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Back to school….
By Margot | March 23, 2010
A quick update since many are wondering how we are doing. Andy went back to school yesterday and was warmly received – he also got a report card and is doing 3rd grade math and 2nd grade reading and most of his scores were advanced so you can only imagine how tickled we are about his schoolwork. Most importantly, he’s seeming to adjust to life without Sam ok and though we know we have some work to do, we are thrilled that he is engaged in his life. Andy has the warmest smile and, like Sam, is friendly to everyone. He always plays 4-square after school with the same kids using an impossibly HUGE ball. I played with him yesterday and I could only use my butt to hit the ball – I only lasted 2 serves 🙂
Charlie resumed swimming lessons yesterday with his pal Jett. He loves the water and we can’t wait to have him in the pool as the weather continues to warm. Charlie won’t let me kiss him anymore – he wipes it off. He has been doing this for a few months or so and so I have to figure out how to kiss him and am trying “surprise kisses” and “super-glue kisses” which can’t be wiped off. His lip is recovering from the battle with the fire-hydrant on Sunday so we’re happy about that.
As for us, the only answer is to jump back in. Bills, insurance, and other unmentionables are back on the forefront. The world keeps moving despite our despair. I am just focused on activity – Sam never ever felt sorry for himself so I’m trying not to do so as well. But it’s tough and I pray for strength every day.
Margot and I played tennis this morning. Sam LOVED tennis as well (of course, it was a sport!). Sam handpicked my racket for my birthday and he would have been happy to see me hit. Last night, Andy & Charlie were picking on Margot as she tried to read to them – now Sam was the all-time picker-onner but he would never allow anyone else to pick on Margot – Margot missed Sam coming to her defense and could hear him saying “Andy, Charlie – leave Mom alone!” We MISS YOU LITTLE BUDDY!
We have more “Because of Sam” stories coming down the pike – there are a number of therapies he helped drive so stay tuned – we hope they are promising. We are also very thankful for all of the cards and emails – we’ve really only answered a handful. It’s just tough and we’re not sure what to say other than THANK YOU – we love the comments and the emails.
We will post the agenda for the April 3rd All-Star Party later this week. It should be fun so PLEASE make sure to attend and bring some kids.
Neil
Topics: Progress Reports | 7 Comments »
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Margot I am your biggest admirer. I LOVE reading to my kids too…but am failing these days. You inspire me. I also want to find that that title you mentioned to me–about learning like your hair is on fire (something like that). And Neil, I am bringing my tennis racket too–we don’t GET tennis weather in MN, ya know….and I am going to beat you. This will make me feel better about not reading to my kids lately.
🙂
See you soon!
March 23rd, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Neil,
Thank you for sharing your son and his life with so many people. He was and will continue to be an inspiration to so many people, many of whom did not know Sam, but nonetheless, followed his journey and yours. I can tell that you still have the determination that you had as a child and will come out of this, but I am sure that life will never be the same. We are continuing to pray for God to give you the peace and strength that you and your family need at this time.
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Keeping all of you in my thoughts.
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Never met you, never will, but I care about each of you. Hang in there!
March 24th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Neil and Margot,
No need to say anything to us. Your words above that you are
“jumping back in” are all we needed to hear. Nick and I are thinking of you every day… wishing we were coming back out for the All Star Party!
Love and continued strength,
Colleen
March 24th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Continuing to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers…
Rebecca Cook, France
April 1st, 2010 at 4:30 am
Neil-i hear the passion in your voice about your love for your family. You are a hero, remember to take care of you and take a breath! I just wanted to let you and family know I was thinking about you all. The boys sound like they are resilient. I happy to reading your stories 🙂