April 16, 2020

There is a person who works at Magee that I hear from the most. Her name is Ranit (don't try to pronounce it :), and she's a guest relations concierge. She gives me Shannon's daily updates- a wrap up of all of the department's reports that work with Shannon in a given day. Sometimes I hear from all kinds of people in one day-- maybe half dozen, sometimes just one. For certain, I'll hear from Ranit. Her goals are to keep me informed and to keep Shannon happy. She always asks what she can do for me, and it's the best thing I can be asked! It's so hard to be helplessly unable to do things for her, and knowing someone is willing to help us help Shannon is so fantastic.

Last week when we were discussing my concern about Shannon's continued isolation, Ranit made it her mission to be sure that Shannon has a much interaction as possible with humans during the day. She also made sure Shannon has as much interaction with the hospital canine during the week. Today, Shannon had not one, but two visits with Nigel!

And she was able to make some art with him :)

It's the little things. 

Yesterday, we heard from Shannon's Neuropsychologist about the Disney Family Sing-A-Long on ABC network tonight (people like us who opt out of live tv and cable/etc aren't in the know about these things). It is something that is right up Shannon's alley, obviously. But it's also something that we would enjoy watching at home with our kiddos and grandkiddos. So tonight we watched it "together"! It was fun to read Shannon's responses to the different performances, and I absolutely loved the idea behind the show. Seeing so many musically talented people that so many people look up to doing a part of the show in their homes, involving their kids and grandkids was just more proof that humanity truly is realizing we are all one family.  

Today we received messages from at least a dozen people letting us know about the show because they wanted to be sure Shannon knew about it. I loved that too. We are really blessed by having so many people thinking of her and wanting to help her be happier. 

Shannon is, otherwise, doing the same today as yesterday. Eating food, breathing well, busy doing therapies galore. Tired. 

Please pray for Shannon's spinal cord to heal, for her core muscles to continue to respond and get stronger, for her breathing and speech to continue to improve, and for Shannon to have the endurance she needs for her many therapies each day. Thank you, for always supporting her, and us.


Shannon's meme today-

And a thought on helping others,from 101 Dalmations-

“The humans have tried everything. Now it's up to us dogs.” - Danny