"Where in the world is Jay?"

Well, Jason has been busy this summer! Swimming 3 times a week, which he went under water for the first time last week! Physical Therapy in Capitola 3 times a week! His new P.T. sounds great and is ready to push Jason! Speech therapy up at community hospital one day a week and home speech therapy with Monique one day a week. His friend Whitney got 4 tickets to the Fray concert Saturday night up at Shoreline! So, me, Jacob, Jason and Whitney headed up! We ate dinner at Chevy's before in Mountain View, sat in awesome seats, ate cotton candy, and enjoyed the show and watching Jason. This was his first concert! Ever! As you can see Jason's main focus is his recovery while still having fun with friends and family! Our older brother Michael even came into town for a few days. We wished he lived closer! Jay really loves his family around and Michael always seems to make him laugh:) Jason enjoys visits so if you would like to stop by please do. Till next time, Rock on! ha:)

"Lopez's"

Our Aunt Penni (my mom's sister) was able to visit last week from Oregon. Who would have thought that my mom and her used to pull each other's hair?!! ha, no seriously they are such great friends! I see how sisters can really rely, help and encourage one another. They all hated to see her go! They took Jay to his first restaurant, "Lopez's" in Monterey. It is a great Mexican restaurant for those ever in Monterey! If you know our family we are half mexican...because we eat it soo much!...just look at my Dad, ha-ha!! Jay ate fish and refried beans, by the looks of it, he liked it. Must feel good to be out and eat "non pureed" food. Happy days ahead:)

Fourth of July

Here is Jason's Fourth of July: Fire buddies came from the Academy! They are awesome! Thanks for coming you guys. Jason misses the "One Heart, One Strength" bonding and he was so impressed to see everyone's successes post fire Academy. I worked with Jay on Friday. I got him on the bike in the garage...not for long, but at least we tried it. He is very unstable and unbalanced when he shifts his weight away from his center. He just needs to practice more and get his confidence up. He needs to get out of his "comfort zone" which is hard for all of us to do! Whitney came over for the fourth. She is such a great friend to Jason. She makes Jason feel "normal" and wants to help out in any way she can. Thanks Whit! Always nice to put your arm around a girl! ha! He continues to say he will be seeing himself on the beach next year walking, so this is a good goal with Jason. At times I feel sad for Jason because he had accomplished so much right before his accident. I wonder what "could have been" just as others do I am sure. But, I know that on this earth our lives have a purpose and I hope Jason can ultimately help others. He has seen and my family has seen all the good works that you all have done with Jay. Your service is what stands out! Thank you.

Ellie & Jay

Well, this post makes me just smile:) Ellie has been with my parents for the past week and is staying for another! She is not only my daughter but she is a grand daughter, niece, cousin, and friend. Jason and Ellie have always been close. She was his first niece! Jason is so great with children and always has a smile on his face when he is around them. I hope we can all see how a child's presence can heal the soul!

RIdes, swim, and a book?

I was just with Jay for a few days, and no pics...sorry! Well I love seeing him every few weeks because I like seeing his progress. His speech is getting better. He still uses his spell board to have conversations with you. He is swimming 3 times a week, which is great! They do a great job with Jason and he loves it! He can walk in the pool with some assistance, which looks so good! It is weird to see him "upright" I forgot how tall he was! He got fitted for some new splints for his hands because he was progressing so well! My mom is burning the candle at both ends with Jason and is doing such a great job! She is up early...which if you know my family, we don't do early! But, she is doing it! Jason is getting the "Rides" to come and pick him up in the mornings, which is nice. Jason just laughs and shakes his head sometimes. He tells me this is temporary! ha! But he enjoys all the drivers that come to pick him up. He has a story to tell about all of them! Someday you will see Jason's book in bookstores. Keep your eyes out!

Aquarium

Jason at the...Monterey Bay Aquarium! Wished I could have been with him! My kids love that place! My mom took him and by the looks of it he was in heaven just looking out at the ocean. His favorite! We are coming up on a year after his accident. It is hard to believe it has been a year already. Probably the toughest for my family. Jason is here to stay and as my mom would say hopefully ready to leave and move on his own someday! What a relief that will be, to have him independent and not so reliant on others. In times like this we need to thank God every day for our healthy bodies and what we are able to do with them! Message of the day: "We only get one body...so take care of it!"

Happy 23rd Jay!

Jason had his birthday on Saturday. I am sorry for being late on the posting, we have been busy. He had lots of visitors for his b-day and by the looks of it he watched his sky diving tape from Senior year! I will have my mom give you all the details, but just wanted to post some quick pics. Our cousin Jenny and Aunt Gaye went down for the day! Aunt Gaye you are awesome! She has been with Jay every step of the way! What a great sister to my mom! Thanks to all who came and wished him a happy b-day! Can't wait to see what he looks like next year.