catching up on old info:


3 YEARS! Hard to believe we were thrust into this world 3 years ago. Many of you know how hard this year has been. Reality set in. Days are hard and life isn’t easy and I could write a book on all the ways the system isn’t there to help support and protect those individuals with disabilities. It makes me sad to think of all those less fortunate than Julian that don’t have loved ones advocating for them, and making sure they have the best life despite the circumstances. Despite what life has given Julian, his loving personality is always present even on the hardest days like today. Trauma is real and heavy, that day will always be so vivid in our mind. Thankful for all the messages sending love especially on tough days. It really does help get through the days.
Last week Julian had an opportunity to go to a week camp for SCI in Rhode island put on by Empower SCI just for teenagers. Julian has never known a stranger and loved getting to meet new friends. He got to go live in a dorm with others like him and learn from each other and all the wonderful things Empower had for them to do. He got to get in the pool for the first time since his injury, ride adaptive bikes, adaptive gaming, PT/OT, and to top it off a day at the beach where they helped all the kids go surfing in the ocean. He came home renewed to keep fighting for more independence. I can’t thank Empower enough for the motivation they gave Julian to keep going! He said he realized that this wasn’t the end for him but a new beginning. With SCI it is not just a physical battle but also a mental one. To choose to keep working and putting yourself in uncomfortable positions to make like better. He still has dreams of more function and going to school and making his life his own regardless of his physical condition. Fall semester started and he’s back on campus for a couple classes. We have also finally gotten assistance with a helper to take him to class which has been a huge need that has been filled.
With Julian getting some extra help, I also decided it was time for me to get back to some normal as well. I’m excited to be teaching an OB clinical for USC again this fall. Baby steps finding our new path but we will get there.














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