Kevin's Healing Journey: June 2016

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Aquatic Therapy

I wish we had done this a long time ago! Kevin had his first round of Aquatic therapy in May and June. Kevin has always loved the water. I had tried a swim class at one point but it didn't really fit Kevin's needs. I wasn't even aware that aquatic therapy was offered and we have seen lots of good stuff in the pool during these 5 weeks. I am in the pool with them so I can see and learn what to do in the water with Kevin when I take him on my own.

During Kevin's very first session he kicked his left leg a couple times!!! By the fourth session he was kicking and alternating left and right legs - AMAZING!!! And he is putting his face under water!!! I love this therapist and I can tell she loves what she does.

You may have read my "Handicap Accessible" post where I described my dissatisfaction with the lack of accessibility in the facility for parents with children of the opposite sex plus other handicap accessibility issues. I am pleased to say that the facility has made an effort to accommodate us and listened to most of my concerns making it possible to shower Kevin after swimming.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Spring Pictures 2016

Happy 19th Anniversary

Grandma day & Headphone day

Nice day for the zoo with Cousin

I love it when Kevin plays in the basement on his own

Overlook with Ms. Louise

Happy Birthday Jon

Caroline's Cart

"Caroline's Cart is a shopping cart created for special needs children. It provides parents and caregivers a viable option to transport a child through a store while shopping, without having the impossible task of having to maneuver a wheelchair and a traditional grocery cart at the same time."
www.carolinescart.com

We found our first Caroline's Cart in our favorite local market, Mustard Seed Market. Kevin can often walk short distances through a store but sometimes he needs a little help. I have often had to shop pushing Kevin in his stroller and pulling a shopping cart behind me. Not always graceful and coordinated. So I was so happy to see a Caroline's Cart available to us and other families that need this option.

Gift of Life Walk

On June 11, our family celebrated Pap's second chance at life and honored his Heart Donor at the Gift of Life 5K Walk in conjunction with Donate Life Transplant Games of America in Cleveland. We pray for those waiting for a life-saving transplant and remember those who died while waiting.

We enjoyed our day in Cleveland, although it was hot we were cooled off by a good breeze coming off of Lake Erie. We met other recipients and their families and donors and their families that had traveled across the country to participate in this year's Transplant Games. The kids enjoyed collecting freebies from the vendors. And we got to enjoy a meal at an outdoor restaurant on Lake Erie in the Flats.

We hope you will consider becoming an Organ & Tissue Donor.
www.organdonor.gov

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Dedication and Patience

As a parent of a child with lots of special needs I often feel desperate and would do about anything to help my son gain one small ability. I also know that this way of life with special needs requires a marathon attitude and that there are no quick fixes. The week of June 5, I finally saw results from a biomedical program I have been doing with Kevin for a year and a half. I have been dedicated and patient with a program that I have seen no real results from for 15 months. I write this because I need to remember this when I am feeling discouraged and as a marker for hopefully good things to come from this memorable week.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Niagara Falls 2016

We went to Niagara Falls with my brother and his family on Memorial Day. This was Kevin's fourth visit to Niagara Falls, Canada. While we were driving through New York, Kevin saw the road sign for Niagara Falls and knew we were almost there and that made him very happy. Kevin loved showing his Uncle & Aunt and Cousins his favorite spots.