Amanda has made good progress in healing from her surgery and has been getting much better rest at night.  She was able to have her feeding tube removed in October and her body has healed nicely from the removal.    We have noticed her health is more fragile due to her weakened immune system.  Things like allergies, which in the past may have just been an annoyance, take a greater toll on her body, lasting longer and requiring more medical intervention.   In October, Amanda, along with our entire family contracted Covid.  Everyone had the vaccine, so it wasn’t too bad for any of us, except Rick.  He believes we had a “new” variant which attacks men more severely and should be named “the man-eater.” 

Amanda is looking forward to Thanksgiving and getting to spend time with family, especially her young cousins.  Thanksgiving has always been a time to give thanks, but this year it has an even greater significance for our family.  Although it has been a difficult year, we have so much to be grateful for.  We are grateful for a close and loving family, the kindness and generosity of friends and strangers, and the life of our beautiful daughter, Amanda!