Blessings and Prayers

 Another week has passed and I am beginning to feel like a broken record. Our days are split between praying for Maddy to feel better and seeing so many incredible blessings around us.  

This week was spring break so Maddy was excited to have a quieter week with no school or ballet. It also meant I had a little extra time to spend with my mom. We are so happy to have them living here, but with the craziness of our lives we don't get to hang out as much as we had envisioned! Saturday my Mom and I went and had lunch and window shopped at a few antique shops in our town. On Monday, Mom tagged along to the mall with me and the kids so I could get Alex some new shoes. It was fun to have a few days just spending time together. 

Tuesday Maddy had her esophagram to see if there is a blockage in her esophagus causing her difficulty swallowing. This test was very hard for her as she had to drink barium (which tastes nasty) while lying down. Drinking laying down isn't easy for anyone, but especially when it already feels like you are unable to swallow and choking. We got through the testing with A LOT of tears and a very patient tech and radiologist. They were not able to stretch the esophagus as much as they had hoped which would have involved drinking large amounts, but with the little bit she drank they didn't see any obvious causes. I did get an email from her GI that he is going to schedule an endoscopy ASAP to try and determine the cause as just this week she was crying again because she can't eat some of her favorite foods. She has lost weight and she is already too low on the charts so we are hoping to get this figured out! After her test we were able to meet a new friend from  horseback riding for lunch. It was so fun to have some time for the girls to play and get to know each other a little better. Then we headed to ride where Maddy had her first completely independent class ever! She even did our "Victory Lap" without being hooked up to a leader!

Maddy leading Gabby to mount

Maddy riding Gabby

Victory Lap totally independent!

Wednesday  Alex had the privilege of spending the morning observing at a Vet Clinic. He loved meeting the animals and learning a little about veterinary science. He is hopeful he can go back again and spend some more time. As for me and Mad, we took Maddy's service dog, Hart to the barn to meet all of her favorite people and then after Physical Therapy went for a swim at Mimi and PopPop's! Speaking of Alex, he has also done a good job this week starting to take over more of his medical care as the first steps towards being able to attend a University!

Thursday was more horseback riding and then another first as she had a sleepover with her two closest friends from riding! Riding was extra fun because one of her teammates was making up a class and needed to ride Gabby, who Maddy usually rides on Thursdays. Blue her other favorite horse had thrown a shoe and was sore so she needed to ride someone different. 5 months ago Maddy had desperately wanted to ride a horse that was new to Victory named Metro. He is HUGE (17 hands) and back then Maddy couldn't get him to move no matter what she tried (she rode him twice)! Over the past few months, Tammi and I have watched Maddy make major strides in her riding both technically, but more importantly in confidence. Tammi chose Metro for her to ride Thursday (and Friday) and she was amazing! She rode him completely independently and was able to trot all over the arena and navigate all of her classmates and volunteers! I was more proud of that ride that almost any other. She had a great time at her sleepover and can't wait to do it again!

Riding Metro

Game Time

Kasey came to visit!

While this has been such a hard time for Maddy medically- struggling with awful migraines and joint pain in addition to the swallowing troubles, I am reminded daily of the many blessings surrounding us. I have to start with Tammi and the entire staff, volunteers, and friends at Victory Therapy Center. Tammi and Maddy have such a special relationship. Maddy wants so badly to prove to Tammi that she is a good rider and she trusts and respects Tammi more than just about anyone. Tammi on the other hand wants so badly for Maddy to truly believe in herself and see how amazing she is. Tammi has the incredible ability to know exactly what Maddy needs on any give day whether it is extra love, an easy lesson, or to be pushed and told she can do something when she doesn't think she can. Tammi prays over Maddy regularly and loves her dearly. The volunteers and Maddy's friends bring her laughter and fun and make Victory her favorite place.  I am so grateful for Victory for providing an escape for Maddy especially during these days when she is really hurting. Having a passion that motivates her to push through her pain and continue living with joy is such an incredible gift. And I can't speak about this without thanking Help Mito Kids for allowing us to provide this therapy for Maddy. Without their generosity and help Maddy wouldn't be able to ride nearly as much and I can't imagine what negative impact that would have on her. 

Please continue to pray for answers and prayers for Maddy, for continued health for Alex and for endurance for me as I try to be the best Mom I can be.

Ali