Creating a New Life 5/28/13

Forrest, it's your Mum.

We yearned to hear your voice for over a year and half. A voice that began with the faintest whisper and today you hollered your pent up frustrations out loud, "I AM SICK OF WAITING!" Oh Forrest, It must feel like that to you, but you have not been waiting. You have been charging ahead full steam rebuilding your life, one hour at a time. Always giving more than is asked of you.

I wish you could see all the things that you have accomplished. You have kept a core group of friends closely connected through really hard times. And with the help of those friends and your community you have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars just this month to provide music therapy to other children. After eight months of homebound instruction, you visited the classroom again this month and were warmly received by the whole KRHS third block US Government class. After two years of hard work you passed the Barium Swallow radiographic test and, under your nurse's vigilant supervision, began eating small amounts of soft but solid food. From barely being able to wiggle your toes, you are passing the lacrosse ball now and teaching your Pops to catch it! From struggling to track a moving object with your eyes, you are reading and texting your friends. No you aren't always on topic, but you are always witty!

Forrest, there will be dangers and obstacles ahead and lots more hard work, but we are here to keep you safe and to celebrate each accomplishment. There are many other things you would like to be doing, but you are NOT waiting. You are moving ahead at an incredible pace, creating a new life, one that will be filled to the brim with love, adventure, and rewarding challenges. This is not the journey we would have chosen, but we are blessed to share this path with you and grateful for the many generous family members, friends, and medical experts who continue to light our path with faith, hope, and love.

Sweet dreams Forrest,
Mum

Forrest and lifelong friends Sarah and Madison

Enjoying a visit from childhood nanny and friend, Mita and her son Micah.  Forrest bought a sock monkey just like his to give to Micah!

With close attention from Nurse Gayle, Tami and new friend Tori, Forrest walks into school for the first time in over 2 years. (It was actually more of a saunter than a walk....hands in the pockets and a huge, proud smile on his face)

Mr. Wright's 3rd block Government class welcomes Forrest to Kettle Run to accent his Home-Bound education lessons

Extraordinary Speech Therapist, Preston, helps Forrest pass his modified Barium Swallow test in Richmond