Happy Veterans Day, today we pay our respects to those brave men and women who serve our country. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.
On Oct 8 I received a devastating phone call that my sister, Abbie, had been hit by a truck while our riding her bicycle. She had been airlifted to the hospital and was in the ICU with severe brain trauma, internal injuries and broken bones. The next 72 hours were filled with anxiety as the extent of her injuries was assessed and reassessed. She was capable of recognizing her family but had no memory of the accident. With hard work and determination she was able to come home on Oct 31 after three weeks in a traumatic brain injury unit. That woman is a trooper and has made a remarkable recovery at this point. She still has a very long road ahead but has been released from the hospital with continued outpatient therapy. We were all so ecstatic to have her come home.
I made plans to come up the first week in November, hoping that she would be well enough for a visit never expecting her to be home. I contacted my other sisters to make plans to get together with them to celebrate both her homecoming and her birthday. It was fantastic seeing them all and it was so good to see Abbie doing so well after what she had been through.
I stayed with our daughter and her family for my 9 day visit, which also coincided with Audrey’s 10th birthday. I had the added bonus of celebrating her day and got to experience her sleepover party complete with several science experiments. Research elephant toothpaste on line for just one of the many fun science tests the girls took part in.
I also enjoyed a bit of the cold weather while I was there and even saw snow. First time in four years since we came down the ICW that I experienced the white stuff. It surprised me that I missed the change in seasons and that, while I was freezing, it did put me in a holiday mood.
The picture is of the four sisters, grateful to be able to all be together. Abbie is in the center with Mary to her left and Jill peeking between Abbie and I.