Quick Update

 Wanted to get out a quick update on everyone...

Alex has started his second semester and is loving life at DBU even more than first semester. Having a successful semester under his belt has given him some confidence in his ability to thrive in this academic setting. He loves all of his classes and professors (Praise God) and is happy to be back living with his best friends. I hardly hear from him during the week, and it is such sweet silence as I know it means he is spreading his wings and fining his way without needing me as his constant partner. he is taking a full course load, has accepted a volunteer position mentoring high school students and has applied once again for a unique housing arrangement for next year. The housing is very similar to Stone House (where he lives currently) but is for students who have completed their freshman year. He has loved the living learning community and building close relationships as they live together, pray together and learn together. I still have to pinch myself sometimes that Alex is living this life that seemed impossible just a few short years ago. God is so good, and I love watching him work in and through my son.

When your son is in college, a happy selfie is the only pic you have!

After the LONGEST Christmas break ever, Maddy is back in school. Her classmates started back the second week of January while we were at Chisholm Challenge. Then the following week we had some snow and water issues, so this week was her first week back since she got out on December 13th!!! She was a little nervous but had two good days and was happy to see her friends. She is also back in Auditory Rehab and Dance and Art, so our crazy schedule is back in full swing. The biggest news is from the barn. After just shy of 4 months, Maddy was able to get back to riding her beloved PD this past week. Maddy has been involved in hippotherapy and/or equine therapy for over 4 years. In that time, she has ridden 18 horses!!! And while she has learned something from each and every one, she has never connected with a horse the way she has with PD. While she has diligently cared for PD over the past few months, she missed riding her. The smiles this week have been big and plentiful. We are incredibly grateful that we have multiple horses in our program so Maddy always had a horse to ride, but there is something special when she rides "her" horse.

As for me things are much the same. Unfortunately trying to find answers and treatments in the medical world is often a slow process and I am just trying to keep myself in a safe state and out of the hospital as we continue to try and find a way for me to once again eat normal food in normal quantities. Thank you to those who have checked in and offered help. It is very much noticed and appreciated. 

As for Bruce...he is working and playing soccer and trying to figure out how to pick up the slack with me not able to do as much as usual.

I ask for prayers for Alex to continue to thrive and for his housing to work out for next year; for Maddy and her anxiety as she is scheduled to get braces on Tuesday and is pretty nervous; and for me to find answers and healing. I really miss food!

Thank you for being a part of our story and blessing our lives with your love and friendship!

Ali

An Update on...Me!

 I don't usually say much about myself because I prefer to focus on the kids and all the amazing ways they bless and inspire me and those around them. But sometimes life demands that you take a moment to share about yourself.

Last March as most people know I started having some GI issues that culminated in my gallbladder being removed in July. For a few weeks following surgery, I thought life was going to go back to normal. Unfortunately, some new GI symptoms cropped up that have been pretty hard to manage. I have only been able to eat small amounts of foods each day and have lost close to 40 pounds at this point. Over the last several weeks things continue to deteriorate, and I started having pretty significant pain on my right side. A few days ago, it became clear I could not keep going as I was so with some "urging" from family and a close friend I went to the ER on Thursday. I was admitted and have spent the past several days getting some testing and a procedure to try and figure out exactly what is going on and how to move forward. I came home today with some new medications and some new questions. The plan is to give the new meds and procedure a few weeks to see if they help and continue to have some more testing outpatient. 

I am praying and believing this is just a bump in the road and I am going to be back to eating and enjoying my amazing life soon. I appreciate anyone that would join me in praying for answers and healing.

Ali

A Champion Again

 We are only 11 days into the new year and already Maddy has competed in her first horse show! This show is very different and a bit special. Most of the shows that we compete in are Breed association shows that choose to include some EWD (Equestrians with Disabilities) and Veteran Classes. This show is a show that is only for EWD riders and veterans. We moved the horses in on Monday and Maddy Moo competed Tuesday and Wednesday. She rode beautifully and when all was said and done, she came home with three blue ribbons, three belt buckles and a medal for being the hi point champion in her division (Walk Independent). While I am always happy for her when she wins it is mostly because it is a reward the incredibly hard work she puts in at the barn week after week. But this week there were several other accomplishments that truly were the Champion moments. 

Our past several weeks at the barn have been a little rough so our primary goal for this show was for her to have a positive attitude all week. Not only was her attitude exceptional, but this was the first show ever where she didn't shed any tears. She usually cries because she is so nervous, so this was a huge accomplishment and a sign that she is growing and maturing. 

But even better than that...this show places an emphasis on sportsmanship, team unity and treating everyone with respect and kindness. because that is a focus they award two champion center awards at the end of the show to the two teams that most displayed these characteristics. As a new center, we won the Reserve Champion Center Award out of 16 centers competing. This is so special as we try to shine a light and honor God in all we say and do as a team. To be recognized for being a team that shows excellent sportsmanship is exactly what we want to be known for. It was the perfect culmination of an amazing week.

These accolades don't happen without a lot of hard work and dedication and support. There are so many people who are a part...

First and foremost, Tammi for everything she does for Maddy and her teammates. She pours her heart and soul into her riders. She dedicates so much time, effort and love to this program and is an extremely talented coach on top of it all. I cannot imagine our lives without this special woman in it.

To the other coaches and volunteers: Sarah, Savannah, Anna, Haley, Judy, Jess, Angie and Sammie- your love and kindness and all you do to make these riders feel special never goes unnoticed. You give of your time, your love and your special gifts to make this program better. THANK YOU!

To Jeannie and Dawn- Thank you for opening your heart and home to us. Without you opening your doors there would be no Living Hope. But not only did you give us a beautiful place to call home, but you are a constant source of encouragement and knowledge. I am so grateful for all the ways you pour into Moo and show her what it means to be an equestrian and a trainer. 

To Joy- my friend there are not enough words to say what you mean to us. Sharing your girls with us was the ultimate gift. Without a doubt PD is Maddy's heart horse and we are so grateful for her. But beyond the horses you travel to our shows, cheer us on, and continue to give to the program. You are a blessing my friend. 

And last but not least, to Maddy's teammates and the other families- Thank you for all the ways you encourage and support Maddy. I cannot imagine a greater gift as a mom than to see your child thrive because they know they are loved. I watched this week as Maddy was comfortable and herself in a way we rarely see outside our home. She chatted, she laughed, she played, she explored. She never once clung to me. You all know what a huge change this is from a year ago. Thank you for the gift of a barn family that loves my child and wants her to succeed and can be a nervous wreck in the stands with me as we all want to see our riders succeed! How very lucky we are to be a team.

God is so good. I am so grateful to live this life and see miracles and blessings in front of me each day.

Ali