Saturday, May 31st, 2003 ~

Tracy slept well and Mom spent the night with her again. Well, the sun decided one day of fun was enough and the rain is

back! :( Hopefully this week we can get Tracy outside again! She had a half day of therapy today and it went well. Mom and

Dad took Tracy to the atrium and got her on the rehab mat. They had her work on rolling to the right and left. She did

well. They also took Tracy to Independence Square (a simulated town on the first floor of NRH that is used to help patients

learn how to do everyday things like grocery shop and pump gas) to show her around and had her identify fruit with her

eyes. They asked her to look at a lemon, a banana, and an orange. During PT and OT Tracy was stretched and ranged.

Mom played some nursery rhymes for Tracy and asked her to "sing" along. Tracy did, making noises throughout the tape.

Friday, May 30th, 2003 ~

Tracy and Mom had a good night and they both slept well. Tracy's OT fitted her for some new hand and wrist splints to

help keep them straight so she can more easily use them as her muscle control returns. Taylor, the NRH Rehab dog and

Tracy's buddy, paid her a suprise visit today. It appeared that Tracy recognized him and extended her arms attempting to

pet him. Tracy was also able to keep her eyes on Taylor while her head was moving. PT and OT stretched and ranged

Tracy and Mom took her out in the garden. This was the first sunny day in a long while. Also we had a visit by Father

Rock, our good friend and Navy Chaplain from Naples. Tracy is so close to talking, exhibiting correct tongue and mouth

placement. She just needs to add her voice.

Wednesday, May 28th, 2003 ~

Tracy rested most of the night, but had a few coughing fits and needed some oxygen momentarily. She was fine throughout

the night (they should've given me the oxygen, I was the one freaking out!) however and slept really well. Mom and I got

Tracy in the shower this morning and she really seemed to enjoy it. Tracy's OT observed us to make sure we did

everything OK so we can shower Tracy on our own time. I think we passed! Tracy had PT in the rehab room and she was

up in her chair for almost four hours today. During PT her legs, hips and feet were stretched and Tracy initiated movement

in her legs, helping to bend her knees. Tracy had a choice between oatmeal and key lime pie yogurt during speech and

quickly picked the yogurt. She swallowed really well and is getting better at it. No words yet though! Keep praying!

Tuesday, May 27th, 2003 ~

Tracy slept well last night and Mom stayed with her. She had an early session of PT and was stretched and ranged. During

speech, Tracy's therapist worked on getting her to make sounds and try to talk. Tracy made some noises throughout the

session. She was unable to go in the pool this afternoon, but hopefully she will be able to next week. Instead, Tracy had PT

and OT in the therapy room and practiced rolling on the mat. Tracy rolled to the left and then back onto her back. She did

a great job and needed minimal help. She was in her chair twice today and also worked on head control during her therapy

sessions. During her afternoon speech session, Tracy had some oatmeal in order to work on tongue movements and

swallowing. Charles left this morning and we enjoyed his visit.

Monday, May 26th, 2003 ~ Happy Memorial Day

Dad stayed with Tracy again and she rested well. She had a half day of therapy today because of the holiday weekend. Tracy

had OT early this morning and her arms and shoulders were stretched well. During PT, Tracy was in her chair and we took

her out to the atrium. Tracy's PT observed Mom, Dad, and I helping Tracy roll onto her left side, so that we can work with

Tracy on our own. I think we passed. :) Tracy had PT for half an hour and when it was over, we kept her on the mat to

practice her rolling. She did really well rolling with minimum help. She was in her chair for almost four hours today and

has had a restful afternoon. She let Charles and I know what kind of music she wanted to listen to between John Mayer and

Jimmy Buffett. Our Parrothead wanted to listen to Jimmy this afternoon! Have a fun, safe Memorial Day! God bless our

troops and all who have fallen! Charles is visiting until Tuesday.

Sunday, May 25th, 2003 ~ Memorial Day Weekend

Tracy slept very well and Dad stayed with her again. She had a quiet Sunday and we took her to Mass this morning

downstairs at NRH. She enjoyed Mass and we hope to take her again next Sunday. Tracy was in her chair for over four

hours today and I took her on a ride around the hospital to get her out of her room. Hopefully the weather will get better

soon so we can take her outside again! Dad stretched and ranged Tracy to keep her muslces in tip-top-shape. Tracy has a half

day of therapy tomorrow because of the holiday. Have a great Memorial Day weekend! God bless our troops and all who

fight for our freedom! Charles is visiting until Tuesday.

Saturday, May 24th, 2003 ~

Tracy had a pretty restless night with Dad and a half day of therapy today. During OT, her arms and shoulders were

stretched and ranged early this morning. Tracy was in her chair for a bit this morning and had PT in the atrium. Tracy was

on a rehab mat during PT and was rolled onto a cylinder in order to stretch her chest and back. During speech she worked

on head control and is doing a great job moving her head to the left and right while keeping it up in space. Tracy also

worked with her "yes" and "no" cards. She slept most of the afternoon and Dad is going to stay with Tracy again tonight.

Charles arrived this morning and will stay until Tuesday. Mom and Dad's friend Ernie stopped by NRH today.

Friday, May 23rd, 2003 ~

I stayed with Trace last night and she had a restful evening for the most part. Tracy had co PT/OT in the rehab room and

was proned on her stomach in order to stretch her back muscles. She did a great job holding herself up on her elbows using

her back/shoulder muscles. She had better control of her head and while on her stomach she turned her head and eyes to the

left and right, looking at pictures. Her PT also stretched her feet, legs, and hips out while Tracy was prone. Tracy also had

some extra arm/shoulder stretching during OT and helped move her arms! During speech she had some apple cinnamon

oatmeal and did a GREAT job swallowing. Best food session yet! Found out Cousin Michelle is not coming, but Charles

is coming tomorrow. Tracy received ANOTHER stuffed animal from her new friend Mike who stopped by w/ his mom

today! Plus, Tracy's friend Allison, from Gonzaga in Florence, came by for the morning.

Thursday, May 22nd, 2003 ~

Tracy rested well last night and Mom spent the night with her. Tracy's hips were stretched during PT and she was up in her

chair twice today. She went to the therapy room twice today, once during PT and once during OT/Speech. During OT,

Tracy rolled to the left with guidance and worked on moving / stretching her shoulders. During PT, Tracy was held up at

the edge of the rehab mat by Marlena, her PT, and worked on relaxing her feet down to the floor and holding her head up.

This afternoon, Tracy had a choice between Key Lime yogurt and Peach yogurt. Our girl opted for peach and worked on

swallowing again. Tomorrow Charles is coming from Va Beach. (Dad wrote the update yesterday since I was working the

Matchbox Twenty / Sugar Ray concert. My new part-time job is with Washington's 104. I'm the newest member of their

Street Team!) Tracy received another teddy bear from her new friend Mike!

Wednesday, May 21st, 2003 ~

Tiffany stayed with Tracy last night and both girls slept well. Tracy had some problems with her feeding tube, however, it

was cleared and all is well again. She continues to move her tongue more appropriately with her attempts to count to 10.

Her arms and legs were ranged again today and she helped with rolling over. Everyday she is getting a little stronger.

Today during speech therapy, Tracy had her first taste of Cream of Wheat (I don't think she likes Cream of Wheat though)

and was able to swallow it with minimal difficulty. (Dad wrote the update since I was working the Matchbox Twenty /

Sugar Ray concert. My new part-time job is with Washington's 104 radio station.I'm the newest member of their Street

Team!) Tracy received another teddy bear from her new friend Mike!

Tuesday, May 20th, 2003~

Mom stayed with Tracy last night and our girl slept well. Tracy was stretched this morning and this afternoon during her

PT sessions. She had a tummy x-ray to make sue her feeding tube is in the right place and her legs were checked for blood

clots. All clear there! Tracy had OT and PT in the pool today! She loved it and was able to move her arms and head more

in the water. Her therapists were able to stretch her sides and hips too. Tracy was really relaxed in the pool and will now

have pool therapy once a week. Afterwards, we got Tracy in the shower and cleaned her up. She chose to taste some Key

Lim Pie yogurt this afternoon instead of tapioca. She swallowed the yogurt well and seemed to enjoy it. She is pretty

pooped this afternoon after her busy session in the pool!

Monday, May 19th, 2003 ~

I stayed with Tracy last night and we watched the Bachelor Finale and got some much needed rest. :) Tracy's attitude was

coming out in full force this morning. She wasn't too interested in her therapy! I think she had a "case of the Mondays." :)

Tracy had some more yogurt this morning during speech and is swallowing better already. She is starting to get used to

moving her tongue and is close to talking! During her afternoon speech session, Tracy was mimicking her speech therapist,

making "ahh" and "ohh" sounds with her. Tracy was in her chair twice today and had PT/OT out in the therapy room.

They worked on rolling and stretching Tracy's hips and back. During Tracy's afternoon OT session with Katie, Tracy

chilled out on a rehab mat in the atrium while Katie stretched her arms, shoulders, and fingers. Tomorrow afternoon Tracy

gets to have OT and PT in the POOL! :) We received yummy Key Lime cookies from Ashley S. along with a Coconut

Candle! Thanks!

Sunday, May 18th, 2003 ~

Dad stayed with Tracy last night and she rested well. Mom, Dad, and Mamaw took Tracy to Mass this morning

downstairs. Then they took Tracy for a ride around the hospital and attempted to check out the pool, but the doors were

locked! They wanted to take her outside, but it was cold and rainy. Tracy had a restful day since she does not have therapy

on Sunday's. However, Dad stretched Tracy's legs and arms and Mom held numbers in front of Tracy, asking her to look at

the "nine" or the "six". She is getting pretty good at that! Hopefully, Tracy will be able to have therapy in the pool next

week! We are sure our bathing beauty will love that! Your notes to Tracy help so much! We read them to her daily. Please

continue to pray for Tracy and keep her in your thoughts. She has been progressing so much lately, but she has a long road

ahead of her. Mamaw left this evening and we miss her already!

Saturday, May 17th, 2003 ~ Four Months

Tracy rested last night and Dad is staying the weekend with her. Tracy had a half day of therapy today. She was pretty

sleepy during speech and didn't seem in the mood to do anything. During OT, we went out to the atrium and got Tracy on

the rehab mat. She practiced rolling again and continues to roll mostly on her own. We also worked with the "yes" and

"no" cards and held up numbers in front of Tracy, asking her to look at the "four", etc. Tracy was propped at the edge of her

bed during PT. Her therapists worked on stretching her neck, back, and arms. Hopefully Tracy will be able to have therapy

in the pool next week! We are sure our bathing beauty will love that! Mamaw is visiting until tomorrow. We have really

enjoyed her visit!

Friday, May 16th, 2003 ~

Tracy and Mom rested most of the night and Dad will be sleeping over with Tracy this weekend. Trace was stretched and

ranged during PT and had two OT sessions out in the atrium. While in the atrium, Tracy was on a rehab table/mat,

working on head control, rolling, and identifing objects. Tracy rolled onto her left side almost completely on her own and

then rolled herself onto her back. Plus, Tracy identified items such as shampoo, a brush, and lotion with her eyes while her

OT, Kate was helping Tracy sit up on the edge of the mat. Tracy was in her chair for over three hours and is starting to hold

her head up more. Tracy's speech therapist worked on trying to get Tracy to talk to us. It really sounded like she said "no"!

She also had some vanilla yogurt to continue to reacquaint her mouth to food! Mrs. Dickison brought us lunch again and

Tracy received two new stuffed animals this week from her new friend Mike. An adorable neon frog and a teddy bear. Your

notes to Tracy help so much! We read them to her daily. Mamaw is visiting until Sunday.

Thursday, May 15th, 2003 ~ 4 months since Tracy was hit by the car

Tracy slept well again last night. She is getting good at being up during the day and asleep at night. :) Mom was happy!

Tracy was in her chair early this morning and had speech and OT in the therapy room. While in the therapy room, Kate,

Tracy's OT, held her up on the edge of the mat. Tracy worked on sorting shapes (squares and trapezoids) and did a great

job. She also answered questions such as "is your last name Anzalone?" using her "yes" and "no" cards. Tracy's PT held

her up at the edge of her bed this afternoon, while Mom asked Tracy questions using the "yes" and "no" cards. Tracy's

afternoon OT session required all of us to help out! Tracy was rolled onto a cylinder in order to stretch her back and chest

muscles. During Tracy's afternoon speech session, she had some strawberry yogurt and is moving her tongue and

swallowing better already! Mamaw arrived safely and was pleasantly suprised with Tracy's progress.

Wednesday, May 14th, 2003 ~

Tracy (and Mom) slept well last night. Mom and Tracy's OT, Kate, gave Tracy a shower this morning. Tracy held her

headup for a few seconds and she seemed to really enjoy her shower. During her morning speech session, she tasted some

more apple sauce in order for her speech therapist to examine how her mouth responds. She still can't eat orally though and

probably won't be able to for awhile. During PT, Tracy went out to the therapy room and worked on the mat. She

continued to help when rolling to her left side and actively relaxed her feet. She was up in her chair twice today and this

afternoon, Mamaw, Mom and I took her outside to enjoy some sunshine. During her afternoon OT and speech session, I

held Tracy up at the edge of her bed and we worked with her "yes" and "no" cards. She's getting good at answering

questions and letting us know what she wants. Mamaw arrived safely and was pleasantly suprised with Tracy's progress.

Tuesday, May 13th, 2003 ~

Tracy (and Mom) rested well through the night. During OT, this morning, Tracy's arms, shoulders, and neck were

stretched. She was pretty sleepy this morning during her co OT/Speech session. We took her to the atrium and Kate

(Tracy's OT) held Tracy up at the edge of the mat while Jen (Tracy's Speech Therapist) worked with the "yes" and

"no" cards. It seems that Tracy does not like just looking at the cards, she seems to be trying to say "yes" and "no". Today

it sounded like she said "no" when asked "Is your name George?" During PT, we took Tracy to the therapy room and she

rolled onto her left side practically all by herself! Tracy had some apple sauce today along with some juice during Speech in

order to test her oral skills and see how well her swallowing is. She handled it well and seemed to like it, considering she

hasn't had food orally since Jan! Mamaw is coming tomorrow and we can't wait to see her again!

Monday, May 12th, 2003 ~

Tracy slept through the night and had a very busy day of therapy. She was in her chair early this morning and had PT in the

therapy room. She was stretched on the mat and worked on rolling, initiating movement in her legs. During OT, she was

propped up on the edge of her bed and worked on sorting colors. She looked at blue checkers and yellow checkers, telling us

with her eyes which pile to place them in (the yellow pile or the blue pile). She also raised her eyebrows when asked by her

speech therapist. Tracy didn't want coconut, strawberries, or pickles today; our girl wanted CHOCOLATE! :) (Please

remember that she can not eat orally, her therapist rubs the food on her lips in order for her to taste and smell). We continue

to work with Tracy, asking her questions with her "yes" and "no" cards. Please continue to pray for Tracy and pass her

website along to everyone you know! Your notes to Tracy help so much and we read them all to her daily. Mamaw is

coming Wednesday and we can't wait to see her again!

Sunday, May 11th, 2003 ~ Happy Mother's Day!

Tracy was a bit restless last night, but had a peaceful Sunday. Mom and Dad took Tracy to Mass this morning (I had class

from 9-4pm) and she spent four hours in her chair today. They pushed Tracy around the hospital to get her out of her room

for awhile. Mom worked with Tracy, using the "yes" and "no" cards, asking her questions, such as, "who would you rather

listen to, Avril Lavigne or Faith Hill?" Tracy opted for Faith. :) Earlier this afternoon, Mom read Tracy the copy of

Charlotte's Web that Charles gave Mom for Mother's Day. Tracy also showed us that she is seeing colors. When asked to

look at the "red" bear, she did, and when asked to look at the "pink" bear, she did. Dad stretched and ranged Tracy's legs

and arms since she does not have therapy on Sundays. Happy Mother's Day everyone! Mamaw is coming Wednesday and

we can't wait to see her again!

Saturday, May 10th, 2003 ~

Tracy slept well again last night and had a half-day of therapy today. During speech she practiced with the "yes" and "no"

cards again and when asked if she likes brussel sprouts, her eyes flew to NO. :) She is helping out more with physical

therapy, initiating movement in her legs. Tracy is actively turning her head when asked almost every time! Charles stayed

with Tracy while Mom and Dad went to lunch. They read Tracy Runaway Bunny (She had a choice between the Hungry

Catepillar and Runaway Bunny and she chose Runaway Bunny using the "yes" and "no" cards.) Tracy also took a tour of

Independence Square while she was up in her chair with Mom, Dad, and Charles. Independence Square is a set of a town at

NRH that is used for therapy in order to introduce patients back into society. There is a fake gas station, store, apt,

restaurant, etc. I started graduate school today and was not able to go to the hospital.

Friday, May 9th, 2003 ~ One month since Tracy's trach was taken out!

Tracy slept really well last night and had another busy day of therapy. During OT, she was aided in rolling on the mat in

the atrium and initiated movement in her legs. Also, she was propped on the side of the mat, looked in a mirror and

practiced holding her head up. She practiced with her "yes" and "no" cards and answered 7 out of 7 questions correctly. The

"yes" and "no" cards are hard to assess accurately, but we think Tracy is comprehending enough to answer the questions

with her eyes. During PT, Tracy's head fell to her chest while she was sitting in her chair and she picked it up and put it

back on the head rest. Plus, a previous NRH patient visited Tracy and brought her a cute teddy bear! During speech she

looked at pictures of objects and was asked to look at the "telephone" (when showed both a picture of a telephone and a

picture of money). She seemed to look at the correct one with her eyes when asked. She also opened her mouth and moved

toward the fruit and pickle that was introduced to her during speech. :)

Thursday, May 8th, 2003 ~

Tracy slept on and off last night, but enjoyed Mom's company. Today was Dad's first day back to work and we miss

havinghim at the hospital. Tracy's wheel chair was revamped during PT and she seems to like the adjustments. She was in

her chair for over an hour this morning and went to the rehab room for her OT session with Katie. She was propped on the

edge of the mat and actively relaxed her arms for us. Tracy had her speech and OT session together in the therapy room.

Tracy practiced looking at the "yes" and "no" cards and some pictures. At one point, it almost sounded as if she said "no"

instead of looking at the card! During her afternoon PT session, Tracy turned her head to the left and right on command, and

initiated bending her knees. She had a special visit from Taylor, the black lab rehab dog, and was propped on the edge of

her bed in order to see Taylor. Tracy received many doggy kisses and smiled when Taylor licked her hand.

Tracy's Prayer Page

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Wednesday, May 7th, 2003 ~

Tracy had another sleepover with Dad and slept through the night. She had a shower this morning during OT and had her

arms stretched this afternoon. During her PT session, Tracy's wheelchair was adjusted in order to make it more supportive

and comfortable. She also looked in a mirror and worked on head control. Her legs and neck were stretched during PT and

she had her daily hand massage to keep her fingers limber. During speech, Tracy looked at her "yes" and "no" cards,

answering questions such as "are you a boy?" and "is your name john?". Tracy answered the questions correctly by looking

at the "no" card. She also tasted a slice of mango and a strawberry, during speech to stimulate her sense of taste and smell!

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Tuesday, May 6th, 2003 ~

Tracy slept well last night and was pretty tired this morning for her OT/Speech session. We took Tracy out to the rehab

room and she was propped up at the edge of the rehab mat for her speech session. She was stretched and ranged during PT

and OT and was propped up on the edge of the bed twice today, working on head control. Tracy looked at "yes" and "no"

cards during speech. She is becoming familiar with the cards and we think she answered the question, "Is your name

Tracy?", by looking at the "yes" card.

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Monday, May 5th, 2003 ~

Tracy, Amanda and I had a sleep over last night and thankfully Tracy got some much needed rest. We swear she was trying

to talk to us "lock-jaw style" (think: Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz before the oil can). It sounded like she was saying "I

hate this," "Help me," and "Yes." Tracy had PT/OT in the rehab room again and laid on the rehab mat on her side to

stretch her back. Tracy helped her therapists bend her knees and she initiated movement in her legs. During speech, Tracy

worked on looking at "yes" and "no" cards and when given the choice of tasting a pickle or a papaya, she turned her head

and eyes towards the pickle! Our girl knows what she wants!

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Sunday, May 4th, 2003

Tracy had a sleepover with Dad last night, however she was pretty restless! There goes my theory! We took Tracy to Mass

downstairs this morning and then outside for a quick ride around the garden. She has been listening to music this afternoon,

enjoying her day off from therapy. Charles went home, but Cousin Michelle is here until tomorrow and is making another

wonderful dinner for us this evening. Amanda arrived this afternoon and will be here until Tuesday. We are happy to have

visitors again!

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Saturday, May 3rd, 2003 ~ 3 Months at NRH

Tracy had a sleepover with Dad last night and slept very well (funny how she always sleeps well when he's here and likes to

keep me up all night!). :) She did not have her morning therapy sessions, because we took her to the Washington Hospital

Center (which is connected to NRH) to get her J-tube (feeding tube) replaced. The procedure went well and Tracy seems

much more comfortable now. She got back to her room in time for her afternoon PT session and had a neck/leg massage.

She's resting this afternoon and Dad will stay with her again tonight. Cousin Michelle is here and is making us our first

home cooked meal in quite awhile. :) Charles is visiting again as well and Amanda is coming tomorrow. We are happy to

have visitors again!

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Friday, May 2nd, 2003

Tracy rested the first half of the night and then became uncomfortable, coughing alot. She was pretty sleepy during speech

and went out to the rehab room during PT/OT. Tracy looked at some pictures and was proned on the mat for quite a bit,

putting weight on her arms. She worked on picking her head up and actively relaxing her feet. She had her daily hand

massage and her legs were stretched this afternoon. Tracy had an xray of her stomach and lungs to make sure everything is

ok. Her feeding tube is currently in the wrong place and she will have to endure another procedure to fix it. Cousin Michelle

and Charles arrived today and Amanda comes tomorrow.

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Thursday, May 1st, 2003

Tracy rested on and off last night and was pretty tired today. She had OT and speech in the therapy room and was propped

on the edge of the therapy mat. She was pretty sleepy, but looked at her picture of Snow again. She was stretched and

ranged during PT and her feet were relaxed enough to put them in her bi-valve casts. Mrs. Merchant brought a lovely fruit

basket from the Wing of the Aerospace Medical Association! Even Tracy was able to enjoy it! During her afternoon speech

session, her therapist, Jennifer, cut up some papaya and rubbed it on Tracy's lips. Tracy attempted to lick her lips. Next

time we need to try some mangoes! Technically, Tracy is no longer in a "coma" since she is now a 3 on the Rancho Los

Amigos Scale (on the cusp of being a 4). You can read about the Rancho Los Amigos Scale in the Important Links Section.

Amanda, Cousin Michelle, and Charles are coming to visit Tracy this weekend!