We cover, otherwise Precious doesn't sleep and neither do I when I am visiting. She begs to be covered by saying, "Do you want to go to bed?" Hint, hint.
Dee, you are not only the feather, you are the wind beneath the wings of everyone you contact, including this special spirit called Miss Gilbert Gilli Girl GG Swamp Queen. You surely lift me.
I am very glad you have found a new forever friend. She will not take the place of your darling Oprah but will help you heal. Welcome to the forum where you will find very special human friends as well as a wealth of information.
I am sure it must be a relief to have the braces off. I know from my sister's experience that using the retainers is very important.
I do wonder if Miss Gilbert's hair pulling/chewing isn't a reaction. Her intelligence really shows equating hurt and the word "ouch," as well as the sentence making and comprehension. I think she is on the level of Alex, maybe even beyond him.
Complex and confounding she surely is. Mental Illness? Maybe PTSD? Having worked the field I am very reluctant to hear a label because it sticks forever, even for Miss Gilli Girl.
Dee, it really is your three years of hard work. Ryan was the beneficiary. So is David. Also Kelsey and you. Miss Gilbert is the most fortunate of all.