In a miracle-like situation for doctors, a Colorado woman who spent nearly seven years in a coma, woke up for a short time Sunday and started talking. However, the happiness for her family members was shortlived as on Wednesday Christa Lilly relapsed into her previous unconscious state.

Lilly told television station KKTV-TV, "I think it's wonderful. It makes me so happy." She also saw her youngest daughter Chelcey, now 12 years old, and three grandchildren.

However, before her relapse, Lilly, who has awakened four other times for briefer periods, told the news channel that she is frustrated about learning how to talk again. She suffered a heart attack followed by a stroke in November 2000.

Her neurologist, Dr. Randall Bjork, said he is equally appalled at the discovery. "I'm just not able to explain this on the basis of what we know about persistent vegetative states," he said.

The doctors said he has never seen any such thing in the past but said there are chances she could gain consciousness again. Lilly's mother Minnie Smith said she is happy that God has signaled to her that she's alright. "He brings her back to visit every so often and I'm thankful for that," she added.