Zack Goes to Knotts

We ended our summer with a trip to Knotts Berry Farm. Zack went once earlier in the year but was not able to go on any rides, so this time he was ready!

The 1st ride he wanted to go on was some Crazy upside down, legs dangling roller coaster that I looked at and said "No way" but he insisted. Since I did get the "thumbs up" from his Dr. (that he can go on rides) I gave in, but it still feels scary to me. As we approached the area a guy working there asked us a few ?'s obviously concerned about Zack going on the ride. Zack says "I'm fine." The guy clearly was not completely comfortable with that answer but hesitantly let us through and thanks to Zack's friend (Jason) before the guy could change his mind we were already putting him on the ride! There he went on a roller coaster that I wouldn't go on and I'm a healthy "able-bodied" person! He was all smiles when he arrived back on the platform again and I think he would have tried to go again BUT he said part way through his leg kicked out and was extended for the 1st half of the ride he said he was afraid that the other leg was going to do the same thing, in that case he could of slid down in his seat! NOT TO WORRY he was seat belted in and I made sure there was a support bar in between his legs. I think this actually added to the fun for Zack!

The other crazy ride was the one in the photos below there strapped in to a "swing" and then they go who knows how high up and swing around and around. I'm sure they could see our house from up there it was so high! Zack said it was cold and windy by the time they got to the top! So, if you're afraid of heights don't go on that one!

It was a fun evening and I hope to go again. I just wish Zack was ok with just watching when it comes to some of these rides! Ya right!!!

~Amber

Zack Visits Casa Colina

When Zack was 1st injured we met other parents and "boys" who were injured before Zack, they helped walk us through the hardest time. One of the boys was Brian Goodwin he was the one who at 17 years old ran into the ocean at Newport Beach, 42nd St. (same as Zack) and was also instantly paralyzed. He has now been injured 4 years. Brian had come to visit Zack at Casa Colina and Ill never forget Brian wheeling himself into Zack's room with the biggest smile on his face. I have to say in that moment I didn't know to smile or cry, the reality of Brian then 3 years post injury sitting in a wheelchair was very hard for me. But I instantly liked his positive attitude and the fact he'd come to visit my son. Since that day Brian has become like a older brother to Zack.

In one picture below it shows Zack, Claire and Brian. Claire was both Brian and Zack's occupational therapist at Casa it was a bittersweet (for me anyway) reunion between the 3 of them.

So in my head I always knew one day we would try and give back and visit anyone who also had a unfortunate accident like Zack. But I was not pre-pared to meet Kody!
.Kody is 16 years old
.Both boys are Jr.s in High school
.On Memorial weekend of 2011 (Zack Memorial day 2010)
.Kody ran into the ocean and broke his neck by hitting a sandbar and was instantly paralyzed
.He broke his neck at C-4 (same as Zack)
.He has a 14 year old brother (same as Zack)
.He ended up at Casa Colina
.Same hospital room
.Same Dr.
.Same case worker
.Same OT (Claire)
.Same PT (physical therapists team)

It was a very strange feeling walking into Kody/Zack's hospital room decorated with posters and pics like Zack had done.
Kody has now been released from Casa and is home. He will be going to Project Walk if all goes as planned.
I hope to be of service to Kody's family as I truly feel the heartache they are going through. The boys "timeline" is identical. I look fw to seeing Kody progress this next year as he continues his own recovery process.

amber

Zack Standing over 1 minute

This is Zack standing over 1 minute, keep in mind he cannot get up out of his wheelchair but with the help of his trainer he is helped into the standing position then his trainer slowly lets go. Zack's legs and core are continuing to get stronger.

On another subject Zack turns 17 on (August 13th) I remember his 16th birthday, we had just come home from the hospital a week or so earlier, hard to believe a year has past. I'm not sure what were doing yet but I'm sure well come up with something!

Here are some fun candid shots of Zack with his siblings.
The ones taken at therapy is Levi trying one of the workout machines Zack wanted him to try, Zack says it feels weird!

A rare "family photo" of ALL 6 of us.
Some cute pics of the 4 kids, that I only got because it was my B-day that day!

Hope everyone is having a safe and relaxing summer...amber

Location:Family Fun

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