Hello All,

It has been a while since I have put out a CaringBridge update on Brynlee, but she continues to amaze us every day. 
She has weekly speech therapy appointments, and they are working on cognition and memory. We are finding that her memory still has a ways to go, but she continues to make forward progress. This week she saw the ENT (ear, nose and throat) team at UW and the tear in her left ear has healed and she passed her audiology exam, stating her hearing is at a normal level :) Unfortunately she is still unable to smell anything, although her taste seems to be coming back little by little. They are unable to determine if she will even regain her sense of smell again, but we are hopeful.

Enough time has now passed that Brynlee is truly recognizing the loss of her best friend and really missing Kate's presence. We continue to talk about Kate often and make visits to the cemetery bringing flowers and playing her favorite tunes. Grace (Kate's older sister) has been a constant in Brynlee's recovery. They have made plans for Grace to take Brynlee to school on her first day of High School. 
Gavin (Brynlee's boyfriend) has been such a huge help with her healing as well. Gavin's mom Shylo has been a trauma nurse for many years, and she has been able to talk with Gavin on how to help Brynlee through the difficult days. He is very patient with her and we are so thankful for their relationship (especially during this difficult time). I told Shylo that regardless of what happens in the future (cause they are young), Gavin will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Some other special recovery teammates are her cousins Jayk, Levi, and Lilli. She and Jayk will start high school together in a few short weeks. They have requested to have their lockers near one another and have several classes together. It will be good for her to have her cousin by her side as she begins this new journey. Lilli has been a source of joy for Brynlee and it has been fun to listen to them giggle and laugh like old times. Levi also has a way of making her laugh and has a very calm demeanor with her. 

I continue to make my way through writing thank-yous and  I apologize for the delay. I also apologize ahead of time as I am certain that I will miss people that should really receive a hand written thank you:(. The truth is, Tracy and are still so humbled and amazed by the generosity of literally everyone. Between the texts, calls, messages, meals, cards, donations, prayers etc. please, please know that we see you and we are forever thankful and grateful for your generosity.

"As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us" - James E. Faust

Until next time :)

Janelle