8-Months Post-Injury...

It has been 8 months now since my son Zack Collie broke his neck at Newport Beach. When thinking back to that day its seems So long ago and yet I remember that day like it was yesterday?

Its been a journey to say the least with the physical difficulties and emotional ups and downs a injury like this brings to a family...I thought it would be encouraging to see the progress Zack has made in a re-cap of photos. I'll let the pictures do the talking....Thank you for being interested in Zack's recovery. I always enjoy hearing from you.
~Amber










































Zack moving from bed to chair

























Zack and siblings

Summer 2009

This is the Zack I know and remember please say a prayer when you think of him. These were taken summer of 09 shows a bit of his personality, that is still the same. I love that about him. I'm amazed at his strength.
~Amber (Zack's mom)

Helping Hands

Hello to everyone who participated in the "Helping Hands" program -- I wanted to send a heart felt Thank You to all of you. The meals felt like a true lifesaver, especially looking back now on the 1st few months of Zack's injury. With me living at the hospital and the other kids and Adron here it was your support that got us through. Thank you also to all the people who helped with laundry, house cleaning, kid watching and grocery shopping. Now that we are over 7 months post injury I think we have somewhat settled into our new normal and I have been adding "chores" back into my schedule one at a time. My schedule feels like a puzzle that I orchestrate daily. As hard as it is we are doing it (by the grace of God). My whole family thanks you for taking time out from your schedules to help us. Please keep visiting Zack's blog as I will keep it updated with pictures and Zack's progress... zcollie.blogspot.com for those of you who are reading this as an e-mail. Monica, a special thanks for setting up Helping Hands and keeping it running. And to Tracy for posting on the blog continuously as I am computer illiterate. (haha) Again Thank You from the Collie family.

P.S. I have a large assortment of pot & pans. If you're missing something come over and look. (Thanks again!)

Zack in "Walker"

These are photos of Zack in the "walker" different days at Project Walk he is continuing to work at his recovery. Most of the time I think how amazing he is doing and has recovered a lot for only being 7 months post injury on the other hand its a very slow process and no guarantees. Zack's legs seem to be the strongest part of his body (which is great) but he needs his core, lower back and hips to actually walk on his "own" also please keep praying for hands, wrist or finger movement. Just wanted to give a update. Its emotionally up and down as you can imagine. Thanks for your continued support. Love, Amber

Standing in 2011

Zack was loaned a "standing frame" (Thank you Goodwins) its great having one at home. When he 1st got it he could only stand about 10 minutes sometimes we would have to lower him down right away because he would get dizzy. Zack is now able to stand up for 3hours!

A Great Christmas Gift

The pictures show Zack getting a new pair of headphones he apparently REALLY wanted hence the Big smile!

But I got an even better gift, on christmas eve when we were getting Zack ready he moved his 2 big toes!! Yep they move on command. I'm looking FW to the other toes following suit.

Have a Happy New Year Everyone!

Christmas Card 2010

I want to wish everyone who reads Zack's blog a Very Merry Christmas! I hope you have a beautiful holiday with your family and friends. I
am looking forward to a New Year of change and blessings. May God's peace fill your hearts and homes this holiday season.
With love, Amber and family

Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

I took Zack and Levi to Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday. We have become friends with a mom and son (also 16) who are from Australia and have come over here for 4-months for physical therapy. The other boy (Harry) is also a C-4 like Zack he was injured dirt bike riding a little over 9-months ago. We spent our Thanksgiving this year in a smokey casino -- I ordered the turkey special of course but the boys had ribs, much different than our traditional cook all day, eat too much and clean up. I do love traditions/holidays and missed seeing the family (and having leftovers) but it was a very fun trip. We saw 4 different shows. Our favorite show ended up being the $5 deal we got last minute. It was 5 fun-filled packed days. We usually left our hotel room around 10am and didn't return until around 1am! Had a Great time being with my older boys. Enjoy the photos!
Love, Amber