We recently took Trina to an eye doctor to verify the condition of her vision … and surprisingly he had information for us. He said her brain really is like that of a baby.  And, that we should “cuddle” her and “rock” her and talk with her at that level as we work to advance her forward.  He also said to add Fish Oil to her feeding tube (fatty acids good for brain development), which we did, and already we can see a real calm over her.  She LIKES sitting in someone’s lap and being rocked and will now stay like that for up to 30 minutes in complete peace.  Previously she would sit or be peaceful for say a minute and then get anxious to be moving about (usually with legs and arms moving more spastic like).  This may not seem like a lot to most, but to us to see ANY change (which we do see almost daily) – is welcomed and taken as steps forward for the good.  Yes, it will take years and years of work, but Thanks God for steps forward.

We finally were able to obtain a vehicle that will carry her full wheel chair (previously we had to tear it down and put it together whenever taking her anywhere) …the van has a bucket seat for Trina, which is easier for us to make her comfortable in travel.  A real blessing as we didn’t think we would qualify at this time … but the dealer gave a generous trade in value for our El Dorado Cadillac (which was in beautiful shape), so it worked out.  Now, we can travel longer distances to SEE PEOPLE and VISIT FAMILY rather than being limited to the indoors.

Our next request is that once we take her to UC Davis on October 3rd – they will suggest a therapy PLAN for her with a lot of testing required, etc.  This will require that we travel to Sacramento as often as they need and we will have to incur expenses outside our regular budget to get her the help she needs (we do not have that kind of medical help in Redding).  So, if any of you feel led or are able to help towards that – please go to http://www.TrinaLeigh.com and donate. The amount of donation has never mattered as a little adds up.  100% of these funds go towards TRINA, be assured of that.  We had to stop Acupuncture for a while as the donations ran out and it is just too expensive for even the small budget she has.  When provision is there, we will always add services to bring her back.  We believe right now that UC Davis takes Medi-cal for all of there services and so that is amazing and wonderful.  We will know more after that initial evaluation on 10/3.

Thanks for all of the caring and checking in.  IT MATTERS TO US AND TO TRINA.  As much as we LOVE the privilege of helping Trina become a new person unfolding – it does have its challenges and we must stay encouraged and UP to be the best caregivers we can be.  It can also be a lonely place as most people do not know what to say so stay away.  We can handle the straight talk, so do not be shy … stay in touch.  We appreciate the friends who can handle visiting with us with her and allowing that to flow naturally.  You have a gift that blesses us!

   In the pics below you can see the various settings … the precious one is that she sometimes REALLY laughs.  This brings joy to our hearts as we prayed she’d show some emotions over time.

I will try to keep posting pics  …

God Bless to all of you, Love Trina’s Mom Sandy on behalf of Trina’s fam …

We pray that in addition to all of this good stuff … that she will BECOME COGNITIVE!

     Keep up the prayers, please….