Wow! So much to share with everyone, I am just not sure where to begin...and it is all good! For starters we had another great appointment with Dr. Graham. It is such a treat for me to just sit back during these appointments and watch Kristen work her magic.
During the past few years I have encouraged Kristen to gradually take more control of the doctors appointments(even though the doctors almost ALWAYS direct their questions to me, as if Kristen isn't in the room) but she has easily managed to do what I suggested and especially today with Dr. Graham. He is different in that he directs his eye contact and comments to her. As usual, she went prepared with the notes she jotted down on notebook paper last night of questions/concerns she wanted to discuss at todays appointment (I am sure this doesn't surprise my sisters that, like me, Kristen is a list maker) and as a result, the appointment was very productive.
Following the appointment, Kristen's mind was at ease about some of the concerns she verbalized and I could sense how empowered she is feeling. Dr. Graham was very receptive to Kristen's written list, he offered some much needed reassurance and again, he was very complimentary of her maturity and the feedback he is receiving from her therapists. The two of them(Dr. Graham and Kristen) are developing a great rapport and this helps Kristen feel more confident about trusting him.
Later today, we were informed that Humana authorized 20 more occupational/physical therapy appointments so this was also very good news. With this news, we will likely be staying in Nashville until December 16th. We celebrated the great day by attending Lipscomb University's Hanging of the Greens program tonight with Lauren and her roomie, Calie. We enjoyed live Christmas music performances by Amy Grant, Melinda Doolittle, and Point of Grace. It was awesome, uplifting, and definitely put us in the Christmas spirit!
Perhaps the very best news is that as of late this afternoon, Kmac's Crew has grown to 63 team members and has raised more than $4100 for the Arthritis Foundation. That number will soon grow as Kaitlyn Brennan, my sweet second cousin in Arizona, taught a Hip Hop class on Sunday as a fundraiser for Kmac's Crew and raised $150!
There are no words to accurately express how we feel about the response to Kmac's Crew. Never did we expect or even anticipate this level of support from friends, family, and a few generous strangers. I am speechless but nevertheless, very grateful and appreciative. We, as a family, have never felt more embraced and cared for!
Another thing that put a big smile on our face is a song about "Kmac's Crew" that my precious neice, Addie May, sang to us over the phone on Thanksgiving Day. I am quite sure that her mommy(my sister, Colleen) along with my sister, Holly, created the clever lyrics. We can't wait to share the lyrics - to the tune of "Jingle Bell Rock" - and have a sing-a-long with Kmac's Crew at the Jingle Bell Run/Walk.
In closing, I'll say that I hope your Thanksgiving Day was as memorable as ours was. This year, though our family has faced many challenges and disappointments, and we are currently divided among two households (make that 3 if you count Lauren's dorm room!) we still have so much to be thankful for...including the treasured gift of friendship and the neverending love and support of family.
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