Glass Half Full Comment

Typically I come from the glass is half-empty perspective and Ryan from the glass half-full perspective. However, when I read his last post I believe he was taking my view for a change, so now I will try to take his.

Yes, Rebecca did receive her "Kids Rock" chair, which is a nice word for her pediatric wheelchair last week. Must add that I was shocked that it far exceeded the expense of my first car! While it does not fit her as well as it should, we are working on it. It was nice to be able to let her mother, father and sisters take her for a walk. She seemed to calm just being outside in the beautiful weather with a slight breeze. It was nice to see her seem to relax to something. The transition should be interesting, but is going better that expected. For those of you who do not know Rebecca well - she is spoiled rotten. This started at an early age (1 month) when brain injuries make for irrationally irritable babies. Kristin Mosura discovered the "jog" that seemed to help - but this involved literally bouncing around the room in a fashion that my calf-muscles were not prepared for. Since that time, she has essentially been held almost every waking moment and often for sleeping moments. This occurred because the standard rules have not applied to her. When she gets too upset, it promotes even more seizure activity. No mother in her right mind can allow that to happen. However, she is now approaching 19 pounds and consistently holding her is not as easy as it once was. Needless to say, we are all hoping for a smooth transition that will allow for her seated position to improve. This is important for all of her muscular difficulties. She also received Botox injections in her arms and legs which should help to relax those muscles again. This is her second round, and we are hoping that it will go as well as the first.

Life is always an adventure thought. Rebecca seemed different Saturday morning, and she was running fever by that afternoon. Her fever essentially was as high as 103 and was not improving significantly with medicine or baths! A 3 hour doctor visit on Sunday revealed a flu-like virus was the culprit. She is still highly irritable, but her fever appears to have dissipated. So far so good for the rest of the family staying well. We'll just keep our fingers crossed. She is gaining weight in spite of it all, which is an accomplishment for her. Rebecca is also gaining some head control. She is able to hold her head up for about 30 seconds at a time. I have also convinced myself that she says "oma" for me. Lets just ignore the simple fact that it is the only word approximation that she has and let me believe it is for me. She also knows her routine and when it is disrupted for all of her delays. Simply put, she may be the most stubborn of us all! A difficult title to receive in this family. She is by far the bravest of us all - always giving love in her own way no matter how bad her day has been.

Ryan has now discovered facebook, and evidently has formed a page for me based on my numerous e-mails. He is enjoying reconnecting with old friends. We are also all excited because this year Ryan is able to coach both Katherine and Elizabeth, as well as my niece Amy, on the same softball team. The girls have really enjoyed the extra practice time with their daddy, and he thoroughly enjoys the extra time with them. It should definitely be an adventure!

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support. Please also remember the new Gonzales baby and our loving neighbor Mrs. Bowden who needs healing. Finally - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. ELIZABETH! Glad to know you are that much older than me until December.