Abby Theisen continues to recover from her injuries

Abby Theisen and her mother, Michelle Gilson

Like many teenagers, Abby Theisen is thinking a lot about her final exams this week.

That's a good sign for the 17-year-old because it shows how far she has come since an accident last May 8th on Clay Hill Road left her paralyzed.  There have been a number of tough times for her since then, but she says "there have been more ups than downs."  She's especially grateful about the progress she has made compared to a year ago.

She has had a lot of physical therapy, including at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse and at Shriner's Hospital in Chicago.  That's in addition to the physical therapy she takes at Team Rehab in Decorah.

She has made enough progress with her physical therapy that she has been able to return to taking classes at Decorah High School.  She attends classes from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., taking three classes at school and another two classes on-line.

It's a busy schedule, but Abby says "I try to focus on the day," taking things one day at a time.  Her family and friends play a huge role in helping her do that.  She especially credits the support of her mother.

"I enjoy being back (at school)," she tells decorahnews.com.  It means she has been reunited on a regular basis with all her friends, especially the members of the girls soccer team.  Recently she returned to the sidelines (she was formerly the manager of the soccer team) and was able to have her picture taken with the team.  "I can't even describe how happy I was," she says, adding the picture "brought tears to my eyes."

(For a large version of the picture of the Decorah High School girls soccer team and Abby Theisen, click here)

Members of the Decorah girls soccer team with Abby Theisen in the middle (Photo courtesy of Julie Shockey)