We had a wonderful Holiday in SW Florida with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins. I am so grateful for the time we have been able to share with them since arriving in September. They are wonderful people, have a wonderful family, and have embraced us with open arms, more than you could imagine (I guess I should mention that I have been in touch with them over the years, but had not seen them since 2000). Truly, this Holiday will go down in the books as one of the best :-)
 |
| Christmas dinner on the beach, watching the sunset |
 |
| Christmas sunset |
 |
| Lila, Nora, and their cousin Gracie. So fun! |
 |
| Lila and my cousin Chip relaxing :-) |
 |
| Super fun series of games on Xmas Eve...great day! |
 |
| My dear Aunt and Uncle left their tree undecorated so that our girls could decorate a tree when they arrived. So sweet! |
 |
| Lila and my cousin Chip dancing in front of his decorated house. She can get anyone to do anything! |
Prior to the Holiday, the PT office showered the girls with gifts, and spoiled them like crazy! From mermaid tail blankets, to headband making kits, to stencils and notebooks, shopkins figures and dolls, and princess jewelry boxes. This office has embraced our girls as though they were their own, and it is amazing the love the girls feel. This has turned out to be a very special place for us all :-)
 |
| Nora's favorite person ever! Cecil, the office mgr :-) She asked me if she could stay in Florida so Cecil could be her Mom...hahah! That tells you how it has been going over here :-) |
 |
| comfy mermaid tail blanket |
 |
| mermaid tail blanket |
Matt and Nora returned to Verdi on New Years Eve, leaving Lila and I behind for the final 6 weeks. We miss having Nora with us, nevertheless, it is very quiet, calm, and Lila and I get our exercises and walking done every day with no interruptions :-) She has gotten so much stronger, more patient, and more excited about walking since arriving 4 months ago. We have had some ups and downs, but the overall theme is that this skill has definitely branded itself in her brain as a new neurological pattern. That was our goal in coming to FL, and now she can just walk and talk as though she doesn't have to think about each step. This "walking thing" is becoming normal for her skill set.
Three touching stories, and a walking video, coming up in the next post!
Matt and I are so very thankful for all of your unyielding support, which continues to shower us with love, even as the years go by. We count our blessings every day, and are glad to be able to share this journey with you all!!!
First of all: Christmas dinner on the beach!!! Wow! Second: I am so glad the trip is working out. I know how anxious you were about being away from home for so long as a "single mom". Hugs and love to you and Lila on your last few weeks in FL. :)
ReplyDeleteLove seeing all these smiles and blessings captured! Seeing Lila on the beach, at the house and DANCING with no walker in sight makes me all choked up- rockstar amazing, mind over matter, this girl! With this trip, you are making your own miracle, Barbers! Couldn't be more happy for you. This time ahead will be difficult on your own, I know. Will keep you in our prayers and send you strength and encouragement. One day at a time- you're doing it! BIG LOVE from Nevada, and thank you for the update. Hugs to all!
ReplyDeleteYou're family melts my heart. What a wonderful experience this has been for all of you. Beach dining looks like something I could go for. Bless you, see you soon.
ReplyDelete