Hello Everyone!

Friday Morning (8/20/10)came around and we were all packed and just cleaning and gathering the last items together. Dr. Currie came in early in the morning with his White tail deer tie to remind Ashley of the deer we have in South Texas. If I didn't mentioned it before Dr. Currie has a big collection of ties and wears a different one everyday to interact with his patients. He wished us the very best and wished many blessings for Ashley. We got the last discharge paperwork from our nurse and we then we off to Ashley's going home party with another chocolate cake and more gifts. There was mixed emotions for all of us. We took pictures and gave hugs and said our goodbyes. We told them we will be back in November for Ashley's follow up appointment.

After leaving the hospital the first place we took Ashley was the San Fernando Cathedral Church downtown. She looked around and immediately her eyes were drawn to Jesus on the cross at a distance. We took her around the cathedral and prayed and gave lots of thanks. We then went to the River Center Mall because she had nodded yes when previously asked if she wanted to go there. She did very well in her wheelchair and with the people. On Saturday we went to Morgan's Wonderland outside of San Antonio. One of Ashley's therapist had informed me about this new amusement park that was specially for families with special needs loved ones. This park just opened this past April and it is beautiful. I highly recommend it to families everywhere! Everything families need to enjoy a special day with their loved ones is here and very accessible.

We first went to the Fishing Wharf where Adrian and Alyssa had a lot of fun. Adrian even got a big cat fish. We took Ashley on the train ride that takes you around the whole park. Then we went inside the gym where there was a group playing drums with other families. We participated and Ashley enjoyed the music and hitting the drum and making noise with the hand instruments. We then ate and then took Ashley to the water area. There she was able to feel different pressures of water go through her fingers and move objects in the water activities. This was very good stimulation for her. We then sat at a theater where we enjoyed the talent of many young boys and girls singing and dancing for the visitors. The park was closing at 8p.m. but we left at 3p.m. because we didn't want to travel late with Ashley. She did very well on the road.

Driving up into Edinburg was exciting for me. The first thing I noticed when turning right on Monte Cristo from 281 was the new Fine Arts Auditorium at Edinburg North High School. I said WOW it looks great, the students are going to enjoy it!! Driving up to my house was exciting as well. Our fence was decorated with colored ribbons and balloons and there were welcome back Ashley signs that were made by Ashley's friend Samantha Cantu. Thank you!!

We saw my mom at the drive way and my sister came out excited and emotional to see Ashley back home. They had prepared dinner for us and rearranged Ashley's room after painting it. Thank you My Lord for bringing us all together back home safely.

On Sunday we went to mass at the San Juan Shrine. After the mass we walked the stations of the cross and had Ashley walk a little as well. David and Ashley sat down to rest and talk to a man who told David his story of how the Lord saved him from getting killed. I noticed another man had driven up in his truck and walked to our area and said, "Good afternoon" in Spanish and walked up to Ashley and place his right hand on her head and started praying over her and then walked away into the Shrine. I asked David did he know who that man was and he said NO! I said well that was odd!! As I was done praying at the station, I noticed him coming out of the Shrine and I told David should I go ask who he is or does he know us or why he did that? David said no just let it be, the Lord is here with us. I stayed dazed as to what drew him to my Ashley when Alyssa was the one sitting on the wheelchair. Maybe he was one of Our Lord's Angles? Well if your reading this, Thank you for your prayer on Sunday for Ashley and please continue to pray over her. May the Lord Bless You!

On Monday and David left with Ashley to Milestones and I left to take Alyssa to her first day of school. I then met up with them at Milestones. Ashley was already in an observation with one of the therapists. We were given a tour of the facility and met the therapists. They are so excited and eager to get started with Ashley. We took our time explaining and asking and answering questions just so that they could get to know Ashley. We then left to the parking lot and unfortunately David's truck did not want to start up. God only knows why he sent us in two vehicles. So we left his truck their and took Ashley home to rest and eat.

Later David and Adrian went to fix and bring back the truck. I went to get our wheelchair access parking tags at the County. The clerk who attended us was very nice and understanding that Ashley was not there to sign. I noticed the tags were good for four years and I told the clerk, God willing my daughter will not need these tags that long and she said, "Amen" I hope daughter gets better."

On Tuesday we started working on unpacking and washing and settled in around the house. David came across a box of all our home videos and started showing them to Ashley to see what reaction or response this would bring. Well let me tell you hearing her laugh was awesome! You all need to take the time and watch your home family videos and see your blessings through out the years! We laughed a lot. We found some really cute moments when the kids were small. Wow, how the years go by!
We had a very good evening at home.

On Wednesday we took her to her follow up appointment with Dr. Palacios. As we got out of the car at her clinic, I held Ashley's hand and said "Ready? Let's go!" She then walked in front of me and lead the way. This was different because we usually walk along her side or towards the front guiding her. Well I figured I would see where she would take me. Well she walked straight up to the entrance door and I asked Ashley are you sure this is the right door and she looked at the names on the door and nodded yes! Thank You Lord Jesus Christ. We Trust in You!

After signing her in, we turned to take a seat and I was wondering if we would run into someone we know. Well sure enough the Lord brought me to see my sister in Christ, Sylvia Requenez (who stayed with Ashley at home while we were at the benefit bar-b-q). She was so happy and we hugged so tight and she hugged Ashley and loudly praised the Lord for his beautiful work on Ashley. Ashley became emotional and happy as well. After Ashley's vitals were taken and the nurse escorted us to a room. We were greeted by Dr. Palacios and her staff with big smiles at the nurses station. Dr. Palacios told Ashley with a big surprised smile "Look at you- your walking!" The last time Ashley was in Dr. Palacios office was back in June before we left to San Antonio and Ashley was brought in through the back entrance on an ambulance bed with several machines. She is in your hands my Lord, Do your will with her!

Her progress is visible everyday. Later Wednesday evening at home she had a big smile when she saw herself in the mirror wearing her black seniors 2010 t-shirt from ENHS. We turn on the music and she moves her head with the beat and enjoys dancing with mom and dad. She sits very comfortable in the leaving room rocking chair with one leg bent up and rocking back and fourth looking at her brother and sister play a game on t.v. Her speech and swallowing of foods is still very minimal but i know she will be talking and eating all kinds of foods really soon. I told her earlier today "Ashley, you need to go to school." She looked at me and then i said "oh yea, you graduated! Your done with high school!" and she smiled. Then I said "but you still need college! Do you want to go to college?" She nodded yes! Then I asked her "Where? STC... UTPA... or UTSA?" She nodded yes to UTPA! So Everyone these are our prayers. For Ashley to recover 110%, as the Lord needs her to be so she can independently speak her testimony and help others through his grace who have lost their faith and need to be found.

Thank you to all the staff at Christus Santa Rosa Children's Rehab. We miss you so much and love you all dearly. You all are a very big part in our lives and our prayers are with you and the love you give everyday through our Lord. I truly believe there are angels by your side everyday!

Thank you all for all your continued prayers. Please continue to Praise our Lord! Amen!

Lourdes Olivarez,
God Bless and Have
a Great Day!