Cindy Spice (what a sweetheart!) and I visited Gina today! I was totally encouraged by the progress she has made in only six days since the last time I saw her! She looked a lot better! She seemed to feel a lot better too! She still doesn't have full use of her fingers, and her movements are still painful and difficult, but she can move her own fingers now, toes too, and she was anxious to show us that she can move her legs at will. She couldn't do any of that a week ago! So I am beginning to believe that there will be no permanent paralysis. Her healing process still has a long way to go, and it will take a lot of time and hard work on her part, but I really think she will be fine and back to herself sooner than I would have thought a week ago!

She was in a great mood today too! She was happy to see us, of course, and she smiled a lot, which she didn't ever do last week! Gina's sense of humor is intact! They have obviously decreased her pain medication, so she was wide awake for the whole three plus hours we were with her. She got pretty tired just before we left, though.

We met her mother today, and watched her feed Gina some real food that required chewing! I was absolutely amazed at the difference in her condition from a week ago! A doctor (not her normal doctor, but a weekend staffer) came in while we were there, and the first question Gina asked him was "When can I get out of here?" He didn't want to answer that specifically, but made it sound like it would be at least another week or two before she could be moved safely. But he agreed that the progress she has made is impressive!

I think our thoughts and prayers for Gina are having a great effect! Gina is aware of them, and is very grateful! She told me to be sure to let all of you know how much she appreciates your good wishes. I again read to her some of the posts and P.M.s you have sent, and her eyes teared up constantly as I was reading! I left copies of all of them for her to read when she is able to.

Gina has a good attitude too! She knows she has a long, difficult road ahead of her, but she is very determined to make that journey with whatever fortitude is required of her. I think it helps her a lot to know that she won't be making it alone; that there are a lot of people who care about her and will help her make that journey to her destination of complete wellness! Gina wants to thank everyone for their support!

To summarize, Gina is improving dramatically, but she still has a LOT of improvement to make! Our thoughts and prayers for her should continue!

T.L.