Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
365 Days of Gratitude
I am not a good blogger, it's not that I don't have things to blog about - more than anything I just forget to take time to do it! I got an idea from another blogger about this idea of 365 Days of Gratitude...I really love it! Basically, it's taking the time to acknowledge all the little things we are grateful for in our everyday life...the things that make of life essential. So, I thought I'd give it a whirl.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thoughts on Motherhood
Since Mother's Day is coming up I've been thinking a lot about mothers...about my mother and about the mother I have been. I did not grow up with a 'Martha Stewart' type mother...my mother was a working mom. Now that I am an adult I look back on my childhood and wonder how my mom did as much as she did, how she managed to work full time with a one hour commute to and from work and still did her best to meet my needs. One of things I remember most about my mother is how proud she was of me and how evident that was in how she talked about me and how she treated me. There was never discussion of how I should do better in school or other endeavors. It made me feel good to know she was so proud of me so in turn I tried even harder. I learned so much about being a mother from her.
I have loved being a mother from the very second I became one, perhaps even before when I just knew I wanted to be a mom. Nothing can possibly describe that overwhelming love a new mother feels when she sees her newborn baby for the first time. I have been lucky enough to experience that twice and although some memories fade over time I believe this is a memory most mothers have burned on their hearts forever.
One of the most important things I have learned is that mothers aren't perfect...we don't always react well in all situations with our children and we don't always give them the best advice. I am learning that motherhood is a journey with your children...a partnership...a chance to learn and grow together. I try hard (in large part thanks to Adam) to enjoy and relish in all the little moments I have with my kids...more than anything I hope they have wonderful memories of our time together as they grow into adulthood.
Happy Mother's Day 2010
I have loved being a mother from the very second I became one, perhaps even before when I just knew I wanted to be a mom. Nothing can possibly describe that overwhelming love a new mother feels when she sees her newborn baby for the first time. I have been lucky enough to experience that twice and although some memories fade over time I believe this is a memory most mothers have burned on their hearts forever.
One of the most important things I have learned is that mothers aren't perfect...we don't always react well in all situations with our children and we don't always give them the best advice. I am learning that motherhood is a journey with your children...a partnership...a chance to learn and grow together. I try hard (in large part thanks to Adam) to enjoy and relish in all the little moments I have with my kids...more than anything I hope they have wonderful memories of our time together as they grow into adulthood.
Happy Mother's Day 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
I am a child not a disability...
Yesterday I was at the grocery store in the checkout lane. There was a family in front of me with two adorable children, one of which was a little girl about 2 years old with Downs Syndrome. I smiled and waved to the little girl and she smiled back. I love children and adults with Downs Syndrome, I always have - even way before I had Adam. I am lucky to have known several and shared little bits and pieces of their lives. Anyway, back to the story - the cashier was asking the woman about her daughter and about how she found out the little girl had Downs. They were talking and the cashier told the woman she was actually pregnant with her second child and getting ready to do prenatal testing. The cashier goes on to say she has an aunt with Downs and was worried that she had a genetic predisposition to it. She goes on to tell about the prenatal testing she had with her first daughter and how 'relieved' she was when she knew the child did not have Downs.
Well, my mouth about dropped to the floor...now those of you who do not have children with any sort of disability may not get it, but that conversation could be construed as terribly offensive. I know I was offended and I can only assume that the mother of the beautiful little girl may have also been offended. Mind you I know the cashier meant no harm, but her words did suggest that there would've been something wrong if her daughter had been diagnosed with Downs. Little does she know what a gift these children and all children with special needs are! I have ran into such people before when I am out with Adam and off all the challenges I have faced having a child with special needs the worse is having these conversations or being on the receiving end of stares and pity filled glances. The attitude that this cashier had was that Downs Syndrome children are so lovable and innocent but thank God my child isn't like them.
The sad truth is I can't change how these people view us or view Adam. I can't make them realize how every day is a gift and to love your children for who they are, no matter what. What it does provide me is a chance to realize how thankful I am for this life I have been given; for the wonderful gift of raising Emma and Adam and for all those special moments I have to view the world as few people have the opportunity to.
So if you are reading this and you do not have a child with special needs please think about what you are saying to families who do...we do not want your pity. What we want most of all is for you to view our child first before seeing their disability for they are pure and beautiful souls and gifts from God just like your children. The disability is secondary...please just try to see them the way we do...if you can the blessing with be yours.
Well, my mouth about dropped to the floor...now those of you who do not have children with any sort of disability may not get it, but that conversation could be construed as terribly offensive. I know I was offended and I can only assume that the mother of the beautiful little girl may have also been offended. Mind you I know the cashier meant no harm, but her words did suggest that there would've been something wrong if her daughter had been diagnosed with Downs. Little does she know what a gift these children and all children with special needs are! I have ran into such people before when I am out with Adam and off all the challenges I have faced having a child with special needs the worse is having these conversations or being on the receiving end of stares and pity filled glances. The attitude that this cashier had was that Downs Syndrome children are so lovable and innocent but thank God my child isn't like them.
The sad truth is I can't change how these people view us or view Adam. I can't make them realize how every day is a gift and to love your children for who they are, no matter what. What it does provide me is a chance to realize how thankful I am for this life I have been given; for the wonderful gift of raising Emma and Adam and for all those special moments I have to view the world as few people have the opportunity to.
So if you are reading this and you do not have a child with special needs please think about what you are saying to families who do...we do not want your pity. What we want most of all is for you to view our child first before seeing their disability for they are pure and beautiful souls and gifts from God just like your children. The disability is secondary...please just try to see them the way we do...if you can the blessing with be yours.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Change is good!
Recently I have been admiring some wonderful blogs and realizing the need for me to update this one on a more regular basis! So I have decided to change my blog to reflect the impact that both of my wonderful children have on my life! Yes, parenting Adam has taught me so much but equally and differently parenting Emma has been just as rewarding.
I am so happy it is Spring! I LOVE this time of year...mild temperatures, budding trees, flowers popping up...and the delightful sunshine! We had a nice Easter and even managed to get a few photos of the family (minus me) - Adam was not particularly in the mood for the photo shoot; however Emma is always ready.
This next month will be a busy one for us - Emma is finishing up 5th grade! Wow, I can't believe I will have a middle schooler by Fall - not sure I'm ready for that transition but she is more than academically ready...she has actually blossomed this school year. She just got her report card for the 3rd quarter - straight A's - she is such a hard working student. We have another swim meet coming up in May and also a trip to Chicago for Adam's therapy training.
We have just now tried to start Adam back to school part time (our first try was actually yesterday) he didn't do so well. But tomorrow we going his class for a field trip to the Children's Museum so I hope he enjoys that (I'm going too!) Our goal is to get him up to 5 half days by the end of the school year...then Summer break and hopefully starting out at 5 half days in the Fall. He will be in 3rd grade and I have already found out his regular education teacher is this great lady who has already taken a special interest in him.
Adam's seizures have returned a bit but still not as bad as it was back in October and November. We saw his neurologist at Vanderbilt a few weeks ago where we decided to hold off on the VNS for now and work on tweaking the medication a bit more. Tweaking seizure medication is always a challenge so that will take awhile. I despise the side effects of the medication and I despise the seizures....sometimes it seems like a lose/lose battle. But I do realize our Neuro is doing the best he can with a difficult seizure situation.
I am so happy it is Spring! I LOVE this time of year...mild temperatures, budding trees, flowers popping up...and the delightful sunshine! We had a nice Easter and even managed to get a few photos of the family (minus me) - Adam was not particularly in the mood for the photo shoot; however Emma is always ready.
This next month will be a busy one for us - Emma is finishing up 5th grade! Wow, I can't believe I will have a middle schooler by Fall - not sure I'm ready for that transition but she is more than academically ready...she has actually blossomed this school year. She just got her report card for the 3rd quarter - straight A's - she is such a hard working student. We have another swim meet coming up in May and also a trip to Chicago for Adam's therapy training.
We have just now tried to start Adam back to school part time (our first try was actually yesterday) he didn't do so well. But tomorrow we going his class for a field trip to the Children's Museum so I hope he enjoys that (I'm going too!) Our goal is to get him up to 5 half days by the end of the school year...then Summer break and hopefully starting out at 5 half days in the Fall. He will be in 3rd grade and I have already found out his regular education teacher is this great lady who has already taken a special interest in him.
Adam's seizures have returned a bit but still not as bad as it was back in October and November. We saw his neurologist at Vanderbilt a few weeks ago where we decided to hold off on the VNS for now and work on tweaking the medication a bit more. Tweaking seizure medication is always a challenge so that will take awhile. I despise the side effects of the medication and I despise the seizures....sometimes it seems like a lose/lose battle. But I do realize our Neuro is doing the best he can with a difficult seizure situation.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Do I dare hope?
Hello dear friends. So far I am liking 2010...I was hoping for a better year and so far I've gotten it. Adam is doing wonderfully on this new medication...part of me really thought by now the seizures would be back. They still may but so far so good still...about 3.5 weeks now and only 4-5 seizures and almost no pain. Amazing...I've never been a fan of drugs, especially anti-ecliptic drugs but the change in Adam is indisputable!! He's finally sleeping fairly well in his own bed...actually he's slept all night in his own bed since Jan 1~ so that means we're on day 10 and counting (and hoping and keeping our fingers crossed!)
I am keeping him on homebound for a bit longer to make sure he can handle going back to school. We are postponing the visit to the Neurosurgeon at Vandy to give this new medication a chance. We see the Neurologist at Vandy for a checkup in February so we'll see what he says. All in all things are good at the current moment...feels good to be saying that!
We continue to concentrate on the ABR therapy and we are very excited about some recent new advancements with the therapy program. We are scheduled to go for new exercise training over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago...this may or may not happen just depending on how much school the kids miss due to incliment weather. Emma graduates from 5th grade this year and we can't miss her graduation ceremony!
There is always a good balance that needs to be reached when raising children, especially more than one child. This is even more true for families raising special needs children alongside those who are typical. We have spent so much of our time and resources with therapy, equipment, etc...for Adam. We have to know when to back off a bit and make the things that Emma wants to do or have a priority....missing 5th grade graduation for a therapy appointment? Not going to happen.
This brings me to another point...I am so grateful we have the resourses available that we can hire help to come in and work with Adam. As every year passes I see more and more value in this. So many families I know who have special needs children who are now adults have experienced 'burnout' - it's physically and mentally draining at times. Having an extra pair of hands has made a huge difference for us. In addition we've been lucky to have found some great women who have a passion for our little boy...that makes even a bigger difference. Just how many people can be changed by a child? So far with Adam there's been so many lives he's touched...he's only 8 years old, what an amazing journey.
I am keeping him on homebound for a bit longer to make sure he can handle going back to school. We are postponing the visit to the Neurosurgeon at Vandy to give this new medication a chance. We see the Neurologist at Vandy for a checkup in February so we'll see what he says. All in all things are good at the current moment...feels good to be saying that!
We continue to concentrate on the ABR therapy and we are very excited about some recent new advancements with the therapy program. We are scheduled to go for new exercise training over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago...this may or may not happen just depending on how much school the kids miss due to incliment weather. Emma graduates from 5th grade this year and we can't miss her graduation ceremony!
There is always a good balance that needs to be reached when raising children, especially more than one child. This is even more true for families raising special needs children alongside those who are typical. We have spent so much of our time and resources with therapy, equipment, etc...for Adam. We have to know when to back off a bit and make the things that Emma wants to do or have a priority....missing 5th grade graduation for a therapy appointment? Not going to happen.
This brings me to another point...I am so grateful we have the resourses available that we can hire help to come in and work with Adam. As every year passes I see more and more value in this. So many families I know who have special needs children who are now adults have experienced 'burnout' - it's physically and mentally draining at times. Having an extra pair of hands has made a huge difference for us. In addition we've been lucky to have found some great women who have a passion for our little boy...that makes even a bigger difference. Just how many people can be changed by a child? So far with Adam there's been so many lives he's touched...he's only 8 years old, what an amazing journey.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
A rough few months
Who ever said "No one said life would be easy?" - I'd like to hunt them down and give them a piece of my mind! Well, our lives have not been so easy lately...Adam's had a rough few months. Initially we thought we was going thru some orthopedic issues with his hips (which wasn't totally wrong) but also his seizure activity was through the roof! He officially went on homebound toward the end of November although he hadn't been to school since the end of October. He was just miserable at school...very uncomfortable and crying a lot. I decided we'd refocus and keep him home for awhile to intensify his therapy. Things got a little easier at first then over Thanksgiving break things went haywire! He stopped sleeping in his bed at night and was very restless and having tons of seizures. The Neurologist changed one of his meds and (knock on wood) the past week or so have been really good. It's been quite a few days now without a seizure (almost unheard of for Adam) and he's slept thru the night in his own bed the past three nights!! Yah! We can handle the issues Adam is going through but we need sleep! We have a consult appt. with a Neurosurgeon on January 20th to discuss a surgery to do a VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulator) - this is sort of like a pacemaker only a wire wraps around the vagus nerve in the neck to deliver a preset electrical current. This has been found to help some kids with seizure activity...however for some it does not. We are finally at the point (unless this med change continues to work well) that we are willing to give it a try. So many difficult decisions...no clear answer...why can't life be easy??
We are looking forward to Christmas in the Lloyd house...since Dwayne works for UPS it's always nice when the holiday rush is a bit over and there are some days off work to look forward too. Emma's doing wonderfully...I just couldn't be more proud of her. I often times catch myself thinking when someone has a child and they have all these hopes and dreams for them...I see it all coming to pass in her...she's just amazing. Plus she's a great big sister to this special little boy...I only pray being Adam's sister will shape her in ways unimaginable - we can't protect her from the pain it sometimes brings and that breaks our heart but we can take the experiences and help her see the light that is always in them.
I am looking forward to 2010, hoping it's a little bit of an easier year for all of us. I recently started reflecting about the highlights of 2009 - you know those little moments we all have when you think...life doesn't get much better than this. Here are a few of my highlights:
1. Seeing E
mma get a State A cut time for her first year of year around swimming (and not even knowing what it meant)
2. Seeing Israel and New Breed live with my husband in Indianapolis.
3. Seeing the sweet neighborhood kids share my Adam's 8th birthday, great party!
4. Sitting on the beach beside a little beach bar listening to a guy sing Jimmy Buffet while watching the sun sit over the ocean...priceless.
5. Adam getting approved for a new waiver program that brings with it financial resources to hire people to help us out...and more importantly to help him.
6. Watching Emma celebrate her 11th birthday with her girlfriends and a local restaurant...seeing them sitting by themselves thinking they were so big!
7. My 38th birthday - what a perfect and completely unexpected day!
8. Seeing how pround my husband was for the beautiful Pandora bracelet he surprised me with on my birthday.
I'm sure there were other moments of course but those were the ones that come to mind initially.
There is comfort in knowing that even though life is not always easy I know I don't walk it alone. We are lucky to have some pretty amazing family and friends...and a Lord God who never leaves us.
We are looking forward to Christmas in the Lloyd house...since Dwayne works for UPS it's always nice when the holiday rush is a bit over and there are some days off work to look forward too. Emma's doing wonderfully...I just couldn't be more proud of her. I often times catch myself thinking when someone has a child and they have all these hopes and dreams for them...I see it all coming to pass in her...she's just amazing. Plus she's a great big sister to this special little boy...I only pray being Adam's sister will shape her in ways unimaginable - we can't protect her from the pain it sometimes brings and that breaks our heart but we can take the experiences and help her see the light that is always in them.
I am looking forward to 2010, hoping it's a little bit of an easier year for all of us. I recently started reflecting about the highlights of 2009 - you know those little moments we all have when you think...life doesn't get much better than this. Here are a few of my highlights:
1. Seeing E
mma get a State A cut time for her first year of year around swimming (and not even knowing what it meant)2. Seeing Israel and New Breed live with my husband in Indianapolis.
3. Seeing the sweet neighborhood kids share my Adam's 8th birthday, great party!
4. Sitting on the beach beside a little beach bar listening to a guy sing Jimmy Buffet while watching the sun sit over the ocean...priceless.
5. Adam getting approved for a new waiver program that brings with it financial resources to hire people to help us out...and more importantly to help him.
6. Watching Emma celebrate her 11th birthday with her girlfriends and a local restaurant...seeing them sitting by themselves thinking they were so big!
7. My 38th birthday - what a perfect and completely unexpected day!
8. Seeing how pround my husband was for the beautiful Pandora bracelet he surprised me with on my birthday.
I'm sure there were other moments of course but those were the ones that come to mind initially.
There is comfort in knowing that even though life is not always easy I know I don't walk it alone. We are lucky to have some pretty amazing family and friends...and a Lord God who never leaves us.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Words Do Matter
Lately I've been hearing the word 'retarded' thrown around everywhere I go - adults, teens, children say it. This word is offensive to me. I would like to think it's not just because I have a mentally disabled child - I have always found this word to be rude and just unnecessary; but just to be honest having Adam does change my perspective.
Just this week I was walking out of a local store and I heard a woman (I'm guessing she was in her 20's) say to her friend, "I am just so retarded." She was referring to the fact that she had forgotten to get something she had originally gone in the store for. This next example is even worse - this week the yearbook came out for my daughter's elementary school. She was riding the bus home and the two kids she was sharing a seat with were looking through the yearbook. They came across one of Adam's classmates (who is also disabled) and were laughing at his picture and calling him a retard. My daughter was so hurt by these words - no they were not about her but she is sensitive about disabled children and adults and understands this word is not appropriate to use...ever! She later said she was glad Adam's photo was not in the yearbook so they could not make fun of him as well.
Where are we going wrong as parents? as role models? as adults? Kids look to us constantly - they mirror and/or repeat what we say and do. We can't be on our best behavior all the time but we can try not to use hurtful and unnecessary language and we can - if we desire - never use the word 'retarded' or 'retard' again. And I beg of you if you hear someone you know use this word just ask them to stop and if they want to know why tell them...you never know maybe next time they won't use this word.
Words Do Matter...make your words count.
Just this week I was walking out of a local store and I heard a woman (I'm guessing she was in her 20's) say to her friend, "I am just so retarded." She was referring to the fact that she had forgotten to get something she had originally gone in the store for. This next example is even worse - this week the yearbook came out for my daughter's elementary school. She was riding the bus home and the two kids she was sharing a seat with were looking through the yearbook. They came across one of Adam's classmates (who is also disabled) and were laughing at his picture and calling him a retard. My daughter was so hurt by these words - no they were not about her but she is sensitive about disabled children and adults and understands this word is not appropriate to use...ever! She later said she was glad Adam's photo was not in the yearbook so they could not make fun of him as well.
Where are we going wrong as parents? as role models? as adults? Kids look to us constantly - they mirror and/or repeat what we say and do. We can't be on our best behavior all the time but we can try not to use hurtful and unnecessary language and we can - if we desire - never use the word 'retarded' or 'retard' again. And I beg of you if you hear someone you know use this word just ask them to stop and if they want to know why tell them...you never know maybe next time they won't use this word.
Words Do Matter...make your words count.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Sorry, we've been MIA
Obviously I am a horrible blogger, I feel guilty that I haven't posted anything in such a long time...the good news is we are all doing OK. The kids are currently on Spring Break and everything, thankfully, is running at a much slower pace this week. It's Thursday which means that won't last much longer.
Emma is nearing the end of 4th grade, it's bittersweet as I know this time next year we'll start thinking about Middle School. She just finished up with the State Swim Meet, she sawm the 50 yd Butterfly. Her coach told her qualifying for anything the first year of competitive swimming was quite the accomplishment. She is all about the Swimming and has proclaimed herself as a "Swimmer Girl" she even wants her room redecorated to reflect that...sounds like fun!
Adam is finishing up 1st grade, he has an amazing teacher that makes me feel so fortunate that he's at the school he's at. He keeps me busy, March was a busy month all around. He had several doctors appointments including a trip to Nashville to see the Neurologist. We are tweaking his seizure medication again, hoping for a little better control but wondering if we are headed toward a Vegas Nerve Stimulator anyway. Later this month we head to Montreal for another therapy clinic visit...that is a hard trip on us as it's so far away but I am sure it will be OK once it's here. We typically drive which is at least 17-18 hours one way (we break the trip up over two days.) Out of the four of us Adam handles the drive the best, he doesn't mind being in the car and doesn't even need a DVD player to occupy him!
I wanted to let you know about a revival we had at our church last month. A man of God from Uganda, Africa came to minister to us. We could not attend all the services but we were blessed by the ones we did attend. Sometimes I think Christians in America have forgotten the fundamental basis of true worship, perhaps we never learned it to begin with. On the Friday of the revival we had Onesimus pray for Adam - words can not fully explain what that was like. But I can tell you that was POWERFUL and unlike any experience I've ever had. God continues to form our lives on this journey with Adam - our story is already an amazing one and I believe God will continue to reveal his mystery to us thru this child.
We also got a new puppy, his name is Toby - a West Highland Terrier. He's currently four months old and a welcome addition to our family.
Take care my friends and may God continue to bless each one of you.
Emma is nearing the end of 4th grade, it's bittersweet as I know this time next year we'll start thinking about Middle School. She just finished up with the State Swim Meet, she sawm the 50 yd Butterfly. Her coach told her qualifying for anything the first year of competitive swimming was quite the accomplishment. She is all about the Swimming and has proclaimed herself as a "Swimmer Girl" she even wants her room redecorated to reflect that...sounds like fun!
Adam is finishing up 1st grade, he has an amazing teacher that makes me feel so fortunate that he's at the school he's at. He keeps me busy, March was a busy month all around. He had several doctors appointments including a trip to Nashville to see the Neurologist. We are tweaking his seizure medication again, hoping for a little better control but wondering if we are headed toward a Vegas Nerve Stimulator anyway. Later this month we head to Montreal for another therapy clinic visit...that is a hard trip on us as it's so far away but I am sure it will be OK once it's here. We typically drive which is at least 17-18 hours one way (we break the trip up over two days.) Out of the four of us Adam handles the drive the best, he doesn't mind being in the car and doesn't even need a DVD player to occupy him!
I wanted to let you know about a revival we had at our church last month. A man of God from Uganda, Africa came to minister to us. We could not attend all the services but we were blessed by the ones we did attend. Sometimes I think Christians in America have forgotten the fundamental basis of true worship, perhaps we never learned it to begin with. On the Friday of the revival we had Onesimus pray for Adam - words can not fully explain what that was like. But I can tell you that was POWERFUL and unlike any experience I've ever had. God continues to form our lives on this journey with Adam - our story is already an amazing one and I believe God will continue to reveal his mystery to us thru this child.
We also got a new puppy, his name is Toby - a West Highland Terrier. He's currently four months old and a welcome addition to our family.
Take care my friends and may God continue to bless each one of you.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Reality Check
As I just posted our daughter, Emma, made a local year round city swim team. I guess I never quite realized swimming (at least in this city) is looked at as an 'elitist' sport. There are a handful of us families who do not drive a Mercedes, BMW or a Lexus and our kids go to public school instead of private institutions. Oh and did I also mention one of the first questions we get as being a new family is "where did Emma swim over the Summer?" I love the look on their faces when I say "the city swimming league!" Eeeek...can you imagine the nerve we have to bring our child to this swim league when she doesn't belong to a country club or prestigious neighborhood association swim team? How dare we!! If that weren't bad enough on our part we bring Adam along so these people who think they are high class have to see something they view as "imperfect."
I am not ashamed of my son, I am not ashamed that he's in a wheelchair and I will take him with me wherever and whenever I please - even if it makes people uncomfortable. Are people really so dumb that they think we don't see their stares or how they look at him like he doesn't belong? These people have no concept of viewing him as God's child and what's even worse is it appears they are raising their children to feel the same way. I even heard a parent whose child was coming close to sit next to us (you could tell they were interested in Adam) say "don't get too close" - come on people, he may not be able to walk and talk but he doesn't have a disease. I assure you your child won't catch my son's brain injury - it's not contagious!!
So, from my viewpoint this whole swim team experience is going to be a blast!! People like this need a reality check - they do not have an exclusive right to not be exposed to our world. If they become vulnerable and actually get to know us and Adam who knows even they might be changed by a child.
I am not ashamed of my son, I am not ashamed that he's in a wheelchair and I will take him with me wherever and whenever I please - even if it makes people uncomfortable. Are people really so dumb that they think we don't see their stares or how they look at him like he doesn't belong? These people have no concept of viewing him as God's child and what's even worse is it appears they are raising their children to feel the same way. I even heard a parent whose child was coming close to sit next to us (you could tell they were interested in Adam) say "don't get too close" - come on people, he may not be able to walk and talk but he doesn't have a disease. I assure you your child won't catch my son's brain injury - it's not contagious!!
So, from my viewpoint this whole swim team experience is going to be a blast!! People like this need a reality check - they do not have an exclusive right to not be exposed to our world. If they become vulnerable and actually get to know us and Adam who knows even they might be changed by a child.
Fall 2008 update
I haven't posted an update on Adam in quite some time. The old website I was using for Adam is so unfriendly to update with, so I am switching to this blog format. To see Adam's old website Click Here.
Well, another school year has started and the children are back in the "swing" of things and finally on a routine. Summer was crazy and busier than I expected - we had some fun times, but it was busy nonetheless. In June Emma joined a city league swim team, the Shillito Superswimmers. She loved this and her team even won the Lexington City swimoffs. At the end of June Adam had an Video EEG at Vanderbilt in Nashville per the request of his new neurologist at Vandy...that went well in the terms of getting some seizures recorded in hopes of developing a better treatment plan for Adam. He has started a new medication, Trileptal, and we are in the midst of tweaking the dosage...so far it does seem to be helping. Then in July we celebrated Adam's 7th birthday while on vacation at the beach in South Carolina. I can hardly believe my baby is 7 years old, he has turned into such a handsome little boy!
Now that Summer is over we are getting in some great time with the ABR therapy - Adam doesn't mind one bit as we usually try to get at it as soon as he gets home from school at 1:00. He is usually tired and sleeps right through it. I would imagine as long as we've been doing this therapy he probably doesn't remember his life before it.
Oh and before I forget I am so proud of Emma - she qualified to be on a year round swim team here in Lexington, Wildcat Aquatics. She swims now 4 days a week and is already getting better at her strokes...watch out 2016 Olympics!! We are just thrilled she has found a 'sport' that is hers and is part of a team. There is so much kids learn from sports that you can't learn in the classroom.
Well, that's the update on us...hard to believe you can sum up a few months of your life in a simple few paragraphs. Of course I missed some things, but don't we all?
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