"I Did It"

The 3 Amigos

Josie, Przemek, Sylwia and Simone from Italy

As we pulled out of Pediatric Fitness Center's driveway for the last time today, Josie just squealed from the back seat..."I did it!" It was such a proud sound from her and the first time I heard the thrill of complete accomplishment from her. She really did do it. I can't imagine asking anyone to endure what she just did for 5 months and to handle it with so much grace, joy and dignity. Very impressive.


Mrs. Boni, Josie, Mrs. W and Mrs. Burr

It was an emotional day here. I think I already announced at how bad I am at goodbyes. This has never been my strong suit. I did hold it together in front of the wonderful people at Kerby Elementary. We are going to miss the happy and positive spirit that just oozes out of their school walls. Never once did Mrs. W focus on what Josie couldn't do, but how to help her and what she can do. We need this attitude for everything. It isn't fair to compare her to other kids. They just haven't been through what she has and learn differently. I need to remember this the most. Appreciate what graces and abilities God has given her and relish in those accomplishments. I really credit the great attitude to the amazing principal, Maureen Burr. She just exudes happiness and you can tell the moment you meet her how much she adores the kids. She even remembered Josie's spelling words for her test today. Heather Boni who was Josie's speech therapist, although Josie won't let me call her that because she is afraid people will tease her for having to work on speech. So thank you Mrs. Boni, Josie's other teacher, for helping her. You all have been so accommodating and welcoming. We will miss you and look forward to our return in May.

Josie working out with the adorable pink bear given to her today by Mrs. W



and then...we had to say goodbye to our favorite Przemek and Sylwia. There was a lot that we all went through this time around together which made it harder to leave them. I know I write it a lot, but I can't begin to tell you how truly grateful I am to know people like them. They have helped us more than you can imagine. When you spend that much time with people in an emotional setting, you really do develop a great bond. We will miss you guys so much. I know we will talk regularly, but it won't be the same as seeing you everyday. Thank you for helping and loving Josie so much. You will always be our heroes. Tell Max we will miss him too.

Just after we started our drive home, Josie laid her head on the pillow in the back seat and fell fast asleep. I think the 5 months caught her in a single flash. She could finally let go. Her legs are over fatigued, her head must be spinning for so much concentration and body must be over all exhausted. She will get the weekend to take a break, except for walking around the house with 2 canes. I will have to start up the regime again on Monday, because we don't see Liz for 2 weeks. She can't afford to lose anything while we return home. Her mind will get a well deserved break. Therapy is probably just as hard mentally, if not more, than physical.

We got to go to the faith builders series tonight at church. Our dear Janie Livingston was the guest speaker. She was speaking on Haiti and Healing the Children. She was so filled with God's love and joy and did an amazing job with her story. She is truly a gift and is so amazing.

Well the car was picked up this morning, so we are officially on our way. We have all day tomorrow here and leave on Sunday. One more round of hard goodbyes. We are so thankful to be apart of this absolutely remarkable community. We truly did grow where we were planted. Thank you Grosse Pointe for having us. Jenny and Josie