Lots of little BIG improvements... and another request.

*This post is an update in a series of posts on my friend Amber, who is currently in the hospital. You can read the earlier posts here.

**Also, the family has set up a blog to keep friends and family abreast of what's going on and also to help reduce the feeling of obligation to update everyone individually. Most of the posts will be duplicates of my posts on this blog, since they have asked me to update the blog for them.

~~~~~~~~

Hi everyone!

Amber is still making slow and steady progress each day. Sunday brought a little bit of toe wiggling and a few more squeezes of the hands. Monday morning she was wide awake, which meant that by Monday afternoon, she was completely zonked. She still spends much of the day resting, which is what her body needs. Her brain waves continue to look a little better each day.

Today, she is moving her hands and feet a little better, although still not able to lift them. She moves her head only to nod ever so slightly. She continues to breathe mostly on her own, but talking is out of the question, even though she tries every once in awhile, until the tracheotomy is capped.

Early this morning, the physical therapist sat Amber up on the side of her bed, where she remained (with a lot of help) for thirteen minutes! This is an excellent start to really getting her core muscles to begin working again.

We are so thrilled with each step she makes on this road to full recovery. She still has quite a daunting road to travel, but we know she's such a strong woman. She is a walking miracle.

Your prayers on behalf of and words of encouragement to our family have been so uplifting and inspiring. We have read every comment and gained strength from each one of you. We feel your love and are so grateful.

Now that Amber is more aware and awake, we invite you to leave your thoughts and words of encouragement for her (rather than for us), as she makes her way through this. We have been reading many of your previous comments to her and she has been so happy to hear your words. Remember those smiles I told you about? Well, she has had some for you. She would love to hear from you, whether it's a few words of encouragement to lift her spirits, maybe something new that's happened in your life, or a fun, funny, or uplifting memory you share with her. She'll love it!

Thank you all so much! We love you all!
.
.
.
.