Siblings

How is it that siblings can evoke such emotion in one another?  My crew are either getting on like gangbusters or fighting like hornets.  They understand all the tricks to annoy and pester each other and at times show no mercy.  

On the flip side they know how to support and love one another better than anyone.  For years it has been heart-warming listening to Eloise explain why Claudia is in a wheelchair.  It is really no big deal to her just a fact of our life that Claudia uses a wheelchair to get around.  Recently I have overheard Julianne explain in the same way that Claudia just uses a wheelchair because her legs don't work very well.  

Siblings are door-openers for each other.  Claudia has attracted more attention than she ever desired by having a disability but it has also connected us to some amazing people.  Friends that we have all come to love.  

Most everyone who has a dog will stop and let Claudia say hello and if Claudia gets to say hello so does Vincent, Julianne and Eloise.  Having a sibling with a disability also requires you to be an advocate.  You naturally have a better understanding of why it is important to leave a sidewalk cutout clear and how picking up your toys is important to Claudia's mobility.  

My children all have a better awareness and understanding that people are unique.  We have varying gifts and abilities.  I hope that they learn to see the positive in every person and that we all have a purpose in life to be filled.  

And sometimes that purpose is to annoy the heck out of your sibling so when they graduate from college and go out to get their first job they are resilient and unflappable.  They are able to see their uniqueness as an asset and utilize their talents for good.

Help..

During an IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting for Julianne, a educational model for asking, receiving and refusing "help" was brought to our attention.  The behaviorist specialist was making a point that it is not as easy as it sounds to know when to ask, receive help, and when and how to refuse help.
This brings me to the crossroads where we are now.  Claudia has been accepted for a service dog with Canine Assistants in Georgia.  We are thrilled and excited and counting down the days!
Claudia is expected to contribute some money for her travel expenses, hotel expenses and start-up dog expenses.  We are fortunate enough to be able to pay this amount.  Many others have been fundraising and advocating for kids and adults like Claudia already to keep the expenses as low as possible for each recipient.
However it costs some $22,000 to train each and every service dog, and there are over 2000 people on the waiting list at Canine Assistants alone.  So we feel very blessed and lucky for Claudia to have a dog waiting for her in November.
Claudia is a generous person who really has her head and heart in the right place.  Her perseverance, courage, and bravery inspire us every day.  We want so dearly, as her parents, to see her be independent and successful.  She wants to donate to Canine Assistants in order to help cover the training expenses and help get other people waiting a dog.
Claudia has thoughts of having lemonade stands and wants to sell bracelets.  We hope to get organized enough to make some dog biscuits to sell as well.  All that said, $22,000 is still a lofty goal.

If you would like to donate, go directly to Canine Assistants by following this link:

http://www.canineassistants.org/cgi-bin/donate

Please know that a note of support for Claudia is just as appreciated as a donation.  We are grateful for the support.  It's not easy asking but is absolutely amazing to know that people care.

4,912 days

A special romantic day is just around the corner here.  What better a time to acknowledge the man I love.  He is so very under-appreciated but so very much loved.  He gives very generously at work every day and manages to keep enough spunk to joke with four kids every night.  He's not perfect but he is perfect for us.  

It takes a very special person to keep a positive attitude day after day when raising children.. especially some with extra challenges.  He is always willing to play football outside or help someone on a bike.  He willingly gives up watching his favorite teams to attend a little friend's birthday party.  He is handling raising three young ladies with careful respect but never allowing them to forget to laugh. 

We could never have imagined what the future would hold some 4,912 days ago but I sure am glad that my future falls in step with yours.  I'm hoping for as many sandwichy-hugs as our children will allow this year.  One thing is certain, our love really has multiplied. Love you!