November-December 1999 Update
November-December 1999 Update
The first week of November was spent in different types of birthday celebrations for Catherine's nineteenth. She was taken to coffee and lunch by different therapists, went to Phoenix to eat with her sisters and a friend at her restaurant choice, and she went to Amber's one evening. She actually started celebrating a month ahead in Texas with her first party so she had fun spreading out the remembrances. A friend in Prescott, Bruce Wallace, gave her a new oak computer desk which was a great way to end the week's celebration. Catherine has made steady gains with her physical therapy increasing her numbers and goals. When she left Barrows the end of September she had reached her goal of 72 floors on the stairmaster and has increased that number to 111 floors since returning. Her physical therapist told her that she wished they had video taped her sessions because she has made so much progress including jumping for the first time. This is quite an accomplishment for her. She said her feet have felt like they were cemented to the floor. At our Wednesday night service before Thanksgiving, Catherine was eager to share all for which she is thankful. She said how blessed she feels to have been chosen to receive, as she put it, "blessing upon blessing upon blessing." She is always quick to acknowledge the Lord's hand on her life and slow to complain or dwell on anything negative. December is always a very busy month and this one was no exception. Besides the normal schedule she rigidly adheres to, Catherine went to her first ballet, "The Nutcracker", celebrated other people's birthdays, went to a graduation celebration for a college friend, received her first driving lesson from her cousin, Matt, met new friends visiting from out of town and old ones returning for the holidays, did extra shopping, and celebrated Christmas with our family housefull and various parties. |
Catherine worked very hard to complete her schoolwork setting a completion goal of December 24th as a Christmas gift to herself. She exceeded her goal and finished up before that. I had made arrangements with her principal to have her diploma sent, knowing that schools are closed for the holidays. Grandma B, as her students affectionately call her, is a wonderful principal and source of encouragement. She has helped Catherine work through many obstacles and has given her much needed support in all her efforts. On December26th Uncle Jim called Catherine to the front of the church to receive her diploma. Catherine was totally shocked by this well kept secret. We had decided that church was a wonderful place for this presentation in the company of her friends and family who have prayed for and supported her. She graduated with a 3.68 grade point average in spite of the detour she took in her journey. Afterwards she put on a cap and gown for a photo shoot. We are truly proud of this very determined, hard working young lady. She continues to be an inspiration to us all. Her occupational therapist said she has never known anyone with as much determination after this amount of time passage. She is registered for 3 courses at the community college in January and is very excited about that next challenge. Thank you for your prayer support. You all are a part of this miracle with us. As you pray for her, please pray for her stamina to increase: she tires very easily and needs more strength as she continues to recover and press forward. She has dreams and goals yet to be met. God bless you as this year, century and millenium closes out. We look forward with great expectation to whatever lies ahead because our trust is in the Lord. Cynthia
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