Ivy's Month

I'm a bit late on this, but being that it's Ivy's birth month there are many things in the works. Clint got the ball rolling on this with his idea for Ivy's Day, and San Luis High has been working on some amazing ideas to honor and help Ivy.

I'll start with what is going on at the high school. In honor of Ivy's commitment to environmental causes, they've started something called "Go green for Ivy", which involves students pledging to do something to positively effect the environment. Pledges are written on an Ivy leaf, and displayed. "Income for Ivy" milk jugs have been placed around the school. Students are also making and selling hemp bracelets with all proceeds going towards Ivy's recovery fund. They're also working on an Ivy t-shirt with a bat motif, to be designed by the nice people at Hep Kat, and Left Coast T's has greatly reduced the price of their services for the occasion. Other fund raisers include a bake sale and a movie morning at the palm theater. Details will follow. Thanks to everyone at the high school for their continued support and concern. It's truly overwhelming to see all the people rallying for Ivy.

I thought this would be a good place to revive the discussion around Clint's concept of Ivy's Day (to coincide with Ivy's birthday). The idea is best summed up in his own words:
"Wouldn't it by cool for us all to see Ivy as a stone dropped into a still pond and then we are the ripples created by her simple actions? So how can you help Ivy make the world a better place?
A list of Ivy inspired actions:
recycle more
convert to alternative fuels
mentor a child
eat less or no meat
use non animal tested cosmetics
use biodegradable products/soaps/cleaners
adopt an animal
abstain from dissecting animals
spend time with an elderly person
give money to a food bank or other responsible aid organization
Be creative. Do it for Ivy, for the world and for yourself."

Those who are interested in participating can sound off in the comment section of this post...

The Post About Reading (Part 1)

We dug up Ivy's phone today, at her request. After she explained a few basic operating instructions to us, we fired it up. She was so happy to see it running again! She couldn't remember her voicemail password, but we noticed she had some text messages so we thought we'd read them to her. The first one I opened was from her friend Conor, on about July 27, a week into her coma. I think he sent it while he was visiting her at French Hospital. Anyway, it was hand written in a paint program in big colorful letters. I thought this might be easier for Ivy to see than the tiny font of a normal text message. We showed it to her and she looked at it for a second. I said, "Can you see it Ive?" She said, "Yeah." "Can you read it?" I said. She didn't respond at first, so I started to say "What's the first letter?" At the same time she said, "Get well soon." She had decoded it! It was the first time any of us had seen her read anything! Later we read a little from "Where the Sidewalk Ends".
From what I understand (as a completely ignorant layman), the area that processes the meaning of symbols (letters) involves a different part of the brain than the area associated with speech. It's been amazing to witness different parts of her brain start to come on-line again. Of course they aren't coming back at 100% yet, but there's no reason to think she can't make enormous improvements over time!

Hello

I love you guys. I miss you guys. And I'll be back in the nick of time!

Dearest Ivy,

I first met you approximately 4 years ago. I heard about some of your accomplishments before I met you. To say the least, I was quite impressed, if not a bit envious. Who is this young person, many years younger than me, who has more courage and strength than I could ever imagine myself having. I’m referring specifically to the meeting with Fish and Game officials where you got up in front of a bunch of adults to tell them what you thought about the way things should be, in such a way that commanded respect and attention. And finally, I met you, and I could see the remarkable person you are and begin to understand how you could do what you had already done at such a young age.

As the years went by, we periodically met at bat events (I always look forward to the times that you and Melinda are with us at these events, and I know you would say that it’s only because when you are there, I work less!) and I watched you grow into an even more amazing young woman. I love hearing about your accomplishments, your aspirations, your choices to protect and fight for animals, fight for life, be it bats, cows or chickens. In your young life you have already taught many people with your strong conviction and absolute passion in what you believe.

I, like many others, have been watching your progress and am ecstatic at every improvement, every amazing development. And yet, I could expect no less from someone with your character, strength and spirit in which you approach everything you do in life. Melinda, Frank, Casey and all of your family have done an outstanding job in mentoring, guiding and helping you to be the wonderful, gifted person you are. I am honored to be a part of your life, despite the distance between us and look forward to pestering you again very soon.

Love, sloppy kisses and hugs – even though I haven’t showered in days!
Monique

Trachi-outta-me

It's out! After about 2 1/2 months the trach is out! Once it heals, Ivy will start to strengthen the neck muscles that have been tethered around the trach, making her swallow stronger, which will allow her to eat more by mouth, which leads to getting the feeding tube out! It's a vicious cycle of goodness!

Note: Those of you who know Frank, know that he has a reputation for having a... shall we say... unique sense of humor. It involves some sort of word play, usually a pun. In our family we call these "Frank jokes". Needless to say, we have Frank to thank for the title of this post. Ivy liked it so much she's been saying it to every nurse or doctor she's seen today!

Goldfish

OK, so I’m sitting next to Ivy on her bed….feeding her ice cubes. I complain…"The ice is swimming around like goldfish….hard to catch."

Ivy sez "I would like a goldfish."
Then I ask her "Ivy, what would you do with a goldfish?"
"Eat it", was her reply.

EAT IT?!...........I was horrified.............. "Ivy, you really DO need therapy."
"Mom, I mean goldfish crackers….I can’t imagine eating a REAL goldfish. That would be gross."

A little later in the day, dad brought Ivy the CORRECT kind of goldfish.

Trach

Ivy's trach came out on Monday, unintentionally. Melinda noticed it was at a peculiar angle while feeding her, and after looking under the dressing, found that it was completely out.  After several attempts by respiratory to get the trach back in, they had to call in a doctor to dilate the hole and get it back in there.  The whole experience was pretty upsetting to Ivy, and the next day she was tired.  She probably doesn't really need the trach anymore and the ear, nose and throat team is looking into removing it.  I think the trach's days are number.  When that day comes, lets burn it an effigy!

On a personal note, in keeping with Clint's proposal for "Ivy Day" I'm going completely non-meat for at least the month of October. Anyone want to join me?