Good cane walking day

Today at therapy was incredible. Josie practiced with her canes for one hour. Sylvia was surprised and overjoyed especially since Friday was a difficult cane day. One day at a time around here. It is important for Josie to concentrate on the present and what she is to achieve at that moment. Much like life. We had a very quiet but happy night. We needed some rest and quiet play. My best to all of you, Jenny and Josie.

Apple pie ala mode

We were so fortunate to have another glorious Michigan day. More fun with the family. Church in the morning with a great sermon on if you have been given even one child you have been given Jesus. This couldn't be more true for me. I feel like I look into the eyes of someone very blessed when I look at Josie. I think every parent feels that way about their children.

After church, Josie and I decided to dive into a baking project...individual heart shaped apple pies. We made the dough and then had to put it in the refrigerator for a while. During that time we went to visit the Egers and we got to meet Janie who heads up Healing the Children in Michigan(we were that before we became Mending Kids International). What a treat to finally meet her and her sweet little boy, Reggie, from Haiti. Healing the Children has only a handful of their kids that ever have been adopted and here are 3 of us sitting together.

After dinner we got to try our creations and they weren't half bad. I did cheat on the filling and bought it at Williams Sonoma. With Jeanie and Boyd's help we added some real apples. Fun day had by all. Now to begin a very exciting therapy week, dog meeting and parents coming week. There will be a lot to update on so stay tuned!! We love you all for your support, Jenny and Josie

The Hot Chili Steppers are back

Hot Chili Steppers


Katelynn and Josie

Josie and I ran in the Grosse Pointe Rotary Run this morning. We run about four 5Ks a year together. Right before the our first race ever, Josie decided that we were a team and that we should have a name. She named us the Hot Chili Steppers and we even have a little cheer that we do before each race. We both have a roll in our team. She is the captain and tells me where to go and if we are turning, etc. I am just the horse with working running legs(if you can call them that). We do have a great time doing these races. She sits in the jogger the whole race and then runs down the finish line at the end. She is my inspiration. The run today was all along Lake St. Clair. What a perfect morning.

After the run, we got to spend the whole day with the Harriet Hull family. It is so great to see all the cousins again. We are blessed to be around these wonderful people. Josie enjoyed the kids. Our love to all, Jenny and Josie

TGIF

Ok, so we did not have an award winning day at therapy. Neither Sylvia or I could put our finger on why but Josie was just out of sorts. I guess she is entitled to a day like this after the intense schedule she has kept up the past few months. It just is not like her. There were tears (she wasn't even being yelled at) and not wanting to walk with the canes. She did do all her strength training at least. She just might need a break for the weekend. We will make it fun even though she has to practice with the canes.

Harriet's family is in town for the wedding tonight. Josie was overjoyed to meet my cousin, Christy's kids, Katelynn 7, Liam 4 and Molly 1 1/2. They all can't wait to play together in the morning.

We are going to run in the Rotary 5K Fun run tomorrow morning. The route will be along the lake so it should be beautiful. Good night. Jenny and Josie

Thursday

Hi All, Great day at therapy today. As I was leaving Josie and Sylvia at the gym I said that this was it she had 2 weeks to be walking with canes. Bossy I know but it light the fire under Sylvia and Josie or at least it was fun to see them accept the challenge. I am half joking because it is impossible to work any harder then they are right now. However, Josie had her best cane day ever today. She even did 2 more rounds at home tonight. There was a lot of protest to the second round but that was mostly because it was 10:00 PM. No rest for the weary.

We are rounding the corner towards our first break. It is coming too fast. I am so excited to have my parents come next Thursday to see her progress. My dad has never been here so I can't wait for him to meet everyone and see what actually takes place here. You truly can't believe it unless you see it.

We had a fun time today getting to know Dustin's service dog. He is 15 years old and is working with Przemek right now. It was remarkable to see the dog in action. His mom was giving us a demonstration. They have only had her since May. Josie was so intrigued by Osaka. We look forward to meeting Wyatt next Wednesday.

Tomorrow every one of Harriet's kids arrive for a wedding. I can't wait to see the cousins and catch up. It has been a while since I have seen them and most of them haven't met Josie. Christie is coming with her 3 kids and the oldest is an 8 year old girl, Katelynn. Josie is thrilled.

Weather permitting, Saturday we might have a lemonade stand with the Egers and friends. We'll keep you posted.

Please keep our dear friend, Baby Moriah, in your prayers. She is having such a tough time again. She was only a week away from being discharged after almost 11 months in the hospital and she has had a major set back. Check out her blog and support her incredibly amazing family...www.momentswithmoriah@blogspot.com

Sweet Dreams to all, Jenny and Josie

There may be a new sheriff in town...

We are definitely on a wild adventure called life over here. We are looking at the possibility of bring a new sheriff into our lives. I was hoping he was tall, dark and handsome between 35 - 40 yr old male, but he happens to be short, stocky, and strong 1year 5 month old male Golden Retriever dog named Wyatt. Ok now that I have you all confused here is the situation. Ever since Josie was about 5 years old, we (family, therapist, her "team") have been trying to find ways for Josie to have mobility and independence through ways other then a wheelchair. (I refuse to do the chair unless it is our last resort for many reasons). When she was 5 I was ready to get a pony and strap her to it and after much realistic consideration, realized that was not the best solution. I kept exploring options for mobility for distance like at the mall, parks, Disneyland, etc. where more endurance would be needed. At that time I came across an article on mobility "service" dogs that assisted people with mobility and balance issues. I understand that these dogs act as a "treadmill" and can keep the people going where on there own might not have enough endurance. At 5 yrs old she was absolutely not ready for a dog. I thought we would be between 10 to 15 before she was capable enough with her walking to be able to use a dog. You do have to walk first. In talking to there therapist here about 3 weeks ago we all decided since it is a 12 - 18 month wait for a dog we should apply now. I am thrilled that at 8 they think she is ready to apply. I had a lengthy conversation with the company in Kansas 2 weeks ago Thursday. Anyhow, 6 days later I got a call that they may have a dog NOW for her...yikes. My first response was you told me I had 12 months minimum and what is wrong with the dog?? After I pulled myself together I have enjoyed looking at the situation rationally (or best of my rational ability). Here is the bottom line...Susan from Cares is coming with the dog, Wyatt (as in Earp), to Detroit next Wednesday night. On Thursday we will get to know the dog and have a care conference with the therapists. My parents are coming for a visit Friday so I will get there take and opinion on how we all think we should proceed. We will either take this dog and pick it up in about a month after it receives some more specific training or we will decide if it is better to wait 6 months or a year before we proceed. There are so many factors playing into this but most importantly that it won't undo what we have done here. I will expand on this later. Josie is being so mature about the situation. She knows that the actual dog will come but we may not take this one now but for sure one day she will have a walking dog.

I will update you on the happens with our sheriff, Wyatt, as they unfold. Good night Y'all. Jenny and Josie

Let the games begin!!

Przemek and Sylvia are back and rearing to go. They are rested and reenergized and Josie felt it today. Yeah! When we were driving up the street almost to therapy today she says to me, "hey mom, are you going to run in and hug Sylvia and Przemek?" I said, "I don't know are you." She said, "No I am not going to run but I am going to walk in and hug then really tight." I asked, "You know what this means to have them back?" and she said, "yeah I have to work real hard." I love how much she missed them and trusts them. She actually feeds off of what they are instructing her to do. She knows this is her chance. She is very wise in certain areas for an 8 year old.

She did indeed work very hard for Sylvia today. Sylvia said she had a great attitude, tried really hard and was full of joy all workout and Sylvia didn't go light on her. Josie did corner standing where she stands in the corner and pulls herself off the wall into standing and tries to hold it. She has been unsuccessful to this point, but today she held it for 25 seconds. It is amazing to see her free standing. Parallel bars and walker went really well, but canes were a struggle. She was trying but wasn't mastering the task today. She also didn't use them much with Richard last week so she may need to brush up on them. However, when we got home she wanted something out of the refrigerator so I had her use her canes instead of the walker and she did pretty well.

Today was a good day for both of us. I think I was too tired yesterday with a migraine and wasn't the most fun mom. We got through the reading and homework tonight with smiles on both our faces. Task accomplished. Thanks for those who are reading this. You give us support to keep on the path. Love, Jenny and Josie