The epilogue to Paige's winter journey has launched her spring return to school.

On March 11, Paige took her Math exam under Judy's supervision at the Greenwich Library, finishing her four winter exams. She left the next day to visit her grandparents in Florida and to banish her institutional pallor.

Paige missed not going to spring training with her Lacrosse team, and she moderated her Florida activities as requested by her doctors. She still managed to get her father away from work long enough for a daily dunking in the Atlantic, sometimes at night when the water was calmer but the turtles and sharks were more likely to be around.

Paige returned to Connecticut in time to get clearance from her neurosurgeon to go back to Kent, and on Monday, March 30, she returned to school. As she approached the town of Kent, Paige began to shake with excitement, and by the time that the school appeared to the west, she was nearly breathless.

Paige had somehow negotiated with her doctor to do drills with the team, even though she could not play. However, her very mature friends, their trainer, and her own good judgment convinced her to be prudent and manage the team instead.

On April 3, the swim team banquet was joyfully filled with both earnest and humorous awards, Lily's emotional video tribute, a very imminently expectant head coach, and a happy send-off to the well-loved seniors. Paige's teammates honored her by electing her a team co-captain.

Paige warned her parents not to expect her to leave Kent for a moment before graduation, but on Easter weekend, she surprised her family by coming home long enough to see visiting family from Virginia and attend Easter Sunday service in the church where she was in Sunday school and pageants as a little angel. The minister and congregation gave her a heartfelt welcome.

On April 20, Paige's neuropsychologists offered their preliminary findings from the tests conducted in March. They reported on progress in areas that were likely affected by the injuries and confirmed that healing the brain takes at least 9-12 months.

We are so happy that Paige is back at her beloved school with her great teachers, role models and friends. We hope that this report concludes an incredibly intense phase of Paige's recovery.

This miraculous journey could not have gone so well without all of your love and support. We are very grateful for the comments from so many of you and for all of you who followed Paige's progress every day. Thank you.

Paige had a week full of great strides. She was discharged from all of her outpatient therapies at Burke on Wednesday. She worked hard all week with intensive tutoring in History, Latin and Math under the considerate care of Ellen, Sarah and Judy.

Paige completed her exams in History, Latin and English. She attended the New Englands for swimming at Hotchkiss and cheered on her wonderful teammates and saw off her senior friends. She replaced her worn and torn old Barbour that was cut off of her in the emergency room with one that is much too fresh and crinkly and is in need of some hard wearing.

Paige felt ready to see the only two photographs of her from her time in the intensive care unit. The first one, with the five tubes down her throat, her bruised eye and cheek, and blood still in her hair was frightening, but she wanted a sense of what her friends and family had seen. The second shot showing her at rest after the breathing tubes were removed and before the feeding tube was inserted was remarkably peaceful.

With her remaining energy, Paige worked hard this week on retraining her father on domestic matters while her mother was out of town on a well needed restorative trip. Despite all the strength that Paige has shown in all aspects of her recovery, this training effort was a complete failure.

Paige is back with even more energy and appetite for life...and food.

The week in review was eclipsed by an xray on Wednesday and a call on Friday from Paige's neurosurgeon. He confirmed, to Paige's great joy, that her big plastic cervical collar could finally come off.

This moment of emancipation was exciting. Paige's friends had signed every square centimeter of the white plastic shell, and the collar did help her posture. She had, however, been shocked at how many people stare openly at a person with a disability. Paige was ready to shed the shell, and she ripped it off immediately.

The collar's removal came with loads of health warnings, but Paige is far more comfortable and for the first time in six weeks she can sleep on her side. Now her visible injury is reduced to the peaked nob from the cracked clavicle. Ironically, the peak makes wearing a shoulder belt in the car painful.

Two days of neuropsychological testing should yield results some time in April. By then, we hope that Paige will have recovered right past any weaknesses that the tests may turn up.

Ryan's last hockey game this Saturday in Wallingford brought on a bit of nostalgia, but his team played an exciting game. Kent defeated the Wild Boars of Choate.

Many people who have followed Paige's recovery are shocked to see her walking around, let alone without her neck brace. Paige is almost caught up in her academic subjects and should finish her physical and speech therapy this week.

We thank you again for your prayers and support.

As Paige settled in to a busy schedule, we let the posts rest, but we forgot to tell anyone.  A week has now passed with good progress, and Paige has remained remarkably active with therapy, tutoring, and doctors' appointments.

On Thursday, Paige was up very early for the drive to her first school day at Kent.  She was thrilled to be back at school, and she was greeted with enthusiasm by many members of the community.

That evening, Paige met the neurosurgeon who treated her at Stamford Hospital. She did not remember him, but he clearly remembered her. He reviewed with her the images taken of her injuries when she arrived at the hospital. They show in detail her numerous fractures and the many areas of her brain injury. He also recalled for her some of the moments in her fiery recovery and the support that surrounded her while she was not conscious.

The good news is that she should continue to recover with time, and that she could be out of her neck collar within a week.

On Saturday, Paige again returned to Kent for a day. She made an emotional appearance before her swim team when she thanked her coaches for pushing her to pursue the superb conditioning that may well have helped save her life.  

We will post weekly updates on Paige's progress for the time being. Thank you again for all your love and support, faith and prayers. 

Paige had a full check-up from her regular general practitioner who has known her for years.  She followed Paige's progress during her recovery and was glad to see her. Tutoring continued, and Paige is catching up. Her eyes are doing better. 

Today, Paige reflected on her wonderful visit to Kent and edited yesterday's post to add energy to her father's rather flat account of the day. Several friends visited from Kent, allowing Paige to have more extended time in smaller groups.

One month has passed since her injury, and Paige continues to recover. As she settles into a routine, the posts will be brief. 

Paige is working towards returning for a first day of classes on Thursday. She hopes to fit in as many days as she can between now and the spring break, so that she can be a full time residential student by the end of March.

Paige was thrilled to be making her first trip to Kent since her injury. As we approached the town of Kent, she repeated at least twenty times how she was sooo excited.

We reviewed the warning signs that would alert Paige to too much stimulation: blurring vision, headache, increased emotions, decreased concentration, fatigue, personality change, interruption in memory, and shaking. Paige knew that she should withdraw if she felt any of these symptoms coming on.

Paige was mobbed in her dorm. Some of her friends were on the verge of tears when they saw her. If Paige said she had to go to the bathroom, someone would offer to go with her.

She walked over to see Ryan's last home hockey game, watched them play for awhile, then retreated to the warming room where her friends from Case Dorm were preparing for the breast cancer fundraiser at that evening's varsity hockey game against Trinity Pawling. 

Ryan's team won their game, and Paige hugged her sweaty and fatigued friends as they came off the ice. The entire team had sent her cards and flowers. She went to Case Dorm and was mobbed again, then returned to Middle Dorm for some more time with the girls before dinner in the school dining room. Two cups of tea made her more than hyper.

By evening, the hockey rink was full of pink balloons and decorations for breast cancer awareness. The Kent varsity hockey players wore pink jerseys (and one even taped his stick with pink tape), the spectators wore pink and had their cheeks marked with pink ribbons and the players' numbers, and the girls from Case sold baked goods and commemorative T-shirts.

The stands were packed. Paige moved constantly throughout the bleachers. She did not stop roaming. Teachers wanted to hug her. Her headmaster said she made his day. Friends would swoop in for a bear hug, then see the neck brace and handle her gently.

With five minutes remaining Paige figured it would take a long time to say her goodbyes. She went to the far end of bleachers and found her friends. 

The Kent hockey team played an exciting game and was victorious in pink. Paige was at rink-side as they came off the ice, congratulating every player. Saying her goodbyes, she was seen dancing and wiggling.

Paige did not stop talking on the way home, planning her return to Kent and saying how seeing everyone made her month. Her mother had baked her famous mac and cheese and left it out for a late dinner. Paige had no appetite because she had eaten half the bake sale. 

The Kent community has been so supportive of Paige and her family, from the visits on her first day in the intensive care unit just four weeks ago, to today's joyful homecoming. We marvel at the graciousness and maturity of the students, and at the warmth and concern from the faculty, staff and administration. While it may be something in the water, we think it comes from compassionate leadership and good, strong values reinforced in a beautiful setting.

Paige was evaluated at Burke for speech therapy, and with her current progress, she could finish in under four weeks. She also completed three hours of neuropsychological testing, with more to follow in two weeks. The tests should identify the cognitive changes resulting from the injury.

One orphaned bear and a displaced monkey accompanied Paige home from the hospital. They unfortunately lost their identification during Paige's many moves.

One is a tall, dark and handsome Bearington Bear with a red ribbon around his neck. The other is a medium brown, lanky Gund monkey. The bear is keeping company with others from Mere and Whit; Mike; and Ann, Julie and Nancy.  The plucky primate is with monkeys from Ryan; Jordan; Brittany, Ali and Paige; and Julia, Nat and Lauren. If you can solve either of these identity crises, please write to nghost@mac.com. The rest of the menagerie is thriving.

Paige feels ready to visit Kent, so we hope you will all treat her gently and watch her for signs of fatigue. She has worked hard to get herself to where she is today. You have encouraged her in her recovery, and you can help her with a calm visit. Many thanks.

Paige had a settled day with her routine of tutoring and therapies. She will begin her comprehensive neurological testing tomorrow. This testing has been brought forward from an original starting date of 26 February, which is good news for Paige's desire to stay a step or two ahead of her projected recovery.

Another clarification: the term "true gentleman" was not intended to be redundant or imply that there are lesser versions of gentlemen. It is defined by John Walter Wayland and applies equally to a true lady: "The true gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe."

Finally, we have an orphaned animal that lost his identification as Paige was moved through five rooms in eight days. We will post a description tomorrow and hope that he is recognized. Paige loves your furry creatures that have followed her home.  Many thanks.

Paige returned to Burke for her outpatient physical therapy evaluation. Burke's outpatient department is separate from the hospital and requires its own evaluations. Her occupational and speech therapy evaluations will follow on Friday, after which Burke will propose a treatment plan.

Paige started her math tutoring today, and she thought it went well.  She then made a long-anticipated trip to Hotchkiss to be with her swim team for the last meet of the regular season.

The swimmers, parents and coaches welcomed Paige so warmly. They have provided a core part of the love and support that Paige has received over the last month. Paige enjoyed joining her team and her coaches on the pool deck and the parents in the stands.

Paige wanted her friends to see that she is recovering well.  She also wanted to join in the nostalgic tradition of paying tribute to seniors and co-captains. The coaches speak about each of the seniors and then give them each flowers. Paige has been swimming with these girls for three years. She and we will miss them.

A snooze on the way home refreshed her for an evening of history review.  What a wonderful day.

Paige worked through her morning speech therapy anticipating her first outing since her Stop & Shop adventure last week. She would be fulfilling a long time dream by making a brief appearance at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

Paige and her mother visited the stands and then headed for the grooming areas. Paige did well with the people. She learned the names of many breeds that were new to her and fell in love with virtually every dog in the show. As a bit of luck, Paige bumped into Avery who invited her to see the best labrador retrievers at ringside as they were being judged by the erect Mrs. Arbuckle.

Paige was fitted for her red reading glasses with their prism lens.  She used them with her evening tutoring.  She looks better than Sarah Palin.  

Her parents met with Paige's new neuropsychologists.  They outlined a program of testing, evaluation, counseling and remediation that will be implemented over the next several weeks. Paige begins with them on Thursday.

Paige's ophthalmologists got her set up with glasses while they get the various scans and films from the hospital and figure out what is wrong with her vision. We should see her in specs by the end of the week.  

Her orthopaedic surgeon showed Paige an x-ray of the fracture for the first time. The break was more dramatic than we had realized. Paige should know by June whether further surgery is needed.

The post winter break migration to Kent passed near our house, and several friends stopped in to see Paige. The visits were wonderfully uplifting.

Tutoring and physical therapy capped off a busy day.

Paige spent the day settling in after three weeks in the hospital. The pain in her shoulder and neck comes in the morning and lessens during the day.  Her eyes will be checked again tomorrow.  Paige's short term memory remains a frustration to her.

As we catch our breath after the rapid pace of the hospital, we have a few clarifications. Some of you have pointed out that Don't Worry, Be Happy is sung by Bobby McFerrin, not Bob Dylan. You are right, but the song is labelled incorrectly on the website that links music to the blog and the label cannot be changed. We are still amazed that Ryan found a huge balloon that sings the song when tapped and that stayed aloft for three weeks, and that Peter turned up a get well card that plays the song when opened.

Paige's father drove to Kent to get her books so that Paige can start on her Kent school work while she continues her outpatient rehabilitation.  The school is on its midwinter break, and the grounds were beautiful and unusually quiet.

People were drifting in for a concert in Mattison Auditorium by 89-year old Dolph Traymon. Governor Rell had declared today Dolph Traymon Day in honor of the former pianist for Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee who later opened the Fife 'n Drum.  

The beautiful St. Joseph's Chapel, with its dark interior and many stained glass windows, offered a perfect place for reflection after the pain and pace of the last three weeks.

It is easy to understand why Paige wants to return quickly to this beautiful place where she is surrounded by so many supportive friends and faculty.  We are eager to see her recovery unfold in the days ahead.

Early this morning, Paige was subjected to a few last needles and tests.  She then checked out of the hospital.

This time, she left on her own steam and she knew all the members of her team:  Dr. Jordan, the director of the brain injury and memory evaluation programs,  Dr. Cuesta, the director of rehabilitation psychology and neuropsychology, Lauren, her speech therapist, Carolina, her physical therapist, Janet, her case manager, and a host of other wonderful professionals, from Lisa who first checked her in to Room 259, to Marie and Moses who saw her off.

On her way to the lobby in her dreaded wheelchair, Paige suddenly remembered that she had forgotten to say goodbye to Richie, the elevator operator.  She popped out of her chair and trotted back to his elevator.  Marie, who a week earlier had sternly required Paige to memorize her name, and was now escorting her out, called for the chair to be sent back upstairs empty and smilingly walked Paige to the car.

When Paige checked in to Burke, her prognosis was not clear.  During Paige's first medical exam, Laurie demanded of a somber Dr.  Jordan that he assure her that Paige would be well. When Paige left the hospital, Dr. Jordan was smiling broadly as Paige complimented him on his sense of style.  

Paige's recovery at Burke brought smiles to every member of her inpatient team.  Next week, she will begin her outpatient program. 

We are overjoyed to have Paige at home.  Her speech therapist from Burke came over and worked with her this afternoon, but the rest of the day was spent settling in, reading the hundreds of cards that you have sent, and relaxing with Gen.  Virginia filled the house with red balloons.  Peter's life-size cutout of Barack Obama stood quietly at attention.

We have heard that most prayers are all Help! and Thank You!  You must have called up much more than that as so many people travelled together to such a happy day.

This morning, Paige and her team cooked up the ingredients from yesterday's outing to Stop & Shop.  The men did actually join in, and Paige complimented Joe on his chili.

This afternoon, we met with Paige's six team leaders.  They reported on her improved physical and cognitive functions.  Her neuropsychologist pointed out that Paige was called the tigress when she arrived.  Paige loves that he is a West Point graduate who meditates three times a day and, as he says, has gone from warrior to peacemaker.  Paige has made the same transformation in two weeks.

Paige's injuries still require that we focus carefully on her physical safety and her cognitive recovery.  Her balance is good, and her memory is improving.  Paige must be very careful to avoid head injuries in the future, as research indicates that the risks escalate significantly with subsequent injuries.

Paige's recovery has been so strong that her team moved up her discharge from 17 February to 12 February and then, in a surprise, to tomorrow.  This has left her caseworker and her family scrambling to assemble an outpatient program of physical, occupational and speech therapy, tutoring, exercise, doctors and other activities.

It will be wonderful to have Paige at home.  Her brother Brooks saw her tonight for the first time since the intensive care unit.  He reported that she looked better than before the accident. We look forward to welcoming a few visitors at a time, with tea and cookies.

Paige's occupational therapists decided that she was ready for an outing today, so at 9:30 they took Paige and one other woman to Stop & Shop to buy ingredients for baking tomorrow. Paige commented to her mother, "Can you believe this, a woman in rehabilitation, and they take her to the grocery store so she can cook!?"

The outing, however, was a great success. The therapists assured her that the men in rehabilitation also go to Stop & Shop, and not to Home Depot.  Paige was delighted to be out among people going about their daily lives after nearly three weeks in the hospital.

Paige's tutor focussed on World War I, the Civil War, stalemates and wars of attrition.  Paige now appears ready to start on the path back to her Kent curriculum.

A visiting ophthalmologist concluded that Paige's eyes are in good shape, so her vision is affected by the brain injury and should improve with time.  A series of cognitive and memory tests today showed that Paige has advanced in one week from being severely impaired in many areas to being within normal ranges in as many categories.

Paige's date for discharge from inpatient therapy had been set for February 17, but we are now told that this is being advanced because of her good progress.   We will confirm her new discharge date and her rehabilitation program tomorrow when she has a team meeting with all of her doctors and therapists.

The Burke experience continues to be exceptional.  Her neuropsychologist said that the latest research all points to the importance of having an intense rehabilitation immediately following an injury.  Paige's program has been intense, and the results support the research.

We could not have done all that we have needed to do for Paige without the incredible support of such good friends.  Her parents have not had a meal together in three weeks, but also have not cooked a single meal in that same period.  Perhaps we will need to join the next rehabilitation trip to Stop & Shop...

Paige was very focused on today's Kent-Kingswood Oxford swim meet.  This contest was the first meet that she was conscious of missing.  Paige desperately wanted to be in the pool. 

Last night she sent an email to her coach offering to break out of Burke and cheer on her teammates.  She also wrote to Barret, our best cheering parent, asking if he could please root relentlessly for Kent.  The saga of Barret's journey to poolside is beautifully chronicled in today's comments.  

The Kent girls put in a wonderful effort, with lots of cheering and one very worried teammate down in White Plains. Kent Girls Swimming and Diving won a 3-point squeaker in the last race!  

Tutoring this evening focused on the lessons of Langston Hughes' story and the agonies of disease and death in the trenches during the Great War.

There were no doctors today.  Her vision remains affected.  

We are very grateful for Paige's progress today.  There is rumor of her first outing tomorrow...

Paige climbed a flight of stairs in physical therapy with just a spotter, leaving behind the three step stair in the gym.  Her occupational therapy included a walk to the gift shop, where she was asked to memorize opening and closing times and prices on items.  Paige apparently got diverted in the earring section...

Her tutoring began today.  She spent the first part of the session talking about her Kent teachers and how great they are, and how much she misses them.  She gave details on each of them, even describing Mr. DesMarais' bow tie day and pink shirt Thursdays.

They then moved on to reading from Langston Hughes' Thank You, M'am.  Paige watched the evening news and discussed the Daschle debacle.

The Burke consulting orthopaedic surgeon reviewed Paige's x-rays and looked at her clavicle. He told her that it should heal well, but that she would have a bump for a souvenir that could be fixed later by a plastic surgeon.  Paige opted for the time being to keep the souvenir.

Paige has asked that we print out the blog and all the comments.  In due course, your comments will be her chronicle of support through this misadventure.

Monday was back to the business of rehabilitation.  Paige worked very hard all day at every type of therapy. Her appetite was healthy, and she gave her mother a few giggles and eye rolls.  

A new attending neurosurgeon thought that Paige was well enough that he could be more candid with us about the life threatening nature of her injuries.  His comments just reinforced how fortunate we are to have her recovering so well.

Paige's vision is still an issue, but Burke does have ophthalmologists and neuro-ophthalmologists available.  Her progress will be monitored carefully.

Her father mentioned that there were benefits - if she needed glasses, she could get some that made her look like Sarah Palin.  Paige looked grim, put her hands on the table and said, "Dad, that was way over the line.  The line is over here, and you were way over there".

Paige is enjoying reading your cards and comments.  Please keep them coming.

Last night, Paige slept well with few nocturnal activities.  This steady sleep was a huge improvement, perhaps brought on by Ryan's return from Kent.

Paige had previously preferred long midnight perambulations, going around the halls and into other patients' rooms.  On the previous night, she was up playing "Go Fish" with her godmothers Jane and Suzanne, who together very kindly took on the long night duty of watching over Paige. 

This morning Paige went outdoors for the first time in two weeks.  She was bundled up in her wheel chair and toured the roads around her building.  With its 58 acre campus, Burke has ample pathways and few cars.

Paige's great friend Genevieve came by, which was comforting to all of us.  Paige and Genevieve were in Greenwich hospital together when they were born and they have known each other since.  They touched on many subjects, perhaps most importantly that Genevieve's family dog is named after William F. Buckley, Jr.  

By late afternoon, Paige was back in touch with her world.  She was using her mobile for text and speech, and a hospital computer for instant messaging and checking Facebook.  Paige saw this blog for the first time, and she was very moved as she started to read your many wonderful comments.  They will provide comfort for her.

This burst of communication unfortunately turned up a problem with her vision, in her ability to focus on near objects.  We look forward to having her doctors back tomorrow.

Throughout the day, it became clearer that she has no recollection of the accident and the trials of her stay in Stamford.  That is a blessing.

Thank you again for your love and support.

Today, the hospital made Paige feel as if she were back at school by giving her a half day of Saturday classes.  While she was in physical therapy, her father ran out to Petco to buy collars and tags for the menagerie of monkeys, bears, tigers and dogs sent by you, her very generous friends, so that Paige will know them all when her memory returns.  The cashier looked perplexed at this customer buying a large fistful of collars in a variety of colors and textures in eight, ten and twelve inch lengths.

This afternoon, our good friend, and Nina's mother, Laurie gave Paige a manicure and a foot massage.  Paige told her that this was the first time her feet had not hurt since she has been in the hospital.  Laurie also brought a large bright orange scarf for Paige's mother, because Paige had commented earlier that her mother always dressed in boring shades of grey.

Paige's uncles from Colorado and Pennsylvania, Amory and Chris, and her "twin" cousin Alex then arrived together for a first visit.  We briefed them beforehand in the cafeteria on the hospital's guidelines for relating to a person with a brain injury: remember that the person is thinking in slow motion, speak slowly of familiar people, places and experiences, use simple sentences, limit the visitors in the room, and always be calm, patient and positive.

When we brought them up to see Paige, she surprised us all by greeting each of them with a bright, big smile.  She would summon them one by one, in rotation, into her room until she tired of that formality and came out to the waiting room to greet them all.  She was far more lucid than even the day before.

The other Alex, her great friend from Kent, then arrived bearing news from school, brightly colored gel stickers for her window, and a large folder filled with greeting cards.  On the hospital's advice we had limited Paige to one visitor from school this weekend, but Paige was ready for more.

You were ready for her too.  Dear Hannah wrote that she had worked out on Mapquest that she could make it from Kent to Paige, on foot, in seven and one half hours.

We were able to recount to Paige some of the events of the last two weeks, and particularly the overwhelming outpouring of support in cards, flowers, blog comments and visits that she could not remember.  She absorbed every detail, at times quizzically, and often with a smile.   

We have found peace in the knowledge of your prayers and love and support, the guidance of her great medical teams, a few well learned prayers and a simple faith.  Today gave that peace an even stronger foundation.  It is a day that we will treasure.

Food, glorious solid food.  While Paige was in physical therapy, Laurie slipped down to the visitors' cafeteria and brought a buffet of Paige's favorite foods to her room.

Paige ate her way through most of the choices until she said she was full.  Laurie then unveiled the slab of chocolate cake that had been in hiding.  Paige thought she might have a little more room.  They both smiled.

Paige worked hard at two sessions of physical therapy, two sessions of occupational therapy and a session of speech therapy.  This will be her core routine, interspersed with medical visits and psychological assessments, now that her strength is returning and she is sleeping more at night.

For her memory test, she was able to recite the months of the year in reverse order (a feat that gives her parents and grandparents pause), recall countries that she has visited, and write a sentence.  These are all improvements from yesterday.

Paige's mind is surprisingly connected to the outside world.  I mentioned that we need a good Secretary of State and asked if she remembered the President's choice.  She came right out with "Hillary Clinton".  Earlier, Laurie read to her from the Times about the President calling the Wall Street bonuses shameful.  Laurie then started to put them in the context of all the bailouts, including the rescue of the auto industry.  Paige exclaimed, "O God, I forgot about that one!"

This evening we watched "Hairspray" until Paige fell asleep.  When Tracy belted out "Good morning Baltimore, every day's like an open door, every night is a fantasy, every sound's like a symphony", Paige muttered,  "My friends wish they could sing that about Greenwich...".

At this moment she is sleeping peacefully.  Thank you all for holding her up in your thoughts and prayers.

What a simple joy to see Paige sipping from her ubiquitous water bottle and eating her first solid foods today.  Laurie is now allowed to cook for Paige, which is good for both of them, and she arrived this morning with macaroni and cheese, swedish meatballs and brown rice to celebrate a fond farewell to the dreadful dysphagia diet.  Paige told the dietician that her favorite food was really...chocolate.

Paige approached her physical therapy with determination.  She climbed stairs and tied her sneakers.  She told her nurse that her Mom overreacts and over analyses, then peppered Laurie with many an "I love you".  

We are all finding our way around her impressive rehabilitation hospital.  Paige is followed by the medical director of the brain injury program, the director of rehabilitation psychology, a director of neurological rehabilitation, a case worker, a neurosurgeon, and many wonderful therapists and nurses.  Her team, and they are quite a team, thinks she is making good progress.  

We received perhaps the largest get well card ever to pass through the postal service.  It is signed by most of the Kent community.  It is petitioning Paige to recover.  Many thanks for pulling that together.

Today was therapeutic, or at least filled with therapy.  Paige had two sessions of physical therapy, one of occupational therapy, and one with speech pathology, met the recreational therapist, and took memory tests with the doctor.  She was cleared for swallowing regular liquids and can say goodbye to those juices that were thickened to nectar consistency.

Paige could retrieve some old information and some new.  She said Liz is known as a rower, Brooks as a boater and she as a swimmer, and she counted a long dead beagle as one of the dogs waiting at home.  She said that she likes being kissed by her mom out of the blue.  And when her doctor asked her about the framed invitation to the inauguration that sits by her bed, she proudly told him that she is the president of the Kent Young Democrats.

Paige has a lot of work ahead of her.  We must repeat the blog health warning at the end of the rosy reports: the sparkly, spunky Paige is not back yet, and may not be for weeks or even months.  The physical therapy will bring back the strength lost to injuries and being bedridden. The occupational therapy will work on basic skills such as dressing, counting, and writing.  We still have to learn about recreational therapy, but it sounds great.  The brain needs to do its healing.

We are aware of many waiting visitors out there, and are grateful for your collective enthusiasm.  Her team here at Burke is helping formulate visiting guidelines that fit with her recovery.  We hope that limited visits can begin soon.

Thank you again for the mail and comments that poured in today.  You are all a blessing to Paige.  

Tonight Paige left Stamford Hospital and a cast of medical luminaries.  She will not remember them, but they have asked repeatedly that Paige return to see them for a victory lap when she is well.

As we followed the ambulance from Stamford to her acute rehabilitation facility in White Plains, New York, we reflected on the talented team that Paige would have adored: the petite, confident and caring head trauma surgeon in charge of Paige's case who greeted us grimly on that awful early Sunday morning and dismissed us today with a smile as wide as the Hudson River; the compassionate ICU attending physician from South Africa who stopped in twice on Paige this morning as he made his rounds; the beautiful Indian doctor in her bright blue scrubs who would appear in the very middle of the night to look in on Paige; the dashing young neurosurgeon who kept Liz alert all night so that she could give him a thorough report on Paige when he made his rounds at dawn; and the endless and varied cast of nurses, technicians and aides of every nationality who gave their days and nights to Paige's recovery.  Thanks to their collective good efforts, she is on the way to a triumphant return.  

Paige now begins a comprehensive rehabilitation full of medical attention and extensive daily physical and occupational therapy.  She will be working hard and has much to learn, beginning with her swallowing, but she is supported by a talented team.

Ryan kindly returned to help us with night duty.  Paige's smile when she saw him moved us deeply.

Paige's physical progress is terrific.  Today, she was cleared to swallow fluids, although they are thickened to the consistency of pea soup.  She got in a short walk, and she ate a good lunch and dinner.

By the end of the day, Paige's central port, which mounts on her left shoulder and taps into her subclavian vein near the heart, had been removed.  The port is a supercharged IV with multiple tubes through which she was given liquids and most of her medicines.  The description of the blood that would be shed if she managed to get her fast little fingers on it and rip it out kept us all way on edge.

Tonight Paige was agitated, so she selected a few songs from a peaceful playlist that Ryan had assembled on her iPod.  She then stood and was held up in a sort of dance until her legs gave out.  Tonight she will sleep without restraints, but she will be watched vigilantly.

The reports on her physical progress, together with her cheery photo and all of our shared memories, make it easy to think that the old happy Paige is making these great physical strides.  Unfortunately, the traumatic brain injury is still very much with her, and Paige is struggling with the fear, pain and confusion that it brings.  All indications are positive for her full recovery, but she needs time to get that happy face and spirit back with us.  

Your support is bringing it back day by day.

A peaceful night must deserve to be followed by a restive one.  Last night Paige slept ninety minutes and became increasingly impatient with her restraints.  She worried about her swimming and talked about the 100 free, missing her meet, and Westminster.  Yet, after a catnap this morning, she ate well, walked 260 feet, and is now sitting in a chair.

Today we are hoping for more physical therapy and some good eating.  We are now allowed to bring in foods for the dysphagia diet: bland purees of medium consistency.  Yum.  Paige made her father test them all last night, apparently expecting that we might be adding poisoning to the many tortures of her imprisonment.

At home our water pipes burst, drenching the north end of the house.   I guess we needed a project...

Liz returns to Virginia today with our gratitude.  She has been an enormous support to her dear younger sister, and, with Ryan, helped cover some of the wee hours.  Liz applied her great organizational skills to coordinating food runs from our supportive friends, and she showed great patience, tenderness, good cheer and fortitude with Paige through some very trying moments.   

She joins Brooks who returned to Virginia on Wednesday to resume his studies.  Brooks gave us wonderful support while he was at home, and he now buoys our spirits with reports on his new classes, his terrific church and friends, and his ongoing charitable work.   He is making Paigey proud as a student, a walker for the animal shelter, a volunteer for Habitat and a friend to Kenyan refugee children.  Liz and Brooks are both inspiring.  They are loved beyond measure.

Today Paige took a turn for the better.  She rested peacefully last night in what seemed to be more natural sleep.  When her doctors arrived at seven, they brought a bit of food instead of the dreaded tube.  By midday, Paige was ready for her first pureed lunch.  This afternoon, she had a relaxed and lucid conversation with a friend.  This evening she smiled broadly for the first time and blew out her cheeks to make a funny face.

Once again your support has been tremendous.  The comments here continue to delight us all. An avalanche of cards arrived by post, along with many cards and greetings from Kent, including one from the boys hockey team and one from the boys and girls swim teams.

Ryan returns to Kent tonight.  He carries with him the heavy burden of our nominating him as the Kent ideal.  Ryan is calm and strong, witty and patient, giving and forgiving, scholar and athlete.  He has been by Paige's side day and night, rarely leaving the hospital.

Ryan has had a magical effect on Paige and has been very instrumental in her recovery.  He has communicated constantly with the Kent community through hundreds of calls and text messages.  He has endured stressful conditions and sleepless nights and days, all with good spirits.  He is a true gentleman.

Paige's nurse dredged up a bit of Jamaican slang from her youth and called Paige a ginnal, or trickster, when she managed with both arms restrained to scoot low in bed, pretend to scratch her face, and then pull her feeding tube - again.  

Unfortunately the report of her being able to start eating was premature.  She needs to be more alert to ensure that the food goes where it should, and Paige has yet to see any solid food.   The feeding tube must stay in for the time being.

We are thinking of her swim team as they battle Williston today.  Good luck.

Two physical therapists came to work on Paige this afternoon.  Paige soon had them out for a short shuffle, with one therapist on either side supporting her.  Tonight she is softly singing "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield and "A Whole New World" from Aladdin.

A gentleman named Kent, whom we see frequently here in town, always greets us robustly with his salutation from the Psalms: "This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it".  This was a wonderful day.  Thank you, Kent.

Newsflash:  Paige just passed her swallowing test and ate some applesauce.  She may now start eating pureed foods.  The feeding tube will stay in for the time being, and the transition will be gradual to guard against vomiting and aspiration, but this is welcome news.

Paige kept struggling last night to get out of bed.  Ryan asked her where she was going and Paige responded, "to my audition".  For what, he asked.  She replied, "American Idol".  When Liz was discussing with a nurse how to respond to Paige's movements, Paige whispered, "My sister knows what she is talking about", which amazed Liz.  A private ambition and a secret admiration, perhaps.

We hear from many of you of your gratitude for the exuberant, loving and moving comments posted here by Paige's many friends.  You are all lifting Paige up together.  When we wonder about some of the strange things that Paige is saying, we are gratified to read Mal's comment about Paige stopping in the road because she claimed she saw an armadillo.  We then are reminded that the abnormal is just the Paige normal.

Thursday found Paige still very grounded. She was wired to monitors, and her arms were still in restraints. But tonight she flicked her extended first two fingers rapidly back and forth and whispered, "Scissors...I want scissors". She is determined to escape.

Paige later asked about her condition (after conquering her restraints). Her mother assured her, "Trust me, you will be fine." She responded calmly, "Trusting you is not enough". Two well trained doctors later, she seemed more at ease. Shades of Ronald Reagan's "Trust, but verify".

Paige had her first physical therapy test and scored well responding to commands. Her swelling is going down. Feeding is the next issue. The swallowing reflex can apparently be damaged in traumatic brain injury, and it needs to be tested and retrained to ensure that her nourishment goes into the stomach and not the lungs. That testing process will start tomorrow. Paige will be restrained less and enjoy herself more when her food no longer comes through a hose in the nose.

Several of you have asked about sending her cards and letters. Please mail them to Paige at 5 Pierson Drive, Greenwich CT 06831, and we will make sure that she gets them. Your comments on the blog are a great alternative to cards because you write so well, we all enjoy them, and the comments are preserved for Paige to read and answer when her fingers are once again flying over her keyboard.

Others have asked about visiting. At this stage, Paige MUST stay calm to help her recovery. Visitors are strongly discouraged for now. This will be true at least through the weekend. We will of course post as soon as Paige is ready for company, which she loves. 

In the meantime, we pray for the rest that refreshes her soul and body, and we look forward to the day when the wind is once more at her back and the sun shines warmly on her face.

Thank you for all your wonderful support today, and throughout this week.

On Wednesday Paige had a feeding tube put down her nose.  This narrow bit of white plastic provided her first nourishment in four days.  It did not get high marks from the girl who heads straight for Cindy the dessert chef, revels in the variety of boarding school food, and was a leading competitor in the school pie eating contest.

Paige had improved enough by evening to be moved from the intensive care unit to the special care unit.  She became increasingly restless as evening wore on into night, and she was fitted first with large white mittens, and then with arm restraints to keep her from removing her many wires and tubes.  Her doctor told us that her agitation was an instinctive flight response to waking in a frightening environment.  

At one point, a new nurse asked if we could do anything for her.  Paige responded, out of the blue, "Make me fly".   

We hope that Paigey rests well tonight and soars in her dreams.  We are thinking of her following John Gillespie Magee's High Flight:

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of - wheeled  and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence.  Hov'ring there,

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air....

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue,

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace

Where never lark, or even eagle flew -

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Paige continues to improve.  Her fever is down this morning and her white blood cell count is better.  Yesterday her TV was on for the first time for a few minutes in the morning.  We were concerned that the inauguration might not proceed without the presence of the feisty founder of the Kent Democratic Club.  She could hear the inaugural speech, and when asked what was on the TV she whispered "Barack Obama".  

She has since uttered a few words, and she has reached out to touch those close to her, but she continues to be in considerable pain.  We welcome your prayers for her recovery.

Paige has received great support from her school.   Her headmaster, her dean and her chaplain visited on Sunday and gave her prayers, love and support.  Her friends have sent her an avalanche of cards that we hope she will soon enjoy.  A Chapel service at Kent will focus on Paige today. 

Paige's wonderful boyfriend has been at the hospital since early Sunday.  He gives Paige great comfort with his steady and affectionate presence.  The driver and the other passenger in the car visited her, and we pray for their relief from the pain of seeing Paige so injured.

We are trying to be near Paige around the clock.  Her brother and sister have been very helpful in covering the wee hours and giving her their unflagging love and support.  Friends have kept us nourished with a steady supply of food, water and love.  We are very grateful.

While we all worry and worry, we know that Paige, in her old self, would tell us "Don't worry, be happy".  The song is posted here as a reminder of how much we all long for the early return of that old self.  

Welcome to Paige's blog.  Unfortunately, Paige is not yet writing here.  Her family will provide updates when there is news.  Later, Paige will be able to see your comments and will, we hope very soon, seize this and report on herself.  Until then, thank you for all your support, prayers, and love.

Paige was a passenger in a car that overturned early in the morning of Sunday January 18th. She suffered serious injuries to her head and spine, including two skull fractures and seven fractured vertebrae, bruised lungs, and a broken collarbone and cheekbone.  She was taken to the best trauma unit in the area, where she has been receiving considerate care.  

Paige has been sedated to allow her to recover from the injuries and not struggle against the various invasive tubes, including five that were down her throat.  Late on Monday her team decided that she had recovered enough to breathe on her own, and they removed the breathing tubes.

On Tuesday, she spoke a few words.  She is in a lot of pain and needs help managing her discomfort.  Her clavicle may require surgery, but she cannot be operated on unless her brain injuries improve substantially.  

We have been grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and family and her extraordinary Kent community.   We know that she is buoyed by all the love and prayers and cards and flowers.  Please keep her in your thoughts.