Thursday, September 30th, 2004~ Tracy had another good night's sleep last night. Thursday morning, Mom and Jenny ranged, stretched, and showered Tracy and got her ready for the day. Tracy does not have any formal therapy today. Jenny and Mom got Tracy on the exercise mat in her rehab corner for a manicure and pedicure. Tracy loves being pampered. What girl doesn't, right? Gloria came over to spend some time with us this afternoon. She is a great friend and always a lot of fun to have around. We found a Speech Therapist who is willing to work with Tracy. She is away in South America for three weeks, but will be ready to work with Tracy when she returns. Until then, Mom will be doing her speech therapy! Mom spent some time massaging Tracy's facial muscles (Beckman Exercises) and also used e-stim on the muscles that control her lips and cheeks. Then, Mom and Gloria fed Tracy some lemon sorbet that Liz brought her. She ate about 3 ozs of so. Mom also tried some apple juice (nectar consistency) but Tracy wasn't very interested in it. Mom also tried a little bit of Nutella, which is an Italian chocolate hazelnut spread which Tracy used to love. She seemed to like it, but it is a little sticky and thick like frosting and a little more challenging to swallow. This evening, Emil is coming over to give Tracy a massage. If you know of anyone else who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Good news! Tracy's wound is really healing well. Every 48 hours when Mom and Dad change the dressing there is marked improvement. We will continue to be patient. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from the recent four hurricanes. We hope those who have been left homeless from the storms are able to seek shelter and rebuild their homes as soon as possible! Please say a prayer for Nana. She is going into the hospital again on October 4th to have her other knee replaced.

Wednesday, September 29th, 2004~ 4 Years Since the U.S.S. Cole Explosion~ Tracy slept pretty well last night until about 6:00 AM. Wednesday morning, Mom and Jenny ranged, stretched, and bathed Tracy and got her ready for the day. Tracy had Occupational Therapy with Becky at 10:00 AM. During the OT session, Becky first positioned Tracy in side-lying and stretched her shoulders, arms, and trunk. Then, Becky, Mom and Jenny got Tracy in a sitting position on the edge of the mat. Becky got behind Tracy and supported her. Mom was in front of Tracy on the floor, helping her to keep her feet on the floor. Tracy is doing a better job keeping her right knee down and relaxed. Her spasm usually makes her draw her right knee into her chest. The bivalved night cast that Tracy is wearing on her right knee also is helping to stretch her right hamstring. We are hoping to get a new cast made as soon as Tracy sore heals. The pain from this sore on her right ischial tuberosity sometimes makes her pull her right leg in too. Tracy displayed good head control while seated on the edge of the mat and was trying really hard to right herself and hold herself up. Becky stretched Tracy's arms over Becky's knees to help support her. Tracy was able to sit up on her own for a few seconds. She is definitely getting stronger and developing increased stamina. Becky asked Tracy is she would like her two daughters Lauren and Courtney to come over and read to Tracy. Tracy responded with "AH-HA!" If you know of anyone else who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Good news! We found a Speech Therapist who is willing to work with Tracy. She is away in South America for three weeks, but will be ready to work with Tracy when she returns. Until then, Mom will be doing her speech therapy! Mom spent some time massaging Tracy's facial muscles (Beckman Exercises) and also used e-stim on the muscles that control her lips and cheeks. Tracy's wound is really healing well. Every 48 hours when Mom and Dad change the dressing there is marked improvement. We will continue to be patient. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from the recent four hurricanes. We hope those who have been left homeless from the storms are able to seek shelter and rebuild their homes as soon as possible!

Tuesday, September 28th, 2004~ Tracy slept pretty well last night from 3 AM on. Tuesday morning Mom and Jenny ranged, stretched, and bathed Tracy and got her ready for the day. Mom had a dentist appointment at 10 AM, so Gloria came over to help Jenny. (Ouch! It is not fun to get a new crown!) While Mom was gone, Jenny and Gloria stretched Tracy some more. This afternoon, Julie, Tracy's new Physical Therapist, came over to work with Tracy. Julie worked with Tracy several times in the past when she was an inpatient at National Rehab Hospital. It is so wonderful to see her again and have her work with Tracy. This session, she spent time familiarizing herself with Tracy again is was very pleased with her progress since the last time she worked with her a year ago! Julie got Tracy in a seated position on the side of the mat and was pleased with Tracy head and trunk control. She then got her prone (on her tummy) with her arms extended overhead on a wedge positioning device. Tracy tried really hard to pick her head up in this position. She is not quite there yet. Julie worked on stretching her hips, back, legs and feet in this position. Tracy was able to put weight through her shoulders and arms while prone and tolerated about 15 minutes. She would have tolerated longer if time permitted. Good news! We found a Speech Therapist who is willing to work with Tracy. She is away in South America for three weeks, but will be ready to work with Tracy when she returns. Until then, Mom will be doing her speech therapy! Sunday afternoon, our first reading volunteer, Morgan (and her mom Laurie) came over to read to Tracy. She is 12 years old and in the 5th grade. Mike, our friend Liz's son, told Morgan about Tracy. We are so glad that she came over and spent some time reading to Tracy. She read to Tracy for two hours (and Mom too) from the book Holes. It is a great story. We are looking forward to Morgan (and her mom) returning next Sunday to hear how the story ends. Thanks Morgan! You are a great reader! Tracy really seemed to be listening and stayed awake the whole time. If you know of anyone else who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Tracy's wound is really healing well. Every 48 hours when Mom and Dad change the dressing there is marked improvement. We will continue to be patient. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from the recent four hurricanes. We hope those who have been left homeless from the storms are able to seek shelter and rebuild their homes as soon as possible!

Monday, September 27th, 2004~ Tracy was up off and on Sunday night. Mom was too! It must be a full moon or maybe the planets are in disarray! Monday morning was shower day and Mom and Jenny showered Tracy and got her ready for Occupational Therapy. Mom and Jenny got Tracy on the mat in the rehab corner and Becky spent some time stretching and ranging Tracy in side-lying. Tracy really likes it when Becky stretches her trunk. Then, Becky positioned Tracy in a seated position on the side of the mat and Tracy was able to practice holding her head up. After that, Mom, Jenny and Becky got Tracy prone (on her tummy) on the wedge. Tracy was able to put weight through her shoulders and arms and Becky was able to stretch her hips and back. Trace was in prone for more than 15 minutes and seemed to be able to tolerate more if time allowed. Tuesday, Julie, Tracy's new Physical Therapist, is scheduled to come over and work with Tracy. Julie worked with Tracy several times in the past when she was an inpatient at National Rehab Hospital. It will be great to see her again. Sunday afternoon, our first reading volunteer, Morgan (and her mom Laurie) came over to read to Tracy. She is 12 years old and in the 5th grade. Mike, our friend Liz's son, told Morgan about Tracy. We are so glad that she came over and spent some time reading to Tracy. She read to Tracy for two hours (and Mom too) from the book Holes. It is a great story. We are looking forward to Morgan (and her mom) returning next Sunday to hear how the story ends. Thanks Morgan! You are a great reader! Tracy really seemed to be listening and stayed awake the whole time. If you know of anyone else who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Tracy's wound is really healing well. Every 48 hours when Mom and Dad change the dressing there is marked improvement. We will continue to be patient. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from the recent four hurricanes. We hope those who have been left homeless from the storms are able to seek shelter and rebuild their homes as soon as possible!

Sunday, September 26th, 2004~ Tracy had another good night's sleep Saturday night. It seems that she really enjoyed staying with Faith and Tannis while Mom and Dad went to dinner at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Crystal City. Mom and Dad are very grateful to have such wonderful friends. This morning, Mom and Dad bathed Tracy and got her ready for Mass. Mom, Dad, and Tracy attended noon Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington. After Mass, the three of them went for a walk to the Theodore Roosevelt monument on the George Washington Parkway. It is a really nice walk in the woods across a bridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Some of the leaves have begun to change. The wheel chair made it but it will be a lot easier when we can get Tracy back in her jogger that Uncle Johnny gave her. We have to wait until her sore is completely healed because the jogger doesn't have any padding (and Tracy doesn't have much either). This afternoon, our first reading volunteer, Morgan (and her mom Laurie) came over to read to Tracy. She is 12 years old and in the 5th grade. Mike, our friend Liz's son, told Morgan about Tracy. We are so glad that she came over and spent some time reading to Tracy. She read to Tracy for two hours (and Mom too) from the book Holes. It is a great story. We are looking forward to Morgan (and her mom) returning next Sunday to hear how the story ends. Thanks Morgan! You are a great reader! Tracy really seemed to be listening and stayed awake the whole time. If you know of anyone else who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. This evening, Mom and Dad changed Trace's dressing. It is really healing well. Every 48 hours when they change the dressing there is marked improvement. We will continue to be patient. Emil came over and gave Tracy a massage this evening. She relaxed and really seemed to enjoy it. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from the recent four hurricanes. We hope those who have been left homeless from the storms are able to seek shelter and rebuild their homes as soon as possible!

Saturday, September 25th, 2004~Congratulations Cousins Bryan and Heather who are getting married today in Massachusetts!~Tracy slept well Friday night. She is much more relaxed with this increased baclofen dose of 1500 micrograms per day. Her tone is the best we have seen since the baclofen pump was put in last March. Hopefully, we have reached the ideal dose for Tracy. This morning, Mom and Dad stretched, ranged, and bathed Tracy and got her dressed for the day. Tracy does not have any official therapy today. But, as we know, that doesn't mean that she can be lazy today. Mom and Dad got Tracy on the mat this morning and positioned her in side-lying. They stretched her trunk, shoulders and arms in this position. They were able to get Tracy's arms over her head with minimal effort. Then, Mom and Dad got Tracy into a sitting position on the edge of the mat. Tracy was able to hold her head up and practiced keeping it in the middle. Tracy has a tendency to position her head to the left of midline, especially when she is having a spasm. So, one of our goals for Tracy is to keep her head in the middle when she is sitting or lying. After this, Mom and Dad got Tracy prone (on her tummy) and had her put weight through her shoulders, arms, and wrists. Tracy's arms, wrists, and hands were very relaxed, straight, and had great range. They are definitely getting better. Dad stretched Tracy's hips (they were tight), back and legs in this position. Tracy's spine looked very straight. She tolerated being prone for 25 minutes, and could have gone longer. We will aim for 30 minutes next time. Tracy's wound is healing well. It is definitely getting better. The wound vac is working its magic! (Do I sound like an infomercial for the wound vac system!) Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Our friends Faith and Tannis are coming over this evening to stay with Tracy while Mom and Dad go to dinner. It will be nice to have them visit Tracy while Mom and Dad get a night out. Thank God for our wonderful support system. We would be lost without our friends and family. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from the recent four hurricanes. We hope Jeanne will spare the Florida coast. and that those who are homeless from the storms are able to seek shelter and rebuild their homes as soon as possible!

Friday, September 24th, 2004~ Tracy slept well last night and slept most of Friday too! Her typical day after the baclofen dose is increased. Mom was pretty tired too. This morning, Mom and Jenny stretched, ranged, and showered Tracy and got her dressed for the day. Tracy had Occupational Therapy this morning with Becky. Because she was tired, Becky let Tracy relax (sleep) while she stretched her trunk in side-lying position. Mom and Dad changed Tracy's dressing today. It is definitely getting better. The wound vac is working its magic! (Do I sound like an infomercial for the wound vac system!) Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. Liz came over and helped Mom make some picure cards by cutting photos out of magazines. Good thing they were both Girl Scouts in a previous life and are qualified in poster 101! Today, Jenny and Mom had a real scare when the toilet started erupting with soap suds like Mt. Vesuvio! It turned out to be a tenant in the apartment complex who has an illegal and forbidden washing machine! The apartment complex has outlawed personal washer and dryers, due to the fact that the plumbing is outdated and unable to support them. When someone defies the rules (ouch) and bootlegs a washer, the soap suds come up through the toilet. Just another day in the life of the Anzalones! If you are bored with your life and would like a little excitement or feel that there is something missing, do give us a call at 703-628-5588. We'll fill in the void and offer a real purpose! I guareantee it! Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. We enjoyed our visit from our good friend Faith! We hope to see her again before she returns to Whidby Island. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from Hurricane Ivan. We hope that those who are homeless from the storm are able to seek shelter and rebuild their home as soon as possible!

Thursday, September 23rd, 2004~ Tracy was up alot last night. This morning, Mom and Jenny stretched, ranged, and bathed Tracy and got her dressed for the day. Tracy did not have any therapy today. Trace's friend Nick was visiting her from New York City where he recently moved to begin a new career! We are all very excited for him and wish him the best for a great career. Tracy really enjoyed his visit and was trying to talk in the worst way. We all believe that she will talk when she is ready to. It is really great when Tracy's friends come to see her and we hope that more will come soon. It makes a big difference and means alot to Tracy (and to all of the Anzalone family). Please give us a call if you can come to Crystal City to visit us. Tracy's wound is getting better. The wound vac is working its magic! (Do I sound like an infomercial for the wound vac system!) Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. Liz came over and accompanied Mom and Dad to Tracy's appointment with Tracy's physician assistant, Joy. She increased Tracy's baclofen dose from 1300 micrograms to 1500 micrograms per day. This dose seems to be at the upper limit for most neurologists. We'll see how Tracy does at this dose. This evening, Tania, Tracy's massage therapist came to work with her. Tracy was tight and not really into her massage this evening. This happened the last time Emil tried to give her a massage after an outing to the neurologist. Is this a trend? We will be careful not to make this schedule faux pas again! We are looking for a Speech Therapist who is licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. We enjoyed our visit from our good friend Faith! We hope to see her again before she returns to Whidby Island. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from Hurricane Ivan. We hope that those who are homeless from the storm are able to seek shelter and rebuild their home as soon as possible!

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2004~Tracy had another great night's sleep! This evening, Mom and Dad changed Tracy's dressing again. It looks so much better. It is almost completely filled in. There is just a little more to go and then the skin needs to close and we will be back in business. The size of the wound has decreased dramatically even since last week when we saw Dr. Buescher. Each time the dressing is changed (every 48 hours) there is dramatic improvement. The wound vac is working its magic! (Do I sound like an infomercial for the wound vac system!) Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. This morning, Jenny and Mom stretched, ranged and bathed Tracy and got her ready for Occupational Therapy. Becky worked with Tracy in side-lying and really stretched her torso. She loves this! Then Becky got Tracy prone (on her tummy) on the mat and stretched her back and hips. She also is able to put weight through her shoulders and elbows in this position. Becky had a full length mirror in front of Tracy and she worked on getting Tracy to looke at herself in the mirror, focusing her eyes. Once she relaxed in this position, she tolerated about 20 minutes. From this position, Becky helped Tracy into a sitting position. Tracy is really trying to help push herself up inyo a seated position with her arms and shoulders but is not quite there yet. Practice, practice, practice. Tracy sat on the edge of the mat with support and worked on holding her head up. After therapy, Tracy was really tired so we let her rest awhile. Liz came over and visited for the afternoon. We really appreciate all that she and Gloria does for us. Nick, Tracy's good friend from Gonzaga in Florence hopped a bus from New York City and came to DC to visit Tracy today. Tracy is really enjoying his company. He has been catching Tracy up on all of the scuttlebutt and reading to Tracy. It is always great to see him! This evening, Tamra Burnette, Tracy's case worker from Brain Injury Services of Northern Virginia visited us. She is a wonderful resource and we really appreciate her expertise! We are looking for a Speech Therapist who is licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. We enjoyed our visit from our good friend Faith! We hope to see her again before she returns to Whidby Island. Tiffany made it back safely from College Station Sunday evening. She is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from Hurricane Ivan. We hope that those who are homeless from the storm are able to seek shelter and rebuild their home as soon as possible!

Tuesday, September 21st, 2004~The Autumn Equinox~ Tracy slept really well again last night. Last evening, Mom and Dad changed Tracy's dressing again. It looks so much better. It is almost completely filled in. There is just a little more to go and then the skin needs to close and we will be back in business. The size of the wound has decreased dramatically even since last week when we saw Dr. Buescher. Each time the dressing is changed (every 48 hours) there is dramatic improvementThe wound vac is working its magic! Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. This morning, Jenny and Mom stretched, ranged and bathed Tracy and got her ready for Occupational Therapy. Becky worked with Tracy in side-lying and really stretched her torso. She loves this! Then Becky got Tracy to a sitting position from side-lying, and coached Tracy to help by putting weight through her left elbow. Tracy is really trying to help but is not quite there yet. Practice, practice, practice. Becky worked with Tracy in a seated position both on the mat and the ball and had Tracy looking in a full length mirror to focus on herself. Tracy was looking too! After therapy, Jenny trimmed Tracy's hair. It grows so fast. She did a great job! It is now all one color (brown); no more highlights! Then, Mom, Gloria and Liz took Tracy for a walk on the Mt. Vernon Trail. It was really a beautiful warm fall day. Everyone worked out and got some color too! When we got back, Tracy had some mango smoothie and ate 4 ozs of vanilla custard (Gerber Juniors). It took her less than 20 minutes to eat the custard. We are looking for a Speech Therapist who is licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. We enjoyed our visit from our good friend Faith! We hope to see her again before she returns to Whidby Island. Tiffany made it back safely from College Station Sunday evening. She is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from Hurricane Ivan. We hope that those who are homeless from the storm are able to seek shelter and rebuild their home as soon as possible!

Monday, September 20th, 2004~The Last Official Day of Summer!~ Tracy slept really well again last night. Monday morning, Mom and Jenny got Tracy stretched, ranged and showered. Trace really loves her showers! Jenny also gave Tracy a spa treatment complete with eyebrow shaping! She does such a great job. Maybe we should have her work on Mom too! Trace did not have Occuaptional Therapy today but she will have Physical Therapy this evening. Tracy was a little sleepy today. She wasn't much into eating either. Mom and Liz fed Tracy some cranberry juice and vanilla custard this afternoon on the balcony. The weather was beautiful. Tracy drank about 2 ozs. of cranberry juice (nectar consistency) but spit out the custard pudding. She definitely was trying to tell us she didn't want any of it. Last weekend, Dad installed a door bell in our apartment so that Mom can hear when there is some one at the door. The only problem is that it rings throughout the day and there is no one there! Either someone else has a similar one in the building or there is a phantom making house calls! This evening, Mom and Dad will change Tracy's dressing again. We'll let you know how that goes. They are getting to be pros at dressing changes. The wound has improved even since the last dressing change 48 hours ago. Our last report from Dr. Buescher, the plastic surgeon overseeing Tracy's wound (9/16/04) was very positive. Tracy's wound is really healing well. There is new tissue filling in over the bursa to the ischial tuberosity (shiny white covering of the hip bone), and the bursa is almost completely covered. The wound vac is making a big difference. Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. We are looking for a Speech Therapist who is licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. We enjoyed our visit from our good friend Faith! We hope to see her again before she returns to Whidby Island. Tiffany made it back safely from College Station Sunday evening. She is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who has been devastated from Hurricane Ivan. We hope that those who are homeless from the storm are able to seek shelter and rebuild their home as soon as possible!

Sunday, September 19th, 2004~ Tracy slept much better Saturday night. Sunday morning, Mom and Dad stretched, ranged, and bathed Tracy and got her ready for Mass. Mom, Dad and Tracy attended noon Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington. During the opening song, Tracy got very vocal and sounded like she was trying to sing! Mom thinks that when all this is behind us and Tracy is recovered, she might be an opera singer! After Mass, Mom, Dad and Tracy rode to the Washington Sailing Marina and sat in the sun like a trio of iguanas! It felt so good. Sunday evening, Emil came over to give Tracy a massage. Tracy really enjoyed it. Saturday evening, Mom and Dad changed Tracy's dressing on her wound. They are getting to be pros at dressing changes. The wound has improved even since the last dressing change 48 hours ago. Our last report from Dr. Buescher, the plastic surgeon overseeing Tracy's wound (9/16/04) was very positive. Tracy's wound is really healing well. There is new tissue filling in over the bursa to the ischial tuberosity (shiny white covering of the hip bone), and the bursa is almost completely covered. The wound vac is making a big difference. Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. We are looking for a Speech Therapist who is licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Tiffany evacuated to Texas to ride out Hurricane Ivan! LSU has canceled classes, so she and a friend made the long trip Tuesday night. They got in safely around 4:30 Wednesday morning. She is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Ivan the Terrible. We are hoping that all of our family and friends on the Gulf Coast remain safe and out of Ivan's way! We hope that those who are homeless from the storm are able to seek shelter and rebuild their home as soon as possible!

Saturday, September 18th, 2004~ Tracy was up alot last night. Dad and Mom stretched, ranged, and bathed Tracy this morning and got her ready for Physical Therapy. Today, she had Diana, a new physical therapist who performed an evaluation on Tracy. After PT, Mom tried to feed Tracy some Key Lime yogurt but Tracy was too sleepy. She even slept right through the Auburn vs. LSU game! It wasn't very exciting. Mom even took a little cat nap. Mom and Dad will change Tracy's dressing again this evening. We'll let you know how that goes. They are getting to be pros at dressing changes. Our last report from Dr. Buescher, the plastic surgeon overseeing Tracy's wound (9/16/04) was very positive. Tracy's wound is really healing well. There is new tissue filling in over the bursa to the ischial tuberosity (shiny white covering of the hip bone), and the bursa is almost completely covered. The wound vac is making a big difference. Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. We are looking for a Speech Therapist who is licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Tiffany evacuated to Texas to ride out Hurricane Ivan! LSU has canceled classes, so she and a friend made the long trip Tuesday night. They got in safely around 4:30 Wednesday morning. She is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Ivan the Terrible. We are hoping that all of our family and friends on the Gulf Coast remain safe and out of Ivan's way! We hope that those who are homeless from the storm are able to seek shelter and rebuild their home as soon as possible!

Friday, September 17th, 2004~ Twenty months since Tracy's surgery! Tracy slept well again last night. Mom and Jenny stretched and showered Tracy this morning and got her ready for her noon Occupational Therapy session with Becky. Becky was again very pleased with Tracy's progress. Becky had Tracy sit up on the edge of the mat and Tracy did a good job with head control. She was more alert this morning too. Becky rocked Tracy forward and back on the mat and Tracy righted herself. Becky helped Tracy to stretch her arms straight out on Becky's shoulders and Tracy was able to hold her head up. In a sitting position, Becky helped Tracy put some weight through her left elbow by having her lean to the left. Becky was really pleased with Tracy''s range of motion and ability to relax. This afternoon, Gloria , Becky, Liz, Jenny, and Mom were trained in CPR by an American Heart Assn. certified CPR instructor. Helen taught all five women how to perform adult, child and infant CPR and how to use the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). Mom and Dad are looing at buying one to have in the home. If you haven't taken a CPR certification class, we would highly recommend that you take one. Knowledge is powerful and the life you save could be the life of a loved one! Tracy's wound is really healing well. There is new tissue filling in over the bursa to the ischial tuberosity (shiny white covering of the hip bone), and the bursa is almost completely covered. The wound vac is making a big difference. Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. We are looking for a Physical Therapist and a Speech Therapist who are licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech and Physical Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Tiffany evacuated to Texas to ride out Hurricane Ivan! LSU has canceled classes, so she and a friend made the long trip Tuesday night. They got in safely around 4:30 Wednesday morning. She is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Ivan the Terrible. We are hoping that all of our family and friends on the Gulf Coast remain safe and out of Ivan's way!

Thursday, September 16th, 2004~ Tracy slept well last night. Mom and Jenny stretched and bathed Tracy and got her ready for her 10:00 AM Occupational Therapy session with Becky this morning. Becky said that this was Tracy's best session yet! Tracy participated more in her therapy session this morning. Becky had Tracy sit up on the edge of the mat and Tracy did a good job with head control. She was more alert this morning too. Becky rocked Tracy forward and back on the mat and Tracy righted herself. She also sat independently for a few seconds. Gloria and Becky helped Tracy to stretch her arms straight out on Becky's shoulders and Tracy was able to hold her head up. In a sitting position, Becky helped Tracy put some weight through her left elbow by having her lean to the left. Becky was really pleased with Tracy''s range of motion and ability to relax. Gloria spent the day with us and we sure enjoy her visits. Dad and Mom took Tracy to see the plastic surgeon this afternoon at National Naval Medical Center. Dr. Buescher was very pleased with Tracy's progress. The wound is really making incredible progress. There is a lot of new tissue filling in over the bursa to the ischial tuberosity, and the bursa is almost completely covered. The wound vac is making a big difference. Dr. Buescher thought that Tracy would need at least another 6 to 8 weeks of home therapy before she will be ready to return to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We will continue to be patient. We are looking for a Physical Therapist and a Speech Therapist who are licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech and Physical Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Tiffany evacuated to Texas to ride out Hurricane Ivan! LSU has canceled classes, so she and a friend made the long trip Tuesday night. They got in safely around 4:30 Wednesday morning. She is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Ivan the Terrible. We are hoping that all of our family and friends on the Gulf Coast remain safe and out of Ivan's way!

Wednesday, September 15th, 2004~ Happy B'Day Nana Lilly (September 14th)~ Tracy was up alot Monday night. She had a much better night Tuesday night. Tracy had a shower Tuesday morning after Jenny and Mom ranged and stretched her. After lunch, Mom and Liz took Tracy for a walk on the Mt. Vernon trail. It was a beautiful fall day with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. When we got home, Liz fed Tracy some lemon sorbet and apple juice (nectar consistency). Tracy is swallowing so much better these days. Our goal is to get her eating well enough to get her G-tube out by Christmas. Wednesday morning, Mom woke up feeling a little under the weather with a really bad headache, feeling dizzy and nauseous. Jenny came through and ranged, stretched, and bathed Tracy by herself! She is wonder woman! Mom helped with getting Tracy in the chair. Tracy had Occupational Therapy with Becky this morning. Becky was really pleased with Tracy''s range of motion and ability to relax. Mom, Jenny and Becky got Tracy on the balance ball on her tummy (prone) and then positioned her on her knees so that she could weight bear on her knees. We also propped her on her elbows so she could put some weight through her shoulders and elbows. Tracy really liked this position and tolerated it for at least 15 minutes. Next, Becky sat Tracy on the edge of the mat and Tracy did a good job holding her head up. Liz spent the afternoon with Tracy so Mom could get some rest. Liz fed Tracy some more lemon sorbet and apple juice and Tracy had some maple and brown sugar oatmeal with Mom this morning. Emil came over and gave Mom a massage. She is feeling a lot better. He then gave Tracy a massage. She is more relaxed this evening. Dad and Mom are changing Tracy's dressing again this evening. Tracy's wound is healing well, it just takes a long time for the new tissue to fill in. The wound vac is making a big difference. Thursday afternoon, Tracy has an appointment with the plastic surgeon at NNMC (Bethesda). We will see what she says about Tracy returning to outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. Until she is able to resume outpatient therapy, we will continue with home therapy. , We are looking for a Physical Therapist and a Speech Therapist who are licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech and Physical Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Tiffany evacuated to Texas to ride out Hurricane Ivan! LSU has canceled classes, so she and a friend made the long trip last night. They got in safely around 4:30 this morning. She is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Ivan the Terrible. We are hoping that all of our family and friends on the Gulf Coast remain safe and out of Ivan's way!

Monday, September 13th, 2004~ Tracy had another good night's sleep Sunday night. Monday morning, Jenny and Mom stretched and ranged Tracy and gave her a bath. We are glad that Jenny is back safe and sound from her vacation in Charlston, South Carolina. After Tracy's bath, Liz came over to stay with Tracy and Jenny while Mom went to the dentist. Ouch! When Mom got back, Liz and Mom tried feeding Tracy some grits and butter. Tracy did not like them, even when they were washed down with apple juice. They were too lumpy I guess. Later, Mom fed Tracy 7 ozs of pina colada yogurt. Tracy seemed to like this consistency a lot better. Tracy is getting really good at swallowing with minimal assistance. We will keep trying different foods to see how Tracy does. The ultimate goal is to get Tracy's G-tube out. We will keep working hard towards this goal. Dad and Mom changed Tracy's dressing again this evening. Tracy's wound is healing well, it just takes a long time for the new tissue to fill in. The wound vac is making a big difference. With this rate of healing, we anticipate about another 6 to 8 weeks of recovery before we will be able to resume outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. Until then, we will continue with home therapy. We are looking for a Physical Therapist and a Speech Therapist who are licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech and Physical Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Tiffany made it back safely from her trip to Texas last weekend. She is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City during her break in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Ivan the Terrible. We are hoping it does not head towards Tiffany in Baton Rouge or our family and friends in Independence!

Sunday, September 12th, 2004~ Tracy slept well last night. Emil came over to give Tracy a massage Saturday evening. She was not very comfortable and not really into her massage. He was able to work with her some, but it was not one of her best sessions. It could have something to do with her baclofen dose increase. Friday afternoon, Mom and Dad took Tracy to get her baclofen pump refilled. Dr. Howe also increased her dose to 1300 mcgs/day from 1150. Sunday morning, Mom and Dad got Tracy bathed and ready for Mass. The three of them went to the noon Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington. Tracy did well sitting in her chair for the Mass. When the Mass was over, Mom and Dad took Tracy to Pentagon Row to have lunch at a little Lebanese restaurant. It was a nice day so they sat outside in the piazza. It felt a little like being back in Europe. Later this afternoon, Mom and Dad got Tracy prone (on her tummy) on the balance ball and had Tracy in a high kneeling position. Tracy was able to put weight through her knees and hips and also was propped up on her elbows so she was able to weight bear through her shoulders and arms. She was in this position for almost 20 mintutes and seemed to really enjoy it. Later, Mom fed Tracy 4 ozs of Key Lime yogurt and also 4 ozs of nectar consistency lemon water. She drank the juice in about 5 minutes. She is getting really good at swallowing with minimal assistance. Tracy's wound is healing well, it just takes a long time for the new tissue to fill in. The wound vac is making a big difference. With this rate of healing, we anticipate about another 6 to 8 weeks of recovery before we will be able to resume outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. Until then, we will continue with home therapy. We are looking for a Physical Therapist and a Speech Therapist who are licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech and Physical Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Mom and Dad took Tracy for a walk this afternoon around Crystal City. They stopped at Starbucks to get a cafe latte. It was a really pretty day: low humidity and the sun was shining. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. She is visiting a friend this weekend at Texas A & M (Geaux Tigers! Oops!) and will also visit San Antonio and the River Walk. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City sometime in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Ivan the Terrible.

Saturday, September 11th, 2004~ Three years since the terrorist attacks! Tracy was up off and on last night. Friday afternoon, Mom and Dad took Tracy to get her baclofen pump refilled. Dr. Howe also increased her dose to 1300 mcgs/day from 1150. Friday night, Mom, Dad and Tracy watched the University of Miami beat the Florida State Seminoles! Go 'Canes! What a great game! Saturday morning, Dad and Mom stretched and ranged Tracy and showered her. After her shower, Dad and Mom changed Tracy's dressing. The wound is healing well, it just takes a long time for the new tissue to fill in. The wound vac is making a big difference. With this rate of healing, we anticipate about another 6 to 8 weeks of recovery before we will be able to resume outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. Until then, we will continue with home therapy. We are looking for a Physical Therapist and a Speech Therapist who are licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech and Physical Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. Mom and Dad took Tracy for a walk this afternoon around Crystal City. They stopped at Starbucks to get a cafe latte. It was a really pretty day: low humidity and the sun was shining. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. She is visiting a friend this weekend at Texas A & M (Geaux Tigers! Oops!) and will also visit San Antonio and the River Walk. We are really looking forward to her visiting us in Crystal City sometime in October. Please say some prayers for everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Ivan the Terrible.

Friday, September 10th, 2004~ Tracy slept well Thursday night. Friday morning, Florence, Tracy's LPN and Mom stretched and ranged Tracy and got bathed and ready for the day. At 10:00 AM, Becky, Tracy's OT came to work with Tracy. We are so glad to have her back! She stretched her trunk and shoulders in side-lying and felt that Tracy was really relaxed. It was so easy to stretch Tracy's shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. After therapy, Florence read Tracy some more of Matilda, another one of cousin Virginia's books. Tracy really likes to be read to. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588. We are looking for a Physical Therapist and a Speech Therapist who are licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech and Physical Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. Dad and Mom are taking Tracy back to the neurologist today to get her baclofen pump refilled. They tried yesterday, but they did not have her medication. So, we have to go back again tomorrow. Tracy's bedsore is really healing well. With this rate of healing, we anticipate about another 6 to 8 weeks of recovery before we will be able to resume outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. Until then, we will continue with home therapy. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. She is visiting a friend this weekend at Texas A & M (Geaux Tigers! Oops!) and will also visit San Antonio and the River Walk. We are really looking forward to her visit sometime in October.

Thursday, September 9th, 2004~ Tracy was up Wednesday night until the wee hours of the morning. So much for our massage theory that Tracy sleeps the best after an Emil massage. Wednesday evening, Emil came over and gave Tracy a long massage. She really relaxed into it and appeared to be participating some. Emil said that Tracy felt really strong and that her vacation was good for her. Thursday morning, Florence, Tracy's LPN and Mom stretched and ranged and showered Tracy and got her ready for the day. After her shower, Mom read Tracy another one of cousin Virginia's books. This time she read the book about the Olympic soccer champ, Mia Hamm titled Winners Never Quit. Tracy seemed to enjoy this inspirational story. She was also trying to focus her eyes on the large colored pictures. Later in the day, Mom and Dad took Tracy to the neurologist to get her baclofen pump refilled. Joy, the Physician Assistant, did not have Tracy's baclofen so we had to reschedule for Friday. Thursday evening, Mom and Dad changed Tracy's dressing. The wound is really coming along. With this rate of healing, we anticipate about another 6 to 8 weeks of recovery before we will be able to resume outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. We are looking for a Physical Therapist and a Speech Therapist who are licensed in the state of Virginia to work with Tracy here at home in Crystal City. The insurance company has approved all three therapies, but we are currently unable to find a Speech and Physical Therapist to work with Tracy. If you know of anyone who qualifies and would like to work with Tracy, please contact us at 703-628-5588. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588.

Wednesday, September 8th, 2004~ Tracy slept well again Tuesday night. Florence, Tracy's LPN and Mom stretched and ranged Tracy and got her ready for the day. Today, Florence read Tracy another of cousin Virginia's books. This time she read her Matilda by Roald Dahl. Tracy really likes to be read to. Tracy did not have therapy today but Emil, Tracy's massage therapist is coming this evening to give her a much needed massage! Mom fed Tracy 8 ozs of Key Lime yogurt! This is the most Tracy has eaten at one time ever since her accident! We think that going back to Louisiana where the food is the best jump started her eating! What better place to relearn how to eat than in Independence where everything tastes good! We are really looking forward to the day when we can remove Tracy's G-tube when Tracy can eat orally. Tracy's bedsore is really healing well. With this rate of healing, we anticipate about another 6 to 8 weeks of recovery before we will be able to resume outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. Until then, we will continue with home therapy. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. It was really great to spend some time with her and we already miss her! If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588.

Tuesday, September 7th, 2004~ Tracy slept well Monday night. She was a little sleepy on Tuesday, most likely recovering from her trip. Florence, Tracy's LPN came over to help Mom since Jenny is on vacation this week in South Carolina. Mom and Florence showered Tracy and got her ready for the day. Florence read Tracy one of the new books (Judy Blume's Superfudge) that cousins Virginia and Ruel brought Tracy. She really seemed to enjoy it. Tracy did not have therapy today but that didn't mean she had the day off. Mom and Dad got Tracy on her back (supine) on the ball for about 20 minutes and stretched Tracy's spine, shoulders, and neck. Tracy really likes stretching on the large balance ball. Gloria came over and visited us today too. It is always great to see her. Mom fed Tracy 6 ozs of vanilla custard today and she swallowed it well with minimal help. We are looking forward to the day when we can remove Tracy's G-tube when Tracy can eat orally. Mom and Dad changed Tracy's dressing today on her wound. It looks a lot better every time we change the dressing which is every two days. There is a lot of new tissue filling in. At this rate of healing, we anticipate about another 6 to 8 weeks of recovery before we will be able to resume outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. Until then, we will continue with home therapy. Mom continues to feed Tracy 4 to 6 ozs of yogurt a day. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. It was really great to spend some time with her and we already miss her! If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588.

Monday, September 6th, 2004~ Labor Day~ The good news is that all of our South Florida family and friends are safe after Hurricane Frances. They have sustained minimal storm damage; mostly flower and fauna. The important thing is that everyone is safe and survived the storm. They are bracing for Hurricane Ivan which is on its way currently as a Category 2 hurricane. Mom, Dad and Tracy made it safely back to DC/Crystal City Monday evening. The flight was a US Airways nonstop from New Orleans to Reagan and the flight staff out-did themselves once again. Please be patient with us while we honor those outstanding family members who made our trip a complete success! If we miss anyone, please forgive us for we are extremely jet lagged. Mawmaw and Pawpaw (the best hosts in the world), Kathy Sue , Uncle Frank, Uncle Mike, Aunt Cheryl (who are the greatest cooks, bakers, and entertainers), Kathryn Jean (our most unique cousin), Caroline (who by the way will make the best nurse in the world and give her Aunt Cheryl, Aunt Alice and Aunt Debbie a run for their money), Elizabeth (who gives the best pedicures and manicures), Tiffany (who is just the best sister this side of the Mississippi), Snow (Tracy's dog who is the smartest and cuddliest dog in the world), Polo (the step cat who Mom never went to visit, Shh!), all of the wonderful cousins who came to see Tracy, Lloyd and Barron (who cooked a wonderful meal for us), Bobby (Tracy's nursing assistant who is like one of the family), and Jim (Tracy's wonderful Louisianan massage therapist). Thank you to everyone who visited Tracy while in Independence. Tracy and the family received many beautiful prayer cards, gifts, desserts, and meals while in Independence. We all truly appreciate your beautiful acts of kindeness and can't wait to return to Independence. Tracy's wound is healing very well and we anticipate about another 6 to 8 weeks of recovery before we will be able to resume outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. Until then, we will continue with home therapy. Mom continues to feed Tracy 4 to 6 ozs of yogurt a day. We are looking forward to the day when we can remove Tracy's G-tube when Tracy can eat orally. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. It was really great to spend some time with her and we already miss her! If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. We can be reached at 703-628-5588.

Friday, September 3rd, 2004~ Please keep our family and friends in South Florida in your prayers. They are all shacked up at the Rand's house after having to evacuate because of the hurricane. Many thanks to the Rand's for taking them in! Mom, Dad, and Tracy arrived in LA safely last Friday. They are enjoying their stay here in Louisiana. Wednesday, Mom, Dad, and Uncle Mike got Tracy in the pool at Mamaw and Papaw's house. Tracy was in the pool for about 45 minutes and really seemed to enjoy it! Tracy has also been eating quite a bit. Mom fed Tracy 3 ounces of yogurt yesterday. We are so proud of Tracy and the progress that she continues to make. Tracy has been able to visit with so many friends and family! So many people have stopped by to tell Tracy hi, that it's hard to list all of them! But, please know how much we appreciate your visits and prayers! Saturday, Mamaw and Papaw are going to stay with Tracy while Mom, Dad, and I, along with the rest of our family cheer on the Tigers at LSU's first home game! We wish Tracy could join us, but it will be entirely too noisy and too hot. Maybe next year! Our dog, Snow, was so excited to see Tracy and he has been laying down with her every chance he gets! Tracy's last visit to National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda went well. She went to see Dr. Buescher, the plastic surgeon who has been following her wound. Dr. Buescher was extremely pleased with the progress that Tracy's wound has made since the wound vac was placed on August 10th. She said that there was quite a bit of new tissue filling in and that there was some granulomatous tissue (healthy scar tissue) filling in over the muscle. Long story short, the wound vac is working. Dr. Buescher said that the healing should even accelerate more now that there is scar tissue forming. We are hopeful that Tracy will be back to her rigorous routine of outpatient therapy at Mt. Vernon Rehab Center by the end of September. Woohoo! Please keep those prayers coming. They are definitely working. If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. While in Independence, we can be reached at 703-628-5588. If you would like to come by to see Tracy, please give us a call. We would love to see y'all!

Monday, September 6th, 2004~ Labor Day! The good news is that all of our South Florida family and friends are safe after Hurricane Frances. They have sustained minimal storm damage; mostly flower and fauna. The imortant thing is that everyone is safe and survived the storm. They are bracing for Hurricane Ivan which is on its way currently as a Category 2 hurricane. Mom, Dad and Tracy made it safely back to DC/Crystal City Sunday evening. The flight was a US Airways nonstop from New Orleans to Reagan and the flight staff out-did themselves once again. Please be patient with us while we honor those outstanding family members who made our trip a complete success! If we miss anyone, please forgive us for we are extremely jet lagged. Mawmaw and Pawpaw (the best hosts in the world), Kathy Sue , Uncle Frank, Uncle Mike, Aunt Cheryl (who are the greatest cooks, bakers, and entertainers), Kathryn Jean (our most unique cousin), Caroline (who by the way will make the best nurse in the world and give her Aunt Cheryl, Aunt Alice and Aunt Debbie a run for their money), Elizabeth (who gives the best pedicures and manicures), Tiffany (who is just the best sister this side of the Mississippi), Snow (Tracy's dog who is the smartest and cuddliest dog in the world), Polo (the step cat who Mom never went to visit, Shh!), all of the wonderful cousins who came to see Tracy, Lloyd and Barron (who cooked a wonderful meal for us), Bobby (Tracy's nursing assistant who is like one of the family), and Jim (Tracy's wonderful Louisianan massage therapist). Thank you to everyone who visited Tracy while in Independence. Tracy and the family received many beautiful prayer cards, gifts, desserts, and meals while in Independence. We all truly appreciate your beautiful acts of kindeness and can't wait to return to Independence. Tracy's wound is healing very well and we anticipate abour another 6 to 8 weeks of recovery before we will be able to resume outpatient therapy at Inova Mt. Vernon Rehab Center. Until then, we will continue with home therapy. Mom continues to feed Tracy 4 to 6 ozs of yogurt a day. We are looking forward to the day when we can remove Tracy's G-tube when Tracy can eat orally. Tiffany is enjoying LSU and working hard in her classes. She is working on a Master's in Mass Communication at the Manship School of Communications. It was really great to spend some time with her and we already miss her! If there is anyone out there who lives close by and would like to visit Tracy and read to her, we would really appreciate it. Just give us a call. While in Independence, we can be reached at 703-628-5588. If you would like to come by to see Tracy, please give us a call. We would love to see y'all!