Journal entry by Leila McPhee —
Inspired by the generosity of our family, friends, community and anonymous gifts, we are here to celebrate, give thanks and share the good news about Lehua's recovery and one year anniversary of being home!! An unbelievable milestone for our family, the past year has flown by us as we have stood in awe of Lehua's miraculous healing.
It would be an understatement to say we are thankful for the emotional and financial support of so many. We are elated! We are impressed! We are humbled. Our gratitude runs deep. Our hearts are indebted to yours. We count our blessings every day and thank you with purpose. Maybe you notice a little tickle in your chest sometimes, that's us giving thanks!
We have accomplished the goal of helping Lehua thrive in the first challenging year of being home. Serious medical bills have been paid. I've been able to stay home with Lehua to make sure she gets the care and quality commitment that only this mom can give. I am honored to have this privilege and I take my time while she heals. A year ago all I could do is dream about what life would be like to be home together. Since weve been home, each and every therapy session, appointment and assessment that Lehua has attended, we watch her heal and grow. We watch her creating new pathways in her brain that allow for a fuller life.
Quick recap of Lehua's 2023
Lehua moved upstairs to her bedroom where she loves reading books from her library aloud, watches videos about coral reefs and can rest when needed. She has a solid weekly schedule of therapies that she really enjoys and has recently registered for adaptive PE classes at SRJC.
Lehua's walking skills are still surprising us. Not only can she go up and down 17 stairs several times a day she is taking daily walks in the neighborhood without her cane. She has been venturing into new stores and restaurants. Its alot of work for her but worth it all. Managing fatigue has been challenging but we are finally getting the hang of it. Visitors are becoming more regular and Lehua's friends have been wonderful.
Adam & I are quite proud of how much we have been able to carry. The weight of our new reality will be with us as we shift and adjust and figure it out. We both have serious responsibilities each day that are depleting and emotionally overwhelming but this team is happy to be together! Moana graduates from CSUMB this year and has much to look forward to, choices abound for her. Moana's perseverance has paid off!
In the end, as a family we are on our path. Keeping Lehua's seizures under control with appropriate medicine, supporting low stress and low fatigue while keeping her moving and grooving is our priority. Nurturing the few important details allows for quality each day. Here we go into the 2nd year of recovery. With out the prayers, positive energy and love our circles of supporters have shared, we would never be in the safe space, full of light, that we have achieved. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU 💚
It would be an understatement to say we are thankful for the emotional and financial support of so many. We are elated! We are impressed! We are humbled. Our gratitude runs deep. Our hearts are indebted to yours. We count our blessings every day and thank you with purpose. Maybe you notice a little tickle in your chest sometimes, that's us giving thanks!
We have accomplished the goal of helping Lehua thrive in the first challenging year of being home. Serious medical bills have been paid. I've been able to stay home with Lehua to make sure she gets the care and quality commitment that only this mom can give. I am honored to have this privilege and I take my time while she heals. A year ago all I could do is dream about what life would be like to be home together. Since weve been home, each and every therapy session, appointment and assessment that Lehua has attended, we watch her heal and grow. We watch her creating new pathways in her brain that allow for a fuller life.
Quick recap of Lehua's 2023
Lehua moved upstairs to her bedroom where she loves reading books from her library aloud, watches videos about coral reefs and can rest when needed. She has a solid weekly schedule of therapies that she really enjoys and has recently registered for adaptive PE classes at SRJC.
Lehua's walking skills are still surprising us. Not only can she go up and down 17 stairs several times a day she is taking daily walks in the neighborhood without her cane. She has been venturing into new stores and restaurants. Its alot of work for her but worth it all. Managing fatigue has been challenging but we are finally getting the hang of it. Visitors are becoming more regular and Lehua's friends have been wonderful.
Adam & I are quite proud of how much we have been able to carry. The weight of our new reality will be with us as we shift and adjust and figure it out. We both have serious responsibilities each day that are depleting and emotionally overwhelming but this team is happy to be together! Moana graduates from CSUMB this year and has much to look forward to, choices abound for her. Moana's perseverance has paid off!
In the end, as a family we are on our path. Keeping Lehua's seizures under control with appropriate medicine, supporting low stress and low fatigue while keeping her moving and grooving is our priority. Nurturing the few important details allows for quality each day. Here we go into the 2nd year of recovery. With out the prayers, positive energy and love our circles of supporters have shared, we would never be in the safe space, full of light, that we have achieved. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU 💚
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