Boise State Game

We were so lucky to have been given a chance to attend a Boise State game this last weekend during their homecoming.  What's so special about that, you ask? One of Truman's therapists mentioned out name to the person who coordinates the Bronco Bunch for St. Luke'e Children's Hospital.  They invited us to attend the game and sit in a special section right next to the field.  We were treated with such great hospitality.  Truman loves sports and for us to be able to attend this game as a family was so special.  Truman clapped and cheered the whole time.  He loved the band and especially loved it when the cheerleaders walked by and said hello to him. The  highlight of our nigfht was getting to meet a few of the players at the end of the game and walk out on the blue. What a treat.  Thanks St. Luke's for taking care of the children in our community and thank you to all the people who support Boise State and the St. Luke's Children's Hospital so that families like ours can find a little time out of our crazy lives to spend together as a family, forgetting about our everyday struggles.  It trully was such a great experience and I am so proud to live in this community.  And to Coach Harsin, your players are so kind.  Thanks for a great memory.

Motivation Meghan

So about 8 months ago at therapy we discovered that Truman reacted to a Meghan Trainor video on YouTube.  Truman's lit up when Meghan came on, watching her  All About that Base video. He started dancing, smiling, laughing and taking steps in his Gate Trainer and blowing kisses at her. He does not speak or make many gestures so needless to say that when this came to light we were so thrilled and amazed at his reactions. 

Since then, we have used her videos as motivation for him to complete his tasks at therapy. It's almost like he is performing and doing it all for her, kissing her and watching her. It has been proven that music can be a motivator for therapy, recovery, etc.

 So, a HUGE thanks to Meghan Trainor for being my sons motivation to work hard at therapy! ❤️

Dentist...

This was not Truman's first trip to the dentist but it was definitely a trip full of firsts. Because Tru does not eat much orally, so his teeth are in fairly good shape. He did have a little tarter build up though. Kiddos like Tru who have high time have a tough time opening their mouth on command and when you put your fingers in their mouth you are taking your fingers lives it risk, for fear of amputation. Today though, luck was on our side and with the strong will and determination of the best dental hygienist in the business Truman let us scrape off most of the build and get this...take X-Rays!!!!! His teeth look pretty good despite all the damaging side effects of the medications he has had in the past and takes now. So for the time being no sedation procedures are needed to clean his teeth. Woohoo. 

Yay School!!!

This amazing kid started summer school yesterday! Woohoo. Not sure what happens during summer school, 16 days , 2-1/2 hours a day, but he sure loves it. We've come a long way since preschool. He used to throw up when then bus would pull up but now he gets super excited and waves and smiles. 🚌

Oh, Brother!

Brothers...there are gifts given to us in this life that we can not physically touch and measure. The gift of brotherhood is a gift of an unbreakable bond that ties these two together for time and all eternity. We are lucky to have three of the most amazing boys. I am constantly amazed at how well they take care of each and support each other. It melts my heart to see them interact and the way Truman lights up when his brothers enter a room. He cherishes every moment they are with him and play with him and wrestle with him and of course tease him...but he has such a great sense of humor that he teases back, even without words. 

Our two older boys are so lucky to have the opportunity to know and love Truman. They have learned so much, experienced so much more than other siblings. I think about how compassionate and tolerant they are and I know it is because they get to see the world through different lenses. It is difficult at times for them, I am certain of that, but they selflessly put his needs before theirs more times than I can count. For that I am grateful and at times I feel guilty. But the lessons they are learning from their younger brother are precious and so valuable to these developing, amazing young men.