Awesome Ally Update

I've just spoken with my beautiful sister (Monday 27th April 9am). Tears from both of us...

Yesterday, she walked around a bit with the help of a walker. She is also now able to get up and be showered instead of having a bed bath. Most of her tubes have been removed, just a catheter and an iv line remain.

There are things I can't write about... please understand. Just know that some feelings and functions still need to return. And pray for strength and comfort and healing (physical and emotional). Ally is in a tough spot; this morning when the doctors' visited, there were murmurings of not going home just yet; of her life having to change; of little things that are challenges at the moment like being able to get her legs into the shower (both her shower and Mum's is a shower over the bath); and I'm not sure how she'll cope with stairs at this stage.

As an aside, did you know that her name means "helper and defender of mankind" ? Totally appropriate, isnt it?!

I'm going to try to find (or make) something beautiful to brighten her space. She's in a ward with at least 2 other spinal patients (both women). One is in extraordinary pain (headgear, etc) and the other has had two vertebrae damaged (the first op she had was the same as Ally's and went OK but the next op, there was something that went wrong, but I understand she's still a fairly positive person to have around.)

Ally herself, feels blessed in a lot of ways and has a positive and strong heritage, especially from Nanna, who was told at 23 that her paralysis would mean she wouldn't walk again or use her hands, etc. She persevered, sometimes crawling around ,dragging herself up to do the washing, looking after young children, having babies, etc, and teaching herself to use her hands, one knuckle at a time, until she was proficient at knitting, sewing, cooking, millinery (hat making), caring for the family, friends, and her home... Ally has this same determination, this same drive and the same compassionate Father in Heaven who longs to draw her through all this, and will be with her always, just as He was with Nanna. He will be her rock. I know cause He is mine.