"ONE LAST MESSAGE"

Melinda is settling in at Pate rehabilitation in Anna Texas. She isn't so homesick. It's a 6 hour drive, so we go every other weekend to see her. She is kept busy during the week with her therapies. Weekends are pretty laid back. We had her conference and stated that we wanted Melinda to have a structured and routine in the evenings and weekends. She needs repetition, repetition to remember to start doing things on her own. Melinda has to do her own laundry with a little help. She has to fold and put away her clothes. Melinda has a home bound teacher from Anna School that comes to the rehab and teachers her Government and English IV. This is really going to help her cognitive and memory. The school is working closely with Melinda to see how she handles school work. Melinda is working hard to build her strength. She has started using a treadmill and walks about 30 minutes. They are also having her walk on different surfaces to help with balance and coordination. She has even got to use the cane but only in physical therapy. They also have started her in the pool using the treadmill. Melinda really liked that. Melinda said, "I am finally starting to feel my muscles again." OT is working with Melinda's right arm and hand and it seems to be getting better. Melinda is getting to type on the computer to work her fingers and strengthen them. She still wants to just use her left hand and so she gets tired of us telling her to use that right hand. Melinda also has a counselor that talks with her about what her limitations are with her disabilities. Sometimes it is frustrating for Melinda to understand. She only understands that she is 18 and a teenager and an adult. The rehab evaluated Melinda and have chosen March 12Th to be her discharge date, which happens to be her birthday. She is excited that she gets to have a birthday party and a coming home party on the same day. We will all be excited to be home again.

I want to thank each and everyone that helped Melinda and our family get through this difficult time. I know this journey we're on isn't over, but with every day God continues to heal her and with all the continuing of prayers she will cross that finish line with the biggest smile on her face. We are so humbled and blessed by all the caring, love and support we received and we know that our God is Alive! Don't lose faith, Never!

I want to try and thank everyone for your kindness. There were a lot of people that helped Melinda. All the profressional medical staff that stabilized her for the trip to OKC, Ballard Aviation for flying her safely to OKC, OU Medical Trauma ICU and all the doctors and nurses that worked around the clock to save Melinda, Select Specialty Hospital, Dr. Huff, nurses, respiratory and therapist for all their hard work to get Melinda to the next level, Jim Thorpe Rehab, Dr. Smith, nurses and all the therapist that worked hard to get Melinda started being an 18 yr. old teenager again.

Melinda and her family are very humbled by all prayers, love and support we received over the past year. God Bless you all!! We are blessed to have our beautiful daughter home.