Apologies for not updating you all sooner.  We continue to be overwhelmed by the love, prayers and generous support from across the world in assisting us with Aprils recovery.  

It has now been nearly 4 months since April became paralysed.  Since our last update April has been on a roller coaster of ups and downs.  April has suffered with severe Orthostatic hypotension, ( in laymans terms - severely low blood pressure)  This resulted in April often passing out , having constant dizzy spells, headaches and severe fatigue.  Not something you want to be dealing with when you are already paralysed from the chest down.  These were some dark days for April, as often her blood pressure prevented her from participating in therapies and made it exceptionally difficult with her university studies.   On top of this, the inconsistent covid rules made for some very frustrating and lonely days in hospital.  Fortunately in the last two weeks, April has had a change of medication and subsequently her blood pressure has improved dramatically.  We are hoping that April  has truly turned a corner here and she can now focus fully on her rehabilitation.  Despite the advice from the doctors ( and us! ) that full time study would be a stretch to far, in true April fashion she resisted our advice and has forged ahead with her studies ( final semester of her degree of  which she is determined to complete and graduate) .   April perseveres through all the obstacles and constant nerve pain  and any moment that she is not participating in therapy , the study notes are pulled out.  April continues to amaze us with her sheer determination, positivity and complete faith that she will be walking again.  

April embraces the rehabiliation therapy  at the hospital with an unbridled  enthusiasm and energy .  She is a joy to watch.   As well as the hospital therapies, April, constantly researches as much information as she can in regards to neuroplasticity and the power of the brain to regenerate.  In the last few weeks, we have been fortunate enough to be able to bring April home for day passes each weekend.  On a Saturday,  April has been meeting with a wonderful family friend who teaches April techniques of neuroplasticity and an awareness of her muscles through the pilates tradition.  Another wonderful friend has been of amazing assistance with homeopathic remedies to assist with April's nerve pain that has been of huge relief.  April researches  all information that will assist with her recovery  from medical to natural to spiritual and through them all, our daughter grows stronger and stronger.      

On that point,  today is the final day of a novena that April and many were saying on her behalf to St Padre Pio, a modern day saint famous for his many miracles.  If you have never heard of him, look him up, his is  an amazing and inspiring story.  Today on Padre Pio's feast day  is  the day that April moved both her feet numerous times for the first time ever.  We are truly thankful and grateful for this miracle and only look forward to the next. 

Until Aprils incident, we were completely unaware of the suffering and trials that people with spinal cord injury have to deal with on a daily basis.  For many it means  complete despair,  and understandably so.  But not for April.  That is not to say she hasn't had moments of overwhelming grief and sadness.  But they have only ever been moments.  She rallies herself and  has told us that in her faith and knowledge of knowing she will walk again, she  would not change a thing - that what she has learnt through this suffering has given her a completely new perspective on life and a clarity of peace of mind that she has never had before.   To hear this as her parents, having seen all she has and continues to endure is mind-blowing.  Michael feels a little differently, as her father, he would like to take this suffering away from his daughter and wish it was all a bad dream, however he too in  is  in awe of  April's mindset, strength and resilience.   I too would like to say, I wish it had never happened.  But I can't .  Whilst it has been agony to watch our child suffer and feel absolutely helpless and terrified ,  I too would not change it.   We have seen so much good come out of this,  the love and kindness of  so many has kept us afloat.  I had become cynical and narrow minded - Aprils injury has taught me to see just how much goodness and beauty there still  is in this world, let alone in my incredibly strong and brave daughter.  Aprils boyfriend Matthew, continues to be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all .  I believe that without Matthews abiding strength and love, April's road to recovery would have been a far harder one.  The morning of June 5th has changed us all forever, but it has also brought April, Michael and I, as well our entire family ,  so much closer together - something I will forever be truly grateful for.  And it is with that continued gratitude I Thank God for healing our daughter.   I believe.