Update 2/28/10 15 weeks since crash

Dear friends,

Fifteen weeks ago, Hannah was intubated and unconscious. Tonite she's working on a big report for AP Global, and eating a bowl of Cocoa Puffs (we're all about nutrition around here...). Despite the fact that there are hurdles yet to overcome for this amazing young woman, she has come miles from that terrible night. The Great One has done great things for us, and for this our hearts are filled with joy. He stands alone.

Stephen also is living proof that when the Great One acts, all we can do is stand in awe. His doctors have all expressed their delight at the speed of his progress. And despite the fact that he has some permanent injuries, he too is light years from those fateful words "we're not sure if he'll make it through the night". My gratitude to the One and Only is really only fully known by Him.

I must thank Lovely Lucy, Fab Phyllis, Marvelous MaryAnn, Magnificent MaryBeth and Judy the Good for their encouragement today. I had my own hurdle to jump, and I had no psychological strength to make it over. But all of these wonderful ladies, along with Sweet Sue (who whisked me off to Vanilla Latte Land yesterday), were my coaches and cheerleaders as they have been all along this road. I only hope I can be the kind of friend they have been to me. I continue to be amazed at the way the Great One gives me so much more than I deserve, and puts the finest of folks all around me. But that's the nature of God. He is always loving us in that "no matter what" kind of way. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me..."

Well friends, today is the LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY! Is it not the longest month of the year? Is it not a soggy, gray month? I really did try to see the good in February, and there were indeed moments. And certainly February tests our metal, and makes us stronger. But I've never been so happy to turn the page of a calendar. I'm still thinking of Coast Guard Beach, and corn on the cob and washing the car on the driveway. The PT warned us that long walks on the beach might not be in the offing this year, but I'm not losing sleep over it. There have been too many "not going to's" that have been forecast, and have not materialized. Like the rest of it, we'll take it as it comes.

It's the closing night of the Olympics, and I feel kind of sad to see them go. What is it about watching people striving, pushing, enduring and reaching that so fills our hearts with optimism? Even when they lose, we are inspired. I've grown comfortable these past few weeks with these amazing athletes in my living room. They reached the top of their mountains. You can't help but feel proud of them.

Tomorrow is picture day at Our Savior's Lutheran School. David took a shower tonite, and hopefully his hair won't be too crazy tomorrow. But that's asking alot for the Smith kids, where crazy hair is in the DNA. I will miss being there. As many of you know, I had to leave my job as a part time aide in first grade after the accident occurred. I'll miss combing the little ones hair, and tying the bows on their dresses. I'll miss reading to them while they wait their turn, and chatting with my dear Mrs. Barnes while we get them ready. What a blessed woman I am to have had the experience of working with these precious little ones! I'm thankful for the time we had. Right now I'm doing the work the Great One has for me to do. And with that I am also content.

Happy March, my friends. Even the name, March, carries with it a sense of expectant forward motion: "March on my soul, be strong". Fifteen weeks ago it was November. And you were with me. Here we are in March, and still you remain. You are the definition of faithful. One day we'll have a big party and you'll get the cake. For now I can only continue to say, wow. And thank you.

Your friend on the pilgrim road,

Loriann