Holiday Plans Out Of My Control

Summer holidays are finally here!  We have a very busy summer planned.  Started on June 29, heading out to Rowley Alberta for the ghost town atmosphere and a famous pizza night!  Then, on to Saskatchewan to visit family.

First stop...

Or just Rowley!

Rowley is a ghost town except for the last Saturday of each month when everyone comes out for pizza night.

I swear getting adults to look at the camera is harder then getting kids too!

The best part of a ghost town?  Playing on the playground equipment that has been banned everywhere else!  Ryan loved this thing!

It was a wonderful weekend spent with family celebrating Canada Day.  Even a little drizzle did nothing to dampen these campers spirits!

No matter how hard you plan, something always gets in the way.  This time, it was a large rock thrown from a fuel truck on the highway.

After we stopped the truck, realized what had happened and shook the glass off of everything, we realized it was best to turn around and head home rather then drive another 14 hours with a baseball sized smash in the front windshield (almost a hole, it was soft to the touch). 

Now, back home with a new windshield, we are ready to start back to our summer.  With a new trip home squeaked in.

Allard USA

Where will this little foot take him? 

 I remember when I named this blog.  I thought it was appropriate.  I had no idea just how appropriate.

I was contacted a few weeks ago by a woman at Allard USA who pointed out a blog by an inspirational woman by the name of Beth Deloria who suffered drop foot after scary back surgery.  The people at Allard were able to custom make her a ToeOFF brace which allowed her to get back to running marathons! 

So I emailed the woman at Allard thanking her and asking if Allard could do anything for Matthew.

Thank you so much for directing me to Beth Deloria's blog.  I am inspired by her dedication.  I am also very interested in her toe off brace. 

My son Matthew has a very unique combitation of foot problems.  His current specialist is Dr. Dobbs in St. Louis, MO even though we reside in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  Of the kids that Dr. Dobbs sees, there are only a few that have drop foot in combination with clubfoot.  Of those, I only know of one who is using a Kiddie Gait toe off brace and he is only 4 yrs old.  We looked into a toe off brace, but were concerned with his ankle pushing out (supination) and pushing into a toe off brace.  That said, his foot seems to be stablizing and has not shown signs of supination in over a year.

Are there any Canadian companies, in particular Albertan companies willing to take on making a toe off brace for Matthew?  We are always looking for something better for him.  Something that would allow for calf development, and less restrictions as his tendon transfer strengthens and allows for more motion.

Again, thankyou for contacting me.  It never ceases to amaze me how Matthew's little foot touches people from around the world.

 You never know right?  Well, a few days later, this was the response I got from her.

Hi Jo-Ann,

I just want to let you know we are checking into this for you and I will get back to you as soon as I have more information!

Awesome right!

Then, I asked Beth Deloria if I could get some photos of her brace.  Just to get a look up close.  This was her response.

Hi Jo-Ann. Yes, I will take some photos and post for you tomorrow. I'm not sure how supinated your son's foot is but I do know there are corrective measures (custom inserts and even custom-ToeOFF's) that can be made in many cases. I am not the expert to speak with, just an expert in my own experience with many different braces. :-) I know first hand how painful blisters and hotspots are with AFOs and I can't imagine my life without the ToeOFF now. I truly hope the Allard experts can find a solution for you! I was told that Allard HQ is looking into it also so hopefully you'll get the answers soon. In the meantime, other than posting the brace photos, please feel free to use my email  and let me know what else I may be able to help with. Fingers crossed for you and your son! -Beth 

How cool is that?   Seriously!

So again, I ask myself, where will this little foot take him?  The possibilities are endless!

We are headed out of town for a few days, but I will update when I can!

Even With All The Rain

My garden is growing!  I thought it would need more sun, but so far so good!

Finally Flowers!

Finally I found a day that I had time and it wasn't raining to plant some flowers!

I am sucker for Dahlias.

Apparently I am not the only one.

Isn't this verbena pretty?

My Mother's Day parsley still needs to go outside.

Looking forward to Mojitos this summer with fresh mint!

Can't believe the radishes are almost ready!

Looking forward to some sunshine and some HEAT!

Picture of a Pitcher

Matthew got to pitch his first inning this week in little league (They only pitch one inning a game).  He did a great job!  First batter got on after two strikes.  Next three batters were struck out!

  Check it out here.

Not bad for a kid with clubfoot, nerve damage, numerous surgeries, leg length discrepancy and an AFO.

Coach says Matthew will be pitching in every game for the rest of the season! 

Mama's Got A New Pair Of Shoes!... Wait, That's Not Right

Check it out!

 

Yup, shoes fits... but I am not going to be wearing it.  This is Matthew's newest sandal complete with lift courtesy of my man Tony.

When did this kid grow so fast?

An Overdue Update

I realized that last year's posts were filled with sick kid updates.  Thought I would update.

Matthew saw an ENT in September.  I knew his tonsils needed to go but had heard that most doctors these days do not want to remove them.  I was ready for the battle with a list of illnesses and medications.  The doctor took one look at Matthew's tonsils and said "how does Dec 6 work for you?"  No argument, no battle.  Only a compassionate doctor.

So, in December, Matthew had his tonsils and adenoids removed.  It was a tough few weeks, but since then he has been healthier then he has been in 18 months.  Best decision ever.  Even Ryan has been healthier.

Some days I think as a parent you need to have a medical degree.  For years, Matthew has not been able to fly well.  His ears NEVER equalize while flying.  I've tried everything.  Gum, drinks, medication.  Nothing works.  Until now.  Adenoid removal.  Now his ears are clear flying.  Turns out, if you research adenoids, when swollen, they block the Eustachian tube and you can not clear them for flying.

If only I had know.  All those flights to St. Louis. 

Poor kid.

But that is the past.  As always, we look forward.  No sense in looking back.