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Six years ago....
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12/6/2011 1:04:43 PM
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If you're one of the faithful followers of Morgan's progress, you've undoubtedly noticed that updates are few and far between. Colin and I have struggled with when to update you all. It has been six years since Morgan was injured and while our world and life is very different than we imagined it would be, life in the Dunnigan home is normal so to speak and so we don't feel we have much to update. Morgan doesn't experience huge breakthrough changes, but instead has been blessed with small incremental changes over time. It often takes someone visiting us who hasn't seen Morgan awhile to note the subtle changes that we often don't recognize.
So let me get you up to speed. Once again, Morgan had a very busy summer. She spent the first week of summer in Baltimore at KKI. It was both touching and remarkable to watch Morgan and Elena, her PT, reconnect. While Colin and I keep in touch with the Elena on a fairly regular basis, Morgan doesn't. The lack of regular contact does not appear to have any effect on the bond between these two. Morgan is always excited to see Elena, knowing Elena will be pleased with her continued progress and hard work, whereas Elena is always thrilled to see this child who is literally growing up in front of her eyes. They hug, smile, share a few quick stories and then the two of them begin their work. As always, Elena has an ambitious specific plan and Morgan is willing to give it her all to achieve the goals set in front of her. So after just five days in Baltimore, we are discharged with a new home PT plan, new muscles to be focused on, additional exercises and changes in daily life that will result in more independence for Morgan.
Being at KKI is always a struggle for me. I can't help but be transported back in time as I walk those hospital corridors and see those familiar faces. The time we spent there was the most difficult, and yet most rewarding, time in my life. Going back there, brings up lots of different emotions from tremendous sadness and fear to shear joy and thankfulness.
The overall assessment of Morgan was quite positive. In spite of the fact she has grown several inches, she has maintained her relative strength and balance, and her gait is slowly improving. This progress can be attributed to Morgan’s continual desire to work at her recovery. She meets with her Personal Trainer Molly at the YMCA and has started doing Pilates twice a week.
While we were a KKI several PT's recommended Morgan become involved in the Neuro Recovery Network program. They all felt it was the next step needed in her recovery. I've done research on the program and am hopeful that Morgan will participate soon. Thankfully, 1 of the 6 locations for treatment in the U.S. is located at Ohio State so it is only 90 minutes form our house.
We flew from Baltimore to Arkansas to spend time with Colin’s family. After a wonderful week together on the lake, Morgan and I headed to Philadelphia. Morgan’s scoliosis took a rapid turn for the worse last spring. Understandably, we were discouraged and concerned because Morgan has been a faithful wearer of her back brace. In fact, unless she is in a swimming pool or a shower her back brace is on. Shriners Hospital once again came to our rescue. They recommended new more aggressive bracing to be worn both day and night. Morgan now has a more rigid back brace that she wears during the day and a night brace that counter corrects her curve. I'm happy to report Morgan did not complain once about the increased bracing and a recent x-ray showed the curve was not only stopped, but also significantly corrected. This is a huge break. Our goal is to avoid having repeated surgeries on Morgan's back. Therefore, it is imperative that we keep up the bracing until she is fully grown.
After a couple days back in Ohio we set off once again. This time we were headed west to spend time with my parents and siblings and cousins in Oregon. Unfortunately, Colin was not able to go on this trip due to work commitments. However, Connor, Morgan and I all agree that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places we've ever seen. The climate was perfect. Morgan could enjoy being outside in the sunshine without worrying about overheating. My siblings all commented on how well Morgan was getting around and how strong she seemed. She happily engaged in a game of soccer with her cousins using her crutches not only for stability, but occasionally to kick the ball.
As you can tell we had a full summer, but the highlight for Morgan was undoubtedly her visit from her friend Michaela. Michaela came from Virginia to spend a week with us in Ohio. The two of them reconnected effortlessly and spent a week together that I know Morgan treasures. School started in August. Morgan is now in 7th grade and Connor is in 2nd. Both kids are doing well in school.
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Naturally, what tops most people's “ThingsI am Most Thankful For” list are friends and family. As we approach the 6th year anniversary we are reminded of how blessed we are to have the family and friends we have. It is the love and support of our family and friends that helped us weather that terrifying storm six years ago. This year all the anniversary dates are corresponding with the same day of the week. So I am vividly transported back in time to the Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005 when Morgan and all her friends at First Presbyterian sang out “It’s Christmas all over the world” and my heart ached with fear. Repeatedly during the performance she pulled at her neck.
That week I was shepherded by Annalisa and David O’Toole and Anne Vipperman to take Morgan to Brenner’s. Sallie Hall talked to me on the cell phone as I drove there worried about what might be discovered. Hours later my worst fear came true; our daughter’s life was in danger. That is when our friends and family both near and far, swooped in to care for us. My parents came from Asheville, Colin’s parents flew in from Dallas, my brother from California and my sister from Rhode Island. Sallie Hall and Susan Aaron teamed up to provide Connor with seamless care and love. Everyone was taking care of everything else so Colin and I could focus on doing all we could to save Morgan.
I try not to look back too much because frankly it is too painful, but once a year or so when I do, I am reminded, in spite of the sorrow and pain, how blessed we are. Morgan is with us. She is a fun, outgoing, intelligent, caring and brave girl that I am fortunate enough to be the mother of. So at Christmas time, this year and always, I say thank you: to God for watching over our child and to each one of you for lifting us up when we needed you most. While we may not post often, a day does not go by that we are not thankful for YOU and your care. Merry Christmas, everyone.
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