Moving Up Ceremony

I took this picture before we left the house in our backyard. Hannah wanted to wear her dress from Katie's wedding 3 years ago (when she was 8). Amazingly enough - it still fit perfectly. She has gotten taller, but she hasn't really gained weight. When she started on the Adderall, she lost a few pounds which probably put her back at her weight from last year or so. She was a little bit overdressed, but Hannah didn't care, so I didn't either.
Hannah got an award for her DARE report on heroin tonight. There were about 10 children that were given awards and were supposed to read their reports, but it was TOO hot and they tried to cut things a little short by just honoring the kids. Hannah had no idea she was going to get an award (of course, neither did I). I was so proud of her. I knew she got an A+ on it because she brought it home. I just had no clue there was an award associated with her work. Her award was a DARE lanyard (not cash, not a new car, but still special all the same!).

I got teary eyed when she and Amanda went up to get their moving up certificates from their teacher together, Hannah faithfully pushing Amanda's wheelchair at the end of the rest of the class.

I apologize for the photo, I couldn't get any good pictures of the ceremony tonight, so I just tried to trim out the distractions on this one so you could make out what's what a little bit. My flash does not carry at all.

I got to speak with Amanda's mom at length and she said that Amanda had a rare case of salmonella that infected her blood and settled in the space at the base of her spine, causing her to lose her ability to move and walk. Over the last 20 years there have only been about 20 cases reported internationally, and not a single one was in a child. Amanda has a PICC line in and has been receiving high doses of antibiotics, trying to get the infection under control, but the main part of her body affected is the muscles in her thigh. She said the orthopedic surgeon was asking them to be patient with the antibiotics because if he had to go in to clean out the infected area, he would have to cut her from the front of her hip around to the middle of her back. Luckily, her blood is free of infection and the rest of her counts are now coming steadily under control, a little lower every time that it is checked. Amanda is now able to stand using crutches, but still can not walk. Please continue to pray for her and her family. They have been through a lot of other stuff lately on top of this.

Amanda's mom said to me, "What would we do without Hannah?" She was talking about what a great friend Hannah has been and how her calls make Amanda's day. She said that Hannah made a sign for the back of her wheelchair that said "Stay Back 5 Feet, Motorcross Girl Coming Through" (because Amanda does motorcross).

The bonus is that Keith is now home! The three of us met up at Olive Garden (Hannah's choice). He received a really nice engraved plaque and a special jacket now that he's a graduate from the corporate training program. One of 12 that finished this year. He was miserable though, has a sore throat and got very little sleep last night because his group (of 3) had a final project to complete that kept him up until 3 am. He had to get up at 6 am.

I tidied up my scrappin' mess a bit so I can start fresh tomorrow. Once I'm finished with the surprise, I will have to take the time to organize and put everything away again, but I'm not overly concerned right now.

The 3 buddies are back together again!