The Final Visit

Score! Lauren's friend, Dedra, made sure she went home with the best prize from the closet.

It was with mixed feelings that we learned today's visit to the Shriner's Hospital will be Lauren's last as a patient.

On one hand, it is amazing to see the progress she has made over the years thanks to the help of many professionals there. Not to mention the friends and wonderful memories gained on the drives (and one flight) to and from Minneapolis. From Dr. Guidera to Dedra to one of our original drivers from the Tangier Shrine Temple, "Oley."

Lauren and Dedra, back in 2007.

Dr. Luedtke checked Lauren over, telling her that she has pretty much stopped growing and that her scoliosis has cleared up. She reminded her to continue to do stretching exercises and to create a good foundation for a healthy lifestyle as her bones continue to develop.

The visit was probably the shortest of all time and we marveled at the fact that the lobby was completely empty the entire time we were there. We made sure to stop in and see Dedra and Tim and Lauren found one more prize in the prize chest on the way out the door.

If all goes to plan, we hope to make another trip up to Minneapolis this summer to look at the campus at the University of Minnesota. Lauren just might feel right at home there, too.

(See more from Lauren's past hospital visits here, here, here and here.)

Lauren (wearing her Shriner's Hospital shirt, as usual), posed with Dedra and Tim.

Lauren even brought shorts along for her "walking exam," which she didn't have to do.

There was the usual checking for flexibility. We have lots of pictures of this over the years.

Dr. Luedtke gave Lauren some good advice before sending her off for the last time.

We saw Dr. Guidera! Well, at least his photo in the lobby.

There would be no playing on the playground on this day.

One more look at the prizes on the way out the door...

We exited the parking garage into the midst of a blizzard.