Zack visits the "Happiest place on earth"

Yes, Zack went to Disneyland! Thanks to some kind friends who walked us in...Thank you Mickey (not the mouse) and Susan!

It was a fun day. Zack did NOT want "his mom" going to Disneyland with him but I insisted and at the end of the day I think he was glad being that I acted as "tour guide/human seatbelt" for him all day.
If your wondering if he went on rides?? YES he DID! and of course wanted to go on anything fast! I was a little apprehensive, considering the circumstances BUT with much careful thought we were able to go on Indiana Jones (definitely the most difficult) Thunder mountain (glad I was there to hold his legs that wanted to keep going to the side) Space mountain (the ride I thought would be the hardest, turned out to be one of the best) Soaring in California Adventure (Zack's fav maybe b/c I didn't have to hold onto him at all on this one) and last but not least Tower of Terror! which I must say I hated! But Zack loved.
That one was interesting they loaded everyone 1st then it was our turn to lift Zack onto the ride, I could hear a pin drop everyone was so quiet as I embarrassingly dictated where each teen should sit, so we could hold onto Zack.
It's interesting getting all the looks from strangers, I get the "oh how sad" look, the awkward stares (probably wondering what happened to him) the quick glances and then they look away real fast.
The odd thing is Zack looks like "a boy just sitting in a wheelchair" we even joke with him and say "Ok stop faking Zack, get up!"
Zack and I both noticed how many wheelchairs were at Disney, Zack was quick to point out how most of them didn't seem to "really need" the chairs! They'd get to the ride and stand up and get on and he'd be like SEE!! I had to remind him they are injured just not as bad.
At the end of the day Levi (Zack's lil bro) and Dylan (good friend visiting) went on California Scream I said "No" on this one but I haven't heard the end of it yet. Zack keeps saying we need to go back so he can go on that one! Well see...

Have a Safe 4th of July!

A Mother's Struggle & Some Summer Fun

I wish I could say it comes easy for me to stay focused on the positives of Zack's injury. I'm learning. Usually at some point in my day, I get that sick feeling in my stomach, when I realize (yet again) that this actually did happen to Zack. When kind strangers talk to us I can feel myself want to say "He broke his neck when he was 15 he wasn't born this way!" I'm not sure why I feel like I need to explain that, but I do. I'm guessing it's all part of the "healing" process. I desperately want this to be temporary and I miss hearing the sound of my boy walk through the front door and down the hall to tell me, he's home. (Even though I usually already knew because Zack like Adron Do Not! know how to be quiet) haha

Something fun..One of Zack's best buds who moved to New Mexico is here visiting. As you can see in the photos they both enjoy playing video games, its great to see Zack having a good time, they make me laugh...we also went to Venice Beach it was fun hanging out, shopping and eating.

I'd like to hear from you so feel free to send me a e-mail from time to time...Life rolls on...Amber

Therapy Continues

We were able to work with Travis Martin who was visiting from Dallas Texas. He is a massage therapist and worked with Zack for a few weeks. We were sad to see him leave. He did some deep massage therapy on Zack's hands and arms. Zack said he felt a difference. As you can see from the photos Zack is able to pick up a small candy with his fingers, they don't move fast or bend well but he can slowly pick something up if he tries really hard. "Where there's a will there's a way" and Zack Loves candy!

We have cut down a few things in Zack's schedule for summer so he feels he "has one" In the fall he will go back to school (YLHS) as a Jr. (2) days a weeks and Project Walk (2) days he will also continue to have school at home since he will only be at school part time. 6th period will be "wrestling" Zack was on the team before his injury, he is excited to see his friends and maybe he can keep score or something.

Life continues to roll on my emotions are still raw at times but overall we are doing well...Happy Summer.

Zack's 1-Year Anniversary

So this is it. I think the weeks leading up to this day were much worse than the day itself. I decided to let the day lead, don't need to be sad all-day nor do I need a party to celebrate his survival, even though I am of course extremely grateful for that. Since we just had a long weekend our family spent a lot of time relaxing, seeing movies and BBQing (as many others). It seemed to be enough.

In the pictures (taken today) were Brian Goodwin, friend and (2) of his trainers (David and Kirk) at Project Walk that have become friends as well. They love to give Zack a hard time and push him to do better. They are a good fit and I love their sense of humor. It's good for Zack physically and mentally going there and well worth the drive. Zack's looking forward to summer and will be starting back to school in the fall, part-time.

Thank you to all who have been a part of Zack's recovery this 1st year. I've heard myself say many times we couldn't have come this far without you. Thanks for letting me process (out loud) and for being interested in my son's progress. For that I am touched deeply. I look forward to seeing what another year brings to Zack's life and if I know him (and I do) it will be another adventure! (God be with me!) haha

Love, Amber

Adron's Knee Surgery

Adron's knee surgery Wednesday morning went well the Dr. said. He's been recovering at home the last 3 days and is doing good. Thank you! to all who prayed for him. Were hoping for a full recovery of his knee so he can go back to doing the things he loves. He will be working from home for the next few weeks. These pictures were taken at the hospital, I thought it was funny seeing Adron in a "dress" (hospital gown) haha. I have to say it was hard walking into the hospital room, didn't think I'd get emotional over it but it was a uncomfortable reminder of when Zack and I lived there. (Different hospital) but the same equipment, procedures and smells. I am reminded just how far we have come in a year. Zack's actual 1-year date is May 31 (tues) not sure do I cry or have a celebration of life party? Maybe both.
~Amber

Worlds Largest Gummy Worm!?

Yes that is a real edible gummy worm! It was Kadens 8th birthday so big brother Zack went online, found, paid for (not cheap) and had this shipped to the house. Kaden was very happy to say the least! So funny! Have they eaten it all? No way that thing is still in the refrigerator! May take awhile!

Almost a Year Post Injury

I'm trying hard to not make it a big deal but can feel the slight anxiety looming when I think about Zack's up coming 1 year anniversary May 31st (Memorial Day) of his beach accident. I've thought of visiting the accident site Newport Beach, 42nd St. but I'll wait for now. I see the ocean each day I drive to Carlsbad for Zack's physical therapy and am determined to not let his accident ruin the beach for us, since I've always loved the beach and have taken my kids there whole lives, its worth the fight.

On another note Adron is scheduled for knee surgery on May 25th please keep that in prayer he will be down about a month. Still unsure how all that will work but trusting God to help me figure that one out.

I've posted some cute pictures with Zack and his (2) younger brothers with him at Project Walk. Both brothers like to go and be with Zack when they can. The pic's are a lil blurry but you can see the smile on Kaden (Zack's 8 yr. old brother) and see how much he loves his "Biggest Bro" its amazing to watch and I feel blessed.

Love, Amber

Easter 2011

It's been awhile since I've written. Things have been hard the last month.

It seems to just keep piling on? Stress and lack of any down time is taking its toll. I'm in the process of changing some things in Zack's schedule and looking FW to summer. Adron will be having knee surgery in a couple weeks and the Dr. said he'll be down about a month!? I have NO idea how that's going to work with his job, Zack and "our life" But more on that later...

We did have a really nice Easter - had about 20 people over including my Australian friends who have come back for physical therapy for this month. It's been great to see them again. Sue is a mother of 4 also and it's her oldest child who got injured, same age and level of injury as Zack! She's been a "God sent friend."

We had tons of food and a egg hunt for the little kids. My in-laws (Ade & Frannie) had a Great idea and we did a "eyes only" easter egg hunt, I know, the boys are a little old for easter egg hunts but (Nana & Grandpa) were smart and filled most of the eggs with $$ never too old for that! We had Levi (Zack's brother) sit in a wheelchair too so all 3 boys were the same eye level then each boy had a "little helper" so when the boys found a egg they'd tell the helper and they'd go get the egg. It was fun for everyone. Zack found the "golden egg" had a $100 bill inside! I said I want to play next year (haha).

Please keep us in prayer this month I'm having a hard time with Zack's up coming year mark (May 31) I KNOW its just a day but I'm still heartbroken and trying to accept this injury and keep hopeful at the same time. As well as keeping up with all the needs of my daily life. It's truly by God's grace I'm making it each day. Thank you for thinking of us...by the way for Mother's Day this year I'm taking the day off!

Love, Amber

Zack "Walking" at Project Walk

Here's Zack "Walking" with help at Project Walk. He is being assisted by 2 people helping him lift and pull his legs and feet through. He's working hard to be able to do this on him own someday!

Zack "Standing"

This is a short video clip of Zack trying to re-learn to stand on his own, the video speaks for itself.

Tough Week

This has definitely been a very trying week on many different levels, I know I need to re-focus my thinking back on the positive.

One good thing is I mentioned a few posts ago that I was getting up at night with Zack sometimes 4-5x's A friend of mine made a suggestion (she also has a injured son) I took a queen size sheet and rolled it so its long and skinny then after Zacks positioned at night I tuck it under each side of the bed, when his legs "spasm" in the middle of the night his legs hit the sheet and he is able to slowly lower them back down, instead of them curling up, its allowed me (and him for the most part) to get a full nights sleep. That's been a big help. I have a great video clip I'll be posting soon too...amber

Flowers?

I wanted to thank the person who left flowers on my door about a week ago Thank You very much and your note was encouraging it was not signed (maybe on purpose?). It made my day...PS my daughter absolutely LOVES flowers! She enjoyed them as well thanks again for thinking of us. Love, Amber

Other Things in Zack's Schedule

Zack goes to Project Walk 3x's a week down in Carlsbad but he also has school at home (2) days a week. This is a picture of Zack and his school tutor Sheila she is an amazing teacher and seems to understand Zack's style of learning plus with his disabilities she finds creative ways to teach him. It's a great fit and I am SO grateful for her. She says he's so smart (but I already knew that) haha. We both agree Zack's brain was Not affected by his injury and anyone who knew him before can vouch for that! Trust me he's still "Zack!"





This is Mark Allen I blogged once before about Mark he heard about Zack's injury and offered his physical therapy services to Zack, Mark has his own therapy unit in Irvine but since we are Yorba Linda neighbors he would come to the house. Recently though we have been going to his office since he had a schedule change but it works out great driving home from Carlsbad we pass through Irvine. Mark is concentrating on Zack's hands (per Zack's requests) even though he's capable of doing more, but of course we all agree we'd love to see those hands move again!





The single pic is of Zack and Arthur Lupsha he is a Neuro-IFRAH instructor this is a different kind of physical therapy. We heard about Arthur through another spinal cord injury patient that got great results. His office is in Mission Viejo called OC Neuro Rehab.

That's not all Zack does he also see's Michael Akong for Acupuncture, I knew very little about acupuncture before, so I'm learning a lot. The needles are not as scary as they look. Michael has been working on every different part of Zack's body, I think its a good combination with the physical therapy.

Zack also goes in his Standing frame at home. I feel like we should be doing as much as we can but at the same time I HAVE to Balance it all with regular "Life" and (3) other (wonderful) children. So we are doing what we can and making changes as we need to, it seems like just when we get a new routine down something changes, but such is life. Don't worry Zack still gets to be a teenager he finds time for online video games and is always happy to hangout with friends!
~Amber

Could use some extra prayer

Its continuing to be a more challenging of weeks for Adron (zack's dad) and I anyway. Zack is still "rock solid" and for this I am Truly Grateful. God's given Zack amazing inner strength!

I've hurt my back, nothing in particular just all the lifting I do. Its getting better but Adron is on crutches right now he hurt his knee pretty bad. Being the great dad he is he took our 6 year old daughter to the "Roller Rink" and last trip around the rink, they both fell (I think he forgot he's not 12 years old anymore!). He's going in for x-rays tomorrow but he cannot put any pressure on it. So that's more lifting for me and Levi (zack's brother)

Please say an extra prayer for us. This blog has really helped me process my feelings thank you for reading it. ~Amber

P.S. It would be also great if Zack could sleep through the night. His body still "spasms" a lot at night and I get up sometimes 3-4x's a night to help straighten out his body. It has gotten better sometimes its only 1-2x's But a good night's rest can do wonders and benefits everyone.

A Little Milestone

Haven't had much to blog about and I have been down this week. There are days I just "don't want to be positive." I see kids Zack's age getting drivers licenses, cars and going to school dances and I think that's what my son should be doing. These are those years we "never forget" and yes Zack will "never forget" these years but not the way I thought he would. BUT after a day or two of thinking this way I always realize that doesn't help anyone and the fact is Zack IS injured and that is that.

A couple days ago we were sitting at the table having dinner and Zack's cell phone rang (thanks Dylan!) he picked up his phone and "threw it" to his ear and started talking. I looked at him, jumped up got my camera and took this pic. This is the 1st time I've seen him "hold" his phone. Now I have a thing with being as accurate as possible SO he is Not gripping the phone but was able to at least make his fingers curl just enough to get a light grip. He would say it was No Big deal but it was to me! I needed to see that. So on we go...Amber






P.S. Zack's been feeding himself regularly for awhile now, he wears a special fitted "glove" on his hand and we put a spoon wedged into the glove. He's also figuring out the things he can eat when he's out with friends on his own. I'm proud of him.