It’s been a long time since I shared a blog. Finding a place to start feels impossible; so much has happened! Here’s an update on Ryder and the family.

Ryder is 15 now and in 10th grade. He attends a specialized program at a community high school, where he is supported by staff at a 2:1 ratio. He has 6 kids in his class. He is bussed door to door, and wears a harness to allow him to be safely clipped in. Though he is non-verbal, Ryder is friendly and social, and has friends throughout his school. Ryder wears AFOs (leg braces) which help him to walk. He also uses a transport chair, or stroller, as required. Ryder loves to go for drives, ride his adapted bike, explore, read books and go for boat rides in the summer. He is currently enrolled in a Learn to Ride program for people with special needs, during which he bikes laps around an indoor track. We are waiting to find out if Ryder will be approved for horse back riding, and hope he can start that soon. The issue is his Epilepsy, recent seizure activity, and horse safety. Ryder also participates in swimming throughout the year. He’s regularly busy with doctor’s appointments, and is also doing Physiotherapy for his mobility issues.

Just over a year and a half ago, Ryder began to lose mobility and the ability to walk. He can now walk only when supported. We’re working closely with doctors to try to understand why this is happening and to help him regain mobility. Watching Ryder lose the ability to walk independently has been heart breaking. He worked so hard to walk, then run. He loved to be free. It’s been hard, but we know we need to support Ryder in the best way that we can. To allow him more freedom, Ryder has been fitted for a walker, which he will receive soon. I was thrilled to see Ryder walk with the walker he will be getting! He will also be fitted for a wheelchair shortly. Ryder requires the use of a wheelchair when he is tired or walking long distances. We hope that with the right equipment, Ryder will be able to participate fully at school and in the community.

Ryder’s Epilepsy has been giving him some trouble as of late, as we’re seeing seizure activity almost daily, but we’re working with his neurologist to get seizures under control. Ryder’s feeding issues continue to be a challenge, though his vomiting has decreased and his food intake has gone up. He struggles with low body weight, so we’re constantly trying to increase calories. Chewing and swallowing can be difficult for Ryder, but he loves to eat. We’ll see a dietician in the next few months to see if they have more suggestions for us. We’ve seen many over the years, but haven’t recently, so it’s worth a try. Ryder’s medication management continues to be a job in itself, but he is healthy in the grand scheme of things.

Ryder’s sister, Hayley, is now 9 years old and in 4th grade. She’s smart, kind, and funny. She’s a great sister, even though she has a strict rule that Ryder is not allowed in her bedroom. She regularly helps her brother, and plays with him. She’s currently busy with play dates, sketching, reading, art class, softball, piano lessons, and figure skating. Hayley goes to a Spanish bilingual school, where she thrives and enjoys school.

I faced my own health crisis in 2022/23. The mom ship went down. I always thought there was no way the family could survive without me, but they did. We made it through. It was an incredibly challenging year for us, but we stuck together, and with the help of family and friends, we persevered. My recovery has been a bit slow, but steady. I’ve returned to fitness; running, working out in our home gym, doing hot yoga, and playing soccer. This is the second time I’ve sat down to write in almost a year. I’m slowly feeling like myself again.

Life is good for our family. We moved to a beautiful new home in 2022; the bungalow we always wanted, on a quiet street. Our lake property continues to flourish, and we spend as much time out there as possible in the summer months. We’re lucky to have a happy place to escape to. Tyson has been flying for Westjet for 17 years. He loves his job. I’m fortunate to continue to be a full-time stay at home Mom, and no, I am never, ever bored. We’re surrounded by the support of family and friends. Our kids are our world. We love watching them learn, live, and grow. When I start to get down or feel defeated, I try to think about these things. We have so much to be thankful for!

I think that’s the big stuff. We’ve been through some tough times, but we made it to the other side. As for right now, I’m 4 cups of coffee in and it’s time to get cleaning.

Thanks for reading xo