Day + 22

Thanks to each one of you for your understanding as information is coming a little slower at this point. That's good news!

A few orders of business...please continue to send mail to the address at the right hand of this post. It's easier to manage that way. Thank you for understanding this.

FUNERAL: Although there is not a date set for the funeral, the family is definitely aware that each one of the friends & family of Lori and Austin need a chance to mourn, grieve, and celebrate these two beautiful lives. According to Lori's wishes, she & Austin's bodies will be cremated and will be arriving in Phoenix no later than next Monday. Because of this choice, Greg and Summer and the rest of the family feel that time is on their side and they wont rush to make memorial service arrangements until they're ready both physically and emotionally.

CURRENT INFORMATION:

GREG: As expected Greg is actively and ambitiously working through his rehab. He has had most of the bandages removed from his face and his right arm now only has a splint...and a large pin sticking out! The hospital staff has said that his recovery is going as fast as they have ever seen. Additionally, Greg is continuing to be able to eat higher caloric (liquid) food each day and that is aiding in gaining his strength back. He's eating a liquid diet, as you'll remember because, he has his mouth wired shut. Also, sucking through a straw has proven to be quite challenging because of the surgery done on his nose & the resulting stitches. Greg is not loosing heart despite the pain & discomfort. He knows that ridding himself of his feeding tube is one more step to going home!

Greg is continuing to seek privacy as he works through healing and is gaining support from the many family members and wonderful doctors & staff. Here's proof! Two thumbs up!

SUMMER: Each day Summer is exhibiting the resilience of a child--and the fruits of lots of love from her family! She is doing well at home and adjusting to her new normal. The majority of her time is spent at doctor or dentist appointments or rehabilitation. Some logistical things that have been challenging has been having her Orner Grandparents load and unload this young lady into a vehicle. Not that summer is a big person, but she has on very heavy casts! Thankfully the Crane grandparents were able to rent a wheelchair lift van and now Summer's travels can be done without leaving her wheelchair. Much to the relief of the Orner Grandparents! You can see this really is a whole family effort.
Summer did get great news today from her leg doctor--her casts can come off next Wednesday as well as some of the pins in her legs. However, Summer will still be unable to bare weight on her legs so will continue to be in a wheelchair until at least the end of September. As it was explained to me, her bones are like Styrofoam, with metal rods in them so they need a lot of time to recover before weight baring begins!
She continues to take over bits and pieces of her own personal care including the care of her mending jaw. She looks like she has braces with rubber bands, rather than a completely wired shut mouth. She changes out her bands as often as needed and seems pleased with the progress!
Additionally Summer is continuing to receive support from her school. Although she has not resumed studying yet, she is well aware of what is being taught at school, the school is being so supportive and has a tutor lined up for her when she's ready. Her cousin Jessica also is a teacher, so each day is filled with learning. Summer continues to spend a lot of time with her littlest cousin Lila. As a three year old, Lila easily can take her mind off of the stress of her recovery and bring pure joy!

TIA: There were meetings today for the whole family regarding Tia's condition. When more information is available I will post. Please keep Tia in your prayers as well as the doctors who are caring for her.