Faith's Rockin' 23rd Birthday

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Faith began planning her 23rd birthday party about 3 months ago! Everyone sort of laughed at that time and tried to tell her she had a ways to go before her birthday. Now, just like that, it's over!  Faith's cake and some of the decorations  She really enjoyed the surprise birthday party we threw for a friend of ours last year at Pizza Ranch, so she decided that's where she wanted her party. When I asked her what she wanted for a theme, she totally surprised me by saying, "Bon Jovi!" (We listen to a lot of Bon Jovi in the van!)  I was all onboard with her Pizza Ranch plan, because that would make things pretty easy for me. I wouldn't have to worry about feeding everyone. The only drawback was that we could only get a room that accommodated about 25 people, so this year, we weren't able to invite the whole church and many others. (Faith has a lot of friends!)  The birthday girl!  On the other hand, it worked well to have somewhat of a smaller party as she h...
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Lights, Camera, ACTION!

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Yesterday was a big day for Faith - there were a little bit of lights, a few cameras, and a lot of ACTION!

At the beginning of the day about four people met with Faith so that she could FINALLY get the right part installed on her chair. These parts enable her to use the same buttons that she uses to drive her chair to work with her computer. Technology is wonderful but it can require lots of patience!

Faith working on her computer with help from Ms. Hall

That afternoon, the KFYR TV crew came in to record Faith doing some of her daily activities at school. They recorded her doing some work on her computer with her buttons and also driving her power chair.

I haven't seen her drive her chair for a long time and I was very impressed by how well she's driving! She is even able to drive herself into the elevator and turn around because she doesn't like her back to the door. The cameraman got in there with her, and I think he was a little nervous she was going to run him over!

The reporter asked Faith a few questions about GABR and then interviewed Faith's physical therapist at school and also her special education teacher. All three of them did a great job!

Faith being interviewed by KFYR reporter, Julie McDonald

After all that, you would think Faith could have taken a break, but she had to go to the gym to practice with all of the first graders for their upcoming program. I was able to look in on her and see her singing along to the songs!

Seeing her doing all of these activities today reminds me of how far she has come since her first days at preschool. I am so proud of her! I know she will continue to work hard and with the help of others she will be able to overcome her obstacles and meet all of her goals. What more could a parent ask for?

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