Dawn is doing very good today.  The speech pathologist came and placed a valve over her trache so that she can speak.  Right now she speaks with a light whisper but it will probably get stronger the more she uses her voice.  Hopefully some of her frustration will be lifted.  She is making real progress.  They also gave her a couple spoonfuls of apple sauce and a piece of a cereal bar, which she didn't like very much but was able to chew and swallow.  She will now order her meals  from a menu and take food by mouth!!!   We asked her to say a word when the valve was placed on her trache and she said "pizza"....I think the thought of getting food was on her mind!  She sat up in the chair again today and looked very comfortable.  The doctors are hoping that Dawn will only need one more surgery...what a relief.  We can't wait to hear everything she has to say now that she will have her voice!!