Monday, March 2, 2015

Up to Something Again!

She's gone and done it again!

Once again, Lily has defied our expectations.  There are so many things that have always dangled in front of us, teasing us as to whether or not Lily would be able to do such things.  And there are so many things that we've been able to check off of that list that's dangled in front of us because Lily has been able to do way more than we expected.

I'm sharing two videos.  One, I have finally caught Lily pulling herself up into a standing position.  The other, of Lily brushing her teeth.  (OK, so she's not really brushing her teeth, but it surely looks like it.  She does, however, hold the toothbrush and move it in a back and forth motion.  It's still a big deal because FINALLY, she's opening her mouth to allow the brush in. . .and that's just as big of a deal as her brushing her own teeth is.)

Lily has had some extraordinary therapists since she was a baby.  Every single one of them has helped her grow and strengthen and develop into this incredible little girl who's defying our expectations.  But all of this development that we're seeing her do now--walking using a walker and gait trainer, riding a tricycle by herself, pulling into a standing position--those could not have been done without Pattison's.

You may say, "Yeah, but she'd be at another school, getting therapy services there."  Sure.  But the equipment, the comprehensive care, the developmentally appropriate material--those little "extras" probably wouldn't be at another school in our area.  Pattison's is our Dream Academy!

So is their summer camp.

And that is why, this Saturday, I will be riding once again in their Spin-a-Thon.  It is why I've enlisted Rani and Autumn and my friends, Allison C., Alison C., Heidi D., Jana I., and Julie W. to be on our spinning team.  It is why I secured a second bike and asked other ladies of my church to join us and to fundraise with us.

It is because I Believe.  I believe in the power that school has to help my little girl reach unimaginable heights.  I believe in the love that school has for their students.  I believe in the experiences they know these children deserve to have, despite their disabilities.

We spin this Saturday.  Our goal, as in the past, is to be in the top ten of teams.  So far, we are in tenth place, but the eleventh place team is tied with us, so we've got some work ahead of us during the next few days.

We'd love to have your support.  It doesn't have to be much.  I fully believe that a lot of people giving a little bit can go a long way.  Your support--sure, it will help us get into the top ten--more importantly, though, it will provide four weeks of summer camp, four weeks of daily therapy, four weeks of exposure to arts and crafts and music and extracurricular activities.  That's four weeks extra that these kids get over the regular school year to get stronger and four weeks where they won't lose so much that has already been gained.  And for our kids, that's important!

If you would like to support us, you can find our First Giving page at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/brenda-reagan/pedal-4-pattisons-2015.  We are grateful for any amount.  And if you aren't able to give at this time, no worries.  Prayers are just as important, and we'll definitely take as many of those as we can get!

I leave you with a few videos and a picture.  

Lily's "brushing" her teeth!


I finally caught her!  Sneaky thing!  We've walked into the
room a few times, and there she is standing!  But this is
the first time I was able to get her on video.  We're in 
trouble now!

Look who got glasses!  Already we can see a difference.  The other night,
there was a block under the chair Lily was at.  She was on all fours, and she
put her head on the floor to look under the chair and reached under it to
grab the block.  We've never seen her do that!  I love checking off her
accomplishments!  I can't wait to see if the hearing aids help!