"Miss Giggle Britches is Blooming"

August 20, 2009
1609 hours

The last two days have been absolutely amazing. Dar’s sister, mom and dad must have said their good byes on Sunday. When I called on Monday it did not appear that they had seen Dar before starting their journeys homeward. I spoke to Dar twice on Monday and she was in good spirits and vocalizing as much as she could. That was on Monday, Tuesday all heck broke loose.

When I called the first time I spoke with nurse Lissa, I was told that our “little wonder” had a new nickname. When I asked what it was I was told Dar had been nicknamed “miss giggle britches and miss giggle pants” It seems that Dar found her vocal cords and something humorous to think about and decided to entertain the staff and residents all day, I mean alllll day. Laughing and making sounds that we have not heard since leaving Kentfield.

When I spoke to Dar the first time by cell phone, (miss tami) at the helm Dar was still entertaining the staff and me. She was so full of life and happiness it was breath taking. It was one of the most memorable times that we have had on the phone. Able to make “vowel” sounds, attempting to complete questions with “word” answers, it was amazing. We spoke for some time and then I told her that I would call again just before bedtime. Calling about 7:30, again Dar was still laughing and have a great time. We spoke for some time and again worked on her breathing exercises and she was fabulous. We said good night about 8:00 and I reminded her I would call again the next day.

Wednesday I spoke with AnnMarie and was told that Dar rested and slept till about 2:30 in the morning and then decided to continue her laughing and vocalizing. Dar continued her happy attitude all day. When I called yesterday afternoon Dar was a little less “giggly” and definitely ready to work on her speech and saying words. Tami and I worked with Dar for about 20 minutes and Dar was “spot on” and right on task. Filling in the blanks, completing sentences and remembering peoples names just to name a few of the tasks we worked on. We closed our session and I told Dar that I would again call her before bedtime.

At 7:30 Tami called and you just had to be there to appreciate what happened next. For the next 45 minutes Dar shined like a diamond. It was incredible. Tami and I saw a young woman reaching for the stars and grabbing them by the handful. Dar continued right where we left off previously and even took things a step or two further. At times I could not hold back the tears. This lady has come so far and is making such progress, and I am so very proud of her.

We closed our talk about 8:15 and Tami and I spoke for a few more minutes privately and said our “we will see you soons”. You remember today is the day that Mark and Tami’s son Ryne returns to Merced. I know this is not good-bye it is only a break before we see them again. We will continue to text and call, read each other’s blogs and make phone calls all the time. Besides Dr Mark is going to be taking over Dar’s case with regard to her vocal cords and when the time is right her trach issues and sleep apnea. So, they ain’t seen the last of us. The rednecks will be coming with their house on wheels and putting it in their driveway. Dar and I will be praying for Ry and all of his family.

I am in the process of getting another “netbook” so that I can leave it in Dar’s room and use the Skype program to be able to call her and have web video. This way I can continue to work with her on a daily basis and not have her slip into a “funk”. I am hoping all I will have to do is call CM and ask someone to answer the computer when it rings and set the computer in front of Dar on a table and then we can work on her therapy. I truly think these calls on a daily basis have and do mean a lot to Dar and I plan on continuing them.

Lastly, I emailed Dr D about our recent events and asked if the increase in the the oral Baclofen, (in preparation for the trial), could be having an affect on Dar’s vocal cords. Dr D said “yes”, that it may be helping. Well whatever the reason, be it medication or just plain healing I am so excited I can hardly stand it. It is truly amazing what she has done in the last two days.

I just got off the phone with Kaylin, (speech) and she and Dar were working hard in speech class and Dar was doing very well. I had to clear the phone after a little bit cuz my voice was so exciting Dar that she was laughing almost non stop. Hopefully one phone call a day will be ok till this weekend when I get her Skype up and running. The other reason for the netbook is, cell reception for some reason is a real problem for most residents and Dar will not always be able to be rolled to a phone while she is in her chair. That being said I hope the netbook idea will work, we have good wi-fi connection so I will keep my fingers crossed. If you have an idea, speak up.

Well, hope you find this “way cool”, can’t wait to see the” little
giggle pants”. Talk to you soon, love ya all

Danny