Sunday, January 26, 2025

The Frozen Tundra - Week of Jan. 20th

Quote: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." 

Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke about love and brotherhood, encouraging people to think of others — including "enemies" — like family. He believed love, rather than violence and hatred, is the answer to the world's problems. 

What we can do: When someone treats you poorly, try to treat them well in return. Use your energy to love yourself and help others.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, school was not in session for Cam on Monday.  We talked about his legacy and how important it is to help others.

Due to a crazy snowstorm and cold snap, school was canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday.  Luckily for our high school student, the cancellations were announced the night before for each of the closures.  Cameron's parents, however, can always access work activities with available technology.  Cam kept himself busy during the three homebound days. Chris and Jane checked in with him periodically in between their meetings.

Chris can make us laugh even when he isn't trying to.  For a family Christmas gift, he purchased a robotic floor cleaner.  He had placed Cam's shoes on the leg lifts so that the robot (which we named "McClean") wouldn't have any issues with the obstacle.  When Jane and Cam saw the setup, they could not stop laughing!

We dined on Olive Garden takeout (thanks to Auntie Karen's Christmas gift card) Saturday evening in preparation for adaptive skiing on Sunday.  

Sunday's weather conditions could not have been better!  The sunshine boosted everyone's energy and Cam had the most ski runs down the slope ever. 😀

We were happy to have a visit with 'big sis' Lauren when we returned home from the Cannonsburg ski hill.  Cam commented how tired he was from the week to which his dad commented, "Oh that's right. The two days of school you had must have been really exhausting!"

Camology Quotes:

When Cam was younger, we always encouraged him to explain himself by telling us and explaining as much as he could.  It's funny how sometimes he'll say something that his parents used to use as a comment with their son.  When Jane asked Chris about an afternoon snack and there was no response, Cam interjected:

"I guess Dad doesn't want anything. He's not using his words."

Sunday, January 19, 2025

I Have A Question - Week of Jan. 13th

"Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.” ~Erma Bombeck
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” ~Oscar Wilde

In the Weatherford household, it was Jane's turn for travel.  She flew out Monday afternoon to Philadelphia and arrived back in Grand Rapids on Thursday before dinner.  Chris and his son had some 'guy time' in the evenings.

Cam has always been curious.  As his vocabulary increased, so did his inquires.  Perhaps his most-used expression is "I Have a Question" which originated at school.  As with many school-related things, this phrase has permeated his life outside of an educational setting.  

Even in casual conversation at home, Cameron will still pop in with "I have a question" to initiate his query. There are certain tv shows that we record to watch with Cam.  Whenever he hears a word or grouping of words that is unfamiliar, his common phrase is heard.  This week, Cam's list included, but was not limited to questions about the following terms: Decisive, hypochondriac and safecracking.  The most impressive thing to Jane and Chris is that once their son understands the word or phrase, he will use it appropriately moving forward.

Sunday afternoon, we were back at Cannonsburg for the second adaptive skiing session.  

Since we worked through all of issues on our first outing, the multiple treks down the slope were super smooth.  Our amazing volunteers were in full force.  Mr. Jim navigated Cam down the ski hill while Ms. Jessie and Cam's parents acted as blockers to ensure safety for everyone. 

It was incredibly cold as the temperatures only reached 15 degrees.  The sun appeared momentarily but it wasn't enough to warm our fingers and toes.

Later that afternoon, back at home, we all relaxed and covered up in blankets.  It was time to get warm again!

Camology Quotes:

Saturday morning, Cam had one of his longest sleep-ins ever.  He didn't wake up until 9am!  Sunday morning was a later morning again and he excitedly shouted:

"I can't believe I did it again!"

Sunday, January 12, 2025

That's Wicked Skiing! - Week of Jan. 6th

"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." ~Molière 
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." ~Martin Luther King Jr.
"Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict." ~William Ellery Channing 
"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other." ~Walter Elliot

People will often comment that Cam is always happy and smiling.  That is totally true, for the most part. Cameron is more tuned into his life than ever before.  When something is off-kilter, it can turn up the anxiety.  When multiple things aren't right, it can really flip your world upside down.  This was a challenging week, for sure, so we were thankful it ended on a high note.

Cam has been experiencing muscle tightness in his left leg.  We consulted with his docs and had x-rays done Thursday evening.  There was nothing discovered and after further discussions with his physical therapist, Patrick, he indicated that it might be due to the lack of swimming therapy.  Cam hasn't been in the pool since late November due to his instructor being on medical leave.  We will resume pool therapy in less than 2 weeks and are hopeful it resolves the issue.  In the meantime, Chris had a couple of trips to Indiana for work.  

The weekend was a welcome relief for Cam to sleep in and have some relaxation time.  He broke his previous "sleep-in" record and didn't wake up until 9am on Saturday.  We had planned to have a movie afternoon with best bud, Brody and his mom, Jenny.  We decided to purchase the movie "Wicked" instead of seeing it in the theater due to the length of the film and wanting Cameron to be able to relax on the couch stretched out.

Cam couldn't wait to show his new handicap door buttons to his guests!  They were very impressed.  One of the best parts of watching a movie at home is the ability to take multiple breaks.  Brody loves hide and seek, so one round was played between the boys.

We made popcorn and enjoyed treats that Jenny brought.  We all really liked the movie and agreed that it was easier to watch in the comfort of our living room, with blankets for everyone.  It was decided this should be a monthly occurrence on repeat!

Sunday morning, Chris was on his way to Indiana again.  Cam and Jane ate an early lunch and readied themselves for the first session of adaptive skiing at Cannonsburg.  

Winter has settled in and the cooler temps have kept everything snow covered.  The ASAWM (Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan) provides the equipment and volunteers.  Cameron's assigned team of Jim, his daughter Aliya and med student, Jessie, were all ready to assist.

It was chilly and the first session always has a learning curve with the equipment and snow depth.  On the first run down, Cameron tipped over, but persevered and kept on going.  We made four more runs before our time with the group was completed.  Jane asked Cam if he was doing ok and he mentioned his feet were cold.  Upon arrival home, Cam's mom realized what an understatement that was.  Cameron's socks were soaked all the way through!  As always, his ability to lean towards the positive aspect was present as he and his mom laughed indicating that next week, perhaps three pairs of socks would be in order!

Camology Quotes:

Saturday morning, we were looking forward to watching our movie later and Chris wanted to begin the day with a bit of humor.  He told Cam that it was wicked cool that you slept in that long and wicked weird too.  His son comically responded:

"Dad, you are wicked funny and wicked awesome!"

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Welcome 2025! - Week of Dec. 30th

"The need for accessibility extends far beyond the basic perception of disability. Designing information technology, learning environments, physical and social spaces with accessibility is essential to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to meaningfully engage and thrive." ~University of Washington, Disability Inclusion-Why It Matters

For Cameron, accessible spaces can be elusive.  Some places are easy to enter in a power wheelchair, while others are most definitely not.

One of Cam's favorite Christmas presents was definitely the handicap buttons for our door leading from the house to the garage.  We knew that the set up of the new handicap buttons would be challenging, but we also knew that the lasting impact it would have for Cam was the goal.  

Over the course of two days totaling close to 8 hours of work, Chris and neighbor Dave, along with Cam completed the installation.  

The entire door needed to be removed and the frame adjusted at the top of the door.  Power was added to the ceiling, which was a requirement.  The mechanism itself was tricky to configure but the team made it happen.  Perhaps the best part of the entire package was the ability to install the actual buttons anywhere since they are wirelessly connected.  Going out into the garage, Cam's button is on the wall away from the door to make it easier to access.  Coming in from the garage, it is right next to the door.  The delay mechanism was configurable for automatic door closure after x seconds.  

Jane has found it to be incredibly helpful while bringing in groceries.  Cameron has gained a new sense of independence being able to easily exit and enter without any assistance!
Ringing in the New Year was uneventful for our family as we stayed in and barely made it to midnight.  Cameron chose to follow his normal routine and asked us to record the countdown.

Since Cam was still enjoying his winter break, Ms. Amanda came over at the end of the week.  She and Cam exchanged presents.  Amanda gave her buddy a new Guess Who game with land and sea animals.  We had no idea this version existed and it has been one of Cam's all-time favorite games!

Over the weekend, Chris and son made bread in one of Jane's Christmas gifts, a KitchenAid mixer.  All of the different attachments certainly come in handy and it is so much easier to use versus the hand mixer.  The outcome was two delicious loaves of homemade goodness.  

While Chris attended volunteer duties for adaptive skiing, Jane and Cam went through their holiday cards and refreshed the magnet board with the 2024 card pictures that were received.  It's fun to see all of our peeps on a daily basis and be reminded that the old-fashioned tradition (Cam's perception) of sending cards still exists.

Camology Quotes:

Cameron has been experiencing some leg tightness since early December and we've been trying to pinpoint the cause.  At Cam's PT appointment, it was determined that the muscle change may be due to the absence of his pool therapy since late November due to the instructor being on medical leave.  Cam's immediate comment was:  "Who knew not being in the pool every week could be this detrimental?!"