So, Jack is sitting here learning how to use Julia's Talker! That is great! He is so smart, he will be able to help her use it once he catches on, which will be in about an hour....he is so great with her! he said he was very excited about the talker because he wanted to use it so he doesn't have to talk anymore.....i think if this is the case - that computer voice might drive me mental and the 8Kish device would be thrown out into the snow! haha! totally kidding......

We had an appt with our new physiatrist today - susan gallagher at childrens.....we are going to schedule some botox injections in her leg (two or three spots) to see what kind of response we get - under general anesthesia (well - gas mask if possible)......probably in the next couple of weeks. It is supposed to loosen up her tight muscles which are causing an internal rotation of her leg which may lead to necessary surgical correction of her hip and tibia (knee). Going the botox route first before major surgery is considered. Hip x ray is ordered....just have to schedule it. She is also going to be evaluated by neuro-psych for behavioral issues and learning ability assessment...will let you know when I get her in there. She also has to get refitted for a new brace soon. Will let you all know how all that goes.

Thanks for your continued support........this is tough stuff.....but i had a real nice conversation with two of my co-workers today (can you believe there are THREE of us with brain injured children in the same vet hospital?? amazing....people are brought together for a reason)....I don't feel so alone in some of the feelings i have - as these two other mom's shared many of my sorrows and sentiments....thank you to Shana and Laticia......you guys have done this longer than me - especially, you, Laticia - 21 years....wow....and still sane! :) And, Shana - I think you get where I am coming from. We LOVE those kids.

susan

A new beginning...

This post is from Shawn...
So, we have now settled in the new home. It has been a very long, challenging and interesting journey - and not just the house moving! But as tough and furstrating as it can be and has been, it is equally rewarding. We are still busy unpacking and wrapping up things at me and Susans' previous residences, but we are finally making a home for our family. I want to thank everyone who helped make this happen; it was very hard. But I really want to say thank you to Susan, Jack, and Julia. They have taught me more about patience, strength, and love in 2 years than I think I learned in my previous 36. I feel truly blessed and as though my life has such an amazing purpose and path. Julia's progress over the last 2 years has convinced me that there are miracles and that the Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways. Love and God Bless, Shawn

BIG DAY TODAY!

Please pray for my family today - its a big day.

Today at 10am, I am going to court against my former landlord who owes me close to $10K for not returning my deposit when I moved out of Parker almost two years ago. I have learned of many bad things this person has done to others in the last week or so, and really hope my contempt of court charge goes through today - not only for what he has done to me and my family, but also for what he has done to those in Arizona and to the 75 creditors listed in his bankruptcy papers that I just received a week ago - though he did not list me as a creditor. We will see. I may have no recourse because of the bankruptcy, but at least today I will know if this is OVER - i have been fighting this since Jan 2, 2009.

THEN, much more importantly, the Life Care Planners from the government are coming out today. We have a lot of talking to do. They are meeting us here at the house at 2pm-4pm, then we are all going to meet with Julia's Physical Therapist at 5pm. Then tomorrow, we are all going to Julia's special needs preschool so they can observe her interactions and abilities. Afterwards, we will meet with Julia's Augmentative Communication therapist. Lots to discuss there as well. After the visit, Julia's Life Care Planner, Roberta will go back and forth with the governments Life Care Planner, and they will come to some agreement on Julia's future needs and funds for these needs. This is it - folks. What I have been fighting for and preparing for for three years now. Today.

After the visit with the government is over, its time to MOVE! We are moving into a new rental house (with a possible lease purchase - depending on what happens to my credit with the whole foreclosure vs short sale thing on the house is Florida). We can start moving the big stuff tomorrow and should be in the new home by Sunday night. Lots to do! The house was picked out primarily for Julia and her needs. It has a large study area downstairs that is going to be turned into her "therapy room" where we can put all her equipment she should get from the settlement and set it up so that she can do her therapy at home, rather than having me and others drive her here and there weekly for hours of treatments. Jack is very excited about his new room - the colors - well, lets just say it is a "boys room" and HE loves it! I do feel bad for him, though, as he will have to change schools again once second grade comes around. Mercifuly he is a very resiliant child and will adjust quickly I am sure.

Well, time to get my documents together for court, then get the kids to the sitters, then meet with the Life Care Planners. Wish us luck and blessings. Never thought this is where my life would end up - but it is what it is and I am lucky to have as much as I do - especially the support of most of my family and friends.

GO JULIA! Today - its all about YOU!

LOVE YOU GIRL!

mom

Scary Talk

Today I spoke with Julia's PT and SLT about the attorneys' visit and the "opposing" life care planner that is coming out. I explained how the whole process works to the best of my knowledge. Julia's PT is thrilled with a lot of the stuff she has been doing lately, but today she did mention some of the things that might come up in the future. She metioned that as Julia grows, it is a real possibility that she will need hip surgery, especially if we cannot correct her gate with her braces. She mentioned she might need Botox injections in her ankle if we can't get it positioned correctly with the brace. She mentioned a couple of different surgical techniques that might have to happen in the future. She mentioned a lot of things she is going to talk to the attorneys and life care planner about and I think just wanted to give me a forewarning so I don't "freak out" while they are talking. I wouldn't have publicly "freaked", as I have heard these things before - but not for a long time - so I guess it kinda hurts to know these surgeries, etc, are a real possibility in the future. I just don't want my baby to hurt.

I then spoke with the SLT - language therapist - who is working on the talker with her. She explained to me what she would be saying to the life care planner - and said that, honestly, we DON'T KNOW if Julia will ever speak on her own. She is going to talk to the attorneys about upgrades that will likely be necessary in the future for her talking machines, computers, etc. The good news is that her therapist REALLY thinks Julia is smart. So, other than the nonverbal issue and lack of attention span - it is possible that she could somehow become a "productive" member of society some day. That is good - especially with our friend (haha) Obama in office - especially considering her settlement is in the governments hands...frightening..... I hope she can work somewhere someday doing anything that makes her happy. A doctor, a lawyer - probably not (but maybe!), but even just a job at Walmart or Target stocking shelves....if she enjoys it and is able to earn a "living" for herself I think would really help her self esteem as she gets older. I hope so I hope so!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, enough rambling.....

Julia's favorite thing at therapy today was "What Up" and she throws her head back.

Susan

Talker~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Julia's talker arrived at 715 this morning............I was irritated with the early doorbell ring and frickin dog barking, but IT WAS HER TALKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I brought it to work and tried to figure it out today in between appts..........she has therapy tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!Its going to happen - we just have to learn..................I will meet her and shawn at speech tomorrow after I drop my car off to get fixed after my car wreck a week ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who cares about the car wreck - WE GOT A TALKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW that was fast!

I just heard back from Julia's attorney that the governments Life Care Planner and the Deptarment of Justice want to schedule to come out in just a couple of weeks! Her case was just filed about a week ago with the DOJ - and they had 90 days to respond and it only took a week! That is great news! I am a bit nervous about this visit, as this Life Care Planner is the one "against" Julia who is going to try to say that she doesn't need all the things that the LCP "for" Julia said that she does need....this is the back and forth part Roberta warned me about, but said not to get too worried, as she "has my back - and Julia's". I hope things go smoothly! We are going to be in the process of moving during that time, too, so things are going to be in much disarray....but, I just want this over as soon as possible, so Julia can start receiving everything she deserves. It has been a long three year battle, and it is about to be done. Whew......

Went to a CE lecture last night and got to see Dr Mike Lappin - a former professor of mine who was born and raised in my home town of Edmond, OK....He is such a great speaker, and seems to be so upfront and honest about everything involved in veterinary medicine. I really like him and his style. I spoke with him briefly about Julia - as vaccine associated side effects are an interest of his. So, it was good to see him again.

Anyway, I'm at work - got to get back at it!

Susan

ITS ACTUALLY HAPPENING!

Roberta, Julia's Life Care Planner, called today to let me know the plan is complete - and will be filed with the courts TOMORROW!!!!!! This does not mean that the settlement is on the way any time soon, but it means it is CLOSER! CLOSER to a more "normal" life for my kids and family. Closer to some financial relief for everyone who has chosen to become involved. Closer to rebuilding a life that was ruined by a 1cc innoculation of a substance manufactured to "protect" my daughter. I am estatic beyond belief that this step is DONE.....even with everything else going on right now......THANK YOU GOD, THANK YOU FAMILY WHO IS STILL STICKING WITH ME, THANK YOU FRIENDS WHO BELIEVE IN MY FIGHT AND MORALS! And, OK, a few kudos to me - thank you ME for not believing the doctors that it was not the vaccine that caused her injury, and thank you to ME for persuing this for the last three years and never giving up. A friend of mine at work said I had more perserverence than anyone she has ever met - WELL THANK YOU LINDA! THIS IS MY DAUGHTER!!! I will stand by her forever!