eSpecially Ben

On a day when there was no school, I took the kids to the YMCA to play basketball while I worked out. Cameron, our newest community worker and also a gift from God, was with us. It was her first time experiencing the YMCA with Ben and his celebrity status. It was also her first time seeing him throw a tantrum. When it came time to leave, Ben decided he did not want to leave. He successfully threw himself on the floor and refused to be lifted into his walker. At almost 65 lbs, he can decline to move his body, and we have to oblige. I was frustrated with him. The other kids were waiting outside, and we needed to be somewhere else soon. I told Ben we were leaving and I watched hidden, behind a column as he pulled himself into a chair and sat very nicely. He did not care one iota that his family had left. At this point my frustration subsided and I realized he wanted something and was determined to get it. I took out the NOVA Chat and quickly plugged in a few feelings buttons. When a

On Valentine's Evening, Ryan and I went with another couple to The Wine Palette  to eat chocolates, drink wine and paint "four letter words." With 10 other couples and the guidance of the artist in residence, Raffaele, we determined our colors and words. It was amazing to see how creative some people were with their designs. It was a supportive environment and everyone was there to have fun, laugh and relax. If you do not have a business like this in your area, Michael's has all the supplies you need for a creative date.

Ben's new physical therapist suggested we meet at our local YMCA's pool for therapy. Knowing how much Ben loves the water and how good this type of exercise is for him, I asked permission from the Y and received the "nod." Ben sees Gale once a week and it has been an overwhelming success. Ben shows us kicking and paddling skills that can be shaped into a nice doggy paddle, a very respectable way to get around in the water (I don't know from personal experience or anything). Ben uses the life jacket at all times and he has learned how to roll himself over to get his face out of the water. He practices walking on the stairs, monkey walks on the side of the pool and jumps in with Gale after each set. They have worked up to almost an hour of swimming, doing 4 repetitions of walking, climbing and swimming. The best part is Logan and Sean realized they could join Ben in the pool too. Being in the pool together is great for all of them. And