Duncan Family Adventure

When I named this blog several years ago I never really thought about it too much.  I thought, well, that's catchy and cute!  Looking back, it fits!  It's perfect!  Man, has our life (meaning, since Doug and I married) been an adventure!  We have had many peaks and valleys along the way but now the path is more visable  than it's ever been.  Life is an adventure!  I don't ever want my life to be regular or plain.  Go to work....pay the bills.... Feed the kids....and so on.  Make a difference! Be different!  Make everyday an adventure!  

That's an old photo of Doug and I on our honeymoon, it's one of my favorites!  I laugh everytime I see it!  One more thing, don't forget to laugh at yourself.  

The Waiting Year

GOODBYE 2011!
After pondering and reflecting over the last year, I have entitled 2011 "the waiting year". Here is why...
January 2011- We toss around the idea of doing CI (constraint induced) Therapy for Abram. Had his left hand fitted for a removable cast that he would wear 23 hours a day. Waited for the right time to begin.
We missed spring ball sign up for Asher :( so we had to wait until fall ball.
February 2011- We went to a Spasticity clinic at Children's. Found out that Abram needed surgery. Waited a month before I got the nerve to call and set up a date.
March 2011- Asher is regressing in his learning at school. He is STRUGGLING.

I never finished this post, it's still not finished.  Never really wanted to.  I'll post for the heck of it.  

I don't blog because it hurts.

This might not be the happiest blog I ever write.  But it is the truth.  I want people to know how it really is.  Recently a high school friend sent me a message on FB encouraging me, it was great!  So nice to have someone you haven't spoken with in years take time out of there day to tell you that they were praying for you.  She wrote "I am encouraged by you and your strong spirit".  When I read it I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.  STRONG?!  BAHAHAHA  I lose it on a weekly daily hourly basis!  I question GOD!  I get mad at GOD!  (gasp!  oh the blasphemy!)  I get jealous when I see other moms and there children are "normal".  I ask "WHY ME?!"  EXAMPLE:  Abram had pre-op on Tuesday at Childrens Hospital.  When we got there I put him in his wheelchair, which he quickly complained about and said "No, Mommy stroller!"  As I begin wheeling him to the elevator he is dragging his arms.  I should have known better, white shirts and wheelchairs DON'T MIX!  "Abram hold your arms up."  I must had said that 100 times that day.  By the time we get to clinic 3 his pretty white shirt has black sleeves.  Figures.  SO, we wait for Dr. Oakes and wait.  Right as Dr. Oakes walks in, he greets Abram.  Abram says hello and then turns to me and says "Mommy I poop".  WONDERFUL!  The man we came and waited to see has finally come to our room only for it to slowly be filled with a nasty green haze.  Then Dr. Oakes proceeds to tell me that he is not concerned but WORRIED for Abram after the surgery.  The thoughts inside my head- "What?!!! Why are we here?!  #*@!$^&*  You are the one who told us if he didnt have the surgery he would never walk!!!" screaming "AAAHHHHH!"  I listened quietly to Dr. GOD Oakes (because he thinks he is God) as he showed his concerns for Abram and his trunk support.  Now I know that Abram slumps, and his PT knows it too.  And this just means that after surgery he will have to work much harder.  Discouraged and now questioning our decision, I left to go up stairs to meet with anesthesia.  Met with them.  Now, only to have to go back DOWN stairs to do bloodwork.  Oh bloodwork.  I had to hold Abram down while he was screaming for his life.  Both of us were shaking and sweating.  Then we had to go back up stairs to the parking deck, we were both SO ready to get out of there!  As we are leaving all i can think about is "God, I DID NOT sign up for this!"  I was furious.  But then the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and convicted me.  I was quickly thankful that overall Abram is a healthy little 3 year old boy.  Who loves guns, robots and monster trucks.  And the hospital that was behind us, was filled with sick and possibly dieing children.  I dont want to despise the fact that Abram has a disability, or ignore it either!  May God keep me humble, to know that we are not the only family who has to deal with a disablility.  And may God keep Abram humble, to know that the world does not revolve around him.  Even though AT TIMES it does. 

Funeral Arrangements

Ha! If your reading this you might be wondering "who died?". Well, no one yet. Call me morbid but as I was trying sleep last night all I could think about was what would my funeral be like. I have always known that I wanted my funeral to different from a traditional funeral.
First and most importantly there will be NO open casket, if any casket at all. If it's possible all of my organs will be donated, EVERYTHING even my skin! I won't need any of it anyway. Aren't we promised a new body??? Heck Yes! I do want, lovely pictures of me and my family all around.
Second, no one is wearing black! Don't get me wrong, I love the color black. Its slimming! But not at my funeral, only bright colors! Everyone is to wear their favorite color.
Third, no crying people! I don't want sob stories, only fun stories of my past. I'm sure Doug can come up with something funny, he's so witty.
Fourth, Instead of a grave site afterwards I would prefer a reception. One with a chocolate fountain and fresh stawberries and bananas to dip into. With all of my favorite foods! We might need to get this catered.
Fithe, I want people to bring there kids with them. I also want every child to leave with a balloon and a goodie bag. And the balloons should be primary colors. There my favorite.

SO... That's about it!

Realize

First, let me start off by saying that I have broken little Asa's heart by sitting on the bed alone to write this blog. This post has been marinating in my brain for 2 weeks, it is time to get it out.

Twice a week Asher and Abram have been attending a land and water class at Lakeshore Foundation and they absolutely LOVE it! The physilities are incredible! People train for the Olympics here! (I keep hoping we might run into Micheal Phelps one day, just a thought). The class is for typical (meaning- children who do not have a disabily) and non-typical (meaning- children who do have a disability) children. Asher is one of the few, if not the only, "typical" child in the class. I thought I might have to have some sort of talk with him eventually about the other kids. But NO! He has never asked about any of the kids in the class. WOW! I love it! I love that my boys will grow up knowing that not everyone was born... (I hate using this word) perfect. Somedays I would give my life for Abram to be completely whole and other days I wouldn't change it for anything. After being at Lakeshore... I wouldn't change Abram one bit! I love being around some of the happiest kids on earth. They don't know that they are different! And neither does Asher!

After Abram was born, at first I was scared- (well SCARED doesn't really describe the feeling, but it will have to do) scared of his disability, his limitations. Then I realized what I was really scared of, it was his potential and that I would miss something that would help him reach it. That is why I/we (because this is a family journey) do everything we possibly can to help not just Abram but Asher and Asa James too, to reach there maximum potential in this short life.

I end with my new favorite quote, "Strength does not come from a physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.". -Gandhi

the Happenings

 Asher got new glasses, GREAT!  He is not real sure how he feels about them yet.  We have tried our best to keep it possitive and not say things like "sorry buddy you have to wear glasses for the REST OF YOUR LIFE!"  He keeps trying to find ways not to have them on, and has asked "do i have to wear them...
- while I am swimming?
- when i wrestle Daddy?
- in the car?
- while watching tv?
- when i sleep?
- and so on and so on...

This was graduation weekend.  Asher graduated from kindergarten on Friday and Abram graduated from The Bell Center on Sunday.  It was a very busy weekend!  Asher did great and looked adorable too!  Abram's graduation was the sweetest thing in the world!  At first, I thought whats the point?  He is turning 3 and leaving the program but now i get it.  The therapist, teachers and students devote SO much time and effort that they deserve a graduation.  The video below is Abram walking to get his diploma, get your tissues cause its a tear jerker!  Well, it was for us at least.  

I'm Just Not That Into You

Dear Blog,
I am writing to you only out of love but the truth must be told. Im just not that into you. I wish our time together was more enjoyable but sadly it is not. Although I lothe you... I will NOT quit on you. For better or worse, til death do us part. Just so you know, I am only in it for the children. I can only hope and pray that we can mend our relationship but I am just not happy with you.

Sincerely,
Laurie

It is true! I get nauseated when I think about this darn blog! But in some sick and torturous way... It somehow helps. Honesty. I can be honest and I can be real. I just hate be vulnerable and weak and that is just how this blog makes me feel. Ugh! I spit on you, blog! OK now let's hug and make up.

Enough of that... It's been a crazy (normal) week! Appointments or school stuff ALL week and the dryer broke then the fridge quit cooling. At one point yesterday the repair man was here and I stepped outside screamed to the top of my lungs, pulled a few chunkes of hair out then returned feeling much better. Be honest, you've been there too!

On a happy thought! Abram was accepted into Hand in Hand Early Learning Center! Not sure how we will pay for it (it's almost as much as our mortgage every month) so I applied for a scholarship. Special kids are especially expensive! But this school is THE best for kids with special needs. They also have typical kids as well, which I'm all about some inclusion. He will love it! I am so glad that Abram does SO well in a classroom setting, he thrives in it!

Well, I must wrap up since I have 3 minutes until the kiddos get up. Now let's hope the new milk in the fridge is cold instead of warm like yesterday morning.