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