Saturday, February 7, 2009

I see the moon and the moon sees me...

This evening I was washing my hands at the kitchen sink where the window looks out on the garden in my backyard. Above the trees the moon had just appeared, and I thought of how Annie used to like to look up at the moon and stars at night. Hmmm...maybe someday she'll do that again, I thought.

Things take time--that's something I've learned over and over since Annie got sick. The first year I was so driven to maximize all of her waking moments because, after all, the experts said whatever recovery she made in 12 months was all she'd achieve. Then I read 2 years--2 years is the outside time limit for any meaningful recovery from brain injury.

But tonight when I tucked Annie in to bed, she reached for her pink blankie and brought it up to her nose to smell the soft, familiar scent. Hmmm, that's new, I thought. And those sounds she made today while I was singing to her were new, too. Little, almost imperceptable changes, still happening 2 years post-injury.

Her schoolteacher, Amanda, asked me last week if I could come in for a meeting to update Annie's IEP. She said Annie's made some big changes since Christmas, and has met most of her goals, so it's time to make new ones. Like maybe looking up into the night sky at the moon and the stars?

Jean

Look up toward the sky.
Who created everything you see?
The Lord causes the stars to come out at night one by one.
He gives each one of them a name.
His power and strength are great.
So none of the stars is missing. Isaiah 40:26

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praising God for these continued signs of healing. And I am going to keep right on praying and believing God CAN and WILL keep right on healing Annie!!

Gretchen said...

Nice new look, Jean. Love the new pic of Annie.

She may have a brain injury, but she's still a little girl. And little girls learn and smell their blankies and do new things. xxxooo

Anonymous said...

Dear Jean.... It is wonderful to hear about Annie's progress.... The best is yet to come.... I WILL photograph her running....someday....soon!!

Hugs to you, Kerri

Anonymous said...

Sue--thanks for your prayers--it means SO much to me that you, and many others continue to pray for Annie.

Gretchen--thanks for the compliment on the website...I looked for pink, but I couldn't figure it out. Green is good for now!

Kerri--the day she begins to run is the day I call you to come over for a photo shoot--but don't be surprised if there's a crowd here too!

Unknown said...

Jean- I didn't know you had this blog, but I'm so glad you do and that I've found it! It's wonderful to see how much Annie has grown. I'm sure she'll be pointing out constellations sooner than you think! I'll keep her in my prayers!

-Jessica Garin

Anonymous said...

I can't believe how much she looks like you A. Jean!!!! xo /k

uncle jeff said...

am i the only one who gets teary-eyed when readin these posts?

i guess i will need to read them AFTER work instead of having to wipe my eyes when someone approaches my office DURING work:)

you go, Annie... Jesus has a special place for you in His heart. a place made just for you. and He gave you the best mommy and daddy in the whole wide world.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Sullivans!
I am sorry you haven't heard from me in soooo long. My old computer died and I am just getting updated on Annie. WOW! What a difference. Praise God.

Waiting and watching again with continuing love and prayers,
Terri W

Anonymous said...

Oh I love the new picture! Wow just look at her expression and "light" of Annie inside there! Praise God for all of His wonderful healing for her and the strength and faith He has given you, Bill and the family!

Anonymous said...

Oh and I wanna come too on the day you take pictures of her running! :) WE will all be jumping for joy! :)