Dear Family and Friends,

Please forgive this long overdue personal update about my traumatic brain injury as I’ve been unable to communicate with you directly until now.  As most of you know, I suffered a traumatic brain injury on December 20th resulting in a severe brain bleed throughout my brain. I was born with a blood clotting disorder called Von Willebrand's Disease. Unfortunately,  I slipped on water in my house and hit my head during the fall. We aren’t sure what caused the water spill, however, it looks like puppy Jo is the guilty party!

I spent a number of  weeks in the ICU and according to doctors, it was unclear if I would survive. Needless to say, it was a scary time for my children and immediate family over Christmas and into the New Year. Doctors assumed that I would suffer some level of brain damage even if I lived through my injury. Once I was stable, they sent me to Baylor’s intensive TBI unit to go through rehabilitation without knowing how much recovery would be possible given the severity of my TBI. God did a miracle of healing despite what so many people thought was impossible! The therapists and doctors have told me that this is a medical miracle. I am thrilled to report that I have regained full physical and cognitive function, and continue to feel joyfully blessed!

No words will ever be enough to thank everyone who has been part of this healing miracle in my life!  I am always so proud of my children. Caleb, Grayson and Emma made major changes in their lives to take care of me and our household. Caleb stayed home from NYC and worked his full time job while here. Grayson finished his University of Kansas junior year from home and Emma didn’t leave for college in Savannah until March. All three of them took care of the house, pets, finances, insurance and visited me everyday despite rain, snow or storms. I also have my deep gratitude to my extended family: To the Pierce family and to my sister Chris who came Christmas Eve to have discussions with ICU doctors and be with my children. To my Dad and the Varney family, and to my brother Brian for coming on Christmas Day to spend time with my children, meet with doctors and visit me in the ICU. I love all of you so very much! I am deeply grateful for the support and compassion from Grapevine Middle School staff and students. I can’t wait to see all of you when I  return to teaching this Fall! 

I am forever grateful to ALL OF YOU, dear family and friends, for your prayers, cards, texts, emails, flowers, meals, gift cards and financial support. Everyone of you is part of this miracle. I am convinced I wouldn’t be alive or healed without all your prayers and love. Most importantly, I give thanks to Jesus Christ who saved my life and who gave me such loving friends and family. This summer, I am writing a book to tell my story and each one of you played a part in this miracle. I don’t deserve you, but I thank God for you everyday! 

Love always…

Amy