Family Camping Trip - June 2010

We just spent a wonderful week camping beachside in Carpinteria, California. We just love that place! Chilly weather and water was a welcome change for us desert dwellers. The kids enjoyed the beach during the day and we spent every evening by the campfire making and eating way too many smores :) Friends the Sanders Family from Phoenix spend a month in a condo in Carpinteria and they came by for a campfire visit.

We were at this same place three years ago...."before encephalitis". It brought back memories of how when we first arrived Will raced out of the car, running to the beach. These thoughts can leave you feeling a bit sad, but when you turn your attention to what he is doing NOW - he was so happy, in the water, sand castle building, enjoying milkshakes for dinner, endless hours of board games..... The run to the beach still happens, but with mom, dad, or Paige holding him up for balance. So a team effort this year.

It's Been How Long???

Wow, I can't believe that it has been almost six months since we last posted. I guess my borderline obsessive visits to Facebook have me feeling like I am updating everyone. So here and now I make a commitment to keep this blog updated. Why? Well...people keep asking me about it and I guess I didn't realize that there are still people checking in on our family. So here is a quick update...Promise photos soon.

Our Family: Has been busy busy busy. Craig has finished up another cycling race season as a member of the AZ Masters Cycling Team. A great group of people who come with awesome family members too. We enjoyed weekend trips to Bisbee and Tucson to watch him race. I think he is as fit now as he has ever been.

Paige had a very successful school year and will "graduate" from grade 8 next Wednesday at her school promotion ceremony. Our little girl is off to high school next year. Not a high school Ike we are used to in little old Victoria...a BIG high school with about 2,000 students. Her school softball team won the district championship and finished second in the State.

William is still working hard at becoming independent. We are at the 2 year mark now (which is incredible). Many "experts" believe that once you hit two years after an injury to the brain - even viral - that is pretty much as far as you are going to go. Well, we don't believe that and neither does Will. This year he attended school full time in the regular classroom, ably assisted by two amazing women who are his "aides". He also received therapy at school - PT, Speech and OT. The school, teachers, staff, therapists, students - everyone has been instrumental in his progress.

Will is not using his wheelchair at all these days - only his walker. He now has forearm crutches which he is practicing with at physical therapy and at home. Will still needs someone to walk with him to correct his balance. Socially - well, we wish more friends called and came around, but at this age, it seems like children aren't really sure what to make of things. Will continues to have a very quick wit and never-ending negotiating skills.

Will never complains about his disability and truly believes he will walk on his own again. He has a goal to try out for the school volleyball team in the fall and plans to go to his first school dance with out mom hanging on to him :)

Again - so many thanks to all of you who keep Will and our family in your prayers. This journey has been challenging, encouraging, depressing and life changing for our family. Thanks to all.

Clearly now....

It's been a while since we posted. It is comforting to know that life has now become a happy normal for us all.

Will continues to improve and as you can see...he can see clearly now with his new glasses. Looking good.

Will News?
He is attending school full-time in regular classes. He has a one-on-one aide with him at all times to help him move around campus and to assist with work (they are amazing women!!!). He only uses his walker now and still needs someone nearby to correct his balance. But boy, is he strong!! Standing taller and stronger! At school he has PT, OT and Speech therapy. The team works wonders with him. The balance issue ("ataxia") will really only improve with time. Will also has two personal training sessions a week and his horse back riding class. With the rest of his free time ...he rests (very important), plays with friends, and keeps us on our toes with his energy and humour. He has really come such a long way.

Paige continues to be the worlds best big sister. So patient and concerned about Will. It is actually comforting to hear them arguing and getting on each other's nerves. Back to normal is good :) Paige is no longer playing club soccer (her decision) and has her focus on school sport teams. She wrapped up the volleyball season with her team winning the championship and is now the co-captain of her school basketball team. A great group of girls. With playing only one sport at a time, she now has more free time to just be a 13 year old girl - hanging out with friends, sleepovers, movies....and even spending more quality time with mom and dad. I encourage all families to take a look at their "scheduled" time versus free time with their children.

Will has expressed an interest in being a videographer....so you might be seeing some of his work on this blog soon.

Back in the Saddle

Cowboy Willy! Will has now started theraputic horseback riding as part of his quest to walk again. On Wednesday nights Will saddles up for his riding session along with a riding therapist and volunteers. Working on his balance and core strength, Will rides without his feet in stirrups - causing him to really have to work to keep his balance. This work along with the magical therapy of these beautiful animals will help William. Just having an activity to look forward to each week makes him happy.

Fergie-licious

Will was surprised with an awesome gift - a personally autographed photo from Fergie! As in the Black Eyed Peas Fergie! Will LOVES her and the Peas! While in the hospital for 9 weeks, her poster hung over his bed and we played her music to keep his spirits up.

Thank you to our friend Tina who coordinated this special gift. Her cousin lives in L.A. and knows Fergies personal trainer, who contacted Fergie. Ms. Fergie wrote on the picture (hearts "Will U Rock...Love Fergie" and she threw in some x's and o's).

What a Summer...now back to school

We had an incredible family vacation in British Columbia this past summer. A road trip up the coast, four weeks in Victoria, then an awesome roadtrip home through Oregon, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite. So grateful to spend so much time back "home" with our family.

Paige and Will are now back to school and things are getting back to normal. William is at school full time and has an aide with him to help him with his work and to get around the school grounds. As of this week, he isn't using his wheelchair at all at school, only his walker. Tiring, but he is doing so well.

His new goal is to try out for the school volleyball and basketball teams next year. You Go Will!

On that note, CONGRATULATIONS to Paige who made the school volleyball team. Way to go Paige. She is also playing with a new soccer team this year CCV Stars.

Will IS the Black Eyed Peas Biggest Fan!

The Oprah Winfrey show is looking for the Black Eyed Peas biggest fan to "be on the show"

When Will spent 8 weeks in the hospital last year, Fergie was looking over him the entire time :) We also played his favorite Black-Eyed Peas music and Fergie to keep his spirits up.