Tuesday, October 30, 2018

"I Love Momma"

The sweetest words I've ever heard ...

Hunter still struggles with speech apraxia. This makes it very difficult to understand what he's saying. But, tonight a miracle came.

I was tucking him into bed and getting him nice and cuddly. As I started to walk out of the room, he said: "I love momma". It was as plain as day. I looked back at him in complete disbelief. I said, Hunter say it again. He said it again: "I love momma".

For the first time since he was born and after 10 years, I understood when he told me he loved me.

Thank you, God, for the miracles you perform! This is the best gift I've ever received.

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Clingmans Dome

Four years since I’ve been on here. I lost my password and user id. I had to fish it out of some very old documents and now that I’ve tried so hard to gain my account back, I figured that I should probably write a post too.

Hunter turned 10 years old on April 1st. It has been a wonderful and amazing 10 years. He has taught me so much about life, strength, courage, the power of believing in myself, in him, and believing in the miracles that God can perform. I would never take back the last 10 years. If you've stumbled across my blog or a new parent to a micro premiere, I can tell you that your life will never be the same. It will be full of so many wonderful opportunities and lessons to learn about the power of gratitude, courage, strength, and love beyond words. You will worry. You will cry. But, you will also have joy, happiness, many proud moments, and learn to appreciate all the small things and accomplishments throughout life. Never stop believing in your child even when the world wants you too. Make sure to take one day at a time and enjoy all the moments you're privileged to have. 

When Hunter first had his SDR surgery in 2013, I was told that he may never get out of his walker. I fired that therapist for not believing in my son. I told her that she has no business working with Hunter if she doesn't believe in him. When Hunter started to walk with canes, I was told that Hunter would never be able to walk a long distance. In fact, I was told that he would never be able to walk a grocery store. I fired that therapist for not believing in Hunter.  

In 2016, Hunter threw his canes down and took his first steps without any support. That's right, no canes, no walker - just Hunter and his two feet and legs.

In April 2017, Hunter (with the assistance of his canes) climbed to the top of the Smoky Mountains highest point called Clingmans Dome. It is a 1/2 mile, very steep trail to the top. Not only did he climb to the top of this mountain, he motivated other disabled people to make it to the top too. He got a round of applause at the top and he was huge smiles.

In 2018, Hunter can walk short distances without canes. He still needs them for long distance. But, he doesn't want anyone fussing over him. I allow him his independence. When he falls, I encourage him to get back up. He always knows that I believe in him and I'm always in his corner. 

Hunter is an avid video game junkie. He is amazing with a Nintendo or PlayStation. He is a little jokester. He loves to laugh and is goofy. He is a happy kid. 


I’m including pictures of Hunter at the top of the mountain. Pictures were taken in April 2017