We were so blessed to have Kyra's sister, Christa, and her fiancé, Curtis, at the hospital with us every day; yet, after 9 days of being harassed at all hours of the day and night by doctors, nurses, therapists, and every other kind of medical professional, it was time to go home and rest.
We are grateful to everyone that helped keep our home safe and intact while we were in St. Louis, and kept Kyra in their thoughts and prayers. We especially thank Alice, who babysat the dog, cats, kittens, horses and chickens; Lon who kept the lawn from becoming a jungle; Grandma Joan, who tried to maintain order in the veggie garden; my employer and co-workers, who graciously gave me the time I need to focus on helping Kyra get better; and the Chatham Anglers baseball team, who have been promoting Kyra's journey all season (see www.ChathamAnglers.com).
We are also grateful for the help we have received since we've been back, from Mary and Grandma Joan running my errands, to a visit and prayers with Pastor Cathy, to Erin and Paul offering their electronic and construction skills as we equipped Kyra's bedroom with an entertainment center, and built ramps to accommodate her new wheelchair.
In addition, Pam and Kate have been helping me get Kyra in and out of her chair throughout the day, and Pam's nursing expertise is keeping a close eye on Kyra's remaining trouble spots, and keeping my anxiety at bay.
Kyra is still loopy from the pharmacy of pain medication she takes daily, and tires very, very easily. But signs of the true Kyra are breaking through those drug-dilated eyes. She INSISTS on having her High Point University baseball cap, red spatula, "Fiddler on the Roof" program, and Chatham Anglers team photo with her at all times. I have hidden all of her shoes... Her feet are still too swollen to wear them, and her lap doesn't have room for any more treasures. She smiles at Anya, her dog, who is never more than a few feet away, and rolls her eyes at me when I spill medicine on her bed. Slowly and steadily, she will indeed win this race.
Peace.
