Bindi and The Columbus Clippers

We really enjoyed our day at the ballpark watching the Columbus Clippers.

Bindi has been doing really well at home helping with ABR therapy at home. She has been really struggling with her nerves when we are out and about. So much so that our trainer came last week to help me out. He said I was giving her negative reinforcement and to try and ignore her when we are doing outside the home and to tell her a stern NO.

Dale said to give her about 2-3 months and if she doesn't settle that he could switch her with a different dog. He said remember she is a working dog not a pet. That could be true but we have really grown to love her. I can't imagine what Noah would do....

I'm happy to report that Bindi do so well with the changes that she did much better today in church and at the ball field. She gave me hope....  She is the sweetest dog and really wants to do good.

Noah's Guardians

 

On Thursday Sept. 22nd. we became Noah's guardian's. We were just glad that Noah was home from the hospital and we didn't have to leave him in Cleveland. Thank you Scott for sticking by me through it all. We make a pretty good team.

Because You've Got Me and I've Got You

 

You miss the things I haven't done,
the goals not scored, or races won.
The steps my feet have never walked,
the words my lips have never talked.
In my wide eyes you know my fear.
You take my hand and hold me near.
In children, all around you see,
the child that I may never be.
Not so able, tough or agile,
often tired and much more fragile.
You see the tears I've often cried,
and cried them with me, side by side.
Your heart is heavy for my trials,
but you wear it well, with weathered smiles.
I know that you know, I am enough.
But I know the bad days can be tough.
You thank the world for giving me to you,
but you're sad for all I cannot do.
And not because you feel let down my me,
but you can't help wonder how I'd be.
If I could do what other do

like ride a bike or run to you.

You think of all the things I'll miss: 

                               first love. first date, first kiss                                                         

 Yet here I am, as I should be,
  not missing out on being me.

Do not fret or worry so, 

                               and make your spirit tired with woe.                                                                              

 And when those nights are feeling longer,
  lean on me until you're stronger.
  Hold my little hand in yours,
   peacefully we'll pass the hours.
    For all we have is one another,
 special child and care worn mother.

 Nothing matters more you see,
  than seeing all the life in me.
   I don't need to be able to,
   do the things that others do.
     See the words I do not say,
  in the smiles I give you everyday.
  When I'm tired let me rest,
  with my little head against your chest.
  And for that moment in that peace,
     let your loving worries cease.
  Look at what I can achieve

and celebrate me, do not grieve.
 Please do not be sad because,
  I'm not that child I never was.
    Different isn't less you know,
  and you're the one who told me so.
   Some days will be hard to take,

             and you'll feel as though your heart might break.                                                                               

But we'll bounce back, we always do. 

 Because you've got me and I've got you

*Author Unknown

Noah's Graduation

When we set out on this adventure with Noah, the idea of him graduating from high school seemed something that we would most likely not see. Just like the idea of watching him play sports. Shelby has been the best community to raise Noah in. He has experienced great things in his life. He went to Washington DC with his classmates. Seeing him being carried in his chair up the stairs of Lincoln monument was so heart warming. He has been including in many things with his classmates. Including getting a letter in basketball. What a night that was. We've always wanted Noah's classmates to know Noah was a part of them. With that being said, Noah graduated with the Class of 2016 from Shelby High School.

At first he wasn't real sure what was going on when I took him to his designated room before graduation.

Watching him come in with the rest of his class was beyond anything I could have imagined. Our little guy has put his  mark on this world. It truly gave me goose bumps and yes it made me cry.

During graduation practice I apologized to the young man that sat beside Noah. I let him know that Noah may give him a back massage during graduation. He told me that he was ok with that and not to worry. He was not only okay with Noah sitting beside him but during the graduation he would lean over and talk to Noah when he would get upset. It was so heartwarming to see. Thanks Dylan....

  Noah receiving his diploma with the biggest smile on his face. I had my eyes set on Noah and heard all the applause for him and was told later that he had a standing ovation. Wow....  Shelby has been the best little town to raise Noah in. We couldn't have done it without all of you supporting us. Noah is so loved.....

Scott and I are so proud to be Noah's Mom and Dad.

The day wouldn't have been complete without our kissing picture.

  

Noah, God put you on this Earth for a reason. You have changed all of us for the better. The world and our lives wouldn't be the same without you.

Happy Trisomy 8 Day

When Noah was diagnosed with Trisomy 8 seventeen years ago it felt like our world had come crashing down around us. We were told our little baby boy would probably not live very long and he would probably be a vegetable. Yes, Noah can't walk or talk, but he is far from a vegetable. He is a happy well loved young man that just turned 18 years old. We have experienced more joy and love than we ever thought possible and it's not about what he can't do, it's all about what he can.

There is a long list of characteristics for Trisomy 8. Noah doesn't have any of them. So we believe he suffers more from his CP then his trisomy. 

The extra chromosome that Noah got just made him awesome.

God didn't make a mistake, he just made Noah extra special.

A Perfect Night

 At one time I thought the perfect night for Noah would be going to a school dance with a "typical" girl from school. It would show he truly fit in right? But actually he would probably  still be seen as the boy in a wheelchair and not just Noah.

Noah made it clear to me that he wanted to go to the dance and he wanted to ask his friend Paige from his class. So Noah and I made a sign so he could ask her to homecoming.

He was happy she said yes. For 2 weeks I got to see a very happy girl every morning when I would take Noah to school. Paige was so excited that her friend Noah and her were going to a dance together.

I got to witness the coolest moment between two friends.  He went to homecoming with someone who sees Noah as a true friend. Not a boy in a wheelchair, in fact I can almost guarantee Paige doesn't even see Noah's chair. Paige sees Noah as just a boy, a boy that happens to be her friend. Noah's night couldn't have been anymore perfect.

Thanks Paige for being Noah's friend.

Sometimes It's Really Hard

Sometimes it's really hard not to think about what Noah would be like if he was born without his disability. Most days I feel very blessed to have Noah just the way he is. There are other days like recently, that I wonder what he would be like or who his friends would have been. Noah is 17 years old and would be a junior in high school. I can only imagine what things he would be interested in or enjoy doing. Recently I got on a committee with other high school junior parents that are planning the after prom. I did this to get myself out of the house and also so that the other parents and his peers would come to realize that Noah is a part of them. Even though he is small for his age and can't walk or talk he is still part of them.This is what got me thinking about what Noah would be like without his disability. What group of friends would he be going to the prom with and more importantly who would be his date. I thought about asking someone to go with him but I didn't want him to be a burden to the person he went with. I so want him to really feel like someone his age but that is so hard sometimes. My heart aches for him. I truly believe that Noah understands everything   around him and I want him to be able to experience life just like any other teenager and not miss out on anything just because he has a disability.

Noah, you mean the world to me and I love you just the way you are.

My Daddy, My Hero

 

My Daddy, My Hero

Before I was even a twinkle in your eye.

God picked you to be my Daddy

He fashioned my body with a reason and a purpose

and He knew I needed you to help me through this life.

He knew I'd need your strong arms to carry me when I couldn't walk.

He knew I'd need your fun laugh to cheer me when I was sad.

He knew you'd sit with me for hours and cuddle with me, when I was sick.

He knew I would thrive as you shared with me your love of   monsters and music.

He knew Mommy needed a strong shoulder to cry on to support her through tough times.

I do know that Daddies get frustrated sometimes......

because they want to "fix" things and make the bad times "go away"

that's the way God mad Daddies!!

I know know that you will always be my biggest fan.

You'll always be my hero.

We're a good team, you and me.

I'm teaching you about God and His eternal perspective.

You're teaching me to enjoy life and our our journey her on Earth.

We've both learned to be thankful for the little things in life.

You and Mommy don't take any of my accomplishments and milestone for granted.

I revel in the pride that shines form yur adoring eyes.

I know that I can try anything if I set my mind to it.

As long as you are behind me to cheer me on catch me when I fall.

I see glimpses of my Heavenly Father in your eyes....

the love the pride, the pain and the unconditional acceptance.

I am whole and perfect in your eyes.

I am handsome and charming in your eyes.

You don't care that I may not be just like other little boys.....

That's why you love me so much!!!

One thing is for sure.....

I have you wrapped around my little finger and I won't ever let you go.

Thank you for loving me for who I am and for guiding me towards Heaven.

I know you can't wait until we can walk hand in hand but if  I am not able 

I look forward to the day when I am holding your hand and God's hand

and we are walking together into the sunrise of forever.....

Love, Noah

*Author Unknown 

3-8 Trisomy 8 Awareness Day

                                             

I Love As Much As You

I Love As Much As You

I anticipated complaining of a waking baby.

Not of being grateful he's able to wake at all.

I anticipated the wonder of time rushing past.

Not of reflecting on milestones so small.

I anticipated crying at immunizations and bumps while leaning his way.

Not of agonizing  at more test, specialist and word of more delays.

I anticipated choices over preschool, clothes and scout troops.

Not of choices between hospitals, specialist and finding a support group.

I anticipated loving him, enjoying his independence from me soon.

Not loving him so much I'd want to keep him sheltered in my cocoon.

I anticipated health and perfection when my baby was inside,thinking

Anything less would be tragic.

But now that he is here, my special son had worked some kind of magic.

I anticipated anger and disappointment at this fate;

Not the joy and growth and knowledge that have become mine as of late.

I anticipated something different, that is certainly true;

But that's because I never could have anticipated one I love as much as you.

Kathleen Hoppe; August 1995



Nothing is Stopping Us Now

                                

Look out world here comes Noah.

                                

                               

Thanks to Noah's earth angels The Porter's we have a handicap accessible van.

                               

This is going to make our life so much easier.

                               

Can't wait to explore the world with Noah.

                                

When we were getting out of the van, Noah was talking and making happy noises all the way into the house.



                               

I asked Noah if he loves his new van, he gave me a big happy "Yes!"

Noah's Class is on the Move

Noah's class was presented with a really cool golf cart yesterday. The golf cart was made possible thanks to the effort of their teacher Kelly Zakrasjsek, a generous donation from Angela Philips and the volunteer work of Mike and Sandy Hershiser.

 His teacher Ms Zak got the idea of a golf cart in the spring. She wanted a easier way to get out and about around the school and the community.

 It"s decked out with grey pin striping and whippet dogs.

 Richland Newhope donated harnesses for the kids that needed extra help with support and Noah's old car seat was strapped on so he could ride too.

 Now the kids in Noah's class can be chauffeured around the community by any of the teachers or helpers in his class. "The whole idea was to get them out of the classroom and with typical people as much as they can. People look at them and they're afraid of them, they're afraid to touch them or shake their hand or just talk to them. This makes them more typical when people see them out not always in their wheelchairs and out doing stuff.." Ms. Zak via Shelby Daily Globe

 

 

 

Look for Noah and his class around town and make sure to say Hi.