Monday, December 13, 2010
santa
if you show julia santa.....she says "ho ho ho"..........her first words....since she was 12 months old - awesome!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
She DID IT!
Among other things....
JULIA POOPED ON THE LITTLE POTTY THIS MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY!
JULIA POOPED ON THE LITTLE POTTY THIS MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
WOW, long time no blog......
Not that nothing is going on, but, just been a while since I posted anything!
Julia is doing well. She got a new brace which is pretty complicated, but she seems to tolerate it well and is ACTUALLY keeping her shoes on for the most part! Had to buy two different sizes of Stride Right shoes, which are spendy, but, hey, if it works, it works!
I have officially been unemployed for about three weeks now and am going crazy. In my spare time, I am trying to help Julia's hippotherapy facility with fundraising. They are in dire need of $100K before Jan 31st....so, I am doing what I can. Shawn and I have 7 news lined up to do a story in the next week or so (hopefully). And tomorrow I plan on going to every place I can think of to pitch an effort to raise funds to keep this place going! SaddleUp! Foundation is the name - you can google, and even a small donation will help. Tomorrow I plan on going to all the vet clinics in the area to talk to the owners about the work they do. And possibly all the therapy clinics and special needs schools I can find. What else do I have to do! HAHA!
Actually, I am meeting with Julia's new ABA therapist to go over a behavior plan here tomorrow around lunch time....she will be starting with Julia soon, and most of the work will be done, eventually, by Shawn and I, and her teachers at school once everyone gets trained. Thank God, that I learned at Julia's hearing last month, that this will be covered for the most part when the settlement goes through...another 3-8 months. In the meantime, I have some savings.
Julia has made some great strides lately - still no words or anything, but I think she has a lot going on in that little head of hers! I hope someday she is able to express it!
Anyway, I will try to post more regularly! Thanks to everyone still sticking with us!
Susan and Julia
Julia is doing well. She got a new brace which is pretty complicated, but she seems to tolerate it well and is ACTUALLY keeping her shoes on for the most part! Had to buy two different sizes of Stride Right shoes, which are spendy, but, hey, if it works, it works!
I have officially been unemployed for about three weeks now and am going crazy. In my spare time, I am trying to help Julia's hippotherapy facility with fundraising. They are in dire need of $100K before Jan 31st....so, I am doing what I can. Shawn and I have 7 news lined up to do a story in the next week or so (hopefully). And tomorrow I plan on going to every place I can think of to pitch an effort to raise funds to keep this place going! SaddleUp! Foundation is the name - you can google, and even a small donation will help. Tomorrow I plan on going to all the vet clinics in the area to talk to the owners about the work they do. And possibly all the therapy clinics and special needs schools I can find. What else do I have to do! HAHA!
Actually, I am meeting with Julia's new ABA therapist to go over a behavior plan here tomorrow around lunch time....she will be starting with Julia soon, and most of the work will be done, eventually, by Shawn and I, and her teachers at school once everyone gets trained. Thank God, that I learned at Julia's hearing last month, that this will be covered for the most part when the settlement goes through...another 3-8 months. In the meantime, I have some savings.
Julia has made some great strides lately - still no words or anything, but I think she has a lot going on in that little head of hers! I hope someday she is able to express it!
Anyway, I will try to post more regularly! Thanks to everyone still sticking with us!
Susan and Julia
Thursday, November 4, 2010
It is DONE
We met with the special master today, along with Julia's attorney and Life Care Planner, along with the opposing Dept of Justice's attorney and LCP.....Our side was highly favored, and the last issue was settled in what I believe was a very fair way. The rest of the issues have been agreed upon by both sides.....I do not have any numbers to report on her settlement - should have the check and annuity set up within the next six months. Though I do not know ANY numbers, aside from ABA therapy which was settled today, I suspect it will all be very good for Julia. Praise God!
Thank you to all of those who have not left my side during this ordeal. It has been very up and down for everyone. Thank you mostly to my mother, who has told me she would always stick with me no matter what. Thank you to Roger, for loving Julia, with all her quirks (more than I think you love the others). Thank you for stepping up and fulfilling the role of grandpa for my kids. Thank you mostly to Shawn secondly, who stepped into this relationship, and was probably blindsided by what he got himself in to. Sure, the kids were cute when we were dating, but as time went on, and his time with us became more of a permanent nature, not three days here four days home, and with all of the realities of it hitting him - he did not run. (well, a couple of times, but he always came back...haha). And now we are going to marry in June. Thanks for your patience. Thanks for understanding my fight. Thanks for understanding my integrity. Thanks for supporting my job change in such trying times. Thanks for EVERYTHING you do for the kids. And thanks for putting up with me and my up and down emotions....sometimes down for long periods of time.
Thank you to my new friends I have met along the way - most notably, Pam, who sticks by me even when I just want to go shoot my gun out my car window. Who thinks I am crazy for quitting my job, but "gets it" and supports me. Who takes time out of her hectic days as a single mom to three typical boys and a brain injured daughter, to do things, like be my matron of honor, to come to fourth of july with us, to come for jacks birthday, to come to MY birthday last night (allbeit, 45 minutes late!! haha). For being MY ROCK, even when weeks go by that we don't talk. Thank you Pam for teaching me about advocating and not being afraid to tell it like it is and stand up for yourself.
Thank you Leticia, a single mom of two, one typical, one 21 yr old not typical child. Your patience and sense of humor and positive outlook on your kids lives really resonates with me - even if I don't show it just yet.....you have been doing this much longer than I have, and I hope to get to the place where you are in the next 15 years. I have only known you a short period of time, but would consider you as one of my close friends - I would never hesitate to share anything with you or confide in you in any way.
Thank you Kayanna, Anna, and Trina for all your help with Julia during the days and nights. Anna, you have stuck it out the longest and I truly appreciate all the time and understanding you give to Julia and our family. Kayanna - you took over the daycare after Dawn moved away like you knew exactly what you were doing - like it was a job created for YOU. I cannot thank you enough. Trina - I know with five jobs, fitting Julia in is an option for you, yet you continue to help when you don't have to, and that means so much to us too. I hope you know that.
There are many more friends and family members to thank, but these few are the ones sticking out right now.
Thank you to the many compassionate doctors and therapists who have helped me with this legal battle over the last four years. Many of you know me by my first name. Dr Stage, thank you for meeting me after hours twice now when Julia was tantruming and I just KNEW something medical was wrong - but it wasn't. Thank you for watching Julia and making cookies with her that night so that shawn and I could take Jack to a movie. Thank you for being an awesome pediatrician - nonjudgemental, real. Thank you to all of Julia's specialists, most notably, Dr Bjorker, who with two days notice, wrote a letter to the court stating the needs of ABA therapy for Julia - YOU helped us win today....in an amazing way. Thank You Harla Frank, who, during a midst of her own issues, took the time to prepare for and come to the hearing today - HARLA - YOU DID THIS. Your testimony was fabulous! I hope you know how much it meant to us. You are HIRED! Lets get you going!
Thank you to the Rise School of Denver. Without you, Julia would have never come this far - though she has a ways to go for sure! Your patience with this process has surpassed my expectations. I hope you understand how thankful we are for your presence in Julia's life and education.
And to the Dr's at Miami Children's hospital who told me it couldn't possibly be the vaccine the caused her injury - I hope someday you will accept the fact that vaccines DO cause brain injuries. THEY DO. Please do not cover it up to other families in the future. If you would like a copy of her settlement when I get it, you are welcome to it. I just want people to be honest and real.
I know there are many I have forgotten, and many that have "fallen by the wayside" that may or may not get this message...but it is primarily written for those who stuck it out and believed in my family and MY ability to get this done. IT IS DONE!
Thank you GOD for taking me down this path - it has been a long and difficult one, and I'm sure there is more to come, but you have reintroduced yourself into my life and I am forever grateful!!!!
Susan (Jack,Julia,and Shawn)
Thank you to all of those who have not left my side during this ordeal. It has been very up and down for everyone. Thank you mostly to my mother, who has told me she would always stick with me no matter what. Thank you to Roger, for loving Julia, with all her quirks (more than I think you love the others). Thank you for stepping up and fulfilling the role of grandpa for my kids. Thank you mostly to Shawn secondly, who stepped into this relationship, and was probably blindsided by what he got himself in to. Sure, the kids were cute when we were dating, but as time went on, and his time with us became more of a permanent nature, not three days here four days home, and with all of the realities of it hitting him - he did not run. (well, a couple of times, but he always came back...haha). And now we are going to marry in June. Thanks for your patience. Thanks for understanding my fight. Thanks for understanding my integrity. Thanks for supporting my job change in such trying times. Thanks for EVERYTHING you do for the kids. And thanks for putting up with me and my up and down emotions....sometimes down for long periods of time.
Thank you to my new friends I have met along the way - most notably, Pam, who sticks by me even when I just want to go shoot my gun out my car window. Who thinks I am crazy for quitting my job, but "gets it" and supports me. Who takes time out of her hectic days as a single mom to three typical boys and a brain injured daughter, to do things, like be my matron of honor, to come to fourth of july with us, to come for jacks birthday, to come to MY birthday last night (allbeit, 45 minutes late!! haha). For being MY ROCK, even when weeks go by that we don't talk. Thank you Pam for teaching me about advocating and not being afraid to tell it like it is and stand up for yourself.
Thank you Leticia, a single mom of two, one typical, one 21 yr old not typical child. Your patience and sense of humor and positive outlook on your kids lives really resonates with me - even if I don't show it just yet.....you have been doing this much longer than I have, and I hope to get to the place where you are in the next 15 years. I have only known you a short period of time, but would consider you as one of my close friends - I would never hesitate to share anything with you or confide in you in any way.
Thank you Kayanna, Anna, and Trina for all your help with Julia during the days and nights. Anna, you have stuck it out the longest and I truly appreciate all the time and understanding you give to Julia and our family. Kayanna - you took over the daycare after Dawn moved away like you knew exactly what you were doing - like it was a job created for YOU. I cannot thank you enough. Trina - I know with five jobs, fitting Julia in is an option for you, yet you continue to help when you don't have to, and that means so much to us too. I hope you know that.
There are many more friends and family members to thank, but these few are the ones sticking out right now.
Thank you to the many compassionate doctors and therapists who have helped me with this legal battle over the last four years. Many of you know me by my first name. Dr Stage, thank you for meeting me after hours twice now when Julia was tantruming and I just KNEW something medical was wrong - but it wasn't. Thank you for watching Julia and making cookies with her that night so that shawn and I could take Jack to a movie. Thank you for being an awesome pediatrician - nonjudgemental, real. Thank you to all of Julia's specialists, most notably, Dr Bjorker, who with two days notice, wrote a letter to the court stating the needs of ABA therapy for Julia - YOU helped us win today....in an amazing way. Thank You Harla Frank, who, during a midst of her own issues, took the time to prepare for and come to the hearing today - HARLA - YOU DID THIS. Your testimony was fabulous! I hope you know how much it meant to us. You are HIRED! Lets get you going!
Thank you to the Rise School of Denver. Without you, Julia would have never come this far - though she has a ways to go for sure! Your patience with this process has surpassed my expectations. I hope you understand how thankful we are for your presence in Julia's life and education.
And to the Dr's at Miami Children's hospital who told me it couldn't possibly be the vaccine the caused her injury - I hope someday you will accept the fact that vaccines DO cause brain injuries. THEY DO. Please do not cover it up to other families in the future. If you would like a copy of her settlement when I get it, you are welcome to it. I just want people to be honest and real.
I know there are many I have forgotten, and many that have "fallen by the wayside" that may or may not get this message...but it is primarily written for those who stuck it out and believed in my family and MY ability to get this done. IT IS DONE!
Thank you GOD for taking me down this path - it has been a long and difficult one, and I'm sure there is more to come, but you have reintroduced yourself into my life and I am forever grateful!!!!
Susan (Jack,Julia,and Shawn)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
prayers
PRAYERS for tomorrow...damages hearing...only one issue they are fighting over...her BEHAVIOR, and NEED for therapy....seriously???????????????? Julia's LCP, who has been doing this for over 17 years, has NEVER had to go to hearing over one issue, especially BEHAVIOR in a BRAIN INJURED CHILD. But, alas, everyone has flown in from all over the globe, and we will be there for the whole thing tomorrow starting at 9am....Julia included....hahahahahahahaha that will last about 25 minutes. She WILL be there until the special master asks her to leave. HHHHMMMM......WHY ARE WE HERE???????????????????? BEHAVIOR??????????????????? AND YOU ARE ASKING HER TO LEAVE???????????????????????? Plantiff rests its case. Met with the Life Care Planner and Attorney tonight at my 40th bday party...WOO HOO!!! but it was good. Everything will be OK. Everyone is just shocked it has come to this. I KNOW WHY, and anyone who wants to know can private email me.....has to do with ABA and its "primary use"....for autism.....enough said???
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Dr Wakefield!
I MET HIM! WOO HOO! What an honor to hear him speak and to actually speak to HIM briefly. I have been reading his books, listening to his interviews, following his knowledge for the last four years, and TONIGHT - I MET HIM! Even got a picture! I admire him for sticking to his guns on his controversial issues - as I have as well with leaving typical practice because of my views on the vaccination protocols for animals. Two peas in a pod, I guess! :)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tomorrow.......
So, tomorrow is more than a "typical tuesday" of PT, OT, Aug Com....we have to get fitted for julia's (8th??) brace before her therapies....we were hoping the botox she had last month would restraighten her leg enough for the current brace to continue working, but, alas....NOPE. Time for a new one. This one is going to be pretty "complex"! It can work is two ways - as a tall one up to her knee, or as a short one only to her ankle.....so HOPEFULLY, we can make EVERYONE happy with this one, as none of her therapists can agree on what is best...and what do I know.....So, this convertible one should be great!
Expecting to hear from Julia's attorneys soon - if not, hearing is set for the fourth of November.....then at least this part will be done....then just to figure out how to go forward....which attorney do I need for this? So confusing. NEVER thought I would need so many attorneys. YUCK!
Anyway, it will all work out. As far as job prospects - I have a potential spay/neuter ONLY practice that wants me for at least two fridays in November...and they may hire me on for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for a while. OR, if they don't....I have a potential offer with a mom of a 21 year old CP child (adult) who needs care every weekend....from $50 an hour to $15.....but, hey, if I can learn what may lie ahead for Julia - it would be great experience until Caring Pathways takes off! I am excited about either. AND excited to start exercising on my "days off" until Caring Pathways needs me! It will all work out. Forget the bad dreams I've been having lately.....as one friend put it - "I have always been a firm believer that if you are doing what is morally right, the creator of the universe will make a way out for you and provide abundant blessings." So, I am counting on that! :)
Good night all - and pray for julia's patience tomorrow during all the therapy and brace fittings!
Susan
Expecting to hear from Julia's attorneys soon - if not, hearing is set for the fourth of November.....then at least this part will be done....then just to figure out how to go forward....which attorney do I need for this? So confusing. NEVER thought I would need so many attorneys. YUCK!
Anyway, it will all work out. As far as job prospects - I have a potential spay/neuter ONLY practice that wants me for at least two fridays in November...and they may hire me on for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for a while. OR, if they don't....I have a potential offer with a mom of a 21 year old CP child (adult) who needs care every weekend....from $50 an hour to $15.....but, hey, if I can learn what may lie ahead for Julia - it would be great experience until Caring Pathways takes off! I am excited about either. AND excited to start exercising on my "days off" until Caring Pathways needs me! It will all work out. Forget the bad dreams I've been having lately.....as one friend put it - "I have always been a firm believer that if you are doing what is morally right, the creator of the universe will make a way out for you and provide abundant blessings." So, I am counting on that! :)
Good night all - and pray for julia's patience tomorrow during all the therapy and brace fittings!
Susan
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