Over the next three weeks, Lisetta improved drastically. Each new day brought progress in therapy and her emotional health. They diagnosed her as post traumatic, but they gave her some medications for her repercussions, and she was allowed to do more.
She began to walk, but very weakly and gradually. When she was eighteen, the doctors predicted, she could run again. Being stronger than ever. Lisetta was relieved to hear that she would walk again, and for that matter, run. They also put her on an inhaler. The bullet shattered three ribs and pierced her lung. She could still breath, but not as regular as the statistics were for a thirteen- year old teenager. Her blood pressure finally came down and she walked to keep burning calories.
Although, if she gained some weight, it wouldn't hurt. For the average teenager, the weight was 143 pounds. At her height, she was 126. Almost twenty pounds under the healthy average. She was a thin as a twig and all her clothes were baggy.
As a gift, McKenzie bought the girl new clothes. She could wear an extra small in juniors or an extra large in girls. Lisetta was very thankful for everything anyone had done. She still thought about Ms. Plante constantly. She often had dreams of the woman sitting at her kitchen table, crying late into the night. Lisetta hoped with all her heart that wasn't true.
One day, Dr. David Galatia came in and asked to have an appointment with them. Her orthopedist, Dr. Ronda Wilton also joined them.
He closed the door, sat down, and smiled. "When Julie came in and told me you were not comatose, I thought she was a nut. You proved me wrong beyond anything I could ever imagine.
"As for being average. . . well, you weren't born that way and you never will be. But for a young woman like you, you're body has done a remarkable job of bouncing back off this tragedy. I'd still like you to have some counseling and keep taking your medicine. I've found a great rehab center in Decatur where you can recover for your legs. Wait Ronda, aren't I getting into your field?"
"That's okay, Dave. Yeah, Lissy, you've done an exceptional job. Your leg muscles are strengthening every time you go to therapy. I'm very impressed. As for your hand, it'll improve, too. We'll take that cast off in a few weeks."Dr. Wilton took a breath and continued.
"The only place I'm really concerned about is your ribs, Lisetta. They're still very weak. Does it hurt when you take a deep breath?" Lisetta nodded. Dr. Wilton smiled. "That's expected. Because I'm concerned about your mid- section, I'm going to still give you that back brace. It'll do the same purpose. It will stabilize the sides. Your lungs are doing exceptionally well. The medicine is right. A job well done to you and your body,"Ronda said. She shook her patient's hand and then tugged on Dr. Galatia's arm. "Are you going to tell her or are we both going to say the news?"
He winked at the orthopedist. "We'll both spill."David took a breath, the cue she needed to be ready, too.
They both said, with tears shining in their eyes, "We're planning to release you Friday morning."
Lisetta's body felt warm relief and she gushed as well. "Really? I get to go home for Thanksgiving? That's so flipping cool!"
Both her doctors hugged her. "Congratulations, Lisetta!"Her neurologist knelt in front of her. "Will you forever forgive me? I'm stupid when it comes to medical science and the power of God!"
"I absolutely forgive you!"The patient threw her arms around Dr. David. "You rock! And God does too!"
That made them all laugh. Lisetta even heard him say, "Amen!"
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