Share Your Story

I spent June on the phone trying to fit all of his therapies into a better schedule.  July, where did you go?  We've been busy following "the schedule" and I was able to hire a new habilitation provider for Mr. T.  It is very nice to feel like we have some extra hands on deck while we work on this and that.  I can also sneak away MORE if I need to and just taking a drive with satelite radio is fine with me.  I had sent in an application for therapeutic riding as it's called.  They are all certified PATH instructors, but not technically therapists.  We got lucky, a cancellation at the last moment for an opening for July's camp!  It's really just four sessions, but I'll take it!  I had to bring him in for sort of like a meet and greet.  The head person wanted to see how long he'd stay seated, answer questions, attend to her, etc.  She said he was a perfect candidate and could start the next day.

Tristyn LOVES horses!  I knew that this was something he would enjoy and work for/earn.  His first session was with Ms. Bree and she's such a good horse for him.  Tristyn quickly learned how to start and stop the horse, yelling out WOAH and WALK ON!  Once he was comfortable doing that, they played red light/green light with the horses.  The instructors tend to try and have the student perform right in front of the parents too and it's really neat to watch.  Tears forming as he yells out to us, "I'm doing great!"  Yes, little boy, YOU ARE!  He was so excited the whole time.  The instructors were so happy to have such an excited student and said that he had great posture too!  It's so awesome to have people tell you that your kiddo did well.  We didn't hear that too often at all last year . . .

We now have (8) weekly therapies M-F.  It's all so worth it though.  Having OT and ST twice a week is paying off!  He is opening water bottles all on his own now and putting straws into drinks!  This is huge for him and us!  He says more and more, "I'm getting stronger," "I'm a big boy," and "I'm taller than you" (when standing on a chair or the sofa).  When we see sensory seeking behaviors, we stop him and ask him what his body needs.  He is starting to ask for compressions, weights, or wraps.  It's so nice because it is so exhausting having to guess all the time.  He is making progress - we see it and we hear it.  It's wonderful!!!  This little fella is turning 6 in less than two weeks. He has asked for Chuck E. Cheese's and Pump It Up.  I am thinking we'll hit the mouse in the morning and maybe jump in the evening?  We'll find a way:)

D is gearing up for 3rd grade!  We have Meet the Teacher next week.  New backpacks and lunch bags purchased for both kiddos (even though Mr. T will be home with me).  Somewhat sad because school is not a friendly word to everyone in our household.  It's supposed to be an exciting time for kids and it just isn't.  I feel like our District failed us, him. I'll try not to dwell too long as I did receive the first scholarship stipend last week.  I've got plans.  I got this!