A lot can happen in a month. I was surprised so much time had passed when I looked at the last update. I’m sure many of you are feeling the same way now that the ubiquitous Holidays are upon us. I hope you are taking time to relax and catch your breath. Events continue to lumber on for our family.
First and foremost, Claire continues to make progress. Claire has improved her muscle control and is responding to commands with increasing frequency. Her therapists noticed as well and requested another session with her each week. Therefore, Tiffany is in the process of applying for her taxi driver’s license since she is driving around the Metroplex so much already as chauffeur.
So stress relief will come this week: it took four months, but Claire was finally approved for an in-home nurse. We have mixed feelings. We are glad to finally have a response; however, the coverage is for much less than what we originally anticipated. Based on Claire’s needs, we had been told that we could expect between 60 and 80 hours of care each week: we got 20. We’re glad to have some because it will help Tiffany as the primary care provider; yet we are disappointed it wasn’t a little more. We will be completing the necessary requirements Wednesday and will start interviewing nurses later this week.
Autumn and Heidi have both put on their thespian hats the past few weeks along with countless other elementary kids across the States. Autumn has a lead part in her school play and has been regaling us with lines and off-key songs. I’ve taken to wearing a mouth piece so I don’t grind my teeth because I’ve got one of her songs in my head while I try to sleep. I know it’s a problem because I too can sing the songs and miss the same notes she does. After the play is over, I hope they invite all the parents up on stage so we can perform our version. I’m sure we could. While we groan (just a skoach) about it, we’re enjoying it. But Autumn’s biggest fan is Heidi. Heidi actually makes requests for some songs.
Heidi has also been coming into her own right on stage. When roles were handed out to the kindergartners for the Thanksgiving play, Heidi drew the turkey straw. It was a character that would have to express so much. Contentment, joy, shock, fear, solidity and anguish were a choice few of the emotions the turkey would endure and express for the play. I tried to explain method acting to Heidi. She listened. She concentrated. And her reply was, “Dad, I’m going to be wearing a box shaped like a turkey.” Duly noted. This may not have been her break out role; she did well nonetheless.
The theater work has done well to distract them from what we all know is coming: Autumn and Heidi are leaving their school at the end of this week. With the move to Coppell brings transition to Coppell schools. Thus far it’s been harder on me and Tiffany. I anticipate it will set in on January 3rd for the girls, the day before they head back to class. Please keep them in mind as they begin adjusting to yet another change.
We have a lot of time before then yet, and we’re looking forward to it. My side of the family is migrating south for the winter to spend Christmas with us. We’re excited to have everyone in the house. We have grand plans, knowing full well it with devolve into a series of shenanigans and mishaps (that’s the real plan anyway). I’m excited about our Christmas day announcement for the girls. I don’t know what I’m going to do with my time when I’m not able to say “I know what we’re getting for Christmas and you don’t” to them anymore. They’ve started ignoring me. I don’t know why.
Our hope has not dimmed with Claire. We continue to pray and work toward the same goal, that Claire, walk, talk and lead a full, independent life. There is a lot of room for discussion in that last statement and what it means, but we mean it pretty explicitly, without any caveats for what a “full, independent life” means. Please continue to pray and hope for the same.
We hope you enjoy your time with friends and family. Please take the time to understand just how valuable they are to you. Merry Christmas!
Our Claire Journal 
So lovely to read this update! Delighted to hear that Claire continues to make progress. I’m still praying daily for her healing. Loved the stories about Autumn and Heidi’s acting opportunities. I always appreciate your sense of humor. 🙂
Enjoy time with your wonderful family.
Much love,
Jeanne
So excited for an update. I was hoping it would come soon. Welcome to Coppell! Don’t know where in town you are, but we are in the Wilson school district. My son is a kindergartener there. Would love to help in any way I can! Love you guys and hope to actually meet you soon! 🙂
Good to hear Claire’s still improving, and that you got 20 hrs. of a nurse. I’ll pray that you find the perfect one for all of you, especially Claire. Can’t wait to hear what the Christmas Surprise is! Merry Christmas to the whole houseful of Martins! Love, Dodie
Wonderful news all around. Thanks so much for taking precious time to send your latest post — know your schedule is hectic. God bless all of you, and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thank you for the update! I am happy to hear you will be getting at least a little help. It sounds like you all are adjusting wonderfully and enjoying each other. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year!
It is so good to hear from you. I’ve been thinking about Claire so much lately and have prayed for her every time I think of her. I have grown to love your family, even though we’ve never met. I pray blessings on you all this Christmas and wish you the happiest of New Years.
Yay! A post! So good to hear from you. I have so much love and hope for your family. Merry Christmas!!!
Glad to hear from you, It has been a long time- Im glad that Claire is making progress- we continue to lift her up to Our Heavenly Father- for complete healing. He is the only one who can.
Please post pics again soon if you can the girls. Miss seeing their smiles. Are you getting a puppy for Christmas -could this be the Big Surprise?? Just a guess
Well May God Bless your Christmas Time with all your family.
In His Love
Christina
I am so happy to hear that Claire continues to show improvement! I am looking forward to seeing you tonight as Autumn and the rest of the second grade show their stuff 🙂 She has done a fantastic job and worked so hard…I warn you…bring tissues (I cry everytime Autumn sings). I will miss the girls terribly, but know that they will do well wherever they go.
So good to hear from you guys! And such good news! Have been wondering how you’re all doing. We have such a love in our hearts for you.
Wonderful that you’re going to have a nurse! She can be such a resource and help to you.
We’re continuing to pray in agreement with you, and now also for the special nurse he has for you.
Have wonderful holidays, and the most blest new year!
Paul and Carolyn
Thank you so much for the update–we still pray for Claire and your family daily. I’ll really be praying about Heidi and Autumn’s transition to school–Lakeside I assume! I know it will be a difficult adjustment, but hopefully they will be placed with just the right teachers for them and make friends quickly. All your girls are SO precious! Mika has attended Lakeside the past two years (she’s in 1st grade) and we have been super-happy with the school.
Much love and prayers,
Kelly
From one family to another, our prayers are with you all. Have a very Merry Christmas.
Thanks for the update. May God bless you all this Christmas season and in the new year.
Good to read an update! I am so that that Tiff will, have at least 20 hours of aid. We will pray for more. I hope that your holidays are wonderful! Love you guys and pray often!
Thank you Em! You are a good friend. Love to see your newest little one! Happy New Year!
My husband and I continue to pray for your sweet Claire and you, her wonderful family.
Merry Christmas to yall too. I m happy to hear Claire is making some more progress. I have been praying for her and your family!
Happy Holidays! May the joy of the season be with all of you.
Loved the update! Claire is doing great n very blessed to hv all of u.
Merry Christmas & HaPpy New Year!!
For Autumn & Heidi,
Just want you to know that I’ve been thinking about you today as you start a new adventure in your new school. Since I chose a Marine to be the Daddy at our house, and he chose me to be the Mommy, our children got to start new adventures, new friends, and new schools six times. We hope and pray that you’ll eventually enjoy your new experiences as much as they did, and that Claire will, as she progresses even more, be able to enjoy them with you. Happy New Year!
You are so fun.. I can tell by your comment! Thanks for following us on the blog. The girls did well, and Autumn was falling over herself to get back to school the next day. Heidi is always a little slower in her evaluations, but I think it is going to work out great! Thank you for your hopes and prayers for Claire.