Austin had his first evening of equine therapy yesterday. We all weren't sure what to expect from therapy or what to expect from Austin and what he may think. Well, you just never know...Austin loved it. I thought he would hate the riding helmet he has to wear, but he made no fuss over it. We thought maybe he would cry because it may be scary to him, but not at all he smiled and rode tall the whole time. Even the owner was quite surprised and happy with Austin's response. What we learned is that physical, emotional and mental awards are achieved working around and riding horses. This therapy is helpful in developing balance, coordination and strength in riders with disabilities. It also promotes independence and self-confidence as riders learn to ride and care for these horses in a friendly and supportive environment. Finally this equine therapy provides recreational opportunities to many individuals for whom such opportunities are severely limited. Are hopes for Austin are that he enjoys it and maybe it will open up more doors for his brain.

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Austin is a WALKING MACHINE! We are so happy (and drained) that Austin is mobile. The best part of it all....he does it on his own. He is so proud of himself as are we. We enjoy watching Austin discover his new found freedom. Austin continues to do well in school. We hope to be starting hippotherapy (horse therapy) within the next few weeks. After talking with the trainer, we think this will be another great compliment to all the other therapies that Austin is doing. Stay tuned for more.

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It was a rough start after we returned home for Montreal. It all started with a 24 hour hospital stay for Austin for non stop crying and not being able to console him as he screamed in pain and hit his head with his hands. After 5 weeks of the same stuff he finally got diagnosed with migrains. After several doctor visits and no answers his wonderful neurologist Dr. N, came up with diagnosis and prescribed him some medicine and now we have our happy Austin back. Needless to say that was a very rough time for all four of us.

Now here we are three weeks into school and Austin is doing wonderful. He has a very long day. He gets picked up at 0815 and doesn't get home till 4:40. We were quite worried it would be too long for him and that he would hate to sit in his wheelchair for so long, but we were wrong, he is doing great. It's mom that is having the hard time. I took Austin to school the first day and as I'm driving through the school parking lot to find a spot, and being unsuccessful the first time around I thought, "It's a sign, Austin is supposed to come back home with me", tears started rolling down my face. I said to myself "I will try one more time to find a spot" and low and behold there it was, a spot right in front of the school office.
As I got Austin out of the car and finally found his teacher, I realized that this was a good place for Austin to be. There were lots of kids lined up on the sidewalk in their wheelchairs, just like Austin. Finally a place that had children similar to Austin. He was in good company. The staff was very welcoming and embraced Austin like they have known him forever. I left with tears, and had the longest day of my life in a long time. Anticipated everytime the phone rang that it was the school calling to tell me that Austin was crying and miserable and I should come pick him up. The phone never rang and Austin finally came home at the end of the day on the bus, with the same stoic look I left him at school with. The teacher gives a great, detailed log everyday of how Austin's day went. After three weeks of school, I am learning how to utilize my time better everyday, and worry a little less each day. I now know Austin has good care and is surrounded by children similar to him in all ways. It is going to be a good experience for us all. Although Austin's day is long, he never ceases to amaze us with his energy level and how active he remains when he comes home. Austin's teacher says that he is the only walking one in the class and the only one that can eat by mouth, so he keeps himself and everyone really busy. They have learned quickly that nothing is safe when within Austin's reach. Austin is walking independently at school and with help. Has learned to climb up on the changing table. They say they are working with him to get up and stand up on a step stool to wash his hands (which shouldn't be too hard, since Austin is a magnet to water). He is learning to ride a tricycle. Everyone is working on communication with Austin through picture cards. We hope to get some type of Aucom device for Austin so he can press buttons that say words for him so he can communicate in that way. One of Austin's therapists feel that after working with him that he may suffer from Apraxia. It is just her hunch and not an official diagnosis.

Austin shows us everyday of the endless possibilites that he has. We are so excited and we enjoy that everyone can share his journey with us through his blog. Hope you enjoy the pictures and Austin walking alone on the slippery tile.

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Days 9 & 10
Well we can't believe our trip is over. It has been a wonderful two weeks of therapy for Austin and what an amazing place to say we visited. Yesterday was St. Jean Baptist Day. The entire providence of Quebec drops whatever they are doing to participate in the festivities. The holiday is the most important one of the summer. It is also known as being an extremely poplular drinking day. Similar to New Years Eve. We got to enjoy the evening in the Old Port of Montreal. It had a very European feel and was so neat to see. Austin was a little emotional at therapy today, and after Ramon feeling bad and thinking it was something he was doing, Bill told him "it wasn't him, Austin was just sad that today was his last day with him for awhile." Ramon got a good chuckle, and business went on as usual. This afternoon Zach got emotional because Austin was crying and he said "he didn't like to see his brother upset and crying." What a great big brother. After some explanation Zach understood and wanted Austin to be able to do the things we take for granted on a daily basis. Bill and I noticed that while out here, Austin seems to be more alert, more in tune to his surroundings. He was very curious and made great eye contact for communication. Just another great thing about the CME therapy. It really gets Austin's brain working and communicating. We are so grateful that Austin had this opportunity to come to Montreal to see Ramon. We have made our reservations with Ramon to go see him in Santiago from March 14-25 2011. In the mean time Bill has been given great instructions to follow to keep up this wonderful therapy at home. We will be departing tomorrow to go back home to Phoenix.

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