2011 - LOOKING BACK

2011 - THUMBS DOWN SUCKY STUFF:

The only goal I had for the year was to buy a house and move out of this apartment. Didn't happen, and if I'm being completely honest with myself, I don't think it's going to happen any time soon. The houses in my price range were fix-it-uppers to say the least. In addition, we need to make a house Colby handicap accessible, costing even more money. Broke my heart not to get that little house on Clark, but can't buy a house that has structural damage and needs costly repairs. Even I'm not that dumb.

Colby's 39-day hospital stay was awful. I still don't know how he got that sick, that quick. Remember he got a front tooth knocked out (thanks Kosair), the daily ups and downs, the infections and the failed extubations? OMG it was a nightmare. Seeing that stupid tube down Colby's throat, his sweet face all taped up and him not being able to jabber was horrible. I can't even imagine what Colby went through during that time. I certainly learned a lot from that hospital stay. I have my "Colby's extubation list" all typed up and ready to go should we ever need it again. Keeping our fingers crossed we won't need it for a very, very long time of course. This hospital stay took a toll on all of us and it took weeks to settle back into any type of "normal" routine around here.

Way too many family members and friends we know are fighting various types of cancer now or lost the battle to cancer in 2011, along with thyroid cancer for me. Cancer sucks just as much as SMA. I freakin' hate you, cancer. You just need to go away and leave everyone I love alone.

The Indianapolis Colts just absolutely stink this year. They've won a whopping 2 games, it's so disappointing. I find it hard to believe that just because 1 player is out, the whole team goes to shit. Yes, I know that Peyton Manning is the team leader for sure, but come on already. Guess the next few years may be those rocky "reforming/regrouping" years. Yuck, those are painful.

2011 - THUMBS UP WONDERFUL STUFF:

Colby attended the SMA family weekend at Center for Courageous Kids in April. He got to ride and groom a horse, ain't he Mr. Bigtime now?! Watching his eyes get as big as saucers and seeing him on top that horse is something I'll treasure forever. Got to visit with other SMA families. We had a great time and I can't wait to take him again. We also attended the Walk-n-Roll for SMA in Cincy. I'm proud to say family and friends contributed over $700 for SMA research.

Colby was approved for eye gaze technology to go along with his existing communication device. This was no easy task, as the eye gaze component cost just as much as the original device. He started using the eye gaze in July and all I can say is wow! I'm very pleased with his progress. His speech therapist is fantastic and none of this would have happened without her. She works very hard with Colby. She sees his potential and that he's a bright kid. He still has a long way to go with it, but he does try and that's all I ask of him right now. Plus some of the stuff he "says" is pretty darn funny. Never a dull moment with that boy, for sure.

My Indiana Hoosiers are doing mighty fine this year. Mighty fine indeed, and it has been a loooooong time coming! So far this year they've only lost 1 game and have beaten both the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the NCAA. This makes Mama very, very happy. Loves me some Jordan Hulls and of course some Coach Crean. I wish the Hoosiers continued success and will be there cheering them on every step of the way. Big Ten Network is the only reason I keep my cable package! Go IU, fight, fight, fight. Hang tough Hoosiers.

After all these years, I'm still overwhelmed by the love and generosity of others to Colby and me. Any time we have had a need, many family and friends have been there to help us. When Colby was in the hospital, so many people sent get well wishes, prayed for us, traveled to Cincinnati to visit, bring us lunch/snacks, books, etc. When I had surgery, many friends offered to cook, run errands, do whatever they could to help. The fundraisers we've had over the last couple of years have been wildly successful, thanks to everyone's hard work and contributions. Raising Colby has a whole lot of challenges, but I never feel completely alone. I know many of you love us, pray for us and will help us any way you can. I'm so blessed and thankful to have such wonderful people in our lives. Please know all you've done for us does NOT go unnoticed or unappreciated.

More tomorrow. Right now I'm tired and want to go spend some quality time with Mr. Pillow.