Thank you for the visit!!!

I can't tell you what a fantastic surprise it was to hear crunching in my driveway and discover it was you and Melinda pulling in! I'm embarrassed to say it had been one whole month since I'd read on this site, though it seems like only a couple of weeks. Fantastic videos here following your progress. What I love best is how much you smile when I know how hard this work must be for you, but still there is always that big grin going on!



Teranga was disappointed she didn't get to dismantle Melinda's shoes, but she still appreciated that you came and made her day more interesting. I think she really liked checking out your wild socks, too. Gus just always loves visiting with people. He's a little person himself, you know.

Love you bunches!

Lynn & Russ

WOW IVY! What a triumphant year you've had! You are so strong and you have accomplished so many great things in this past year. If you've done so great this year, imagine what next year will be like :) I miss you very much and I hope to see you soon!

Love you soooo much,
Jessica

PS... my mom and dad also say hello :)

What a year it has been!!!!!!

So tomorrow will signify the one year mark of the day that changed my life.
On my miracle day I want to ask everyone to celebrate life.

Perhaps you might take time today to:

-eat whatever you want, except meat because

animals like to celebrate life, too!!!

-hug your parents; thank them for always being there for you.

-take a nap if you don’t normally and don’t take one if you do!

-skip down the street: its fun: and who cares.

-turn a tragedy into something good.

-dance to your heart’s content.

-compliment a stranger.

-cry, heck no one is judging!!

-call up an old friend.

-smile at strangers.

-hug the children.

-live life to its fullest.

-take time to smell the flowers

July 20, 2008 was the day I had my cardiac arrest!

I want to thank everyone that helped save my life.

Not only initially, but throughout this entire year.

Speaking of Zoo to You...

On July 1st, Ivy and I went to dance to "The Ivy Band" aka Unfinished Business when they played in Templeton for Templeton's Concert in the Park. Mariah showed up and kept saying she had to go home, but she couldn't tear herself away from those hot 60's sounds and fine company. Mariah stayed for the entire show.

While we were standing near the gazebo, a cousin of Ivy's found us ....HI Trisha and Wesley.....wish we'd gotten a pic with you.

Then a beautiful young girl came up to Ivy and me , gave us each a wonderful hug and kiss and acted as if we were long lost friends. I was embarrassed but when I couldn't place her I had to ask sheepishly, "Do I know you??? Who are you????" The answer shocked me. "I'm Sami, Anita and David's daughter." Now in my defense she hadn't been at the Zoo to You compound when we had visited a couple of weeks back. AND I hadn't seen her since her 6th grade birthday party(11 or 12 years old) and Sami is now in high school.
David... it is time to lock her up in a closet! Thanks Sami for hanging out with us for as long as you did. You really made Ivy and me happy.
Sami even promised to give Maya a kiss for us.

To The Zoo

A few weeks ago, Ivy, Melinda, Mariah and I were lucky enough to visit Zoo to You.

Ivy was able to get reacquainted with an old friend. Maya the spider monkey got very comfortable in Ivy's lap.

Dear, Ivy & Freinds

I want to tell you Ivy, you continue to amaze me. This last year has been the true challenge, and you are beating it. You have many real friends who have been there for you from the beginning. I believe this is the real medicine. Love , & Hope, never giving up, antibiotics.. .HEY! ... Wait a minute! That's what Ivy's always going on about... Love , Hope, Earth, Tree's, Life, peace. I love you Ivy, Dad By the way, we spent the 4th at the Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles, where Unfinished Business jammed. Ivy was out on the dance floor again, which is nothing new. although, during the song "Shout" I saw her getting her hand in the air on que, while standing alone. I think that's a first. The band is great therapy. Later.