We have had a good day as a family.  We were visited this evening by close family friends, and Lydia had fun playing in the pool with them.  She can now catch a volleyball when it is lightly tossed to her.  To do this, she needs someone to hold her trunk to provide some extra stability as she stands in the water.  Since she enjoys the water, we do a lot of therapy in it.

Lydia has a very good memory of things from before the accident, but very little short term memory. She does not necessarily remember in the afternoon the things she did in the morning.  Fortunately, she does remember letters and sounds, and she can read! She fatigues quickly at many cognitive tasks, and so cannot read more than a few sentences at a time, but we are delighted that she can read - both printing and handwriting.  Thanks be to God for his goodness in this.

Lydia has only gross motor control, and so feeding herself is challenging, as is printing or colouring. Today we coloured together, and she was so appreciative of me helping her by supporting her wrist and helping her move her hand.   She clapped her hands and cheered "yeah!" when she appraised what she had done.  She produced something that a 2 year old would be proud of - and she was equally proud. She liked the orange, blue and purple flowers we coloured. On our kitchen door hangs the beautiful flower artwork she did for me for Mother's day this year.  She remembers making it for me.  Lydia loves art, so we will colour together regularly, and hopefully her skills will return with time.

We are grateful for the progress Lydia is making.  She has had a good attitude this weekend, and so far we haven't had any turbulent emotional outbursts.  Her joy, her smile and her glorious spirit continue to reflect an inner peace amidst her circumstances.  God has equipped her beautifully for the journey she is on.  She has the peace that passes understanding.

 Forever, by Chris Tomlin and Jesse Reeves

Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever

Sing praise, sing praise

With a mighty hand
and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that’s been reborn
His love endures forever

Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever, Forever

From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever

Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever