What Matters Most...

Some times in life things happen that you don't understand. I have known Alicia since she was in first grade. She use to help me after school last year filing and doing other things I needed done. Always with a bright, shy smile, and infectious laugh. Whether it be talking about who the cutest Jonas brother was or how fifth grade was going, she always brightened my afternoons. Labor Day weekend, while she was white river rafting on the Kern river, her inter tube turned over. She was pinned under rocks for nearly 5 minutes before she was rescued. After a week unconscious, she woke up. Since then she has come a long, long way. I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to visit her today (thanks to BB Joseph taking Daniel, and Auntie Romy watching Bryce). I knew that there was brain trauma and she hadn't been able to walk, talk, or eat on her own, but I also knew that she had made tremendous gains too.

I wasn't much help crying the entire time. Not sure why I couldn't stop and the friends and family that surrounded her didn't make me feel bad about it. We hugged and kissed and opened an "overpriced" chinatown robe and Jonas Brothers book, we didn't get to open the beautiful book I found at Vroman's the other night, but that was okay. It would have been too much (for me). Looking at all the possible choices, I found the most wonderful book called HOPE. It was just what I wanted Alicia to have and hold on to. It's words expressed how I felt and what I hope for her in her recovery. I wanted something to inspire her as she faced a long road back. What I found at Children's Hospital was that she and her family and friends inspired me. You can't change things that happen in an instant, but you can be thankful for what you have. Alicia has love, support, and all the hope in her corner. She is going to make it... I have faith.