Awesome Creatures, Fishing Derby and Summer School

The world is full of awesome—and sometimes interesting—people. After the Daily Herald published the article about us buying the van with the money we raised through the Rollin’ for James fundraiser, a few people have sent us “gifts” in the mail. Someone sent us a copy of the article along with $10 for gas money…awesome! Then there was another person who sent us a copy of the article, a photocopy of an article about gutter cleaning and a flyer about his gutter cleaning business…interesting. Did this person legitimately send us an ad for their business! Thanks, but no thanks. Our house has gutter guards. No need to clean the gutters.

 

Assorted printed materials arranged on a light surface, including a folded newspaper article featuring a story about a disabled child, a bright yellow gutter‑cleaning service flyer, and a dated newspaper clipping about spring gutter maintenance, with part of an additional brochure visible in the corner, capturing a mix of local news, home‑service advertising, and community information.

 

People aren’t the only creatures that can be awesome. Dogs can be, too. A friend of mine has a couple of pit bulls that he’s rescued and asked if he could bring one over to meet James. Her name is Bella, and she was just the sweetest thing. Such a calm and laid-back pit bull mix. James seemed to like her. Maybe if James and I team up we can convince Stacy that James needs a dog. It will be her decision, though. She already has her hands pretty full with James, and having a dog is an added responsibility.

Three‑photo collage showing James in his Nap Nanny with a black dog resting closely beside him, James' hand touching the dog in each frame, capturing a peaceful indoor moment of comfort, companionship, and calm between a child and a dog.
Such a good dog

 

Fishing Derby

The church that my sister and her family attend has an annual Fishing Derby for kids and adults with disabilities and their families. My sister asked if we would want to take James this year. Of course, it had to be one of the hottest days of the week, and James doesn’t handle heat well. We thought it would be a fun experience for him, so we went for a little bit. We didn’t catch anything, but we still had fun.

 

James sitting in a stroller on the grass wearing a colorful T‑shirt, checkered hat, and blue sunglasses, with a small fan and teddy bear nearby, while Jeff leans in to assist him, capturing a bright daytime moment of care and interaction outdoors.

 

Group gathered beside a pond on a sunny day, with Stacy standing next to James seated in a stroller while Jeff fishes at the water’s edge, and several people sitting or standing in the background near grassy areas and modern brick buildings, capturing an inclusive community outdoor activity.

 

James seated in a stroller on a paved outdoor area with Stacy and Jeff standing nearby, while a person in a bright green frog‑like costume stands facing them, with tables, chairs, and other people visible in the background, capturing a cheerful community event moment.

 

James seated in a stroller or supportive chair outdoors while an adult paints a small green frog design on his cheek, with James wearing a white T‑shirt featuring a colorful graphic, capturing a cheerful moment of creative interaction at an outdoor event.

 

 

Summer School

Summer school is going well so far, and he seems to be enjoying it. He’s still getting his therapies, which we are thankful for. Here he is working with his physical therapist.

 

James seated on a mat with his physical therapist positioned behind providing arm support to help maintain an upright posture, wearing a purple shirt and supportive footwear, with chairs and tables in the background, capturing a guided therapeutic moment in an indoor setting.
Physical therapy

 

They even had a little 4th of July parade around the school.

 

Three‑photo collage of James seated in a stroller wearing a festive outfit with red, white, and blue decorations, including a shiny hat and plaid shorts, with digitally added fireworks and “Happy 4th of July 2014” text enhancing the celebratory holiday theme.
4th of July parade

 

That is all that I have. Sorry that this post is a little bit on the short side. I guess these past two weeks weren’t as exciting as some of the others. To be honest, we’re okay with that. It’s nice to have a little bit of down time to relax and unwind.