Friday, June 10, 2011

HI Everyone!

We got to TIRR on Thursday, about 5:30 pm and I must admit it felt very different - but good - walking in with Ashley, rather than her using her chair or stretcher. As she walked in, she was saying and waving "Hi" to everyone. We are sharing the room with an awesome 19 year old young lady named Jasmine, who is form Louisiana. Already, Ashley's nurses are amazed with her walking and talking. This morning was a busy morning starting off with drawing her blood and the morning nursing shift introducing themselves. She was assessed by therapists for PT, OT and ST. They have great goals and are very excited to get started with Ashley.

Already, Ashley is showing more interest in eating by mouth, so we pray that she will no longer need her G-Tube soon. We took a walk outside and she was playing "Touch It" with Alyssa. All the people here at TIRR are so understanding and provide so much care for their patients. WOW! They are so full of energy and faith. We have met some awesome families who have their loved ones here and I ask for you all to please pray over them.

We hope Ashley can motivate them to not loose hope and faith. Ashely is so amazing that already, she is talking more. I tell her we are not allowed to say "I can't" or "I'm tired" and we will keep working hard every day.

Tomorrow she will meet all different therapists and then we look forward to attending The Climb Support Group with John Keller and his family. Ashley brought her cross country picture and her favorite scripture with her to keep her motivated. Thank you so much for your prayers and support.

We met a wonderful man who was drawn to Ashley and came over and gave us a card that said: Happy Moments- Praise God! Difficult Moments- Seek God! Quiet Moments - Worship God! Painful Moments- Trust God! Every Moment - Thank God!

Roger Duplessis, who is a spiritual volunteer at M.D. Anderson, will now be giving us communion on Sundays plus be assisting the Chaplain communion services for other families!

We will keep you posted!

Love,
The Olivarez Family
P.U.S.H.
Phil 4:13