September 8, 2015

After 2 years, all 9 of us are together again!

Emma and Kami

Yes it has been over two months since the last post. My intention was to update monthly. Just when I thought things would settle down, they didn’t. Lincoln’s brother arrived home from Australia after being gone for 2 years serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His sister Kami got engaged to Corbin Stewart and the two were married in the Cardston temple August 28, 2015. We have enjoyed being all together as a family again, even though it was very brief. We did managed to get family photos done before Kami moved to Lethbridge and got married.

In July during one of Lincoln’s monthly trach changes, we decided to take a video. My phone, however ran out of memory so we didn’t get the whole thing. Maybe next time.

The flooring was chosen and ordered for Lincoln’s suite. The drywall was hung. We are starting to get an idea of what this wonderful space is going to look like. We are truly grateful and amazed that many wonderful people have put in so many hours of service on our behalf.

A friend of ours took Lincoln and Rich to her cousins taxidermy shop. It was a long drive for him but Lincoln is very interested in taxidermy and he had a really good day.

A group of Edmonton area oilmen prepared to do a fundraiser called, Ride for Lincoln. Lincoln designed a logo for the event. It was a lion surrounded by the words, bravery, courage, strength and survivor. We were very touched to feel the support these men and women have for a young boy they had never met. We are so blessed.

The Glenrose rehabilitation hospital nominated Lincoln for the Award of Courage. They didn’t tell us until he won and we had the option of accepting it or not. Among other things, accepting it meant we are obligated to do another news story. This story shows how technology has helped Lincoln along in his journey.

Lincoln was planning on attending a scout camp with his brother, Dad and the young men and leaders from our church. Special planning went into the location and timing of this camp. As luck would have it, the rain made it impossible for him to go. He was able to drive out to the camp with his brother, friend and Dad, even though he had to turn around and come home that same night. Disappointment is something Lincoln is very well acquainted with.

Lincoln tried power soccer after going to watch a team practice. It is harder than it looks, but it’s something he can do. It’s also nice for him to associate with others who are in wheel chairs.

I was lucky enough to go away with my 2 best friends for 10 days this summer. Lincoln’s comment about my being away so long was, “We almost died without mom!!” Dad did his best.

Lincoln continues to see a urologist. The kidney stones appear to be gone but he will be followed indefinitely.

Amazingly enough, Lincoln’s braces are ready to come off after his treatment was on hold for almost a year, while in the hospital.

In the hospital Lincoln saw the pediatrician twice daily. Once we came home we saw him weekly, then biweekly. Now we have graduated to monthly appointments!!!

Although this summer wasn’t like pervious summers our family is used to enjoying, we did get to have one camp fire together in the back yard. We are all learning to appreciate the simple things.

Lincoln started high school last week. He takes 2 core subjects in the morning then comes home for the afternoon. He has an educational assistant who stays with him. This week he started seminary, where he studies the Old Testament. He goes to seminary every day before school.

Lincoln really enjoys visits from friends. He appreciates everyone who takes the time to come and see him.

I came across this scripture and it’s a nice reminder of the life our Father in Heaven expects us to live. It is in the Doctrine and Covenants section 89:123-125.  It says, “See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires. Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity as with a mantle which is the bond of perfectness and peace.”