We took the Heartland express to OKC from Ft Worth, it was fun for most. Both Tommy and Micah are big train lovers, and W's seems to love trains too. Micah will look at books for a long time especially if the book has any trains in it. He loves both books and trains. While in OKC we went to a minor league Base Ball Game, and White Water where both Tommy and Micah loved the water. William liked floating in the water too, but also took a nap in the stroller in the shade while we were there too.
Unfortunately after the trip Rob woke up Monday morning unable to get out of bed due to his back pain. He spent the week in bed, and riding laying down in the expedition to the doctor for some pain meds, then started to feel better after a steroid shot on Friday. We went for a consult with the surgeon Today, who's not recommending anything till after a fresh MRI, but based on his symptoms may need a diskectomy sp?.
Wednesday last week we met with the equipment guy and decided on a wheelchair for William, and picked colors, black and red, and did measurements. We hope to see the equipment sometime in August or September (after insurance approval, ordering, building, assembly, and delivery).
Micah is in his third week of swim lessons and doing great! He's jumping into the pool and swimming, but still needs to get more comfortable in a float to graduate.
ECI OT and Nutrition for William
PT and CST for William
CST for Tommy
Chiro for Myself and Micah
and the Dentist for myself this morning
Oh and Lunch with just HUBBY AND ME:) because we also had Resbite service here today.
Oh I also forgot Micah's swim lesson thanks to my mom.
Just slightly staying busy....
Micah:
Height: 32.5" 96%
Weight: 22# 13oz 51%
Head Circum: 18.5 81%
Next Appt 2yr
William:
Height: 31" 48%!!!!!!!
Weight: 16# 13oz 0.02%
Head Circum: 17.5 2%
Next Appt 18mo
William we changed his medication to one that didn't have splenda in it. This Pedi doesn't ever prescribe anything with artificial sweeteners, and won't let the reps leave samples in her office. It's processed through the liver, and can cause liver failure. She firmly believes children should NEVER have artificial sweeteners. Especially a child already on medication processed through the liver. She referred me to http://www.suepalmer.co.uk/toxic.php if more information was needed, and the book on Toxic Child.
She also prescribed William a pediatric Manual Wheelchair, we meet with the rep next wednesday to place our order!! The best pictures are in this catelog: of what we are looking at: http://www.ottobock.ca/cps/rde/xbcr/ob_us_en/04040502.1C-TherapistGuideV2.pdf They also mentioned something like this: http://shopping.msn.com/ImageViewer.aspx?mcatId=4796&dpid=7&itemid=1009135218&hsv=HDs2MFMNx%2bk%3d, but it would have the similar supports seen in the Kimba in the other magazine.
Mother of a "Special" Child
When I was young, I'd often say,
I'd like to be a mom someday
While playing with my baby doll,
I thought that job's not hard at all
I'd have a baby, maybe two,
a girl in pink...a boy in blue
Well I grew up and sure enough,
I'm now a mom and gosh it's tough
The baby that was sent to me,
was born with disabilities
At first I'm frightened through and through,
there's much to learn to care for you
This wasn't in my plans at all,
when I was young and played with dolls
Your mind and body were so weak,
you might not ever walk or speak
So much special care required,
I'm often scared and often tired
As months and years go slowly by,
I smile a lot but sometimes cry
To watch you grow and not complain,
though you endure your share of pain
Oh, how I'd hold you and I'd pray,
that you'd be healed and whole someday
But I knew that was not to be,
not physically or mentally
And so I taught you best I could,
your progress wasn't very good
But then one day I realized,
as I gazed into your loving eyes
That I had learned so much from you,
determination...courage too
A love so unconditional,
it floods my soul and always will
I'm proud to say I gave you birth,
for you're an angel here on earth.
God Choose a mother for a "Special" child
Most women becaome mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressure and a couple by habit.
This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
"Forrest, Marjotie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."
"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But she has patience?" asked the angel.
"I don't want her to have to much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make her live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it!"
"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".
And what about her Patron saint? asked the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.
God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."
