The "Cuchumatanes" mountains on the background and the ruins of buildings of the Maya descendants called the "Mam" in the ancient city of Zaculeu, Huehuetenango.
Last Friday was our last day in Huehuetenango and our last day with Mirna. We got together for the last time to check for any other concerns that they may had with the system and to get one last report from the week before. As expected, Mirna had continued to work on the exercises as suggested (mouse movement and control only) and she continued to get better and better every day. Gabriella mentioned that she now has much more control, specially when trying to leave the mouse stationary (key in order to be able to select and click). They also said that the vertical location of the electrodes continued to be the most difficult part of setting the system up and being able to find the best and optimized settings for Mirna to begin her exercises and take the most advantage of the system. We also contacted Ms. Debbie Inkely at OFOA in order to purchase an additional set of electrodes (US$200.00) to keep them as a spare set. Without the electrodes the system is useless and if something were to happen to the existing set, Mirna would not have to wait a long period of time to keep using the system. Finally, Gabriella also reported that Mirna is very excited to use the system and sometimes it is obvious that her eyes are tired, so they have to ask her to stop. This proves Mirna's will to go on and begin using the system to its fullest in order to begin communicating with her family and friends as we all have prayed.
After a few setting reviews, it was time to say goodbye to Mirna and her family. This was a very emotional event as expected, and based on Mirna's very limited facial expressions, it was obvious that we were all upset, but at the same time, very satisfied with all the progress achieved in just a few weeks. In order to avoid getting too emotional and getting Mirna in an uncomfortable state, we said our goodbyes and gave Mirna a big hug and kiss. We then turned to Mirna's mother and on behalf of all the people that had contributed to this cause, we presented her with the remaining balance of the money collected (US$520) and asked her to use it appropriately (as we all know she will). Mrs Ramos (Mirna's mother), also named Mirna, was very thankful and wishes everybody many blessings from God and that your contributions and generosity are given back ten fold.
We all know this is just the beginning of a journey together and that with love, patience and effort, we will see even greater results from our friend Mirna Ramos. She is a fighter and we all pray that with very hard work, one day she will be able to post a little note on this blog to express her emotions and feelings towards all of you that have blessed us all with your generosity and make this endeavor a reality.
Below is a picture of our beautiful little town in the western mountains of Guatemala called Huehuetenango, where a person called Mirna, continues to see life as a chance to make a difference in all of us by showing us that anything is possible with motivation, discipline and hard work.
May the Lord bless you all and please keep checking this blog for more news from Mirna and her progress.
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