2000 Update

Yes, another year whizzed by with the normal ups and downs. Catherine worked hard meeting the challenges and pressing forward. She continued to have some therapy sessions, went to school, kept a positive outlook, and pressed to gain as much independence as possible. Last May her Grandma, Neta Armstrong, passed away which was hard on our family. Catherine has missed her support and prayers but felt grateful to have the assurance that she is happy and in a much better place. There were other changes with some of her therapist buddies moving away. Each change afforded opportunities to grow, learn and meet new people. We wanted to share some pictures showing a few glimpses of last year. There were two articles that featured Catherine: one from a State brain injury publication called "Vistas" and the other from a Christian newspaper in our town. Catherine was very excited to be able to tell the story from the spiritual side to others who believe in prayer and miracles. She was able to share how all of you joined in the prayer effort on her behalf. Thank you again and may God bless you all this year.

January started with a surprise visit by Karla Mayfield from Canada. We actually pulled off the surprise and Catherine enjoyed seeing her friend again.	We celebrated Catherine's December graduation with a party in January. Friends decorated the building and it was lovely. Many of her therapists came which was also special.

In April we attended the annual graduation reunion of the folks who had finished the Barrow program during the previous year. Catherine saw many of her friends and therapists and enjoyed the evening. She gave a little speech and did very well. Shown here is Jessica Grady with Catherine.

May 7th was Amber's birthday. Catherine tried to help pull off a surprise party for her but it wasn't really a surprise.

May 16th we received the sad news that Grandma Neta had passed away in her sleep. Catherine made the trip to Texas with her sisters and dad. I had flown ahead of them. Although it was a difficult time, we were thankful for the family support and time together.

In June Catherine celebrated Mary Jane's (her cognitive retrainer) birthday with her. We made her a lemon pie with lemons she had brought us from her trees in Scottsdale.

Laura Mitchell, Catherine's occupational therapist and friend, moved to Seattle in June. Catherine was thrilled to get to see her again during a visit to Arizona over the holiday vacation.

We made a trip to Uncle Jim's cabin in Colorado with Uncle Jim, Aunt Mary and some of Catherine's siblings. She drove her brother-in-law's four wheeler and had a great time.

Catherine had an exciting trip to Cancun which was made possible through the efforts of her former co-workers at Route 66 Travel. She went with Priscilla Roy, April Daulton and Meda Wallace and had a wonderful time.

More sad good-byes…Catherine's friend/supporter, Lou Ryan, who worked for the county bade Catherine farewell.	Catherine went fishing with her dad and caught her first fish. It was small but she was excited just the same.

Catherine enjoys going to college and has completed two semesters maintaining an A average in the courses she has taken.	Her nephew, Wesley, has brought Catherine great joy this year.

Catherine met Kristi Goodman at a church potluck in December. Kristi was in a terrible auto accident about 6 months prior to Catherine's. She too, made a miraculous recovery with much prayer and support.	We again traveled to Texas for an Armstrong Christmas Reunion. It was a wonderful way to end this year...together with family.