Thanksgiving

THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving, in my mind, is a time to reflect on what we have to be thankful for. Growing up my brother always said that Thanksgiving was/is his favorite holiday. His reasons valid- to have time to spend with those you care about, no concerns about gift giving or receiving, a time to reflect on what matters most in life. It wasn’t until this year that I really have gained an appreciation for his feelings.
This past April my life changed forever. There are many days that my heart aches but just as many days if not more that I hear myself say ‘Wow, I have so much to be thankful for’. I want to take this special time of year to say THANK YOU. To all of my family – for your heartfelt dedication over the past 7 months, for listening to me when I just needed to cry, for being my strength when I felt I had none. Please know that although I may not say it often enough I love you all very much and am wishing you all that Happiest of Thanksgivings.
To my dear friends, thank you for your unconditional love and support. I think of you all as my family. You have been my pillars of strength during one of the most difficult, if not most difficult time of my life. You have made my family your own and for that I am eternally grateful. I hope to be the same kind of friend to each and every one of you.
To the city of San Antonio and those people around the world who have been praying for our family, especially Ava….thank you. I really do believe that all of the prayers have allowed our family to find strength during such a horrific time.
To all of the staff at University Hospital, Christus Santa Rosa and Rehab Associates…..thank you for saving my little girls life. Without your expertise I am certain we would not be where we are today. You all have a special place in my heart.
To Ava’s special friend Rosie….thank you for the countless hours of play therapy/OT you have done with Ava. Thank you for helping to give Ava some sense of “normalcy” to her life. There is a reason she lights up when she sees you because she realizes what an amazing person you are.
To Lilianna, for your beautiful pictures that have helped capture every moment of Ava’s recovery. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift with our family.
To my husband and children……THANK YOU FOR BEING SURVIVORS! I love you all more than words can describe.
With the last part said, I wanted to give a quick update on Ava’s recovery. A few weeks ago Ava had to go in for another cat scan. Unfortunately we were told that she has a new bleed in her head. We have also learned that she has a 6th nerve palsy in her right eye. A few nights ago she went in for more testing…MRI/MRA/MRV. The good news is that the MRV and MRA appear normal. The MRI confirmed the new bleed and also showed a mass effect. This basically means there is some pressure/swelling on her brain that needs to be evaluated. Ava will see a neurosurgeon early next week. Please say an extra prayer that all goes well. I will keep you posted.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
May you take this time to reflect on what you are thankful for. Don’t let time pass you by!
Love,
Traci

All for Ava Party Pictures

Enjoy these beautiful slideshows of Ava, her family, friends and countless supporters at the All for Ava Party! It was an amazing day!

http://www.liliannastoryslideshow.com/avabirthdaygirl/

http://www.liliannastoryslideshow.com/ava%27sbirthdaycelebration/