Faith's Adaptive Skiing Adventure

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I am usually all for Faith trying something new. Years ago, though, I drew the line at adaptive skiing. I knew that Dreams in Motion does an annual event at Huff Hills (North Dakota's largest ski area), but I was too afraid to let Faith try it. I just didn't know how she would do being strapped down so tightly, especially with her high tone and issues with her left hip.  At her day program, some of her friends had been going for years and Faith thought it sounded like so much fun. So, this year, I decided we should give it a try. Since there are only 20 spots available for this event, I got her registered the morning it opened up.  Lots of fresh powder at Huff Hills  As the event drew near, I knew I needed to get snow pants for her (since she had none) and make sure I had all the right winter apparel to keep her warm. That was also one of my biggest concerns is her getting too cold, which can cause her tone to increase even more.  As the day approached, she was...
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Faith's "Best Party Ever!"

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When I had asked Faith a while back what she wanted to do for a graduation party, she told me, "a day at the park." 

I knew it was a little risky planning an outdoor event in North Dakota (even in May). It wasn't all that long ago we still had snow on the ground. Also, it had snowed a tiny bit, and the temperatures hovered around freezing just the weekend before. 

I planned for the park anyway and prayed for perfect weather. I figured if it was cold or rainy we could move the event indoors somewhere. I am so glad we didn't have to do that, though, because the park was a great place to have Faith's graduation open house. I wasn't anticipating, however, just how perfect it was going to be. 

The weather was amazing without any humidity or more importantly, without any wind. Even when it did rain for a brief spell, it came straight down, and we stayed dry underneath the shelter. The cake was the perfect size and was all eaten up (along with the extra dozen cupcakes I had bought). We also had the perfect amount of food. But it was all the guests that had made Faith's day even more perfect. 

Everyone knows how social Faith is, and so she had a blast visiting with everyone. I think she also had fun anticipating who was going to show up next. Some of her friends took her for walks, which she really loves as well. Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of everyone, but here are just some of the people who came to share her special day with her.

Thankful for the family members that were able to attend!

Faith with me, my sisters and one of her "little" cousins!

Faith with some wonderful friends of ours!

Faith's ballet-dancing/Inspire friends!

Faith with another wonderful family from Inspire!

Faith with some of our church family!

A few of my cousins joined us, and yes, Brett really did ride his bike!


The first respite care provider Faith ever had even showed up!

And one of her present respite care providers!

Faith and a good friend with more family in the background.

Super happy to see one of our former case managers!

Everyone was thrilled to see my college roomie and some of her family!!!

So glad everyone had such a nice time eating and visiting! 

Thankful my sister was able to fly in from Nebraska!

My great nephew having fun with balloons!

As Faith said, it was "the best party ever!" I am so grateful for all the love and support she received. People truly blessed her with their presence, cards, and gifts. She also received several cards from those who couldn't make it, as well as some beautiful flowers from my brother and his family in South Dakota who couldn't be there. It really was the perfect day! 


Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 31, 2022 at 10:06 AM

    Wonderful blog story and photos, as always! - Tes

    ReplyDelete

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Faith's Adaptive Skiing Adventure

-
Image
I am usually all for Faith trying something new. Years ago, though, I drew the line at adaptive skiing. I knew that Dreams in Motion does an annual event at Huff Hills (North Dakota's largest ski area), but I was too afraid to let Faith try it. I just didn't know how she would do being strapped down so tightly, especially with her high tone and issues with her left hip.  At her day program, some of her friends had been going for years and Faith thought it sounded like so much fun. So, this year, I decided we should give it a try. Since there are only 20 spots available for this event, I got her registered the morning it opened up.  Lots of fresh powder at Huff Hills  As the event drew near, I knew I needed to get snow pants for her (since she had none) and make sure I had all the right winter apparel to keep her warm. That was also one of my biggest concerns is her getting too cold, which can cause her tone to increase even more.  As the day approached, she was...
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