Appointments and More Appointments

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One of the unfortunate things about cerebral palsy (CP) are the many co-occurring health issues that go along with it. Because of this, those with CP have more doctors, specialists, and other kinds of providers they see on a regular basis. While the CP itself mainly affects the muscles, other areas of the body are affected as well, which results in more medical challenges.  For instance, besides CP, some of other Faith’s health issues include: ·          Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other digestive issues ·          Scoliosis ·          Bowel and bladder incontinence ·          General anxiety Because of these co-occurring conditions, we have more appointments than the average person. At times, it can all be a bit overwhelming. Faith enjoying a nice fall day On September 23 rd , we ended up in the E...

A Marvelous Mother's Day Weekend

Previously, I wrote about how we have had some challenges this year with Faith's health. Those challenges persisted as she came down with influenza B, which turned into RSV. As a result, she missed two wheelchair dance practices and the performance. 

She felt very sad, but I was proud of her for how well she handled her disappointment. She had fun watching the video of her friends in the performance and said she was "imagining herself being a part of the it!" Along with missing that, she missed two weeks of therapy and one week of her day program. 

At the Belle Mehus for "Snow White" (photo by Millie Hyatt) 

Last week, she finally got back to somewhat of a normal schedule, going to therapy and half-days at her day program. Thankfully, she had fully recovered so she didn't have to miss "Snow White," the spring performance put on by Northern Plains DanceShe's always so happy to attend these shows, not just for the entertainment factor, but to see her ballerina friends! It has become a mother-daughter tradition to go every year on Mother's Day weekend! 

Faith with her ballerina friends - they are all so talented!

Shortly after getting home from the ballet, my sister texted me asking if she could stop by. Faith had told her I wanted a squishmallow for Mother's Day, so she brought that over, along with a few other gifts, which included flowers, a balloon, a Caribou Coffee gift card, and some homemade chocolate chip cookie dough! (I like the dough better than the cookies!) 

I love my Mother's Day gifts! (We named the squishmallow Sunny!) 

Faith always insists on arm wrestling with Auntie Dawn

On Sunday, Faith and I were the greeters at church. I had come up with the idea of us volunteering because I knew how much Faith loved to interact with people. Also, she would be able to say hi to everyone who came through the door! I hand them a bulletin and Faith gives a hug. Despite Faith's best efforts to get as many hugs as possible, she has come to learn that some people have a 1 or 2-hug limit. She's also learned to settle for fist bumps from the non-huggers! 

After church and a pit stop at home, we made our way to my parent's place so I could see my mom on Mother's Day. Because the weather was so nice, they had decided to have a very small outdoor gathering. Most of the afternoon was spent sitting on the front porch being entertained by my great-nephews driving a toy jeep and tractor. After such a stressful 3 weeks, it was nice to just to sit and relax and not have to do anything! 

Faith getting her hair done
Relaxing on the porch (photo by Lisa Lee) 

My sister Dawn and I with Mom. 
Thanks for the great Mother's Day weekend, Faith! 

After Faith went to bed, I watched an episode of my favorite show, Heartland. It was the perfect ending to a marvelous Mother's Day weekend! I feel blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life, and most of all for having such an amazing daughter, who 20 years ago, made me a mom. 

Comments

  1. You are a blessing to us!! Love you & Faith so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful! Such a beautiful day for a lovely mother!

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