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Maj Kristine Ratliff, RN, U.S. Air Force Scroll all the way down for the latest update.
For
those of you who knew about our daughter's accident back in April, 2010, the picture of her here was taken just a week or so before that dreadful day. For those who didn't know, she suffered a traumatic brain injury and has been fighting to recover ever since that
day. And what a fight she has made! As of December 2010, she is walking with assistance, is fully cognizant and understands everything that is said to her, has a marvelous sense of humor and laughs at funny things, can plan how to move or do something with her hands and feet, and is learning to speak and to eat all over again. She has undergone two major surgeries since the accident with several more in the offing. While we are aware she may never resume her position as an RN, a pediatric intensive care unit nurse at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, she
is still a major in the United States Air Force. She
has served two tours in Iraq and was to go a third time. We
are extremely proud of her as one who served her country proudly
and honorably, but we are even more proud of her now as she works so hard every day to come back. She's reloaded! She's a fighter! And we thank everyone, everywhere for all the prayers that have been and continue to be said for Kris. Your
prayers are certainly welcome. Major Kristine Ratliff
is also a wife and a mother of two beautiful children. God
bless you and thank you for your support through prayer! Carol
and George Kline
Photo below is Kris when she was promoted to Major in May, 2008, with husband, Russell, son, Joshua, and daughter, Andrea.
The photo below is when Kris was serving in Iraq for a second tour. This is taken at the military hospital in Balad, where she was an OR nurse and cared for our
wounded military as well as the wounded children. Likely, that prompted her to become a pediatrics intensive care
unit nurse when she returned to Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio. Her unit was in the process of moving to
Brooke Army Medical Center when the accident happened and where she was airlifted that night. We praise God for Dr.
Richard Teff, the neurosurgeon who was on duty!
In April, Kris met up with her friend and favorite therapy dog, Macie, who visits Health
South RIOSA regularly. The photo below shows the two of them in a real "nosey" pose!
The photo below was taken in June, 2011, with her sister, Diana, and Mom, during
her sister's two-week visit. Kris is giving her usual "thumbs up" sign,
which displays her determination and strong willingness to "come back!" Kris proudly wears her Air Force
hat everywhere she goes, and that pretty much tells everyone she's proud to serve this country!
Thursday, August 25, 2011 Dearest Loved Ones, all our Friends, and the Prayer Partners, Before I begin, I will tell you (for those who have asked) our temperatures next week here in San Antonio
are predicted to reach 107 and possibly higher! We’ve decided summering in Texas may not be ideal! Having said that, we have also decided we’re going to be here for a while yet. So we
ask that you add one more small prayer to the many we’ll ask tonight... Cooler
weather!!! Now, having said that, we begin this
latest update with more hope, more excitement (albeit, somewhat reserved!), and more requests for your awesome prayer support.
In our last update (dated August 18), we explained about Kris’s evaluation by two therapists from the brand new Audie
Murphy Poly Trauma Center now being completed at the huge VA Hospital here in San Antonio. While we haven’t heard from
them as yet, we are very hopeful there findings will be positive, and they will decide to admit her. This will enable Kris
to undergo very stringent rehabilitation in the area of speech/communication, hopefully enabling her to communicate with consistency.
This door, if opened, will mean so very much. In the meantime, we had a visit this past Tuesday with Dr. Teff, the neurosurgeon at BAMC who (I have to
reiterate this miraculous moment!) literally (with God’s help) saved Kris’s life the night of her accident on
April 21, 2010. He gave us some more thoughts for which we are hopeful. The MRI I referenced in another recent update showed
Kris did not have a tumor or mass at her pituitary gland. (We were praising God for that one!) But it did show the ventricles
are enlarged, which could mean fluid buildup. The brain is floating in a fluid to help protect it, but too much fluid can
be harmful because it puts pressure on the brain itself. There are several methods to determine if fluid is building up, but
recent indications seem to be present, with the most obvious being the enlarged ventricles. Dr. Teff has suggested placing a shunt inside Kris’s cranial cavity which would automatically
and slowly reduce too much fluid on a constant basis, thus relieving unnecessary pressure to build up. The end result would
give her back some of the capabilities she seems to have lost over the past months, such as her spelling capability when typing,
her balance (which seems to continue to worsen), and simply some of the latent abilities which might have returned by now
were it not for fluid buildup. Speech is at the forefront of all these capabilities and, while we can never be assured it
will return immediately or even completely, Dr. Teff feels this will certainly give her a better chance at some point if not
immediately. Kris SPEAKING would absolutely be awesome!!! After talking it over with her husband, Russell,
with Dr. Onghai (Kris’s neurologist at RIOSA), with each other, and with God, Kris will be admitted to BAMC on Monday,
August 29, to undergo a lumbar drain. This is an initial procedure which will tell us if there is increased fluid. Dr. Teff
explained there may be an immediate difference in her countenance, in her balance when we stand her up, and in a number of
things she might do. If that marked difference is apparent, he will put the shunt in place on Friday, September 2nd. After
being monitored for the first three days next week, Dr. Teff will know and she will remain in the hospital to prepare for
the surgical procedure. If the marked difference is not apparent during those first three days, she will simply return to
RIOSA and we will continue as we are. Several things were also explained to us regarding the shunt implant. First, it cannot ever be removed. Once the body’s
normal fluid production is interrupted by this tiny device (which will hence forth monitor and control that fluid buildup),
the body will not produce additional amounts on its own, but will be “told” to do so by the device. Removing the
shunt will eliminate the normal production of fluid which, of course, would be devastating. Second, it will be implanted with a drain tube (the size of a ball
pen point!) which will run from the shunt, down through
her body, to the peritoneal cavity in her abdomen, where the excess fluid will drain. It will, of course, then be processed
out of her system with other fluids. Keeping in mind, it will be a very small amount of fluid at that point, but even the
smallest additional amount in the brain can cause problems. Finally, and most hopefully, the process may be just the ticket for Kris to really improve
now. While she has shown some brighter moments occasionally, it has been agreed among therapists who work with her that she
really has plateaued for some time now. Her walking with the walker in therapy has not improved, and is much the same that
it was for many months, with the only real change being that her right foot turns under from time to time. She now has a leg
brace to use during therapy to help turn it back, but the turning of her foot is obviously neurological simply because she
can on occasion walk perfectly well with her foot flat. If you notice in the attached photo of Kris walking with George (taken
8/21), her foot is flat! As for the Audie Murphy Poly Trauma Center, there will surely be more to report about that
in the next update. So keep those prayers coming, dear ones, and especially remember Kris as you pray next week for the procedure
at BAMC. Her balance, her abilities in many ways, her speaking (oh, to hear her talk again!), her activities of daily living:
everything could hinge on next week. The changes may be more visible immediately, then slow for a time as she progresses further.
But we do believe the ends certainly justifies the means. So, as we begin to hope again with renewed enthusiasm, we
leave her in God’s hands, fully and completely. Blessings,
with gratitude, humility and love, Carol and George
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 Dearest loved ones and friends, Tonight
is a night of mixed emotions. If I were to say there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I’m not certain it would be
a fair analogy of the months ahead. There is a light, however, and there is a plan. A family care planning meeting
was held today at RIOSA with Kris’s commanding officer there, with two Air Force liaison and case managers there along
with the case manager from the VA. Present also were Kris’s RIOSA case workers, representation from the three therapies
(physical, occupational and speech therapy), Kris’s husband and George and I. With us also (and basically conducting
the meeting) were three doctors of psychology and rehabilitative care from Brooke Army Medical Center with whom Kris has been
meeting over the past few weeks. These meetings, as I have described in previous updates, have been to evaluate her as they
determine her level of cognizance and begin fashioning a plan of care for her future. Overall, the meeting went very well. We were
especially pleased that the two doctors from BAMC were honest and explained their findings and their thoughts in great detail.
Their findings were, however, a confirmation of what George and I have already anticipated, but found difficult to hear. They
discussed the potential for continued progress and feel, after a year or more in rehab, Kris’s condition and limitations
may not be improved upon to any large degree. In that regard, however, communication (or the lack thereof) is of the greatest
concern. While she is working extraordinarily well with the speech therapist at RIOSA, the therapist’s area of expertise
is limited in that she is just one person with only so much time to devote to Kris. The doctors offered a plan. There
are at least five VA poly trauma hospitals around the country with dedicated efforts in all areas of rehabilitative work:
physical, occupational and (most importantly) speech. An in-depth augmented speech therapy program designed to meet Kris’s
needs specifically would be most helpful, the two doctors believe. Without having any real basic means to communicate, Kris
will always be at the mercy of whomever is taking care of her. No one, other than those of us who can understand her sign
language of sorts and know her facial expressions can really meet her needs. We simply cannot always be there 24-7, however,
and that is the level of care Kris will need going forward. Bottom line: communication has to be the main focus now. In
the end, it was determined that the team from BAMC would do the investigative work to locate and secure the facility where
such a specialized speech program can be arranged. The facilities they referenced were in Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Richmond, Houston
and Chicago. The decision was based on our top three choices: Houston, Atlanta, and Pittsburgh with Richmond still under consideration
if one of the others did not come through. Tampa had been a choice (my heart skipped a beat), but a contact there felt they
could offer no such specialized speech augmentation program. We were informed (husband and parents) that her
stay would be from two to three months at least. It would be helpful for some family representation to be there at the beginning
to help with the transition, they said, and at the end to be trained in the program specifically. Since Russell is obviously
still running the household and working, and we are mobile with our RV as our home away from home, we will go wherever is
necessary to get Kris settled in. We were all then advised that, based on the evaluation
findings and what they have observed, it would be prudent for us (husband, mom and dad) to do some research and look to find
a place for Kris. Even while we expected this, we couldn’t bear to hear it said. Kris will very likely
not be able to go back to a home life and Russell will not be able to handle continued constant care for her 24-7. Their recommendation
is a long term care facility. Going home on for a visit now and then once she is settled in her new “home” away
from home will be possible, even encouraged and enjoyable. At this point, however, there is too much pain for Kris to see
what she can not have, and it’s my opinion going “home” would simply break her heart. As the doctors from
BAMC admonished us, Kris will essentially have two homes: one for her family and where she will visit from time to time, and
one where she actually lives because of the level of care she will need. A time line is difficult to
project, but they believe a move will be arranged within two to six weeks. As a matter of professional courtesy and because
she is still an Air Force military career nurse, Kris was brought into the meeting so that the doctors could explain to her
directly what will happen. Her son, Joshua, joined the meeting then as well. Kris understands. She is deeply
aware of her injuries, her physical struggles and limitations, and the frustration of not being able to communicate. I believe
she is ready to work hard again, which is what they have asked her to do. She pointed to the word “yes” on her
letter board. Kris is still a fighter and, being a nurse, she is aware what must be done!!! There
is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may not be a bright light yet, but in God’s time, it will shine for Kris. of
this, I have no doubt at all, and we do sincerely covet your prayers. Blessings and love,Carol and George
October
6, 2011
Dear
Friends and Loved Ones! When God opens doors, He doesn’t fool around! In our last update, I talked about Air
Force Village II. Well, they didn’t call back in time. In the meantime, I emailed a facility last Saturday that Russell
had mentioned some time ago located right there in LaVernia (where they live). Believe it or not, the administrator emailed
back on Sunday (she just happened to check emails) and we went to see it on Monday. We moved Kris there Tuesday afternoon!
No hitch. No snafus. No problem. It is a lovely facility, not new but very well kept, at the outskirts of LaVernia and just across from
the high school where Joshua goes. The school where Andrea goes is just down the way, too, and one of the therapists at the
facility worked with Andrea at the special school and knows Kris. (AND... Kris remembered her when we arrived at the facility
on Tuesday!) Before I forget (I’ve been known to do that in times of happiness!), Kris’s new
address:
Maj
Kristine Ratliff Country Care Manor 2736 FM 775, Room 302 LaVernia, TX 78121 Yes, we are very happy with Country Care Manor: the staff is caring and kind, many have worked
there for decades, it’s small and very pleasant and in a lovely setting, the therapists are terrific and the therapy
room is directly across the hall from Kris’s room. She will have all therapies: speech, OT and PT, and the speech therapist
is the gal that knows Kris. The administrator was warm and welcoming when we met her Monday, and the admissions/office manager
has already been a tremendous help. We will be in close contact and they don’t mind if I call!!! We
were able to decorate her room and fix it up with all sorts of amenities to make her comfortable and not feel as though she
was in a hospital setting anymore. I spent the night with her Tuesday night and, Wednesday morning after I had her up
and dressed, I asked if she wanted to go “look around!” She toodled herself in her wheelchair out into the hall
and headed for the lobby, which is right there almost. She looked around and checked out the nurses’ station, headed
out in the great room, where so many of the staff greeted her and welcomed her, and then we went out on the front porch. (The
weather finally broke, by the way. It’s not hot!) Kris and I sat there on the porch for almost
an hour. It was peaceful and breezy, and she seemed so much more relaxed and “at home!” A sweet elderly gent (who
is also patient) wheeled up to us and started chatting. Kris was so engaged! She looked at him and listened and smiled
and it did my heart good to see that. Normally, she is reluctant and hangs her head, I believe because she cannot speak or
converse. That didn’t matter Wednesday. On the way back to her room, she stopped at the therapy room door,
looked in, everyone greeted her, and she rolled herself right in! I am just amazed. The facility, as I said, is relatively
small, and the nursing staff actually “communicate” with each other and do things “by the book.” They
have been so helpful and, when George and I left her last night to come back to the RV, I felt totally at ease. Russell will
be able to stop every day on his way home from work and he said that very often he could come back in during
the evening to be with her until she goes to bed. It’s about 15 minutes from their house and, likely, when he has the
house wheelchair accessible, she may be able to visit for an hour or so. Kris
understands, if she progresses now, that means she will be able to go home eventually, once the house is renovated and special
accommodations are built in for her. She also understands that hard work still lies ahead and she seems more “up” to
the task now. I must say I did not feel good about moving her to the facility in Floresville last week so, when that
all fell through, we were a bit fearful because we knew we have to leave this coming Saturday. But Country Care Manor is honestly
where God wants her to be and, Tuesday morning, I awoke actually feeling happy for the first time in a long time. There is
a feeling of joy when God has His hand in the works, and I told George we would move that day. Well,
the call came by 10 a.m. on Tuesday that Kris had been completely approved and we could come to Country Care Manor. Russell
drove his truck with Kris and I. George drove our van loaded with all the boxes and belongings. By 2 p.m., she was moved in.
By last evening, Kris was totally settled in and her room is lovely. Didn’t get pictures yet, but we will today. (The
attached photo was taken last weekend when George was showing Kris how to drink with a straw again. It reminded George of
when he was teaching our oldest son how to drink with a straw years ago, and that made us all laugh. It didn’t quite
work yet this time either, but she got so tickled and it was just one of those photo op moments.) It is about an hour’s drive from where we are in the RV park now, but George already found
one just 10 miles away from LaVernia. That’s where we’ll stay when we come back in the RV in the spring. For now, our leaving Saturday will again tear
my heart apart, but we do leave with greater assurances that Kris will be well cared for, loved, encouraged, and... who knows...
she may talk and eat and walk before we know it. As George and I were
returning from a “shopping spree” for Kris yesterday afternoon, a lovely lady who was getting ready to leave started
talking with us. She visits her mother-in-law several times a week, she said, and raved about Country Care Manor. We
ended up exchanging email addresses and she decided to come back inside with us to meet Kris and Russ (who was there by then
after work). Before we went in, however, she prayed with us right there in the parking lot. It was one of those special moments God gives to really encourage
us and let us know... it’s right, it’s okay, this is what He wanted! You just can’t help be at peace
with that, so... thank you all for your many prayers. They continue to work! Blessings and love,Carol and George
Sunday, October 30, 2011 Dearest friends and loved ones! Yesterday
(Saturday) marked three weeks since George and I left San Antonio to return to Florida. During that time, I have learned all
over again the necessity of relying on nurses and nurse aids to care for Kris, as we did last winter when we had to leave.
But Kris is in a very different place this year. It is a long term care facility, which is geared more to good patient care
than a stringent therapy program. That was good last year at RIOSA; but care and being active is obviously the key now. And,
in spite of a few rough moments of trying to understand and convey concerns by telephone to the folks there at Country Care
Manor, this email will serve as a real “message of hope” that everyone is trying very hard there, and we are extremely
grateful. In addition, Kris’s husband, Russ, has been there after work daily, and is able to
spend more time with her on weekends than ever before. Her son and daughter are able to visit more as well. Since Kris is
right there in their now and only 10 minutes away from their home, we feel it has made a fantastic difference. And, as I mentioned
in the last update, Kris has rallied with an intensity and a drive to do more in such a short time than I could have ever
imagined. That is in large part directly facilitated by Susan, the speech therapist, there at Country Care Manor. But, really,
all the therapy folks are fantastic! In addition, the activities department seems to be taking Kris under their wing as well,
getting her involved and doing things she hasn’t done before. The first week after we left, for example, I called one
day to find Kris was playing Bingo with the residents and had already won three times! Three quarters! Now that’s cold
hard cash! The week before last, I called in the morning one day to find the nurses, activities and
therapy folks were in the process of loading up the wheelchair van to take a group of ladies fishing! Fishing?!!! Yep! It
was a picnic/fishing trip to a nearby pond and Kris was on her way out the door. A family friend was there and he was going
along, too, which made it even nicer for Kris. The attached photo shows Kris and Susan (the therapist you’ve heard so
much about) having lunch. Lunch?!!! Yep! Susan said Kris managed to eat several spoonsful of rice and beans (a Mexican dish),
which she loves, and enjoyed it. Then she spotted a brownie with chocolate icing and enjoyed a bite or two of that, as well.
I was amazed, delighted, and in tears! They were tears of great joy and being extremely thankful for all of the hope this
brings. What a relief it is to hear so many great things that Kris is doing. That makes it a bit more bearable
for us now to learn to let go, which I realize I truly must do. This past week, Russell met with a Veterans Administration
representative who met Kris at Country Care Manor, then followed Russ out to their home. The representative was there to inspect,
advise and direct Russ as to what renovations should and/or could be done for Kris’s greatest benefit and welfare, and
to enable her to finally come home. It is her greatest desire to live at home, I believe, and we truly want whatever is best
for Kris. As Russell said, it will take quite a bit of renovating and he wants to do it right. Kris will have her own room
and full bath with walk-in shower, a kitchenette with sink and a little refrigerator for certain medicines and things she
may soon be able to eat. There will also be an access door to the outside in addition to the one inside, which is mandatory
according to the VA rep, in case of fire. Russ said he wants to make a covered porch of her own so that she can be outside
and get fresh air. But another requirement is to have a concrete walk all the way around to the front porch, then gradually
ramped to the driveway. He’s also talked about a service that will send a trained sitter to care for Kris during the
day, seven days a week. So he is making great plans, and Kris seems very excited and, of course, so are we! In
the meantime, I believe with all my heart that Kris will continue to heal and gain back more and more of her abilities. Russ
put a phone in her room last week, and we are able to call when he or someone is there to give her the phone so that she can
hold it to her ear. That helps more than you can imagine, just to hear her little “sounds” and know she is okay.
Susan is also working to get Kris to speak again, and was able to have her say three vowels a week or so ago. The two of them
have bonded tremendously, and Susan said she is not giving up on Kris. Hooray!!! That’s exactly what we wanted to hear!!! So
this is a message of great hope! Hope that, in time, Kris will be able to walk and talk, enjoy her favorite foods again, go
shopping, swim and jog, and help Andrea with her school work. She may even help Joshua as he prepares to go to college next
year. And, some day, maybe she and Russ can come for a visit right here in Sebring. These are all wonderful hopes and dreams
and, with God’s help and healing and answers to prayer, any or all of the above will be cherished. We continuously thank
God for how far Kris has already progressed, for all your wonderful prayers, and for the hope of fantastic things to come. Blessings
and love, Carol and George
November 16, 2011 Dearest
prayer warriors and loved ones! Where to begin! There is just so much to tell you all and, yes,
it is all good stuff!!! The only bad thing about heading to Texas last Tuesday (November 8th) was that
we had to leave home by 5 a.m. in order to make the drive to Orlando and catch my 8 a.m flight. From there, it was smooth
sailing all the way. Wednesday morning, Kris had an appointment at Brooke Army Medical Center
(BAMC) with the ear, nose and throat team. Once again, the discussion turned to Botox injections and it was decided she is
still a candidate to continue the injections, albeit, perhaps stronger doses and in more areas in her neck. They checked her
esophagus by scoping her, and found the voice box to still be very good, the airway well protected and covered, and the epiglottis
still functioning very well. Feeding her small amounts of soft or pureed foods and water very carefully should continue. True
to form, the therapists at Country Care Manor have been doing just that and, as a matter of fact, the day I arrived, Kris
had been eating mashed potatoes and doing extremely well. Another... Praise the Lord!!! On Wednesday
afternoon, the three case managers working with Kris representing the VA and the Air Force came to Country Care to visit her.
Russell, Kris and I met with them for almost an hour before they went out to Kris and Russ’s home in LaVernia. They
wanted to see where the renovations will be made and get a feel for what the VA inspector saw and suggested several weeks
back. Russell informed them the plans are with the architect and there are two potential scenarios: enlarging an existing
bedroom to include all the equipment and everything Kris will need, or building a completely separate little studio-type apartment
at the back of the house which will also house everything she will need. It will be connected to the house itself by a very
short breezeway. There are pros and cons for both. Thursday, I did something I’ve wanted
to do for a while. Kris usually wore her hair with a bit of auburn highlights and, of course, that hadn’t been done
since before the accident. I had talked with the beautician at the facility and she let me use her shop. I gave Kris a hair
color, shampoo, haircut and style right there, and the outcome lifted her spirits tremendously. We had so much fun doing it,
and the “ooo’s” and “aahh’s” Kris received really made her smile. On
Sunday morning, Joshua brought Andrea to see Kris, which always makes Kris’s day. (I snapped the attached photo on the
front porch of Country Care Manor.) Then, at long last, Russell and I were finally able to do something we had talked about
for some time: take Kris home to her house for a brief visit. There was a lot of explaining and admonishing this would be
merely a first step and there will be more visits. She will be going home for good one day, but she would have to return to
Country Care for now. The visit lasted almost two hours, and Russ explained all the things he wants to do to make the house
ready for her. She wheeled around inside with wide eyes, and he even showed her some of the projects he’d been working
on. Kris hadn’t been home since she left for work the morning April 21, 2010, that horrible,
fateful day. Sunday was a monumental occasion!!! Even their little dog, Jason, was excited and, of course, Andrea and Joshua
were really glad to see her start this series of visits. In all honesty, she handled it pretty well when it came time to leave,
but she did get depressed for a time once back at the facility. I had bought a Christmas tree for her room and proceeded to
put it together and she actually helped me put some ornaments on it. That seemed to help a bit. Another
milestone occurred Friday last week. We were told an appointment had been approved for Kris to finally go to the Audie Murphy
Poly Trauma Center to be interviewed by head of the Center’s rehabilitation department, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson. The appointment
had been set for Wednesday, the 15th, but I would have to leave on the 14th. So, once again, our dear Air Force case manager
prevailed and had the appointment changed! Dr. Johnson is a delightful, lovely lady; very articulate
and extremely “on top of things” in her position at Audie Murphy PTC. She interviewed Kris, who responds very
well to yes and no questions, and I helped supply other information as well. Dr. Johnson was convinced her “team”
of expert therapists could do great things for Kris. She decided to start with several sessions for them to “nail down”
what device or devices Kris could best utilize for communication, then bring Kris in as an inpatient for several weeks to
really work devotedly with her in all forms of therapy while concentrating heavily on speech. Once the plan is formulated,
Dr. Johnson wants Kris to undergo some x-rays to determine the condition of the cervical spine, then she will have her eyes
examined, and have a psychologist perform some mental cognitive evaluations as well. Kris was
then interviewed by the man in charge of all mobile support equipment, and he evaluated her for a motorized wheelchair. This
will aid Kris in being able to recline just enough to allow her head to be against a head rest. This will enable her to straighten
her head and neck, which have been strongly drawn to one side. So much so, that it is extremely difficult for her to look
straight for any length of time. Kris took to the chair immediately and took off down a hallway like a shot! I expected to
see a burnout spot on the floor! Laughingly, he said she will have several return visits with him for “driver’s
ed” and, hopefully, Kris will have that much needed motorized chair very soon. All in all,
the entire set of events last week have again raised our hopes and expectations to an all-time high. Early Tuesday morning
(yesterday), I met with the medical doctor on staff there at Country Care Manor, and he was already making the necessary changes
to some of Kris’s medications as had been suggested by Dr. Johnson the day before. The rest of the morning was filled
with making certain Kris was up, fed, dressed, and ready for her day. As my time to leave approached, good-bye became increasingly
more difficult. But, in her own little way, she reassured me with a little tap, tap, tap on my shoulder as we hugged. It was
something we started that last fall: we hug each other and I pat her shoulder while she pats mine. It’s her way of saying,
“It’s okay, Mom,” and, “I love you.” I had to leave for the airport
by early afternoon, and Russell was kind enough to drive me there. He said he was grateful for my visit because he knew it
helped Kris and him. I was extremely grateful for the use of his truck and to be able to stay at their house. It
gave me at least a little time with the kids, although not near enough because they leave for school so early in the morning
and I returned late each evening. My apologies for such a lengthy update. It is packed full of
possibilities, however, and even possibilities are good where Kris is concerned. She’s a tough little gal, as many of
you already know. She now has a great deal to work toward, and we have so very, very much for which to be thankful. God has
opened doors time and again. Please pray believing, as we do, and we thank YOU for each and every prayer! Blessings and love, Carol and George
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