I jumped onto the computer to blog about how I dropped the tire off this morning at 8:30, dropped the kids off at school, got groceries, picked up the tire and am now getting ready to load the trailer.
I turned to the answering machine to see the flashing light, hit play and hear a voice telling me that he has spoken to Kristina in St Louis and our possible appointment dates are March 2, March 9, or March 30. What?! This is INSANE!! I just called Shriners last week about this time!
I am so shocked that I can't even call back yet, I need a few minutes before I call, I can't formulate a proper sentence yet let alone think of when all this needs to start.
One thing I need to take into account is Ryan's 5th birthday is March 18 and he will be having a party. Can't have Matthew and I away for that.
March certainly has become a significant month in our lives.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The best laid plans
Ever since we bought the new trailer, we have been planning to get out winter camping. So, when we saw the weather forecast for this weekend, we thought why not! It is supposed to be above freezing during the day, and not too cold at night.
Got going today, got the calls made to the campsite, packed the kids clothes and my clothes, got the menu made, grocery list made, and Craig brought the trailer in from the storage site. It is sitting out front right now.
Tomorrow I need to buy the groceries, warm the trailer, load it and be ready to go at 3:30. Yay! Getting out of the city just appeals to me right now. Quiet, hikes, tobogganing, hot chocolate, fires... what's not to love?
Craig pops his head in the door, one of the propane tanks is almost empty. Crap, so off to Costco he runs to get it filled. I can't do it, it is just too heavy for me. Get back, and CRAP! We have a flat! Picked up a nail somewhere and the tire is flat. Oh no!
So my wonderful, loving husband is outside right now, at 8:30 at night, with the snow coming down, taking the tire off so I can run it in tomorrow to see if someone can fix it ASAP. Otherwise, we are not going tomorrow.
Crossing my fingers.
Got going today, got the calls made to the campsite, packed the kids clothes and my clothes, got the menu made, grocery list made, and Craig brought the trailer in from the storage site. It is sitting out front right now.
Tomorrow I need to buy the groceries, warm the trailer, load it and be ready to go at 3:30. Yay! Getting out of the city just appeals to me right now. Quiet, hikes, tobogganing, hot chocolate, fires... what's not to love?
Craig pops his head in the door, one of the propane tanks is almost empty. Crap, so off to Costco he runs to get it filled. I can't do it, it is just too heavy for me. Get back, and CRAP! We have a flat! Picked up a nail somewhere and the tire is flat. Oh no!
So my wonderful, loving husband is outside right now, at 8:30 at night, with the snow coming down, taking the tire off so I can run it in tomorrow to see if someone can fix it ASAP. Otherwise, we are not going tomorrow.
Crossing my fingers.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
My 4-4-4 Meme
My friend Sara over at Mama Craft tagged me for a 4-4-4 Meme on Sunday. (Sorry Sara, better late then never right?)
These are the instructions...
“Go into your photo archive, pick the 4th folder in the archive, select the 4th picture in the folder, and write about it. Then tag 4 other people to do the same”
So, here is the picture.
Ahhh, such a fun day. This was September 2007, Matthew's first day of preschool. As you can see, Ryan was NOT happy to be left out of the fun. The crazy turn of events was that Matthew ended up being incredibly anxious at preschool and cried and cried every day for weeks and weeks. It wasn't until January that he stopped hiding under the piano bench to get away from everyone.
Good news is that after a year of working with his aide every day, his o/t once a week (for his auditory and sensory sensitivities) he is doing really well this year in kindergarten. In fact, his teacher says he is a positive leader in the class. Now THAT makes me one proud mommy.
Now for the rest of the fun. I have tagged the following four people. Even if you don't pass it along,I'd love to see your picture and the story that goes with it.
Sue at Dreams and Journeys
Sonia at Who Says You Can't Go Home
Tara at Too Much Information
Lisa at Urbane Bliss
And Jennifer and Jo, I know Sara tagged you as well so I am stalking your blogs looking for your photos!
These are the instructions...
“Go into your photo archive, pick the 4th folder in the archive, select the 4th picture in the folder, and write about it. Then tag 4 other people to do the same”
So, here is the picture.
Ahhh, such a fun day. This was September 2007, Matthew's first day of preschool. As you can see, Ryan was NOT happy to be left out of the fun. The crazy turn of events was that Matthew ended up being incredibly anxious at preschool and cried and cried every day for weeks and weeks. It wasn't until January that he stopped hiding under the piano bench to get away from everyone.
Good news is that after a year of working with his aide every day, his o/t once a week (for his auditory and sensory sensitivities) he is doing really well this year in kindergarten. In fact, his teacher says he is a positive leader in the class. Now THAT makes me one proud mommy.
Now for the rest of the fun. I have tagged the following four people. Even if you don't pass it along,I'd love to see your picture and the story that goes with it.
Sue at Dreams and Journeys
Sonia at Who Says You Can't Go Home
Tara at Too Much Information
Lisa at Urbane Bliss
And Jennifer and Jo, I know Sara tagged you as well so I am stalking your blogs looking for your photos!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Alvin Law
I had to smile this morning when I opened the paper. There was a picture of Alvin Law and his wife. If you don't know who he is, I suggest you check out his website. You won't be sorry.
When I was growing up, everyone around my house knew Alvin Law. Not sure if it was because he was sort of a local celeb in Saskatchewan, or because my older brother, who had Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (a terminal genetic disorder) went to Easter Seals Summer Camp with Alvin for many summers, as well as both being involved in the Telemiracles in Saskatoon.
I crossed paths with him again about 10 years ago. He is now a motivational speaker for schools, and he spoke at the junior high I was teaching at. He is very good at what he does. The kids were captivated. As was the staff. I actually had to leave the gym at one point... it hit a little too close to home and I needed a breather.
That was the moment that his photo in the paper brought me back to this morning. At one point in his talk, he asks the audience to close their eyes and he starts to play a song on the piano with his toes. You have your eyes closed. You hear beautiful piano music. You KNOW that he is on stage alone and playing with his feet, yet the wonder of that moment doesn't hit you until you open your eyes and actually SEE it.
Alvin Law had so many hardships and so many strikes against him, and yet, he found a way to do things that people did not think possible. He did them as only he knew how. With no arms, he did things with his feet. He knew nothing else in life. He just did.
I know, Matthew's problems pale in comparison to what Alvin faced, and still faces. But yet, in a small way, I related them this morning.
Matthew was playing in the basement. His laughter took me away from my morning coffee and paper. I followed it and found him at the foot of the stairs kicking a ball up to the top, laughing as only a child enjoying life can. He would drop the ball and up the stairs it would fly.
At first, all I saw was his foot. Standing on the side of it, twisted and unbalanced. It looked awful, and yet, he was doing as all 6 year old boys do. Then, I heard the ball hit the top and heard his laughter as the ball came back down.
Matthew taught me yet another lesson this morning. There are many paths to a goal. Sometimes you need to close your eyes and listen. The laughter tells you when to open your eyes to the wonder.
When I was growing up, everyone around my house knew Alvin Law. Not sure if it was because he was sort of a local celeb in Saskatchewan, or because my older brother, who had Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (a terminal genetic disorder) went to Easter Seals Summer Camp with Alvin for many summers, as well as both being involved in the Telemiracles in Saskatoon.
I crossed paths with him again about 10 years ago. He is now a motivational speaker for schools, and he spoke at the junior high I was teaching at. He is very good at what he does. The kids were captivated. As was the staff. I actually had to leave the gym at one point... it hit a little too close to home and I needed a breather.
That was the moment that his photo in the paper brought me back to this morning. At one point in his talk, he asks the audience to close their eyes and he starts to play a song on the piano with his toes. You have your eyes closed. You hear beautiful piano music. You KNOW that he is on stage alone and playing with his feet, yet the wonder of that moment doesn't hit you until you open your eyes and actually SEE it.
Alvin Law had so many hardships and so many strikes against him, and yet, he found a way to do things that people did not think possible. He did them as only he knew how. With no arms, he did things with his feet. He knew nothing else in life. He just did.
I know, Matthew's problems pale in comparison to what Alvin faced, and still faces. But yet, in a small way, I related them this morning.
Matthew was playing in the basement. His laughter took me away from my morning coffee and paper. I followed it and found him at the foot of the stairs kicking a ball up to the top, laughing as only a child enjoying life can. He would drop the ball and up the stairs it would fly.
At first, all I saw was his foot. Standing on the side of it, twisted and unbalanced. It looked awful, and yet, he was doing as all 6 year old boys do. Then, I heard the ball hit the top and heard his laughter as the ball came back down.
Matthew taught me yet another lesson this morning. There are many paths to a goal. Sometimes you need to close your eyes and listen. The laughter tells you when to open your eyes to the wonder.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
All Aboard!!
Looks like we are back on the crazy train to St. Louis!
I am still in shock. I called our local Shriner's yesterday morning. I was told that the application forms would be dropped off in the afternoon. When Dave arrived with the forms, I was unprepared for him to take off his shoes and jacket, sit at the table and pull out a pen. He was going to get them filled out now and sent in the following day!
Filling out these forms can be amusing. One of the questions is 'how many treatments has the child had'. I asked what that meant, surgeries, appointments, casts...? He decided to break it down. He asked how many casts. I had to laugh, I lost count years ago.
Dave did say that Spokane is where most kids from here go for Shriner's help. We talked about that and I stressed that this is not a regular clubfoot. That Dr. Dobbs in Missouri has experience with this combination.
As Dave was gathering up the papers, he asked if we had passports and stressed that I would need a letter from my husband to take Matthew out of the country. I must have looked puzzled because he said that he felt Shriner's would sponsor Matthew and that an appointment could be as soon at 20 days after approval. I was in shock and forgot to ask how long approval could take but really, doesn't matter, the ball is rolling...fast.
Seems the final hurdle is going to be convincing the Shriner's that Matthew needs to see Dr. Dobbs and not someone in Spokane. Dave feels this is just a formality. That treatment at the closest hospital is always preferred but he also feels that Missouri will be the one.
Just in case, I sent an email to Dr Dobbs letting him know what was going on and that I really wanted Matthew seen by him.
Now we wait.
I am still in shock. I called our local Shriner's yesterday morning. I was told that the application forms would be dropped off in the afternoon. When Dave arrived with the forms, I was unprepared for him to take off his shoes and jacket, sit at the table and pull out a pen. He was going to get them filled out now and sent in the following day!
Filling out these forms can be amusing. One of the questions is 'how many treatments has the child had'. I asked what that meant, surgeries, appointments, casts...? He decided to break it down. He asked how many casts. I had to laugh, I lost count years ago.
Dave did say that Spokane is where most kids from here go for Shriner's help. We talked about that and I stressed that this is not a regular clubfoot. That Dr. Dobbs in Missouri has experience with this combination.
As Dave was gathering up the papers, he asked if we had passports and stressed that I would need a letter from my husband to take Matthew out of the country. I must have looked puzzled because he said that he felt Shriner's would sponsor Matthew and that an appointment could be as soon at 20 days after approval. I was in shock and forgot to ask how long approval could take but really, doesn't matter, the ball is rolling...fast.
Seems the final hurdle is going to be convincing the Shriner's that Matthew needs to see Dr. Dobbs and not someone in Spokane. Dave feels this is just a formality. That treatment at the closest hospital is always preferred but he also feels that Missouri will be the one.
Just in case, I sent an email to Dr Dobbs letting him know what was going on and that I really wanted Matthew seen by him.
Now we wait.
Friday, February 13, 2009
My morning chuckle
I called Matthew's surgeon's booking office this morning to make an appointment to go in and chat with him, sans kids. Seems like a reasonable request? Right? Chat with the man who has operated on his foot, transfered a tendon, removed part of his heel bone, botoxed him, casted him for the past 6 years...right?
Wrong.
This simple request can not be easily granted. Apparently, because it is not an appointment for Matthew, they are unable to bill this appointment. And because the surgeon doesn't need to see Matthew until June, the booking receptionist didn't think she could make an appointment for him and take up valuable appointment time for another child. I think that was her way of saying nicely 'I know if you book for him now you are trying to get in the back door.'
Insert scratching head here.
So, the way around this is for me to make an appointment with my GP to request a referral appointment with my son's surgeon (of SIX years). Then I can get a referral appointment (I have no idea if I have to have a regular wait time or if I can just make the appointment) to see said surgeon so I can talk to him with out Matthew present.
Insert head shaking here.
And no, his surgeon does not take phone calls over this nor does he answer emails like the American doctors.
So, I now have an appointment next week to see my GP to request a referral to see my son's surgeon so I can chat with him without Matthew present.
Honestly, how can you not laugh over this? I sure have.
I called the Shriners after this amusing phone call. The receptionist said that the person I needed to talk to was out for the day but she would call him on his cell and see what can be done. He called me back moments later and is stopping by my house this afternoon to drop off the application forms.
Wow.
Shriners vs Alberta Health Care? What's your verdict...
Wrong.
This simple request can not be easily granted. Apparently, because it is not an appointment for Matthew, they are unable to bill this appointment. And because the surgeon doesn't need to see Matthew until June, the booking receptionist didn't think she could make an appointment for him and take up valuable appointment time for another child. I think that was her way of saying nicely 'I know if you book for him now you are trying to get in the back door.'
Insert scratching head here.
So, the way around this is for me to make an appointment with my GP to request a referral appointment with my son's surgeon (of SIX years). Then I can get a referral appointment (I have no idea if I have to have a regular wait time or if I can just make the appointment) to see said surgeon so I can talk to him with out Matthew present.
Insert head shaking here.
And no, his surgeon does not take phone calls over this nor does he answer emails like the American doctors.
So, I now have an appointment next week to see my GP to request a referral to see my son's surgeon so I can chat with him without Matthew present.
Honestly, how can you not laugh over this? I sure have.
I called the Shriners after this amusing phone call. The receptionist said that the person I needed to talk to was out for the day but she would call him on his cell and see what can be done. He called me back moments later and is stopping by my house this afternoon to drop off the application forms.
Wow.
Shriners vs Alberta Health Care? What's your verdict...
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My New Mantra
I found this today. It is my new mantra.
Because really, that is all we can do. And as I often say, it is laugh or cry.
I prefer to laugh.
Because really, that is all we can do. And as I often say, it is laugh or cry.
I prefer to laugh.
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