Margaret Richey here.

Thought I'd update you on what has been going on with us, the Richey family.

My daughter, Suzanne, who is nineteen now, is continuing to make huge strides in her recovery from an aneurysm, which she suffered a year ago. 

I am happy to say that she is talking more, plus she got that feeding tube taken out a few months back.  In addition, she took her first steps; she's now walking (with a walker, but it's better than where she was)!

It's been nothing short of miraculous!

Jim and I are simply estatic, and the boys are happy to see their sister (slowly) coming back.  It's been a horrible year for us since Suzanne first got sick; while she still faces a long, uncertain recovery, it is nice to see her making strides, where doctors have (seemingly)given up all hope for her!

We have taken Suzanne to church or out to eat; people cannot believe that she has come such a long way.  Our local news channel even did a story about her during a segment on "Miracle Stories of Hope and Healing"; we still continue to get phone calls about that, how people were touched by our story, after seeing us on the news.

It is only by God's grace that Suzanne has come as far as she has.  If it were not for our faith in Him, I don't think she would be where she is at at the current time.

Sometimes people don't understand why Suzie is the way she is; however, they haven't seen her the way we have, when she was lying in that hospital or nursing home, fighting to live.  They don't remember the happy, vibrant young lady we do, that she has only been like this for a year and a half, almost; before then, she was like any other young adult, just getting started with life.

I am seriously thinking of writing a book about the struggles Suzanne (and us) has (have) faced during her time of illness/recovery; God has birthed it in me, and right now I am trying to think of the right words to say/write.  Once the words come, I plan on getting started.  Hopefully, once the book is completed (and published and then released to the general public), it will help other survivors of traumatic events get through their trials.

That's the general idea behind my wanting to write this book about Suzie and her struggles/recovery/hope towards a better, brighter future.

Well, I have to get Suzie ready for bed; she's had a busy day.  Church, then lunch out, then some time spent at our local park.  She's very tired.  I will write in here again soon, with another update.  Hopefully things will continue to improve for not only Suzie, but our entire family as well!  Just keep those prayers coming; it's only by God that Suzie's come such a long way!

Thanking you in advance~

As always, your friend, Margaret Richey, Suzanne's mom.  :)