Mito Resources

A more optimistic article on Mitochondrial research can be found here. We know a girl participating in the trial. She has Leigh's Disease and Down Syndrome. Her family has to travel to from Cincinnati to Akron for regular treatment but they have seen improvement. I will be talking to our new neurologist about the genetics tests mentioned. (You might be interested in reading more of the articles by this author who shares spiritual reflections prompted by his daughter's illness.)

This week I also found this video, directed to educators on Mitochondrial Disease. I shared it with Mitchell's teachers because while the kids featured have more advanced abilities, the themes discussed affect Mitchell. Like temperature of the room, the need to build strength and take breaks and GI difficulty.

Coming up soon...September 18- September 24, 2011 is International Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week.

Mitchell's Turn - 1st Day at Preschool

Mitchell returned to preschool today. He spent time in the piece of therapy equipment that allows him to stand. He also reacquainted and worked with 3 therapists. He was a little fussy when he returned home, tired from all the activity.

I like this picture of Mitchell in front of the school. It shows what we've been noticing a lot lately - he's looking away but his eyes seem more open more often.



Here Mitchell is with his classroom aide, Erica:



Closing in on school's start Mitchell's been very content. Aside from the eye infection, he's been healthy. He lost some weight, then gained a little making our docs happy with his growth for his height. He's also making some new sounds. He'll sound "da, da, da" at times. He also gets noticed when barking like a sea lion. "Ar, ar, ar." I have to repeat it when I hear it. It's very cute. His hand sucking continues, but he's not breaking skin and he seems to be able to keep a hold with his fingers for longer. I love when he has a good grasp on my finger, like I'm really holding his hand.

All and all, we're excited for what school will bring him this year! You can see from Erica's snuggle, he has found his way in to the teachers, aides, therapists and students' hearts!

Figuring out Football

In the Browning house the idea of football has seemed better than all the details around Luke's actually practicing and playing. But with his first game today, we're feeling better about it.

First, I did not expect football to be so time consuming. Practices have been 3 and 4 times per week. It's been hot so Chris and I split practice duty so one of us stays home with Mitchell. Luke never complains about the work or the temperature. He has on a few occasions complained about tackling - yes, that's what football is generally about. He has a good coach who is both intense and encouraging. Luke likes to please, but he is more timid than most. He teared up before the game saying he was afraid.

It's also not been without controversy. Our town hasn't been able to field a 5-6 year old team, so they've combined the 5-6 team with the 7 year old team, while also joining with Mariemont, the next town over. This week we learned all season they will be playing 7 year old teams. Gulp, my guy who is just turning 6 always across from bigger and stronger guys. Still that wouldn't be so bad except for most of our team's 7 year olds have been practicing since the start with the 8 year old team expecting to play with them. Our team's parents have been upset, but then today on game day all the 7 year olds were "sent back" to play on our team.

I didn't plan on having to face ethical dilemmas when I signed up Luke up for this. It's been clear to him and the other boys someone was trying to break the rules. Then all of a sudden kids he's never practiced with are suddenly controlling the field. With all this swirling, Chris, Luke and I agreed we'd see how the game went then talk about where to go from here.

Luke was put into the game against Sycamore 4 times, once each quarter. Especially at first he played on the line and held his guy at bay. He may not aggressively hit but I was proud he was always the first one in position on the line first with hands on his knees then in his 3-point stance. At the end of the game, coming off the field having been given a can of celebratory grape pop, he said decisively "I liked the game." You could tell he had found some sort of swagger. He played just the right amount for him.

So we're all figuring this out. Taking it practice by practice and now game by game. For me, it's stretching the mom-has-to let-go muscle and you can bet I'm praying all the time for his safety and peace!



Luke's #23 and you can see he's the first one poised for action:

First Days

Awwww...look at my handsome, growing boy last year and this year. What a change! After starting the day feeling a little overwhelmed by a full day of school and a bus ride home, he reported having a great 1st day of first grade! Next up...Mitchell starts his 2nd year of preschool on Tuesday.

"The Best Summer Ever"

Today was Luke's 1st grade open house before school starts tomorrow. Someone he knew asked him how his summer was. Without hesitation he said, "It was the best summer ever." And I agreed. We did a lot even with the heat, including some activities and a vacation without Mitchell. For us, it seems to help us in our everyday if some days allow us to be more free. Speaking of Mitchell, it's also helped that Mitchell has had a good summer. He's been sleeping and eating well and aside from an infected bug bite recently by his eye, he's been overall healthy.

The eye is better now by the way!

Topping off our fabulous summer was our first visit to Lakeside, Ohio. We got back Sunday after visiting there with Chris' sister and her family. They recently bought a house there and they really made us feel welcome. We took in all the fun Lakeside offers. But having heard about the gated community for years, I know it's hard to describe. I'm hoping you get an idea of the experience that is Lakeside from my photos of it. Thanks Tony, Melanie, Nohemi and Maria for having us as guests!

Work Away Gave Time to Play

This was the view from my hotel balcony one evening while in Bonita Springs, Florida last week for an industry conference I chair annually. While I was busy with a board meeting and conference goings on, for some reason I was graced with chunks of time for enjoying the surroundings and conversations with colleagues who over the years have become friends.

It was great to relax and feel peace! I'm grateful!