tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73315464695717014182024-03-12T18:01:16.947-07:00Ava's WishUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-64969434967572515272010-11-03T05:04:00.000-07:002010-11-03T05:09:21.794-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4spF9xpDI4Hh6Xgkh7Tw8bAfCeVMNiOVbz6vsKCqGJ9BrLRCgM7z8MBAILO19bTVGA4OE29XopxaFJ7-Vys6dh-_VaFtefjf5Oqm9MOBEnZ4oQFNSTG7hiHwtN313EFPZj-J7lI4Ovhg/s1600/avas_wish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535293974642226690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4spF9xpDI4Hh6Xgkh7Tw8bAfCeVMNiOVbz6vsKCqGJ9BrLRCgM7z8MBAILO19bTVGA4OE29XopxaFJ7-Vys6dh-_VaFtefjf5Oqm9MOBEnZ4oQFNSTG7hiHwtN313EFPZj-J7lI4Ovhg/s320/avas_wish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gESrG2srbkLudzqJeM5JbXolO8zGrVLIFC8MjjPylvxm41WWs_8ZzU0pf7tZulJJ6Ol_k2R6k-RqkGB1Yz_yTjIRf6vBGzuq0jbT_VBD0jvdGYCY5VAWI4vtXgO0HOSCHtxAz8GRIAHQ/s1600/avas_wish.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Please come out and support Ava and the Lopez family for Fashiontini this coming Thursday, November 4th at Hotel Valencia. Doors open at 6:00pm. $10 at the door with a portion of the evening's proceeds benefiting Ava's Wish. For all you fashionistas, there will be a runway show by Julian Gold. Don't miss Ava's debut on the catwalk. Hope to see you there!</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-56467602035676567282010-09-29T04:57:00.001-07:002010-09-29T05:03:07.170-07:00Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Ava!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA57FRlqKThg7qkYbK-N9W30jo-2N7xGTDd2GC4uHNsKb8eZfLXt98f-RVwrNX1A5HRsCl5Ke7Vn3LAwq_zpJ_cyy-exIg5tLuW4v1_TGLgbOMJSjPga0_YmavmprOTSrwb7YPwTB6pRtc/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522304239239906146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA57FRlqKThg7qkYbK-N9W30jo-2N7xGTDd2GC4uHNsKb8eZfLXt98f-RVwrNX1A5HRsCl5Ke7Vn3LAwq_zpJ_cyy-exIg5tLuW4v1_TGLgbOMJSjPga0_YmavmprOTSrwb7YPwTB6pRtc/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Happy Birthday My Sweet Girl……September 28, 2010<br /><br />Today is Ava’s 3rd birthday and it gives me chills to be able to say that. The birth of a child is one of the most amazing gifts a person can be given. The rebirth of a child and the feelings that go along with it are almost unspeakable. Time and time again I have mentioned how blessed Manny and I are as parents to have been given a second chance with Ava. The way that our community, family and friends have supported us throughout the past year and a half just goes to show that we all were given a second chance….for this I will be eternally grateful.<br /><br />Take time to laugh a little longer, hug a little tighter and be thankful for what you have. Let Ava’s recovery story be a sign of hope in your life!<br /><br />-Traci</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-81954375200909340332010-09-28T20:19:00.000-07:002010-09-28T20:20:33.620-07:00Vote for Ava's Wish!!!PLEASE VOTE!!!<br />So many good causes today are in need of good graphic design. And so many designers have a heart for a good cause. Unfortunately, lack of funding often stands between them and the good that they could accomplish together.<br /><br />Worth Higgins & Associates, Virginia’s largest sheet fed commercial printer, announces Worthwhile: Designers for Good, a competition to bring good design and good causes together for the good of all. <br /><br />With your support, Ava’s Wish and graphic designer, Diane Hammons, could win this competition. Don’t forget to vote ONCE A DAY!<br /><br />1. Visit the Worth Higgins & Associates, Inc. Facebook page and click "Like" (first time only)<br />2. Go to <a href="http://www.whaworthwhile.com/">http://www.whaworthwhile.com/</a><br />3. Click Vote<br />4. Scroll down to the heading "Out of disaster, a foundation for kids rises" to vote for Ava's Wish<br />5. VOTE ONCE A DAY<br /><br />Thanks for your support!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-81342782605624692052010-09-10T18:23:00.000-07:002010-09-13T20:12:09.537-07:00Ava update - September 2010It has been quite some time since I last posted an entry on Ava’s progress. For that, I apologize. It amazes me that the summer is almost over and school is back in session. Ava restarted her vision school in mid August and will continue on at a PPCD (special needs) program when she turns 3 later this month. We spent the summer working on improving Ava’s fine motor skills with occupational therapy three times a week and gross motor skills with gymnastics once a week as directed by her physician. She also continues with vision therapy and mobility and orientation therapy. After meeting with a few specialists a few weeks ago it is being suggested that we put Ava back in physical therapy three times a week as it appears that she is starting to fall even more behind in her gross motor skills. I try to come up with a plan on how that is going to work into the schedule and it seems almost impossible. To think that the majority of time Ava is awake during the day is spent going to therapies is mind boggling. Amazing that the therapies are available, but sad that she has to endure this on a daily basis. As a Mother I feel powerless.<br /><br />Ava continues to wear her helmet to protect herself from falls. She also wears her glasses which seem to help her eyes to focus. According to her doctor she has a very difficult time seeing anything without her glasses. It is still unknown as to the extent of damage to her vision. It may be quite some time until we have some definitive answers. She has become a cane walker at school and has even asked for it at home a few times. I think she finds some sort of comfort in it. An object I once looked at with fear, I now see as an amazing tool.<br /><br />I wanted to briefly mention the legal side of this as many people are wondering what has taken place. The trial date was reset once again. It continues to amaze me that the victims in this are the ones that have to continue to suffer. My hope is that one day the person who did this will take responsibility for her actions. As always, I will continue to advocate for my daughter. This will never be forgotten.<br /><br />A more positive side to this is our formation of a charitable organization called AVA’S WISH, INC. The purpose of the organization will be to provide support services to patients and family members affected by pediatric head trauma and related disorders. I have listed a few of our first events that will be taking place in 2010.<br /><br />Ava’s Wish has an event that will take place on November 4th at the Valencia Hotel in San Antonio. The event is called Fashiontini. Part of the proceeds raised that evening will be donated back to Ava’s Wish. There will be more details to come. If you can make it out for this wonderful event we would love to see you.<br /><br />The San Antonio Rock-n-Roll Marathon is quickly approaching. It is scheduled for November 14th. We will have an Ava’s Wish team. If you are interested in joining please contact me at <a href="mailto:avaswishinc@yahoo.com">avaswishinc@yahoo.com</a>.<br /><br />Ava’s Wish, Inc. just became a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. We are currently working on a website and will notify you when it is up and running.<br /><br />Thank you all for your continued prayers and kind words…….<br /><br />MIRACLES DO HAPPENUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-60922490286823395062010-04-26T18:22:00.000-07:002010-09-11T18:23:56.017-07:00Thank youThanks to everyone who attended the "All for Ava" service. It was a magical day! Our dear friend/photographer, Lilianna Story, has the gift of capturing children's raw emotions. How she manages to get the most perfect photos with three children in the shot, I'll never know. <br /><br />Enjoy this breathtaking slideshow of the Lopez children:<br /><br />www.liliannastoryslideshow.com/lopezchildren2010Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-81413812827329887352010-04-20T18:21:00.000-07:002010-09-11T18:22:21.668-07:00Fiesta Week - Please Drink Responsibly!!!Fiesta week has kicked off here in San Antonio, which means there will be more partying and celebrating than usual. Enjoy this fun San Antonio tradition with your friends and families, but remember to drink responsibly and DON’T get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Let’s keep our families safe!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-4491467179012165582010-04-15T18:20:00.000-07:002010-09-11T18:21:24.788-07:00"All for Ava" service - April 23, 2010On Friday, April 23rd there will be an “All for Ava” service held at the Crosstimber (Rogers Ranch) clubhouse. As a reminder, this is where we held the rally for Ava last year. It is our way to come together as a community and celebrate Ava’s continued recovery. All are welcome to attend. It will start at 6:00 p.m. and will most likely last 30-45 minutes.<br /><br />Please wear pink!<br /><br />Thank you for your continued prayers and support.<br /><br />The Lopez FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-17761456201236660322010-04-11T18:18:00.000-07:002010-09-11T18:20:27.415-07:00Reflecting on April 23rd....April 23rd is quickly approaching. To many, this date may seem insignificant but to our family it was the day our lives changed forever. It amazes me to think that an entire family's life can be changed in the blink of an eye but it happens. Many people have asked how I am going to spend that day and I really don’t have a response. While I view it as a very tragic day, I can’t help but to focus on the positive side to this story. The outpouring of love and compassion from family, friends, neighbors, people all over the world that I have never even met. It brings a smile to my face to know that my daughter has brought so many people together in such a positive way. Days after the accident my neighborhood was full of pink ribbons. All over houses, cars, trees…..wherever there was a place to tie a ribbon, one was found. The pink ribbons then started to travel beyond our neighborhood to schools, day care centers, churches, other states and even out of the country. Unity! What seems like such a small thing signifies so much more.<br /><br /> Getting back to the April 23rd question, it is my wish to see as many pink ribbons as I did in the days that followed the accident. I am not asking that they stay up for a long period of time. I am simply asking to make April 23rd an “All for Ava” day. It will serve as a reminder of the senselessness of the act that put us here but more importantly it will remind us of the unity of those near and far that have given our family the strength to live day to day.<br />Thank you ALL for your continued prayers and support!<br /><br />Manny, Traci, Jack, Isabella and AVAUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-90075576679598340802010-02-15T18:15:00.000-08:002010-09-11T18:18:20.111-07:00Ava Update - February 2010Several people have asked for an update on Ava and I apologize that it has taken me a while to do so. Besides the fact that it has been a busy couple of weeks, it has been emotionally draining as well. Sometimes I think when I am having a difficult time it is just better that I not write. To others, writing is therapeutic and I am hoping today’s outcome is just that because for some reason I can’t seem to get out of this funk!<br /><br />Ava started her vision school almost two weeks ago and is adjusting beautifully. To say that she is a super star is an understatement. The class provides her with a security that she will need to get her thru the next stages of her recovery. There are 5 children in the class, three legally blind and two with severe visual impairment. Our hope is to learn how “severe” Ava’s impairment is so that we can develop a plan that best fits her needs. While our hope was to be able to mainstream her next year, it looks like Ava will spend time in a PPCD program or another way of explaining it a “special needs” classroom. A family that we never thought we would be a part of but we are truly blessed.<br /><br />As mentioned in a previous post, Ava started wearing glasses a few weeks ago on a full time basis. We were told that the glasses will hopefully correct the eye crossing the she is experiencing. If it does not then she will require surgery. Something we may not know for a while.<br /><br />Within the next few weeks Ava will begin what is called “Orientation and Mobility” therapy. In addition to Ava’s left visual field cut and limited vision in her right eye, there is now concern that she may have a lower visual field cut as well. For those of you around her frequently you may notice that when she walks she looks straight ahead. Because of this she often runs into or over things. With the new therapy they will be able to work with Ava in training her to be aware of her surroundings. One way of doing this is with the use of a cane. The hope is that Ava will not need to use this on a continual basis but the possibility exists. I also just learned that long term there may be a possibility that Ava may never read due to the disorganization in her brain. I was then told that the teacher may start to introduce Braille. Another kick in the gut. My eyes started to tear as I listened once again to the aftermath of a careless woman out of control. <br />Ava saw the neurologist a few weeks ago. While he is optimistic that her stability will continue to improve he is concerned that she is at risk of injuring herself. She is now wearing a helmet to protect her head and will continue to do so until he sees enough improvement to say that it is safe to take it off.<br /><br />AS for the legal side of this that unfortunately exists….the trial date was reset by the defense attorney. We have been told that we may not have a new date for several months. It truly amazes me that this is the way the legal system works. Fortunately all the time in the world can pass by but this will never be forgotten or forgiven. I maintain my confidence in our legal system and am hopeful that this case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It would be a shame to send the message that it is okay to drive while intoxicated, plow down a family and flee the scene of an accident. Not only has our family suffered because of this but people, young and old, all over the country have also been affected. Thank you to all those people that have written letters to District Attorney Susan Reed. I ask that you send another letter and this time in addition to sending the letter to Susan Reed also send a copy of the letter to State Senator Jeff Wentworth and State Senator Leticia Van de Putte. The contact information is listed below.<br /><br />The Honorable Jeff Wentworth<br />925 N Frost Center<br />1250 N.E. Loop 410<br />San Antonio, TX 78209<br /><br />OR<br /><br />P.O. Box 12068<br />Capitol State<br />Austin, TX 78711<br /><br />Leticia Van de Putte<br />Texas Senate District 26<br />700 N St. Mary’s Street, Suite 1725 A<br />San Antonio, TX 78205<br /><br />OR<br /><br />P.O. Box 12068<br />Austin, TX 78711<br /><br />District Attorney Susan Reed’s fax number is<br />(210) 335-2884<br /><br />Sorry if this sounds a little redundant….. it is just that when Ava continues to fight for what was taken from her on a daily basis, I feel the one thing I can do is to continue to be her advocate. Continue to be an advocate for all of my children, friends and family that believe this person needs to take responsibility for her actions. We live day to day knowing that this woman is still living right up the street, able to come and go as she pleases. It is gut wrenching when I run into her at Target and she stares at me blankly. And then to have my four year old daughter say is that the lady that hit us and Mommy why isn’t she in jail?...I have no words for her just pain and all I can do is hug her!<br /><br />Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. TraciUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-8486847008628957662010-01-17T18:13:00.000-08:002010-09-11T18:15:11.134-07:00Spin to JoyAt the early age of two, Ava has already taught us so much about life. She’s taught us to never take the gift of life for granted and to never give up when faced with adversity. Since the accident, Ava has had to endure countless hours of therapy to relearn the simple acts of swallowing, sitting up, seeing, walking, and talking. She continues to be challenged with her vision impairment, but through it all Ava never shows signs of defeat. There are countless children just like Ava who are struggling with deficits every day. “Ava’s Wish” Foundation has been created to support children and families facing pediatric head trauma and disorders. <br /><br />Another organization that is doing amazing things for children is the Ironman for Kids Foundation. They purchase and donate special needs bikes to children that physically cannot or do not have the ability to ride a bike. Much like Ava’s KidWalk, this equipment is highly specialized to the individual and very expensive. When Ava was learning to walk again, the KidWalk was so instrumental in getting her to where she is today. These bikes will allow many children to experience a simple joy in life that so many of us take for granted. The “Ironman for Kids” foundation will be holding their annual “Spin-to-Joy Spinathon” to raise money for this great cause and we’re asking for your support. The Lopez’ dear friend and cycling guru, Didi Kolkebeck, is forming “Team All for Ava” to raise awareness and show support for this fellow foundation. The goal would be to fill all 40 stationary bikes with “Team All for Ava” during the 9:00 – 10:00am time slot. Please see below for all the details:<br /><br />What: “Spin to Joy” Spin-a-thon<br />Where: Tri-Point YMCA (281 S. & St. Marys St.)<br />When: Saturday, January 30, 2010<br />Time: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Didi is teaching the 9-10am slot)<br />Who: Open to All<br />How much: $20 donation – gets you a t-shirt and chance for more prizes<br /> *** Getting sponsorships and/or increasing your donation would be greatly appreciated!<br />Register: Go to <a href="http://www.ironmanforkids.com/">www.ironmanforkids.com</a><br /> Click on “Spin to Joy” tab<br /> Click on “Register Today” link<br /> Click on “Register Now” box & begin your registration<br />Team: Indicate “Yes” when asked if you’re with a group & type in “Team All For Ava” in the Group box <br /><br />Thank you in advance for your support! You’ll be helping some beautiful kids with special needs to experience the joy & excitement we can relish anytime: riding a bike.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-10486325758742941612010-01-11T18:12:00.000-08:002010-09-11T18:13:41.407-07:00Happy 2010!Happy 2010……<br /><br />I wanted to send a quick update on Ava’s progress. She had an ICP placed on December 30th and then monitored in the ICU for 24 hours. The doctors were able to remove the monitor on the 31st and we were able to ring in the new year with good news that Ava’s pressure in her brain was not elevated. The good news, actually the great news is that she will not require a shunt. The not so good news Is the fact that we still have no answer as to why she has an acute 6th nerve palsy. For the time being I am okay with the not knowing. Ava continues to exceed all of our expectations and she does so gracefully! <br /><br />Ava continues to receive physical therapy three times a week, speech therapy twice a week and occupational therapy four times a week. Our plan was to try and put her in a school environment to help facilitate her socialization skills and independence….to give her the chance to do what most two years olds should be doing and that is enjoying the simple things in life. A week before Christmas I had a vision therapist approach me with the idea of Ava attending a VI school. Basically a school that specializes in children with severe visual impairment/blindness. I had to fight back tears as I had to be reminded once again of the carelessness that caused this visual impairment in my daughter. I was able to visit the school last week and was overly impressed with the teacher, her qualifications and her drive to help these children. Although a little hesitant with the idea at first, we have decided to start Ava in the class within the next few weeks. I am certain they will be able to foster her continued development.<br /><br />As promised I wanted to give you all an update on the court case. I was notified Friday that it has been reset to February 1, 2010. Many people have offered to show their support and we are truly appreciative of that. I will continue to keep you all updated as the case evolves. People are welcome to attend the first hearing however I wanted to let people know that there is a chance that it may be reset a second time. Also, I feel that the time for people to attend should be after jury selection. This way the court is able to accomplish what they need to in a timely mannerJ It may take several days, months or even years to prosecute BUT please know that I will be my daughter’s advocate forever. Time will not change that fact. Time will also not change the fact that our family will continue to need the support of each and every last one of you so that this case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Someone said to me just last night and I have heard this over and over again…. there are consequences for peoples actions……this case is the perfect example!<br /><br />Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!<br /><br />Please send your letters to District Attorney Susan Reed:<br />300 Dolorosa<br />Suite 5072<br />San Antonio, TX 78205<br /><br />Reference case numbers: 2009CR994 and 2009CR993<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />The Lopez FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-76584740148289380922009-12-13T17:46:00.000-08:002009-12-13T17:47:42.096-08:00Ava Walks and Walks and Walks...AVA WALKS AND WALKS AND WALKS………..<br /><br />Over the past few weeks Ava has made great strides….literally! After Thanksgiving break we noticed an increase in the amount of steps Ava was taking and she is now to the point where I can officially say AVA IS WALKING. Several people have seen her and asked why I never put an update on caring bridge. My response to this was that I needed to wait until she was walking without falling every other step. Once again, Ava has beaten the odds. While it is an amazing thing that she is walking we still don’t know how much she is able to see. We are also unsure as to how much damage was done that is contributing to her lack of balance and coordination. At times she will walk into objects and at other times it appears as if she is just aimlessly walking around and not really focusing on anything. She continues to receive physical therapy three times a week, occupational therapy four times a week, vision therapy once a week and speech therapy twice a week. <br /><br />As promised I wanted to give everyone an update on Ava’s appointment with the Neurosurgeon. A few weeks ago I mentioned that Ava now has a sixth nerve palsy in her right eye which was diagnosed by her opthamologist. Usually this is caused from increased intracranial pressure in the brain. After much discussion, the Opthamologist and Neurosurgeon have decided that on December 14th Ava will be re-evaluated. If she still has the 6th nerve palsy she will need to have an intracranial pressure monitor placed in her head and receive monitoring in the ICU for one to two days. If the pressure is increased she will require a shunt. Something that she will have long term. She is also going in for an MRI of her spine. She has complaints of pain in her lower back and we need to rule out a few things. I am not a doctor so I don’t even want to attempt to explain all of this. I am asking all of you to please say an extra prayer for her this weekend. While she is a strong little girl she doesn’t deserve any of this. <br /><br />With that said, I am asking that all of you PLEASE send a letter to District Attorney Susan Reed asking her that this case be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Our first trial date is set for January 19th. I will follow up with details. It is an open trial so if you are able to come and show your support for Ava our family would truly appreciate it. The address for Susan Reed is: 300 Dolorosa, Suite 5072, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Please address the letter to the attention of District Attorney Susan Reed. Email is not sufficient, we need written letters. Thank you all in advance. I would hate to see this happen to another innocent child or family.<br />Until next time….stay safe!<br /><br />Love,<br />TraciUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-72362449854992875512009-11-26T17:45:00.000-08:002009-12-13T17:46:21.341-08:00ThanksgivingTHANKSGIVING<br />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. <br />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. <br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />To my husband and children……THANK YOU FOR BEING SURVIVORS! I love you all more than words can describe.<br />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. <br />HAPPY THANKSGIVING!<br />May you take this time to reflect on what you are thankful for. Don’t let time pass you by!<br />Love,<br />TraciUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-22252227332048567482009-11-09T18:29:00.000-08:002009-11-09T18:30:47.227-08:00All for Ava Party PicturesEnjoy these beautiful slideshows of Ava, her family, friends and countless supporters at the All for Ava Party! It was an amazing day!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.liliannastoryslideshow.com/avabirthdaygirl/">http://www.liliannastoryslideshow.com/avabirthdaygirl/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.liliannastoryslideshow.com/ava%27sbirthdaycelebration/">http://www.liliannastoryslideshow.com/ava%27sbirthdaycelebration/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-70924471429862025122009-10-26T13:31:00.000-07:002009-10-26T13:32:06.928-07:00Coming out of the fogOver the past 5 1/2 months I have felt like I have been living my life in a fog. Saturday, October 17th,the fog lifted for the first time and the sun shined brightly. It was the first time in 5 ½ months that I have seen a constant smile on my children’s faces. Saturday was a celebration of the ongoing recovery of our entire family and we were so happy to have all of you to share this special day with. Ava received so many special gifts and cards and I wanted to take this time to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness.<br /><br />There were several people that were instrumental in making Saturday a success. Please know that I love each and every one of you and I will never forget the efforts you all put into making this day so special. Thank you to all of our family members and friends (far and near) that were able to come to the party. For those of you that were unable to attend, thank you for your continued love and support. It is with ALL of your help that we are able to keep fighting. Believe me there are certainly days that are more difficult than others.<br /><br />As I have mentioned in the past, we are in the process of forming a charitable organization for pediatric head trauma and disorders. We feel we have been so blessed with the support we have received throughout this entire process. By forming the organization we hope to be able to provide for others in the future. The name of the organization is “Ava’s Wish”. I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the organization.<br /><br />The San Antonio Rock-n-Roll marathon is just around the corner. It will be held November 15th. We have been forming an “All for Ava” team which is so exciting. I will be placing an order for shirts within the next few days. The shirts will be a dri-mesh material. I anticipate the cost to be between $20.00 - $25.00. They will be pink for the women and gray for the men. If you are interested in purchasing one, please send an email with your name, phone number and size to <a href="mailto:lopeztraci@yahoo.com">lopeztraci@yahoo.com</a>. I look forward to seeing everyone at the raceJUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-50656202020091934052009-10-11T10:41:00.000-07:002009-10-11T10:42:08.109-07:00Lopez JournalEven if you can’t make it to the All for Ava party on Saturday, October 17th, you can still be a part of this memorable day. We will be compiling a journal for the Lopez family, which will include all of your heartfelt notes, thoughts and prayers. For those of you who are out of town or unable to make it, please send your notes to Kerri Thompson @ <a href="mailto:kerrithompsonaz@hotmail.com">kerrithompsonaz@hotmail.com</a> with a subject: Lopez Journal. We will have a table set up at the party for guests to write in the journal, as well. This journal will provide strength and comfort to the Lopez family as they continue to heal and recover. Thanks for your continued love and support.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-43404723596249361572009-09-28T04:21:00.000-07:002009-09-28T04:22:30.637-07:00Happy Birthday My Sweet Miracle!SEPTEMBER 28, 2009<br /><br />Today is such a special day…..today is Ava’s 2nd birthday. After being told the late hours of April 23rd that there was a strong possibility that Ava would not make it I have to say that today is monumental. Birthdays come and go yet today I don’t want the celebration to end. I feel like Ava has been given a second chance at life and we as parents have been given a second chance to love this little girl with every inch of air we breathe. Today I don’t want to think about the negative that surrounds this situation. I want to focus on the lasting impression Ava has made on so many people’s lives. I want to focus on the fact that I have three beautiful children, an amazing husband and wonderful family and friends. I want to embrace today with everything I have because I can.<br /><br />HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET MIRACLE!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-17227658425677870552009-09-08T13:44:00.000-07:002009-09-08T13:46:02.269-07:00Ava's progress and party detailsWith summer coming to an end and the start of another school year I thought I would give an update on the progress Ava has made. It has been a little over four months since the accident occurred. If anyone were to have told me that Ava would be functioning at the level she is today I would have never believed them. Ava continues to receive PT and OT 5 days a week. She had been receiving speech therapy at an outpatient facility but will soon start to receive speech therapy at home. Vision therapy will be starting this week. Over the past few weeks Ava has mastered crawling. She is also pulling herself to a standing position in her crib and often will try to stand if someone is there to hold her hands. While she is still not walking and will most likely not for quite some time her desire to do so remains strong. I see it on a daily basis thru her frustration, anger and tears. As a parent this breaks me apart. If there was some way that I could walk for her I would . I see a now 22 month old that doesn’t quite understand why it is that she can no longer walk and why she has difficulty seeing to do it. She is certainly not old enough to understand although I’m not sure that an older child would really understand the severity of what has happened either. All that we can do at this point is remain positive for Ava and believe that just as everything else has come back so to will be her ability to walk. Ava is now wearing an AFO which is a brace on her leg that helps with some of the overextension problems (causing accumulation of fluid around the knee) she is having . She has had improvement with her left sided weakness but it still remains as does her facial weakness. She continues to wear a patch on her left eye to help correct the vision in her right eye. We saw the opthamologist a week ago and she said that Ava’s vision continues to improve. We have been able to decrease the length she wears the patch from 4 hours a day to 3. The doctor also said that her right visual field continues to improve and that her left visual field (which had been completely out since the accident) is starting to show signs of improvement. People ask me every day if Ava will ever see like she did prior to April 23rd and I answer by saying that I don’t know and unfortunately we may not have the answer to this question for quite some time. It is obvious that she has a deficit but she continues to fight for her vision just as she has with every other part of her body. Did I mention how amazing I think she is?????Ava continues to use the kid walk on a daily basis. Jack and Isa have been instrumental in her “walking therapy.” They use ice cream as an incentive to get her to walk. They like it, she likes it, everyone is happy.<br /><br />On a lighter note, Manny and I have decided to run in the San Antonio Rock and Roll marathon/ ½ marathon on November 15th. We are forming an “All for Ava” team if anyone is interested. We have already had several people tell us that they would love to join us. We plan to wear “All for Ava” shirts in her honor. We are also in the process of forming a charitable organization in her name and will send you the details as soon as they are available. Lastly, our family would like to thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We feel like you all have such an important place in our lives…..to help guide the recovery of our daughter. Words will never be able to describe how much that means to us. Thank you for your strength…..we could not be where we are today without each and every one of you.<br /><br />Love,<br />Traci<br /><br />Please join us in celebrating Ava’s recovery: October 17, 2009<br />Rogers Ranch/Crosstimber Community Center<br />3:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.<br />WEAR PINKJ<br />More details to comeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-78112170947776291462009-09-05T13:53:00.000-07:002009-09-05T13:54:32.946-07:00Pictures to last a lifetimeLilianna Story did an amazing job capturing the love between the Lopez children. Hope you enjoy this heartwarming slideshow. It is breathtaking! Ava, we're so happy to see that vibrant smile again. We love you!<br /><br />www.liliannastoryslideshow.com/lopezchildrenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-60642336782598472232009-07-20T09:51:00.000-07:002009-07-20T09:52:35.275-07:00Meal Calendar has been reopenedWe have opened up the meal calendar until the end of August due to overwhelming requests. If you're interested in signing up, please use the following link and log on credentials:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.carecalendar.org/">www.carecalendar.org</a><br /><br />Calendar ID: 15804<br />Security Code: 9927<br /><br />Thanks for everyone's continued support!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-89537961321869652242009-07-20T09:36:00.000-07:002009-07-20T09:41:07.462-07:00Baby Steps for Ava<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtujpfRjv5WLBbgwnnojKjFNvsLbP74wXiVGw6umW4ahgpyePs88JbQufxSqamX_3OvU4Hs4Aj01RIp_wLLzcl3zWe7KD1laCuV_7lDhG_d6wflRV7y03XmtRAayWLHpf63cupWp0NKmR/s1600-h/DSC_0124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360582996567038210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtujpfRjv5WLBbgwnnojKjFNvsLbP74wXiVGw6umW4ahgpyePs88JbQufxSqamX_3OvU4Hs4Aj01RIp_wLLzcl3zWe7KD1laCuV_7lDhG_d6wflRV7y03XmtRAayWLHpf63cupWp0NKmR/s320/DSC_0124.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmAtzRv63z5tRI7saLkUplT3aj0DEYHg0HgoMW0rtA6b-XHAFmvE3WNxKx2KGFyZRVruVdJG4f7kqqwAqRimCAV6IWRzgQjf3qFqISEfSDFfqwFb_tLbTp_vSZ9J6j5DnalRnIT4Jvv3_/s1600-h/DSC_0122.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360582988898798786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmAtzRv63z5tRI7saLkUplT3aj0DEYHg0HgoMW0rtA6b-XHAFmvE3WNxKx2KGFyZRVruVdJG4f7kqqwAqRimCAV6IWRzgQjf3qFqISEfSDFfqwFb_tLbTp_vSZ9J6j5DnalRnIT4Jvv3_/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz7D6PwLfy7ejBlanWlwHixXsNtzV7Uqq2wedGk2Lo1caJaOJcztHPeYVJ5qThGjUwHzTZ9-gPsaNMVgx9TLXCWhLSwTS3_y72RFBIfIM_ANDMELx1HGiaPxStzyqkX_qWMvrcFFOD8Hk/s1600-h/DSC_0075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360582984259966930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz7D6PwLfy7ejBlanWlwHixXsNtzV7Uqq2wedGk2Lo1caJaOJcztHPeYVJ5qThGjUwHzTZ9-gPsaNMVgx9TLXCWhLSwTS3_y72RFBIfIM_ANDMELx1HGiaPxStzyqkX_qWMvrcFFOD8Hk/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Update on Ava’s recovery…….<br /><br />We wanted to again thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers for our family, especially Ava. Ava remains in therapy 5 days a week. She is in physical therapy 5 days a week, occupational therapy 5 days a week, speech therapy twice a week and visual therapy. She seems to be making improvements on a daily basis. To us that see her every day they seem like baby steps but to those who see her maybe once a week it seems like she is making great strides. The bottom line is she continues to improve and that is the most important thing. Her speech is still slurred at times but her vocabulary is back to where it was pre-accident. We have to prompt her most of the time to say specific words but she does repeat them. She will say Mama, Dada, Jack, Isa, Grandma and Callie without any prompting which is music to our ears! She is starting to sit by herself for longer periods of time and is able to transition from lying to sitting pretty effectively. She is also starting to crawl….more of a military crawl but we’ll take that for now. </div><div><br />We finally received the kid walk last week. We had been using the demo at Christus Santa Rosa for the past several weeks. It is not always Ava’s favorite thing however it seems like the time she spends in the kid walk(her tolerance level) increases with each time she is placed in it. She is able to take small steps using the kid walk and I am certain that this will be instrumental in helping her to regain the skills necessary to begin walking again. Ava’s vision is still impaired and we aren’t certain to what degree. We do know that she has a left visual field cut and that she is able to see in her right visual field. Her doctor said that the amount that she is seeing in her right visual field is improving. The last time we visited the eye doctor she noticed that Ava’s right eye has the tendency to deviate to the outside. Most likely due to the fact that her vision is better in her left eye which causes her to ignore her right eye. We are currently patching her left eye up to 4 hours a day. The goal is to make the right eye work more and hopefully the vision can be restored. It is amazing how complicated vision is….sorry that I am not able to break it down like Fred does so beautifully. </div><div><br />Ava continues to fight the fight! She gets easily frustrated but to some degree I think this is what keeps her going. She wants to be running and playing with all the kids just as much as we all want it. Someday soon I am hopeful that she gets exactly what she wants! Until that day (and always) we will be here to love and support her! Thank you all for the kindness you have given to Ava and our family over the past three months. We are in a better place because of each and every one of you!</div><div><br />Love,<br />Traci<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-47405407799364336592009-07-13T22:56:00.000-07:002009-07-20T09:36:05.872-07:00We will not forgetI was on-call this weekend at Brooke Army Medical Center covering the Radiology Department. A woman bicyclist had been brought in to the ER after being hit by a car. She was in her late 30’s… an athlete, you could say… good physical condition prior to being hit… but this was no minor “accident.” The severity of her injuries were such that she could have easily died before making it to the operating room to have her internal injuries repaired. I have thought of her often since seeing her lay helplessly in the CT scanner… alone. <br /><br />Early the next morning (Sunday) I went down to the cafeteria to get something to eat. The cafeteria was essentially empty with the exception of a few lone hospital workers eating some breakfast. In one quick glance you could guess the total number in the dining area as less than 10, but there was a cluster sitting at one of the tables. A group of adults sitting at a table talking…eating breakfast… but not really eating. Clearly, they were civilians by their attire. Family members of someone who was now a patient at the hospital… I presumed. It was early in the morning, but this group had not just awakened. These were vigil watchers. While I do not know who they were there worrying about… praying for… crying for… I imagined that they were the family members of the bicyclist that I had seen come in the evening before. I imagined them receiving the call…”your loved one was just hit by a car… You need to get here immediately… They may not survive.”<br /><br />Your heart sinks as you think of receiving the call. Your stomach feels empty and sick. “I wish that I could vomit… if it would only help with the void and helplessness that I now feel.” As I walked by them I was quickly reminded of the first hours/days/weeks that were spent in the hospital with the extended Lopez/Southerington family… Ava’s Army. I remember that pain very well. <br /><br />This story is not too dissimilar from Ava. One person with the promise of a lifetime… doing the right things… taking care of themselves… and in a fraction of an instant… it all changes.<br /><br />But this story reminds me of something else… as I walk by this family my mind plays a trick on me… it makes me feel like I am back at University Hospital that night… I am again peering through the back of an ambulance watching my friend tremble as he tries to breathe life into his daughter… I see Traci sitting on the curb with blood smeared across her leg and arm… my stomach feels weak for a moment at the thought of it. The psychology of it all is curious. Why are we this way? Is our mind trying to protect us by not letting us forget how these things felt? Is it trying to make sure that we steer clear of the “danger?” Perhaps. <br /><br />Interesting… and I am a guy… a typical guy… not overly sensitive… analytical… “rational.” I am even somewhat removed from it all. It wasn’t even my child. I didn’t even witness the event. Yet, I am affected by it, nonetheless. My thoughts take me to others… women… who tend to be more compassionate and empathetic than us insensate men. <br /><br />I think about Jennifer, who witnessed the Lopez family being run-down in their yard… I know that she has not forgotten how that felt.<br /><br />I think about the Lopez/Southerington families… I know that they have not forgotten how they felt.<br /><br />I think about Manny… I KNOW that he has NOT forgotten how he felt.<br /><br />I think about Traci… I KNOW THAT SHE HAS NOT FORGOTTEN HOW SHE FELT…<br />Nor will she… anytime soon.<br /><br />The “void/emptiness/sickness” that you feel in your gut when something like this happens is called a “visceral reaction.” Your mind makes your body feel it. Traci’s mom nearly falling as she saw her daughter for the first time following being hit, is a “visceral reaction.” I got sick once after eating at Chili’s restaurant when I was going through chemotherapy. I have not eaten there since and still feel a twinge of queasiness whenever I drive by it. I see soldiers everyday whom have been burned and busted by the atrocities of war. What psychological demons they must face in their sleep every night. <br /><br />PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a term that we are all quite familiar with, but many do not know that it is a spectrum of disease… mild to severe. It is not limited to soldiers at war and can occur after any “stressful” event. Our bodies heal long before the brain forgets. We must remember that psychological wounds hurt too. They can be hard to see… and they can take very long to heal.<br /><br />Similarly, the Lopez family continues to heal from physical wounds at an exceptional rate. It has been less than three months since Ava was nearly killed (23Apr09). Her physical recovery has been meteoric to this point, but the wound to the Lopez family from the psychological trauma was deep… and it will take much longer to heal.<br /><br />There was an encounter a few days ago… <br /><br />The message was an uncompassionate… “get over it.” (in summary).<br />For those who share such sentiment I want to remind them that no one is making you participate in any way. The people who are participating in this community event do so out of the goodness in their heart… and they will be repaid in kind in the future… maybe not by this group… maybe not in this life… but one day they will need help… and they will receive it from the goodness of others… because they have been recognized as “being good.”<br /><br />When Ava, Isa, and Traci were “injured,” those of us who care about them committed ourselves to them for the duration of their healing…<br /><br />“For the duration of their healing.” What does this mean? When the bandages come off my responsibility is done? No.<br /><br />Healing comes in many forms… physical and psychological. They are our friends. We have committed ourselves to them. We have committed to support them until they are whole again… in every way.<br /><br />While Ava’s physical condition has improved dramatically, she is not yet whole… and neither is the Lopez family. And even when Ava is walking and running again, the psychological wound will remain… and so will their friends.<br /><br />Just as I would not enter the bicyclist’s hospital room tomorrow and tell her to “get over” her extensive physical wounds, we cannot expect psychological wounds to heal just because we think that they should have healed by now. They will heal when they heal… and not any sooner than that.<br /><br />Do not be angry and petty that this family has received so much attention and support. Be happy that their remains such goodness in this difficult world. Extend yourself to those who need it… It will pay dividends later… in this life… or the next.<br /><br />Ava, the party waits for you.<br />fw.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-52281218113978440292009-07-11T11:15:00.000-07:002009-07-11T11:16:24.958-07:00Sign of HopeOver the past few months a transformation has been taking place……the transformation of our side yard where the accident happened on the evening of April 23rd. There have been several neighbors/ friends in the Rogers Ranch community as well as friends/neighbors outside the community that have demonstrated the true meaning of “Community Support”. While this is something we never expected we truly appreciate all the effort that has gone into this special project. Instead of looking at our side yard as a place where lives were changed, dreams shattered and innocence lost I am hopeful to be able to look at it as a sign of hope. Hope that Ava makes a full recovery, hope that our family can continue to heal and grow together as one unit and hope that there will be a positive message to come from this horrific incident. We are very fortunate to have the support that has been offered since April 23rd. <br />To all of Ava’s angel’s….thank you again for exceeding our expectations.<br /><br />Love,<br />The Lopez FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-77933702494393814232009-07-09T18:18:00.001-07:002009-07-09T18:19:52.954-07:00Ava is the victim!This is an extremely powerful and must read letter from Traci...<br /><br />I had a difficult time sleeping last night and I wanted to share the reason why. Someone recently told me that a neighbor of the person that hit Ava, Isa and I feels as if she (the woman who hit us) is the victim in all of this. I have thought about this statement over and over and just can’t seem to get it out of my mind. I’m not quite sure how to react to this statement except to invite this neighbor to my house and introduce him/her to Ava….the 18 month old innocent child that was plowed down by his/her extremely impaired neighbor. I would like to show him my child that is unable to walk, crawl, stand, sit for any length of time without getting agitated or let alone see to help facilitate all of the above. My daughter who prior to April 23rd was all smiles and now becomes extremely frustrated and angry multiple times throughout the day because she has had a major brain injury and can’t understand why she is unable to do the things I just listed above. I would like this family to spend just one day with my daughter going to therapy, going to doctor’s visits, feeding her and reminding Ava that she needs to chew and swallow when she eats her meals, holding her because she is scared to be left alone. Then at the end of the night I would like them to explain to my 6 year old son why it is okay for this to have happened? Why the person that hit us is the victim? I talked to my son Jack last night regarding the accident….one of several conversations we have had since the accident. I told him that Ava used the kid walk in therapy today and that she did really well. She was able to bounce a ball back and forth with me while putting pressure thru her legs. I said Jack, isn’t that great’? His response was “Mommy I want Ava to be able to bounce the ball with me without that walker thing, like she used to”. To the neighbors that feel as if the woman that hit us is the victim, I ask you to put yourself in our position. I also want to know if you truly believe it is appropriate to pass along the message to our children that it is okay to drive while impaired? Fortunately for you this is not your child. You are not living the hell that I am.<br /><br />To all of Ava’s angels…..I hope you understand that this needed to be addressed. I thank each of you for YOUR continued prayers and support.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331546469571701418.post-36990492631948439392009-06-30T20:04:00.000-07:002009-07-09T18:15:48.758-07:00Touched from afarSunday I was at the Rogers Ranch community pool with the kids. I was tucked away under the shelter of the pavilion trying to hide myself from the searing solar rays that we have had lately. From the shade I was watching the kids and few other families that were at the pool that day. Traci, her mom (Karen) and the three kids (Jack, Isa, and Ava) were at the pool with her. They were in the shallow end, at the steps that enter the pool. They had been there for what seemed like a rather long time just cooling themselves in the water.<br /><br />A woman that had also been at the pool with her daughters got up from her seat and went over to Traci to introduce herself and let Traci know that she and her family had been thinking of the Lopez family and praying for them all. She was very respectful and clearly did not want to intrude on their family time and tried to separate herself from the conversation rather quickly, so as to not offend Traci. But the conversation continued for a short while. <br /><br />Just after their conversation she came over to me and introduced herself, “Hi, I am Kim.” After exchanging our introductions our conversation quickly changed to something that we had in common… Ava. <br /><br />Kim and her family had not had the priviledge that I have had of seeing Ava’s recovery in a more personal light and from so near. It is almost something that you take for granted… being so close… seeing her so often… seeing the small gains that she makes… seeing and becoming accustomed to the physical deficits that remain. It is so easy to forget how many people continue to follow from afar. It is so easy to forget how many people are emotionally invested in Ava’s recovery but do not have the luxury of getting to spend time with her or them… either because they lack the finances or time to be able to travel here eventhough they feel emotionally close enough… or because they are here but do not feel emotionally close enough to the family to “intrude,” so they watch from afar. <br /><br />Traci’s family, Manny’s family, Larry, the Millers, the Lawrences, the Meiers, and countless others are examples of the former case.<br /><br />Kim is an example of the later case. Someone that is here locally and who’s family is emotionally invested in the story of Ava, but they lack the familiarity with the Lopez family to openly address them under nearly any circumstance. So the relationship stays as it is… distant… watching from afar.<br /><br />Kim and I, and later Traci and I, discussed that herein lies the problem. The relationship stays distant because we are unwilling to breach the distance that separates us. Don’t get me wrong. Not for a minute do I think that the gap continues out of rudeness on anyone’s part. As a matter of fact, it is quite the opposite. It is the politeness of others that prevents the gap from being bridged. <br /><br />It is similar to hearing of a neighbor who loses a loved one, is diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness, or some other tragedy that has fallen upon them. It seems to me that when people experience such adversity is when they are the loneliest and need the most interaction with others. Yet we avoid them. We are so fearful of offending their tender emotions that we avoid the discussion entirely… not knowing what to say. All the while they just want to talk to someone about it.<br /><br />It is amazing to me how easy it is to be therapeutic to yourself and someone else by just caring enough to let them know that you are there and that you want to talk to them. <br /><br />Kim was so kind and apologetic for “intruding,” but little does she know that it is that very conversation that may have provided just the lift that Traci needed that day. <br /><br />Traci and I spoke of it later and agreed that the self introduction on Kim’s part was not seen as rudeness, but rather as kindness. And further interactions of this sort will only serve to make our communities more friendly and secure.<br /><br />As Kim and I discussed the issue further we mentioned that a relationship must start somewhere. On Sunday her relationship with Traci and the Lopez family began. For all we know they will continue to be dear friends 40 years from now, and it all began with one woman having courage enough to breach the emotional divide at the Rogers Ranch pool, and one woman being receptive to it. This is again one of the lessons that Ava’s story can teach us. <br /><br />A recurrent theme has been our emotional availability and interconnectedness with others. We just have to open our eyes to it and be there emotionally to let it happen. Sometimes we’ll initiate it… sometimes we’ll receive it… but both have to be there for it to happen. Make yourself available to others and make this a better place.<br /><br />Ava, the party waits for you.<br /><br />fwUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0