Tuesday, October 4, 2011

ONE YEAR HAS PASSED! THANK YOU ! THANK YOU!

We are grateful for this past year and Aidan's recovery. Just a few weeks ago we passed the one year mark from the day our lives changed. So much has happened and our gratitude continues for the blessing of Aidan's health.

Life changing events happen everyday to people. I can truly say one year later I am changed. Focusing on today and the here and now allows me to be in the moment with my family, friends and life. For that I am grateful. It allows me to hug the kids tightly, love everyone more deeply and feel a sense of relief not to worry. Worry is wasted... investing that energy in today is much more rewarding!

Aidan worked hard through physical therapy. He and Zack had a month of swimming lessons which not only improved their swimming abilities but no doubt strentghened Aidan's dorsiflexion movements which is where he has some residual weakness. This is the movement such as when you pedal a bicycle. He has received tutoring over the summer to bring him up to speed for 2nd grade. Against the school's recommendation we advanced Aidan to 2nd grade. An independent analysis told us he would do well with tutoring and be able to catch up. This was far better than the psychological effects of holding him back after all he had been through. We also consulted a psychologist who urged us to move him ahead and supported him through the summer and still for his anger for the challenges he faced.

Today he is more like his old self doing silly things, giggling, less angry or quick to be frustrated, enjoying his brother and school AND he is playing soccer! His first game Aidan had an assist on goal!!! He falls a little more than the others but like he's been doing - HE GETS UP and keeps trying! It was a blessing to see him running up and down the field!

Next Sat Oct 15th Aidan, his brother Zack and I are walking in a walk for the Foster and Adoptive Family Services Foundation at NJIT in Newark. It's only a 5k and we have named our team "AIDAN'S ANGELS UNITE". Come join our team. www. fafsfoundation.org  We are dedicating our walk and fundraising efforts to abused and neglected children in NJ in celebration of Aidan's blessing of health.

Thank you again to all of you for your prayers, love and support! Stay tuned because the official foundation will be coming- an opportunity to help other families in need when their children are ill. It's a goal that we will soon realize. We know the importance of having a support system- WE HAD YOU! Thank you!!

Kim, Taylor, Zack and Aidan