Farewell Our Friend Andree

This week marks the final days of our Physio's career. She is retiring on Friday after over 30 years of treating our area's kids. I can't imagine the changes she has witnessed in her time, and the number of children she has seen arrive, grow, and succeed; each in their own way.

Andree has been with us for almost 5 years. To say I am sad about losing her is a huge understatement. Summer and I are fond of her both as an expert and also as a friend.

We have experienced many joyful moments together. Andree was present for Summer's first steps and many firsts for words and actions. I respect and admire her and she has taught me so much over the years. We've spent lots of time together in therapy sessions with Summer and at the orthopedic clinic. She has a keen eye and often picks up on nuances that are missed by me.

I explained to Summer that we will have a new physio because Andree is going to be a full-time Grandma, and I think she understands. We are fortunate to know our new physio through family activities and the transition will be seamless.

Andree, I know you will read this, I thank you, for your hands have guided us, literally and metaphorically, and we will miss you greatly.

Botox Aftermath

Summer received Botox on the 22nd of June. She has experienced significant 'spill over' from her forearm injections that has resulted in a major impact on her right hand strength and function. Her hand is pretty much useless at this point. Thankfully this is temporary and we are hoping it will return in a few months.

Her hand's appearance is also disheartening because you can see there is just no way that she can manipulate an object or do any fine motor activity. She has a difficult time even holding a piece of paper on the table so she can practice her printing, or stabilizing a bowl while she is eating. You can see in the picture below.


We are hoping to get her into see her OT before go on vacation so that she can give us some strategies to work on getting her strength back.

We were disappointed that this was the result, but in retrospect, we are pretty lucky that we did not combine a botox treatment with her annual CIT therapy period. That would have been a disaster if we casted her 'good hand'.

Hole in One!

Don and Summer went to mini-putt yesterday. Summer is home with him all week and it was about time for a change of scenery and some fun. They met me for lunch then it was off to 'the course'!

below, Summer executed a hole in one!

Let Summer Begin!

There is nothing like starting the summer with a long weekend. Summer's last day of school was Thursday. They celebrated with a 'teddybear picnic'.

On Canada Day we headed to Turtle Lake to camp with some friends. Summer and Don stayed over night (I headed home to get some rest for Sunday's Triathlon - I really don't like camping - so I was happy to get home to my own bed). Summer was thrilled to sleep in the tent and she even caught 3 fish. She was so excited.

On Sunday we headed to Trout Lake for the North Bay Triathlon. Summer and Don played in the park, conveniently located next to the 'transition area'. It was inspiring to hear her cheer for me, she's my biggest fan.

Afterward, we enjoyed lunch with friends and Summer and Grayden had a blast swimming on their beach.