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. 

Play Ball

Truman and his classmates are enjoying a beautiful afternoon of Challenger Baseball.  A local baseball league designed for children and adults with special needs.  He loves it this year.  He would still rather play with his hat and eat his mitt, but loves the socialization and applause he gets from the people in the stands.  KTVB did a story on the league last Sunday (May 6th).  Check it out here.

What's New with Tru

Truman has some exciting things coming up. 

• School is almost over, although I'm not sure how excited he will be because he LOVES school. He loves his teachers and friends.
• We are registered fort he Capitol Classic  (sponsored by St. Alphonsus)
• He starts Summer School!

Stay tuned for pictures and updates of these fantastic events.

Aquatics Therapy

Truman is doing swimming therapy.  He loves the water and we believe he loves it so much because he can relax and let the water take awya some of the pressure.  He will be doing another session this summer and he is so excited. 

Ugggghhhh

I have been sick for a week. I have an infection in my G-tube. The antibiotics suck! I can't wait until I feel better. Thanks to my fam for being so patient and loving.

Camel's Back

Truman hiked to the top of Camel's Back today!!!! Well...okay so Tom pushed him up but at least we got to the top. He was so excited to see the city from a different view. We take for granted the little things in life and forget that some people are thrilled when they are able to see those little things as GIANT milestones.

Assistive Technology and our World

So we are going on 3 years now trying to find a communication system for Truman. We have tried the Dynavox, the Tobii, and various amounts of switches. Truman loves his switch toys and communicates very well with large button switches. We are still a very long way away from finding a system that he can use with ease and function. His muscular control is still limiting which reduces his accuracy and success.
Truman also does very well when he is motivated by his therapy dogs Ovelle and Prairie at school.

I am constantly amazed at how much information is out there and how expensive it is. We do not have any switch buttons or recordable switches at home but we are making due. We have figured out how to communicate the best we can and give Truman what he needs.

Hopefully within the near future we will be able to make more progress and obtain some of the basic switches.