a nod is as good as a wink

today was a big day for gen (aren't they all). the speech therapist saw gen today. she was asking gen a question and, instead of blinking yes, gen nodded her head. she nodded "yes" numerous times today. she told us she didn't want to use the head nod as her primary communication because it is hard work. the therapist tried a "speaking valve" on gen's trach tube. we heard a tiny squeak or two, but nothing major. the therapist said that gen's vocal cords are covered with secretions, so we shouldn't expect to hear much until that clears up. the physical and occupational therapists came and worked with gen today, too. they sat her on the edge of the bed. they leaned her forward and asked her to lift her body up. she did it with assistance. her muscles are getting stronger every day. as always, her therapists are thrilled with her progress, but no one is as thrilled with her progress as gen is herself. she still laughs and smiles a lot, and she had a lot to laugh and smile about today.

-joshua and susan

-gen informed me that "the nurse who pinched me" was what she meant (not "the nurse with pinch"). she also informed me that it was my fault that the message got messed up. -joshua