Overheard Comments and Update from Past Week

Scott returned tonight from the West Fork Complex. :)  Travis was especially happy that daddy made it home before T's birthday. We kept busy most days hanging out with friends, appointments, errands, pool, etc. This past week more than previous weeks, I noticed more stares from people and overheard more comments while out and about. I don't mind the questions from children and adults, they are opportunities to learn and share. The comments, while not rude, are what get to me.

Most of the questions this week were about T's shoe lift, brace, or walker and generally started out with a kid asking their mom or dad about the lift, brace, or walker. The parent tries to explain quickly and discretely. Many times Travis hears the question from the kid to the parent and T starts to answer the question. Travis continues to display courage, strength, and wisdom beyond his years.

We went to Hogle Zoo with friends on Friday and I heard many people commenting as T rolled by in his power chair "Oh, poor kid" and other similar comments. We heard similar comments throughout the week, it wasn't only those at the zoo. Yes, T has a life harder than most kids; however, he doesn't let much get him down. They didn't see his smile, enthusiasm, excitement, laugh, etc.

T happy to see the otter exhibit open this time.

We know Travis can hear the quiet comments of others since he starts to answer their questions. He doesn't take much pity on himself or his situation, he enjoys life immensely...especially racing and cars. I don't want the comments of others to start to etch away his self-confidence, determination, etc. (The pain he's experiencing lately has added to his frustration level.) Sometimes I wish people would think before they speak. Several times I wanted to reply to these comments, but I knew my reply wouldn't be the most appropriate. This is his life, this is what he knows, he doesn't remember any different.

We've been working in workbooks this summer to keep T's skills up and reinforce concepts since he was sick most of the last month of school. He wanted to do an entire page of letters. He traced each letter and then wrote the letter below. Each day we review how many days until his birthday, basically it's a review of how many days there was yesterday and then what would the number of days be from today.

Working on writing.

Travis worked hard in physical therapy this week, as usual. Below are a few pics from the day, notice how excited he is in the pic before PT starts knowing what PT brings.

Travis happy to see Mr. Mark again, even before PT starts.

T chose cars to use during one of the PT activities.

Playing basketball during PT.

Saturday brings another MRI and I'm wondering what the spot on his left femur will show. We receive a copy of the letter Dr. Viskochil sends to T's pediatrician each visit. T continues to have pain above his left femur and Dr. Viskochil noted that T was guarding his left leg in the letter from the Jul 2nd visit. T's rapamycin level is down from the end of May and in the target range from 10-15 at 14.2. (He's on the 1.7 ml dosing.)

For now, we continue our summer of fun at the water parks, pools, zoo, hanging out with friends, etc. Thank you for the continued prayers and support for Travis and our family.