A Tender Moment with Pepper

Whitney Copeland:

I just had a tender moment with Pepper. It’s difficult to decipher only lip movements so when we can communicate it is a joyous moment for both of us! 

She was asking about the bus. And everything on it. I asked her if she remembered that the bus was on fire. She said yes, then asked what about everything? I said everything was burnt and lost in the fire. But everyone in our family got out and is safe. I then asked if she wanted to know about a surprise. She said yes. I told her that someone bought her an iPod touch and that they are mailing it here. She said, who? I told her I didn’t know and she smiled so big I thought her face might burst. Immediately after she asked, what about Kade? I said he got a new switch. What about Emree? I told her she got a new tablet and Krew did too. What about you? I have my phone and it still works! Daddy? I told her daddy will get a new phone. She nodded her head and looked very content. I love her. I love that even in a sedated state, she still has the gift of caring for others. She is my sweet darling. 

She opened both eyes and I think she saw me for the first time. I was just a few inches from her face and I took the damn mask off and smiled big and I just saw the recognition in her eyes and smile. Her eyes are still swollen but she opened them a little, they look cloudy, but still a pretty blue. We don’t know the extent of her eye injuries yet but she nodded when I asked if she could see me.