Update on Thankfulness

Howdy, Friends! I just wanted to update everyone on a couple of new things about which I am so thankful, especially as we have entered the Christmas Season.

The lift and EZLock are a huge success in our new van! Aly took her first ride in her new "carriage" and was bewildered at first. She knew we were not at Disney World for her birthday, but she was riding in her wheelchair inside the van? "How could this happen?" she was wondering. We had told her that Daddy had bought her a new "magic carpet", but she had no idea that it would accommodate her wheelchair! On her second ride, she smiled and "kicky feeted" the entire time. She loves the skylight above her that allows views of the sky and lots of natural lighting. Of course, Miss Linda and I LOVE it, too. Now Aly is safe and comfortable without a hazardous transfer of her fragile-boned 70 pound body. Plus, the two and a half year old wheelchair goes with us instead of being left behind at home because it would not fold and fit into the trunk of the minivan. Hallelujah!

Our family has been HEALTHY! Besides normal minor colds and coughs, everyone has stayed away from the major life-threatening illnesses of last November, December and January. Last year, our family dealt with 104/105 degree fevers, vomiting, RSV, Adno Virus, and pneumonia from November 2 until December 12, plus stomach virus and the flu in January. Remember, Aly's doctors in the hospital had predicted she would not make it home for Christmas or out of the hospital at all. They also thought she would need to remain on oxygen if she did leave the hospital. Before Thanksgiving this year, we were able to buy airlines tickets to go to Disney World for Aly's birthday in February 2009. We explained that she would NOT need any "sick drama" to convince us how much she wants to be in her favorite, magical place for her special day this next year! Thank the Lord for providing this incentive early to stay healthy! I know no one can control those icky "sick" bugs, but our family LOVES Disney! Praise the Lord!

Thank you, dear friends, for praying for our family. Even though we are in the middle of flu, RSV and cold season, our family has been very healthy! We continue to keep Aly away from public places, and we continue to need your prayers to remain healthy! I also pray that your Christmas season has been healthy for your families!

By the way, I am working on my Christmas cards. I have received a few; please include our family on your Christmas card list this year. We love to see/hear from your families! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, M&R7