December 23, 2009

Melinda has been really busy this past month. Melinda continued to receive home health therapies 3 times a week. As Melinda progressed, it was decided that she needed outpatient therapy. It was exciting to know that she would be using new equipment to help her walk and strengthen her right arm. Melinda is working hard to get her balance and coordination.

Melinda started back to high school for her senior year. We decided that it would be best for her to do 1/2 days, 3 days a week. Melinda would also need an aide to go to school with her, to help her from class to class and with her assignments. The school didn't have an aide for Melinda and so we prayed and god brought Melinda's friend Carolyn. Melinda was so excited to see all her teachers and classmates. Melinda went to school for a week when we got a call from the rehab in Texas. We were told about Pate Rehabilitation in Texas back in October that helped with post traumatic brain injuries like Melinda's. I had taken Melinda to Dallas Texas to be evaluated and the case manager said Melinda would be a good candidate. Pate rehab had been talking to our insurance and they approved Melinda to go starting December 15th. The insurance approved the first 30 days but could as long as 3 months. We packed her bags and headed to Anna Texas. It was a fast and busy day getting Melinda admitted and meeting all the therapist so they could evaluate her. We went to the main house to see Melinda's room to unpack her things. Her room is like a mini apartment. She has a refrigerator, washer & dryer and a separate living area. When we started this process to get Melinda to this rehab, we were told that the insurance would say no and she wouldn't be allowed to go. We all prayed and never lost our faith that this was where Melinda needed to be to continue her recovery. It was very emotional, mostly for me to say goodbye to Melinda. She let me know this week that she isn't so homesick and is meeting new friends. As a mom that makes my heart feel a little bit better. We are driving down on Christmas day to see Melinda and visit for a few days. Please keep Melinda in your daily prayers that she continues to progress. I pray to God that he continues to give us strenght to stay strong and to never lose faith.