MSU Softball Game

Claire and I got to go to MSU to visit Big Daddy and go see the Lady Dogs! It was chilly so Claire enjoyed playing around the practice facility and the field. It was a fun day for a girls trip! Always enjoy Big Daddy and Bully!

Rock Climbing and Puddle Jumping

Special People Installment 3/3

HERE is an article from the web about Coach Frank Orgel. I got the opportunity to meet him last year as he came to my wheelchair Clinic to get a new power wheelchair. He has ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease. He's been fighting hard for much longer than the MDs give you. He and his wife Sarah are quite the team. After working with them, they invited me to atttend the Inaugural ALS "Spirit of Lou Gehrig" Fundraiser event at the Wynfrey Hotel on 3/12/15. It was a wonderful event in which Coach Gene Stallings presented Kevin Turner with an award and Coach Pat Dye presented Coach Orgel with an award. It was an honor to be there and I got in a rare photo op with both Coach Stallings and Coach Dye with the real heroes of ALS: Jennifer Gill (Insurance coordinator ensuring funding for the ALS Clinic held monthly), Sarah Orgel (wife and caregiver supporting her husband as he progresses with this disease), and Laura Royal (speech Therapist). Very special night and inspiring as we continue to work with folks fighting hard against this very evil disease. Press on Coach!

Special People Installment 2/3

Gayle Benson has been a faithful employee of UAB hospital 39 years! It was her first job out of PT school starting at $9800/year salary. Her first task to work on with the OTs was smoking splints for the spinal cord patients. She has seen quite the changes in technology, reimbursements in healthcare, skill level of therapists grow and UAB grow. I started halfway through her career in 1996 and have worked with her in some capacity most of these last 18-19 years. She has worked many of those years as the only one in Alabama doing custom wheelchair evaluations and started the clinic I now continue. Thank you is not strong enough to say for the example of commitment, perseverance, integrity, honesty, leadership and dedication she has shown me in how she has worked. She has been my direct manager for the last 10 years and I say "Hats Off" and God Bless you Gayle in your retirement!

Special People: Installment 1/3

Stephanie Walton was my roomate my freshman year at Miss State. We didn't find out we'd be living together until about 6 weeks before school started. Little did I know the long term lasting influence this girl from Pelahatchie, MS would have on me. Prior to meeting her I did believe in Jesus but She had a real relationship with Him that exuded in Joy and I wanted it. We read devotionals together each day and really did a lot of growing up together that year. So you can imagine the sweet time it was when I got to see her and Jay and their kids, Willie and Ruby and friend from the Dominican that is living with them now. They were so fun to be with as I wrapped up a conference in Nashville at the end of Februrary. Thanks for the friendship and love, Steph and more importantly, living out your faith to me!

Joel Turns 2!

WOW are we proud!Here's our son at 5 min old, 1 year then 2 years! What amazing growth and development! He's a strong 26 pound 8 oz (30%) boy standing 34" tall (40%). He loves trucks and trains, books and his rainboots. He loves his school and teachers, kindermusik and parks! He won't put his lips around anything sweet and can eat meat like the next grown man. He has tons of words including, "excuse me", "magazine", "bookshelf" and "Hunter Street church"...epecially "No, Claire, that's mine!" He trails behind Claire all day and mimics her every move! He knows right where her gymnastics class is and wants to eat Chick Fil A after..or anytime! Running is his mode of mobility and jumping and giggling are daily activities.

We celebrated by having a family party in our home with a Sesame Street theme..cupcakes and ice cream for the guests since he does not like sweets. He also had a party at his school with his buddy, Tanner, whose bday is the 14th. They will both be heartthrobs some day! Claire is a proud big sis and has done a great job showing him the ropes and teaching him. She's as protective of him as he is of her. Some of you have asked if his fever ever subsided...NO. Our pediatrician is working to get in contact with our infection disease doc and another specialist to see how comfortable we should be at 75 days and no break in fever. BUT, you would never think this little guy felt bad at all..he's full steam ahead and moving in the right direction. Thank you Lord for this precious boy you have given us! May we be found faithful to raise him to know and love you and others!