Monday, January 21, 2008

One Year Ago...

...things were a lot different than they are today, and that's a good thing. I went into Annie's room this morning, secretly hoping that she'd look up at me and say "Good morning!" But what I got was almost as good--she stretched her right arm waaay over her head, and turned and looked up at me while I gave her her morning medicine. Last March, when we brought her home from the hospital--after 52 days--she couldn't do a thing with her right arm. It just flopped from side to side.

God has brought her a long way. He's brought US a long way. Just think about it--last January the doctors told us that they didn't know if she would ever again see, hear, move, or understand what we were saying if she did hear! Today she can see, her hearing is perfect, she has regained much use of her body and continues to make more "normal" movements, and when we say things like, "Annie, lay down so I can change your pants," she lays down!

Bill even noted yesterday that her laughing and giggling--a new thing this week--is associated with funny things. So we can tell she has a sense of humor again, which, of course, is a prerequisite to living in our house. And although I'd still trade this past year in a minute for, say, a month in Tahiti, I get that sometimes God has another route down the yellow brick road planned for us. And He has held our hand as we walked through each day, giving us strength, comfort, healing, and hope--largely through answers to YOUR prayers.

Thank you and thank God!

Jean

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Sullivans- Gina Strom sent out a prayer request for Annie for the anniversary and I am so glad she did. It's a great reminder to check the blog again- I hadn't since before the holidays. It's so great to hear of Annie's continued improvements and abiblites to respond to loved ones with smiles and giggles. The year has gone by so quickly. Thanks to God that she is here on earth, alive and growing. The alternative is unimaginable. Although we are not sure yet why we are sent down certain paths I pray that in the this new year for Annie, and each new one after, that this purpose is made more and more clear. Annie is such a tender heart and you all have allowed God to use you in such patient and adoring ways to protect her soul and provide the most love possible. Big, Big jewels in heaven and a daughter and family that has no waivering doubt of how far their parents love reaches out for them. Stay strong. Love, Maurita Colburn (PS Annie didn't like to use her arms to hold her bottle when she was a baby either- I remember she had her arms limp and you would have to hold her bottle to her mouth. So it might make sense that her arms are the last big motor skill she's interested in improving. I dunno, just a thought.)

Gretchen said...

God is so evident in your perspective, Jean. Blessings today and always. xxxooogretchen

Anonymous said...

Hello Sullivan Family....

One year and much to thank and praise God for....Annie's life and continued progress, her wonderful parents, and loving siblings. We rejoice with you as Annie continues to thrive and astound everyone! What an amazing testimony your faith and family are. You represent HIM so well and it is easy to love you all! Blessings!

The Dinneen's

Gretchen said...

It's been at least 2 weeks since I've seen a picture...

Just sayin'. ;)

Jean Sullivan said...

Maurita--you're right, she didn't move her arms much when I fed her...I forgot! You have a good memory.:)

Gretchen--thanks for your constant encouragement!

Dinneen's--thank you, thank you.:)

U.Jeff--:)

Gretchen--I'm working on a video--stay tuned.

Anonymous said...

It's been 3 weeks since I saw the blog. Reads like a new chapter. I like it.
love