I decided it was about time I posted a positive update on Ryan. There are always plenty of discouraging things to write about it seems. But, there are also some very good things happening too! For the second time in the past few weeks, Ryan has scored the highest on his test out of every freshman math class! He was very proud of his acomplishments; as we all were. Math was not my best subject in school. So, I'm hoping he continues to do well in this subject! He seems to be enjoying highschool. Getting A's or B's in all of his classes. Having a child who is so limited is very difficult at times. But, it does have its positive sides too. I really never have to worry about him staying out late with a friend, skipping class or even smoking! It would be pretty hard to skip class having a nurse with you at all times. LOL However, it also has its downsides too as you can imagine. Peers are less likely to approach him at school. Partly due to the 300 pound electric wheelchair they see. But, also because Ryan never goes anywhere without his nurse by his side. When he was younger, it wasn't a big deal. But, now that he's older and his peers are older, they are wanting more and more privacy and independance from adults. Speaking of Ryan's nurse. We just love her. She is amazing!! We hope to keep her throughout the remainder of Ryan's school years!
Wow! Good looks and brains. Way to go Ryan! You're an inspiration to us.
ReplyDeleteLora, I hope you don't mind my unsolicited advice, but have you looked into getting a ceiling lift to get Ryan safely and more easily into the bathtub? Our insurance paid for ours (a whopping price of 20+K). We have a ceiling tract that extends from Joseph's bed to the bathroom. We've had ours for 3 years now, although during the past few months we haven't been putting Joseph in the tub because OUR backs and knees hurt whenever we lean into the tub to give him a bath. Here in Louisiana, too, there's a state program that could have paid for some renovation in the bathroom as long as it is for sole use of the child. We tried to get into it but they required detailed estimate of labor and materials (down to how many screws, etc. it will take) from 3 contractors. We ended up not taking advantage of it because we could only find one contractor willing to write down detailed estimate. Anyway, maybe your state has a similar program. It's not supposed to consider the family's income. Okay, I have rambled on. Have a nice weekend.
Of course I don't mind your advice. :) We hadn't done much to our current home in regards to modifying the bathroom as we had planned to build again. (our current home, we also built when Ryan was only 5 but didn't plan too far ahead like we should have!) So, the bathroom isn't modified. Since it looks like we won't be building for a while, we will probably have to change our shower. We hope to get a roll in shower. That would hopefully save our backs from having to lean over and he would be more comofortable as well. We do have assistance through the state. It's just a matter of seeing what they will allow!
ReplyDelete