Yes, it's been a few months since we have posted an update on Beverly's progress. And remember, we've said no new is good news. Since returning from RIC in Chicago, Beverly continues to become more independent. Not only did she gain strength in her arms and shoulders, she also learned new techniques for daily living and new ways to use "Dragon Speak" to communicate through her computer. This means that she would love to receive emails from you and she can quickly and easily respond.

The greatest change for Beverly is her new caregivers. As you know her sisters were spending two weeks at a time with Beverly. She wanted them to get back to their normal lives before her accident so we began our search for caregivers last August. Many people told us it would be a long process with a lot of "trial and error". By December, we had found three wonderful women to take over the daily care needs for Beverly. Lori, Sara and Sheila have been great and we're all so thankful for their loving dedication to Beverly. She has help each morning from 8am until around 11am for her morning routine. She's taking advantage of "Meals on Wheels" for her lunches. She's basically alone in the afternoons, which she uses to read, check email, pay bills on line, etc. Leonard is doing a wonderful job of preparing the evening meals, taking her to therapy twice a week and being available when needed. Chris is also available for any emergency, to take her to doctor's appointments, and checks on her a few afternoons a week. A care giver returns around 9pm to get her settled in bed. Sara lives in the apartment behind the house and is available throughout out the night if Beverly needs anything and if she needs extra help with things throughout the day.

While at RIC, Beverly was able to use a piece of equipment called a MotoMed which sits in front of her power chair and which exercises her legs and arms. She was able to order this and expects it within a couple of weeks. This will allow her to do more exercise on her own.

A few of Beverly's friends come by the house and drive her - in her own van of course - to church on Sundays, to volunteer with the kids program on Wednesday nights, to her book club meetings and to PEO meetings. If you're reading this and live in Tahlequah, she and Leonard can quickly show you how to get Beverly secured in the van and you TOO can come get her for a lunch out.

Even with the activity mentioned here, Beverly's days can get long and sometime lonely. Hope you will continue to check in through email, stop by for a visit, or send an encouraging card. We all know that she would prefer to be in Haiti right now, helping the disaster victims than being in her power chair watching it on TV. But she continues to have a remarkable attitude and spirit. Thanks for your concern, love, prayers.