Prayers for a little girl

[M. J. Notigan]

Richard,
My thoughts and prayers go out to your Natalie and to you and your family. The cards we are sometimes dealt in this life. With all of the miserable news in my homestate, it is heartening indeed to hear your little princess has spoken. What a heart tugging moment that must have been! God bless you all!
Take Care,
Mike

And congrats to the new addition to your family!

[hokiefan]

Well, there was a break-through today. After her speech therapist finished with their session today, Natalie reached out, touched her and
said, "all done". These were not only the first words she's spoken since the accident six months ago, but also the first sounds of any kind she's made. The reaching out and touching was a major move also. Needless to say, everyone is estatic about this development. It means her brain is working and there is hope. Miles and miles to go, but there is hope.

This brings a happy tear to my eye...

Cheers,

Bobby

[pcford]

Well, there was a break-through today. After her speech therapist finished with their session today, Natalie reached out, touched her and
said, "all done". These were not only the first words she's spoken since the accident six months ago, but also the first sounds of any kind she's made. The reaching out and touching was a major move also. Needless to say, everyone is estatic about this development. It means her brain is working and there is hope. Miles and miles to go, but there is hope.

Oh, that is just wonderful...I have to say that I only reluctantly have been reading the thread...there is so much sadness in the world...but the worst of all is bad things happening to children. Little bodies and nervous systems are very plastic...here's hoping she will be back at 100%!

I had a crappy day today...so great to end it with this great news...all the best to the family!

[Rich Jones]

Tomorrow will be the first anniversery of the accident. Natalie hasn't progressed much since my last posting. Still being fed via a tube implanted in her stomach. Still in a diaper, lying in bed most of the day. Very limited muscle control. I recently spoke to a brain-surgeon neighbor of mine who was saddened when he heard she couldn't swallow. He said that the swallowing instinct is one of the most basic and to lose that does not bode well for a good recovery. She continues to have small advances, but nothing major is now expected.
I think the family has come to grips with the fact that the little girl they knew is now gone, but they are adjusting to and loving the little girl they now have. They have a very large and extended family living close by providing lots of support.
But, the next few days will be very rough for them as they mark the one year date.
Again, thanks for all your concerns.

[BrianW]

I can't find the right words. Thanks for the update.

Prayers and best wishes continue...

[Bernadette]

yes thank you for keeping us informed.
its heartbreaking to read of natalie's condition and that she is still in such a poor state of health.

poor child. some of us do get dealt the worst cards in life.

i will say a prayer for the little one.

[Ian McColgin]

A terrible anniversary. I hope that their hearts are free of vengence and have compassion for the other driver and I hope that the other driver accepts his responsibility and faces full justice. Meanwhile, your family's love for Natalie is a wonderful gift to all.

[TomF]

Rich, I am heartbroken for you, your family, the little girl, etc.

I won't spout platitudes, but will continue to pray for you all.

[Paul Pless]

damn

[Rich Jones]

A terrible anniversary. I hope that their hearts are free of vengence and have compassion for the other driver and I hope that the other driver accepts his responsibility and faces full justice. Meanwhile, your family's love for Natalie is a wonderful gift to all.

The other driver was very remorseful, but that doesn't really help Natailie. I believe the family is free of vengence and is just concentrating on Natalie. Of course, lawyers are involved, but the guy doesn't own a pot to piss in, so whatever limit his auto insurance is, that's probably all they'll get. God only knows what a lifetime of care is going to cost.
Whether the guy was ever charged with anything, I don't know. The family is very closed-mouthed about it and I don't want to pry.

[htom]

Prayers, and hugs, for her and those caring for and about her. Tears, too, but they are of little use.

[Spin_Drift]

So sorry to hear this.

[M. J. Notigan]

Rich, so sorry to hear this. As glorious as this day has been, working outside in the sun, it was very sobering to come inside and read this update. Just terrible news. I sincerely wish little Natalie and family the best and for you, too. This is so sad from so many angles. Prayers for a little one will be said tonight....
Take Care,
Mike

[McMike]

Sorry to hear it Rich . . . . Life changes that fast.

[brad9798]

Sorry for this anniversary ... but thank you for the update ... has been on my mind often of the last year!

No big steps YET!

Keep the faith, brother ... I have seen some great/wonderful things happen when ALL hope was lost ...

Praying for you!

B

[B_B]

Rich, I am heartbroken for you, your family, the little girl, etc.

I won't spout platitudes, but will continue to pray for you all.

Ditto.

I am so sorry for your family - I cannot imagine.