Saturday June 23rd 10-4pm
19152 Santiago Canyon Rd.
Trabuco Canyon
949.858.0266
Our family (including Zack) will be there serving chili! Come and say Hello!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Cook's Corner Chili Cook-Off Helps Zack Collie
If you are not busy THIS Sat come out to Cook's Corner they are having their 6th annual Chili Cook Off! The chili cup samples sold the profit will go to Zack!
Saturday June 23rd 10-4pm
19152 Santiago Canyon Rd.
Trabuco Canyon
949.858.0266
Our family (including Zack) will be there serving chili! Come and say Hello!
Saturday June 23rd 10-4pm
19152 Santiago Canyon Rd.
Trabuco Canyon
949.858.0266
Our family (including Zack) will be there serving chili! Come and say Hello!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Optimism
My son Zack has been injured 2 years today. He has shown Amazing strength in the mist of a huge life-altering tradegy, I'm very proud of him...
How could I ever forget May 31st (in 2010 it was Memorial Day) I'm at a BBQ, swim party like so many others. I notice I have a vm message, I almost ignor it. "Amber there's been a accident at the beach Zack is in the hospital you need to get to Hoag hospital right away." We drop off the 3 younger children and head (oddly calm) down to Hoag. At this point I get ahold of the boy Zack went to the beach with he says, "Amber Zack can't move."
We get to Hoag. I'm quickly ushered into a room and see my boy laying on a bed, his body un-usually still with a neck brace on, I notice there is beach sand everywhere (it will be 21-days before he gets to shower). I'm so happy to see Zack alive. He's trying to make his friend laugh.
They ask to speak to us privatly, we walk outside and around the corner where there are a couple chairs. The doctor says "Mr. & Mrs. Collie will you please sit down." I don't want to sit down, I sit at the edge of my seat. The doctor continues, "Zack has sustained a very serious injury. He has crushed his 4th vertabra in his neck, we will confirm any spinal cord damage with the MRI results." Okay, I'm thinking, what exactly does that mean? I look at Adron and he doesn't look good. The nurses and I both realize he's not well, they attend to him and give him oxygen. Once I know he's okay I look at the doctor square in the eye and say, "tell me everything and please do not sugar coat it." He didn't.
Optimism :: The belief that life will be, in the long run, more good than bad, that even when bad things happen, the good will eventually outbalance them. It's also the belief that nearly every difficulty conceals some potential benefit if only we have the skill to find it.
How could I ever forget May 31st (in 2010 it was Memorial Day) I'm at a BBQ, swim party like so many others. I notice I have a vm message, I almost ignor it. "Amber there's been a accident at the beach Zack is in the hospital you need to get to Hoag hospital right away." We drop off the 3 younger children and head (oddly calm) down to Hoag. At this point I get ahold of the boy Zack went to the beach with he says, "Amber Zack can't move."
We get to Hoag. I'm quickly ushered into a room and see my boy laying on a bed, his body un-usually still with a neck brace on, I notice there is beach sand everywhere (it will be 21-days before he gets to shower). I'm so happy to see Zack alive. He's trying to make his friend laugh.
They ask to speak to us privatly, we walk outside and around the corner where there are a couple chairs. The doctor says "Mr. & Mrs. Collie will you please sit down." I don't want to sit down, I sit at the edge of my seat. The doctor continues, "Zack has sustained a very serious injury. He has crushed his 4th vertabra in his neck, we will confirm any spinal cord damage with the MRI results." Okay, I'm thinking, what exactly does that mean? I look at Adron and he doesn't look good. The nurses and I both realize he's not well, they attend to him and give him oxygen. Once I know he's okay I look at the doctor square in the eye and say, "tell me everything and please do not sugar coat it." He didn't.
Optimism :: The belief that life will be, in the long run, more good than bad, that even when bad things happen, the good will eventually outbalance them. It's also the belief that nearly every difficulty conceals some potential benefit if only we have the skill to find it.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Memorial Weekend
Once again Memorial weekend is here. What's with this gloomy weather! That doesn't help my ever changing mood. (I need sunshine). This weekend is tough for us. Zack wants to go to the beach, but told me if we go "I can't cry" -- I don't think I'm that strong! I've tried all morning to stay positive, counting my many blessings, opportunities, new adventures, new friends and asking God once again for strength to keep moving fw... Zack was leaving for school, I asked him if I could take his picture for his 2-year anniversary. He said "mom really!?" but he humored me and let me take the photo.. what a awesome Smile! That will keep me Going!!
P.S. Yes Zack bleached his hair!
P.S. Yes Zack bleached his hair!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Life's Constant Ups an Downs
I haven't written in awhile partly because I haven't known what to write about. As always its constantly busy here at the Collie house regular things like Birthday parties, sick kids, homework, housecleaning, Dr. appts, therapies etc... what's different in the last few weeks is the looming date coming up (May 31st) will be Zack's 2 year mark of his injury. I cant help but feel the sadness that comes with this date. I know there are some injured people who celebrate there injury date as their "new life" but I have not been able to see it that way (for now at least) I do get that they are survivors.
Do you remember being 17? Life was hard just being a teenager let alone add in a insane injury like this one! Zack's had to deal with Adult size problems and has lost out on most of the normal teenage activities. I see friends come and go and watch people respond in all different ways to him being in a wheelchair.
I think about how Zack cannot get out of bed, change positions at night, make himself some food, dress himself, use the bathroom privately, shower himself, stand up, walk or run... I don't list these things to feel sorry for him, I list them because its amazing to me how he lives each day, unable to do these simple things for himself that you and I completely take for granted.
Hard to believe summer is around the corner (again) feels like my kids just started school! Zack will be a senior next year, God willing college after that..I can't think too far ahead about Zack's future and what it holds for any of my children, I will continue to make plans but I have learned to be flexible, enjoy the little things in life (like coffee and sunshine) spend time with family and friends, help others, make alone time even if its 5-10 minutes, Be thankful and enjoy the one CraZy Life I have been given and make it a good one.
Amber
Do you remember being 17? Life was hard just being a teenager let alone add in a insane injury like this one! Zack's had to deal with Adult size problems and has lost out on most of the normal teenage activities. I see friends come and go and watch people respond in all different ways to him being in a wheelchair.
I think about how Zack cannot get out of bed, change positions at night, make himself some food, dress himself, use the bathroom privately, shower himself, stand up, walk or run... I don't list these things to feel sorry for him, I list them because its amazing to me how he lives each day, unable to do these simple things for himself that you and I completely take for granted.
Hard to believe summer is around the corner (again) feels like my kids just started school! Zack will be a senior next year, God willing college after that..I can't think too far ahead about Zack's future and what it holds for any of my children, I will continue to make plans but I have learned to be flexible, enjoy the little things in life (like coffee and sunshine) spend time with family and friends, help others, make alone time even if its 5-10 minutes, Be thankful and enjoy the one CraZy Life I have been given and make it a good one.
Amber
Monday, April 16, 2012
Zack's 2nd visit back to Casa Colina
Zack went back to Casa Colina to visit a new patient (17 yr.old boy who broke his neck in Feb after diving into a pool). It's always sad to go there b/c it means someone else is paralyzed. Our hope is the visits will be somewhat encouraging. Although I know the truth and that is, that it's hard to see another person in a wheelchair, but it does show that "life goes on."
Stephanie is the girl in the photos with Zack she was injured after Zack (in a car accident, I remember hearing about her when she was at Casa). Stephanie and Zack have become good friends.
They were able to visit with there therapists and saw a few nurses that they had while they were both patients there. It also reminds us how far we have come since they were 1st injured...and yes "Life does go on."
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Holiday!
Blessings..Amber
Stephanie is the girl in the photos with Zack she was injured after Zack (in a car accident, I remember hearing about her when she was at Casa). Stephanie and Zack have become good friends.
They were able to visit with there therapists and saw a few nurses that they had while they were both patients there. It also reminds us how far we have come since they were 1st injured...and yes "Life does go on."
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Holiday!
Blessings..Amber
Monday, March 26, 2012
St. Patty's Day fundraiser pics
The weather on St. Patty's Day was not what we had hoped for, but we ended up with a good crowd anyway.
Thank you to all who came out to support Zack in spite of the (pouring at times) rain, it meant a lot to us. It was a fun day and we learned a lot, this was our 1st fundraiser we planned (the others have been put on by friends)
Fundraising is part of this injury because of Zack's on going physical therapy that is not covered by insurance.
We did Great considering the weather..Thank you!!!
A Special Thanks to: Jen Holloway, Heidi, Cassie, Karin, Jamie, Steve Demko (T-shirts) Dan (On time signs, flyer)
Table helpers that day: Cherie, Hannah, Michelle, Cathy (mom) Maria, Angela, Kara, Chrissy
Raffle helpers: Tracy, Katie, Maggie, Josie. Guys: Levi, Rodney, Randy, Jeff & Tony
Lime Truck..Great Food!
and of course the guys at Old Orange Brewing Co.
As you can see it takes many people to make these fundraisers possible we greatly appreciate your service & support to Zack's cause.
Enjoy the photos!!
Thank you to all who came out to support Zack in spite of the (pouring at times) rain, it meant a lot to us. It was a fun day and we learned a lot, this was our 1st fundraiser we planned (the others have been put on by friends)
Fundraising is part of this injury because of Zack's on going physical therapy that is not covered by insurance.
We did Great considering the weather..Thank you!!!
A Special Thanks to: Jen Holloway, Heidi, Cassie, Karin, Jamie, Steve Demko (T-shirts) Dan (On time signs, flyer)
Table helpers that day: Cherie, Hannah, Michelle, Cathy (mom) Maria, Angela, Kara, Chrissy
Raffle helpers: Tracy, Katie, Maggie, Josie. Guys: Levi, Rodney, Randy, Jeff & Tony
Lime Truck..Great Food!
and of course the guys at Old Orange Brewing Co.
As you can see it takes many people to make these fundraisers possible we greatly appreciate your service & support to Zack's cause.
Enjoy the photos!!
Monday, March 5, 2012
St. Patty's Day Fundraiser Countdown
Come join us on St. Patty's Day at Old Orange Brewing Co. (in the city of Orange) and Help support Zack in raising funds to continue his physical therapy...Hope to see you there!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Durango Colorado
I mentioned in last post Zack was rewarded a scholarship to a adaptive ski school. It was a incredible experience. I'll let the photos do the talking this time.
I will say though it was a very memorable trip, I felt blessed to be able to spend 6 days in beautiful Colorado, met wonderful people and had quality time with my 2 older boys.
Zack tried (2) different types of adaptive skiing one, he was roped to a instructor and Zack would steer slightly, but this was much "to slow" for Zack so he went with option 2 where the instructor held onto the back and well lets just say he was "flying" down that mountain! (check out video clip)
Oh and by the way I've been skiing for 20 years, Levi (zack's brother) got on a snowboard for the 1st time that week and was better than me by the 2nd day! (just like his older brother) "what's up with that" hahaha
I will say though it was a very memorable trip, I felt blessed to be able to spend 6 days in beautiful Colorado, met wonderful people and had quality time with my 2 older boys.
Zack tried (2) different types of adaptive skiing one, he was roped to a instructor and Zack would steer slightly, but this was much "to slow" for Zack so he went with option 2 where the instructor held onto the back and well lets just say he was "flying" down that mountain! (check out video clip)
Oh and by the way I've been skiing for 20 years, Levi (zack's brother) got on a snowboard for the 1st time that week and was better than me by the 2nd day! (just like his older brother) "what's up with that" hahaha
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