Update July 4th 2005

[ja3kfd 34]

As I write on this beautiful 4th of July, it is very somber at the Arena house. We are very tired and it has been a long weekend. Jessi (for those of you that may not know, Jessi is our 15 year old daughter with autism and resides in Cape Cod at The May Institute) came home on Thursday, and it is so great to see her. On Saturday night, we called the ambulance because she had about an 8 minute seizure. It scared us incredibly. She came home in the early morning of Sunday and slept through the night. Her medication dose was increased, as well. On Sunday, about 1:00 pm, Jim and I heard a crash in the kitchen and it sounded like all the shelves came crashing off the walls. We ran in the kitchen, and Jessi was having a full blown seizure. I cannot even describe what it was like, other than very emotional for us. She hit her head hard, but no concussion. She was unconscious for about 15 minutes. Again, a great friends from Somers FD and ambulance arrived. Thank God for all of them (you). They were so great with Jessi. They gave her an extra dose of meds at the hospital, and we will continue to give her the new dose. We were told that we may see short break through seizures within the next couple of days, but as long as they are 2 to 3 minutes not to worry. Bring her in if longer.

Now with all of that,, Jimmy and Victoria got the vomiting bug. . . yahoo. Jimmy started his new protocol, which I am sure is not helping the situation. He looks so ill, and it is very emotional for me. I find myself looking at the same walls and pacing. The purpose I have found, is because as a mother, I feel I should be doing something to intervene, and there is nothing I can do. This is the most helpless feeling. It feels like falling off a building in slow motion and every thought slowly going through your mind. I think about the time, and cannot believe I will be 39 this week. I just finished telling Jim yesterday, where did it go? I guess it has all made me the person I am today. So, I will believe that all the past is in the past and has created my today, and part of that learning is to make sure I only live for today, and hope that my tomorrows will be just as beautiful as today.

Although, we are tired and scared, we will continue to fight and gain our strength from those around us. We are so incredibly thankful to have the people we have in our life. Thinking of you all today, and hoping you are enjoying this beautiful day. Happy 4th of July and lots of love and thanks coming your way from our home.

May God Bless You and Your Family Always, and We Love You, Gina and Jim

PS - GOD BLESS AMERICA