One of Claire's difficulties is her speech. Perhaps the relationship with her peers would change if her speech improves? Her dream is if her speech improves, then people would treat her differently. She hopes starting a new school in the fall would be a chance for her to start all over again. I wrote "fall". School starts August 10th. 

For the past month, she has taken speech therapy with an Alpharetta company, Speech Therapy of Forsyth. Twice a week they work on her speech clarity, speed, and inflection. At home, she practices with me. She is very motivated. 

Strangely, we found we have a connection with Speech Therapy of Forsyth. The office manager's husband is a paramedic/fireman. He was one of the first responders and provided aid to Claire when she had the accident. Life feels like a circle. 

Our neighborhood, Windward, celebrates the 4th of July. The festivities include children/pet parade, lunch and a race. Barbara Oswald organized (with Betty Lou Anderson and others) Claire's Challenge. She is now actively putting together Windward's 4th of July 5K and 1K challenge. Last night Claire, John and I helped (along with others) to put together the race packets. Tomorrow is the race. Doug is running. Claire and I will be taking pictures. We will post them after the race. 

Earlier this week was my birthday. Of the notes and jokes, I thought this comment was nice. "We will be friends forever. When I am old and senile, then we will be new friends." 

We hope you have a safe, fun, healthy 4th of July. 

Your forever friend,
Debra 

PS: Doug's dad, John, and his stepmom, Martha, live in Pensacola, Florida. John is 88 years old. He was recently released after spending 25 days in the hospital. He is still very weak. Martha is caring for John around the clock. Please send a prayer their way.