretty head. She had to start all over with her hair, unfortunately, but as with all things she has taken it in stride.

Sahara wants all of her friends to know that she loves them and hasn't forgotten about them. One of these days, she is going to feel like hanging out again, talking on the phone, and IM'ing at all hours. But for right now, she's resting a lot, working on physical therapy, and just trying to get better in general. It's a tough time for her now, physically and emotionally. She has missed her 7th grade year and all of the fun and excitement (and even the boring crappy stuff). It is a real drag for the girl who used to be the class clown and party planner. So please, keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and don't be offended or hurt if she can't talk on the phone or have a lot of visitors. She's working on it. :)

Some fun things...the Lady Comets are now 8-0, and there's only next week's doubleheader left in the season. We are so proud of our hardworking girls. And tonight, our beloved Lady Redhawks won the OVC - congrats to the team, Coach Pace and Coach Ish. You ALL rock!!!

And a very big, heartfelt THANK YOU to Helaine Fox, to Rick, to Pamela, and to everyone who attended the AC luncheon for Sahara. Words simply can't describe our gratitude to you all. God bless each of you, and thank you for everything. We are going to be able to keep Sahara in physical and occupational therapy for as long as she needs it!

With love,
Amy