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

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

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!!

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!

Zack Skiing in Colorado

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