Happy New Year

So many want to know how Clare and Kris are continuing to mend. Well it is a slow process but they are making progress. Friday we drove to Meadow and brought Clare back to South Jordan for the weekend. Kris worked 3 twelve hour shifts this weekend and it ended up being a good situation for us to help and for many family and friends in Northern Utah to see Clare.

Clarissa is able to walk pretty well with some assistance. Her walk is slow and unsteady and she does not trust her right leg yet so she takes very small steps. She has made so much progress in the past few weeks. Her memory is also much improved. We notice that she is sharper in the morning when she is fresh than at night. It is very common for her to remember things she did today as well as the past few days. I am very encouraged with her continued progress and understand from others that have had brain injuries that significant improvement happens for years and that a positive supportive environment is what she needs. Kris is really good at making her feel happy and caring for her.

Saturday we went to the movie "The Adventures of Tintin" Clare had to walk quite a ways and she did it very well. She enjoyed the movie even though afterward she said she had a hard time following what was going on because she forgot what had happened. She did like the popcorn. Sunday morning Kris surprised us coming straight from work to attend Sacrament meeting with us. The ward family was very excited to see them both and Clare seemed happy that she remembered all the people there. Her long term memory is very much intact and seeing so many people from her past was good because it brought back memories and helped her feel that she has not forgotten as much as she fears she has. It is just the short term stuff she has trouble with.

Sunday afternoon Kris had to return home to work his last long shift of the weekend. We invited family and friends to come to our home in the evening. There were times when the house was packed with people. Clare handled it very well and smiled and looked pretty all evening. Scout on the other hand sat at Clare's feet most of the night, guarding her and barking at people when they moved. It has quieted down now. Clare, Bethany and Annette are planning a baby shower for a friend and having a good time.

The bottom line for this post is for all of you to know that Kris and Clare continue to heal and make progress. Thank you for all of your concern, prayers and positive thoughts. At church today many people told me they were so glad to see Kris and Clare and that they looked amazing. Hundreds of people have been involved on a very personal level and it is almost a "payday" for everyone that sees and talks with Kris and Clare. It is amazing to feel the outpouring of faith and appreciation that everyone expresses wherever we go.