Canine Companion

Since about December Claudia has been hoping and wishing for a companion dog. She thinks about all the details, draws pictures of her helper dog, and role plays with Eloise (not a far cry). She really wants a helper dog! Her plan is to have the dog open and hold doors for her, to pick up objects that she has dropped, to turn light switches on, and to help her peers see past the wheelchair.

The biggest hiccup that we have is that Claudia and Matt are allergic to dogs. Not to worry, Claudia has a plan for that too. It certainly helps to have some of your father's colleagues in the field of allergy shots. She has cornered several physicians about getting her started on the shots to help with these pesky allergies. And Matt as well, is willing to get the shots.

So our other hurdle is finding a dog... for that we have been applying and e-mailing contacts around the area. It's not just a simple application, you need medical information, personal references, autobiography, etc.

The process is expected to take one to two years. So we'll apply and wait.

In the meantime, I wanted to mention that there is a very special TV show on TONIGHT. PBS is doing a special about service/companion dogs. Check your local listings!!

PBS Through a Dog's Eyes

Opportunities

I have been thinking a lot about Claudia's opportunities lately. For some activities she is certainly able to keep up with the other kids. And for some she can do the typical activity but her speed will be much slower. Some are just near impossible to do. Hula hoops broke out on the playground at Claudia's elementary school recently which is one traditional activity that ranks in the near impossible category.

As a parent my first urge is to come up with a creative way for Claudia to hula with a hoop. I would love to be there helping her to stand and move her hips side to side to get that hoop going. Or maybe I should e-mail the teacher and explore ways for Claudia to be more involved with the physical activities on the playground.

But then I walk outside to hear Claudia giggling, and see that Claudia is pulling Eloise around while she skates. They are both loving it!

Who am I to impose?

Did I mention

That I have a BOY living at my house? And thank goodness he still allows mom a few snuggles.

as follow-up

Just wanted to add the quote that is engraved behind the Franklin D. Roosevelt statue. It is written "Franklin's illness... gave him strength and courage he had not had before. He had to think out the fundamentals of living and learn the greatest of all lessons-- infinite patience and never-ending persistence." by his wife Eleanor Roosevelt.

However there was also a quote by FDR that was rejected for the statue that said this "We know that equality of individual ability has never existed and never will, but we do insist that equality of opportunity still must be sought."

Washington

Where can you see Spring in full bloom?

Meet your favorite PBS character?

Find some inspiration?

Shake hands with the Commander-in-Chief?

Give up?

The WHITE HOUSE 2010 Egg Roll!

And yes, we were all there along with 29,993 other people to celebrate a long standing White House tradition. Thanks to our friend Brian for the invite!

Spring Break

We were blessed to spend a fun Spring Break in Sanibel, Florida. We had the Rank Grandparent duo, and the Maine Ranks to share in the fun. The girls had a really good time getting to know their cousin Sam better. Between the biking, swimming, beach combing, sand castle building, ice cream consuming, and late night chats, I'm a very happy tired!