New Year Update from Alan Wade
As the New Year dawns (new decade, according to some), Lucia seems to continue on what seems to be a slow but still steady approach to recovery. She continues to attend therapy appointments five days each week, some times with multiple appointments each day. We look forward to her knee healing with rest—she can exercise up to but not exceeding the point of pain, but has to avoid her beloved long walks. During a recent visit, I observed two days of one hour workouts, during which she was able to use the elliptical trainer and the stationery bike, in addition to working on her rehab exercises at home.
Other issues include the double vision, which may eventually respond to surgery if it does not heal by itself, and the more subtle effects of the severe concussion which she experienced on October 11, including the loss of her sense of smell. She is highly disciplined (as always) in her approach to getting her life back, although impatience is a problem.
She did venture out rather tentatively during the holiday season to several social events. These were healing in nature, but extremely fatiguing.
As a father who almost lost two daughters within a ten month space (my oldest daughter died in December, 2008), I am overwhelmed with joy that Lucia is still very much with us. Along with family and friends who love and respect her, I look forward to her becoming healthy and strong again, and returning to an active life.
