Sunday, September 26, 2010

Hello everyone,
We have received more blessings during the past several weeks! We had asked for prayers for Ashley to be approved for a home provider and I had mentioned how I wished she could be going all week to therapy, rather than just three days out of the week. Well, you all prayed for our Ashley and our prayers have been answered! On Wednesday the 15th a case worker came to our house to meet Ashley and take an evaluation. By Friday, she called us to tell us that Ashley had been approved for a home provider. Everything fell into place! Then on Monday the 20th, Ashley started going all week long to therapy for the next three weeks. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!
I am excited to see her continued progress as she will have intense therapy all week. Ashley also had an eye doctor's appt. on Thursday and it's unexplainable but after several exams and procedures, David was told that she did not need to wear her eyeglasses. Her vision was fine!! She was only prescribed eye drops for the dryness that she is experiencing. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST. PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7.

We all continue to work with her at home to assist in her talking and eating. Sometimes she will say words and when you ask her to repeat them she won't. It's as if she is giving you one chance to hear her and that's it! I know a lot has to do with motor planning and re-thinking what and how to do things. Throughout the day and night, her schedule requires someone to assist her in everything. She needs guidance, repeated commands and lots of rest, with everything she is needing to do. After work, we spend time together walking inside and outside of the house assisting her with every turn and step she takes. We had her try out her new three wheel bike outside. The first time was kinda rough but then we tried it again. We had to slow her down because she almost had us running along the side with her. David had to modify the bike so she would be more comfortable. When the neighbors waved and praised her she picks up her hand and waves and smiles. We are still working her on swallowing. We have tried feeding her her favorite foods and she chews very well but then stops and holds it.

She is in Gods hands and on his time and he knows how he needs to heal her. Thank you to Father Richard who has been visiting Ashley throughout her progress. Your special words to Ashley were very comforting to us. Thank you to all the good friends we have seen through out our return. Thank you for your patience and giving us time to adjust at home. Your prayers and kind words are very encouraging to us. It is wonderful to know that Ashley is not forgotten and continues to be loved and prayed upon by so many. When her friends text her a message on her phone I read it out to her and text them back. Thank you all for keeping Ashley in your hearts and prayers. I am happy to hear how Ashley has motivated and changed the way of thinking for so many of our young loved ones. Already she is making a change and she has not even gotten started! The Lord has a plan for her. Please share her story and blog page with others.

We were excited to receive a phone video from John Keller and he also came to visit Ashley again this past Friday. He was very excited to see her new progress from the last time he saw her which was back in June. John's first words when I re-introduced Ashley to John were, "Is that Ashley, Is that Her? She looks so Good!" and with very confident and motivating words John also said, "Oh don't worry, Ashley is going to be just fine! The Lord is taking care of me and He is doing the same for Ashley!". Please read his book about his great Miracle: John Keller - A Miracle- On the Road to Recovery A True Story or visit his blog page as well: http://www.johnkellersmiracle.com/.

You must visit his blog page and read all the prayers for different people in very difficult situations but yet have strong faith. Ashley's story is in there as well so her prayers have spread throughout. The past is slowly fading away and our hearts are not feeling so much pain. We look forward to the future because the Lord is healing our Ashley and he has blessed us so much.

To all her dear friends; take care of yourself and your loved ones. Do not stay quiet always protect yourself and your friends. Stay close to your parents and focused in School and follow the Lord for he will bring you many blessings. Praise Him and ask Him everyday to protect you. Always help someone and give to the needy. There is so many good things for you in this world and the Lord is always there next to you. All you need is FAITH.
Thank you,
Lourdes Olivarez,
God Bless and Have a Great Day!