Today began with a very encouraging meeting with Lydia's rehab case manager.  She helped us to know what to consider, as we look ahead to Lydia's discharge from the hospital.  She is very stable, and is healing, little by little.  She is no longer in acute condition.  She may transition to a Rehab facility, or to our home, with a team of therapists and health care professionals.  Before she can be transitioned, she needs to have a G tube inserted, to facilitate feeding.  She is currently fed via a NG tube that is inserted in her nose and goes into her stomach. 

With a brain injury, swallowing is almost always impaired, and it could be some time before Lydia can learn to eat on her own.  The G tube will allow all of her nutritional needs to be met while she relearns this.

Lydia's clavicle may still need surgical intervention, but we are thankful that her ortho injuries are so minimal.  She could easily have sustained pelvic, spinal column or multiple limb fractures. 

In the past month, we have met many wonderful people, who have cared for us and encouraged us.

We met Ann Voskamp's sister, Molly, at Sick Kids one day last week.  She gave us Ann's audio book, 1000 Gifts, and we have been listening to it on our trips to and from Toronto.  We have been challenged to give thanks for all of the gifts in our lives, to notice them and name them, and be grateful for each one: big or small. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18  Give thanks in all circumstances.  Today we are thankful for fragrant, ripe, juicy strawberries, for sweat on brow in summer's heat, for mending bones, and for peaceful sleep.