Neuro Update

Our bow-tied Neurologist called us in for a follow up as he had a last minute cancellation. Woot! How wonderful!

Really, it was just a nice to see you visit as we have "no" Neuro concerns with Rhett right now. Nothing imminent. Nothing new. Status quo.

We did learn that our Opthamologist has retired! She is lov-e-ly and will be missed.

Med coverage is on my top priority list and hopefully Dr. Bow Tie will have some secret knowledge up his sleeve to help us since we have no coverage and are in no way interested in changing Rhett's meds.

Rhett was a Neuro rock star today. Happy! Chatty! Aaaaand even went with the nurse for weighing and measuring sans maman!!! This is a first! He is becoming so brave. I love it! **sniff, sniff** No, really, I do. Even Dr. B noticed his happiness and willingness to be assessed.

So based on all that, Rhett isn't required to visit Neuro again for TWO YEARS. T-W-O Y-E-A-R-S!!! This is amazing to me...and a little sad for Rhett. He wanted to stay longer and play in the children's area "since I won't be back for two years. I like it here Mom." Which is bittersweet to me. I'm glad he feels so comfortable at Children's. It's been a big part of our lives for 8 years. So for Rhett to hear that he won't return for 2 years is a little odd...off putting. Sweet boy.

Blessed boy.

"You are a blessing Rhett."
"How Mom?"
"I am blessed to have you in my life. My life is better because you are in it." I explained as I hugged & cradled him like a toddler, not the gigantic 8yr old he is.
"Mom, is Warner a blessing too?"
LOL Oh Rhett!!

Winter Peace

The World Juniors' Hockey game is heard from the living room, there's an amazing cup of coffee by my side, and the boys are quietly tidying their rooms in order to put away their Christmas gifts. Peace of My Earth, that's what today is.

What are you doing this 29 day of December?

Snowman crafted by me & photographed by the talented Mrs. Smitten

Epilepsy and Tumors

It's November. For most of Canada, that means "MoVember" mustache wearing men to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer.

For me, it means SNovember...because Winter really starts here now.

More importantly, it's Epilepsy Awareness Month which hits home as we have a Seizure Warrior in our midst. Rhett. His Epilepsy is due to TSC, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Today as we drove into the city, out of the blue Rhett asks. "Mom, why did my seizures start?"
We've been very open about this so it was a bit of a surprise to hear this question coming forward from the back seat. So I explained again, about TSC and tubers/tumors.  It startled me a little to be explaining so to Rhett, as he's older and understanding more all the time. Will this increase his anxiety?

"I know I have tumors in my heart, but I didn't know about my brain."
We've always talked openly. He doesn't remember. Memory loss. Just being a kid? Seizure related? Med related? Tuber related? All, Of. The. Above.

So, we ran through the list: Brain, Face, Eye. Heart. Kidneys. But the Eye, Heart and Kidneys aren't causing any problems! Yayy!

"So you're just going to leave them there?"

Yes, Buddy, we are. That's a hard concept to grasp for adults let alone an eight year old.

It was an interesting conversation. Interesting in that the topic even came up. Why then? Interesting to hear Rhett's queries, where, when and not really why. Just where and when.

Some conversations just shouldn't be necessary with a child. However, this is our story. Rhett's story. Not all of it, but definitely a main theme.

So, here's to the Purple Epilepsy Warriors, who wonder where and when their story began too.

Tornado Warning

This morning I kept pointing out to the boys the wicked clouds rolling through the sky. Little did  I imagine that a tornado was producing and we would be under a warning. Crazy! Especially in these mountain foothills. Who has ever hear of a tornado warning here?!

Something Wicked This Way Comes! Taken at noon in Bragg Creek.

Shot from the traffic circle at Hwy 8 & 22.

McKenzie Towne hail.

Thank fully a dear friend saw the sky and called to advise of funnel clouds over our area and before I could hang up from her Brad was texting to tell of the warnings coming over the radio.

An hour or so in the basement, and all is well. I'm sure the scare didn't help Rhett's Worry Warrior mindset. He had all sorts of scenarios and ideas to share. "Where will we live if our house gets blown away? I want a new house with secret passages in it!"

I am just grateful that All is Well. No hail. Very little rain and no touchdown. Amen!

Worry Warrior

Our Rhett is the Worry Warrior of the family. I'ts part and parcel with TSC. Brain chemisty. He can't help it....but we do work with it.

Yesterday was a beautiful example of success in facing those worries head on! Rhett joined his Camp in the Creek cohorts for a fun day of swimming at the wave pool. This is a BIG deal.

1. He's Eight!
2. Worrier.
3. Alone.
4. Riding the bus.
5. Changing without mom to help and finding a private stall on his own.

When the big yellow bus drove arrived at the hall, we were waiting. I saw my little man in his red rain coat sitting alone in the front seat of the bus. **sigh** I wish he had a buddy with him, but he went right?! 

Of course, Rhett proceded to tell me all the negative facts of the day. That he cried every time "I thought of my mother." and that it wasn't much fun at all. But then a Counsellor joined us and shared that she thought he had fun with two other boys and jumped the waves which his dad taught him to do. Plus, Rhett admitted he went down the slide six times, went in the big hot tub and even the steam room. So it was a success! 

I'm so proud of my Worry Warrior for facing the fears head on. For going. For participating. For admitting, albeit grudgingly, that there were fun moments amidst the worries.  

I love this boy and wish his worries away, in the mean time, I am so so proud!!

The following article, found via Pinterest, is helpful to understand and assist kiddos with anxiety. 

As Warner Sees It...Market Version

Saturday Morning at the Millarville Farmer's Market, as seen through the eye of a 9yr old boy. None of his photos are edited. I love seeing the market through his mind's eye. 

As I See It....Nature Version

Wild Horses...get itchy too

Wild Mare

Why I hate logging

Deer Miss

Kill Deer

In my garden

"Our" Doe...every afternoon she's here enjoying the shade