Good times!

As life would have it yet another 2 months have slipped by. As I look back in the month of March, the one thing that stands out is we began Vision Therapy at the end of the month. Unfortunately, our first session wasn’t all that we had hoped. That day in particular was pretty unusual for this area; the closer we got to our appointment, the more snow we encountered (late March). With the bright white snow in combination with sitting near a window, along with a tired-cranky Victor, made for a difficult session and drive. So, a few weeks passed and after the clinic moved to a better location with ambient lighting and a quiet atmosphere we’ve now had two more sessions. They believe they can help Victor exercise his eyes to align better but the jury is still out with us, so we’re postponing until July when school is out and our schedule isn’t quite as hectic. We’ll see (pun intended).

Early April brought us an interesting experience for our family. An artist friend of a friend honored us with a beautiful art piece that was (is, through the end of May) displayed at an art gallery in Pioneer Square. The Opening coincided with the “Seeds of Compassion” event that brought the Dalai Lama to Seattle. This art piece clearly was truly meant for exhibit during that momentous occasion. Deborah’s piece titled “Rangoli”
involves 14 medallions that include prayers/hopes for individuals and embraces a sweet poem for Victor. We were fortunate enough to attend the Opening. I was so deeply moved, as her poem captured a moment that I clearly remember from Vic’s 2nd year Hoedown; I was holding him and dancing to a song. The poem for Victor reads:

Little Cowboy,
Feel me Dancing

Swaying to the beat.
Feel me breathing,
Looking down at your sweet face.

Little Cowboy,
Feel me singing
My breath is all for you.
Feel my laughter,
Feel my Loving,
Feel all I feel for you.

Little Cowboy, Little Victor,
Feel me cradle you with love.
Little Cowboy, Little Victor
Feel me cradle you with love.

Also in April, we delighted in having Gary’s sister, Trisha, visit for 5 days. Although we ran her a bit ragged with our crazy schedule and some bonus events, she kept up quite well. She, Vic and Gary all experienced the Skagit Valley Tulip festival for their first time. The weather was a pretty cold but it stayed sunny and thankfully for us, since the tulips bloomed later than usual, we got to enjoy the array of colors and varieties of tulips. Also during Trisha’s visit we were able to visit Little Bit where Vic will begin his hippotherapy in July. It is such a wonderful place! As we walked through the doors, I felt a sense that this will be a huge thing for Victor. We were given a full tour and were able to see the horses. There is no doubt that many of my future updates will include status on Vic’s riding therapy. Bernie will even get to come with Vic and I, as there is a nice grassy area for me to give him the attention he needs during Vic’s sessions.

Trisha’s visit also gave us an opportunity to finally use a wonderful gift certificate to a fancy hotel for one night. Gary & I reveled in a night On the Town including our first night away from Vic. Thanks so much, Tim & Michelle! Later that same week, Gary & I also got a chance to get out and see a concert with friends. It felt so good to be out in the world and listen to great music. Certainly, Trisha’s visit was memorable and most appreciated!

Now, that it is close to Memorial Weekend, it is also close to Victor’s 3rd Birthday. It is hard to believe on so many levels. He is nearing the end of his time at Boyer Children’s Clinic; a place that means so much to us. I’ve already met with the new school he’ll be attending next Fall and am having some angst about the transition but strongly believe his new class will benefit him greatly.

Last, I’d like to mention something that very recently popped up. I was contacted to become a member of the Yellow Swing Committee. Remember the swing I requested from the City that Vic now uses at our nearby community center? Well, our very small committee will be working to get more ADA swings installed in Seattle’s parks, given the many renovations that are planned by the City already. Victor and I were interviewed this past Monday for an article in the local parent paper. I’ll include a link to the article in my next update, as it is set to print June 1st (Vic’s birthday). I’ll keep you all posted.

Medical Info: We continue to struggle with Vic’s sound sensitivity. It is a serious issue for all of us and we are grateful to have the earmuffs. We have begun a new medication (Celontin) to help control the Tonic (grand mal) seizures but it is too early to tell how well it will work. Unfortunately, Vic’s seizures have increased because of his sound sensitivity and now averages closer to 15/day. We think his sound sensitive it also related to his teething. This past week has been particularly difficult and we hope the last of the damn teeth are coming to an end (this would be a great Birthday gift)!



Happy & Safe Memorial Day!

Ps. For those who are fully aware of our basement construction woes: We are now in the process of sheetrock! So exciting!!! We’ll have more therapy space soon (plus a guest bedroom and 2nd bath)