Pneumonia Update, School, Family Pictures, and Thanksgiving

This will probably be a pretty short post. With the exception of the first week of the month, November has been pretty boring. That’s not really a bad thing, although this could just be the calm before the storm.

 

 

Pneumonia Update

As I mentioned in the November 2nd post, James was having some respiratory issues on November 1st. A palliative nurse stopped by the next day and thought that his left lung sounded diminished. The nurse and James’ pulmonologist spoke and prescribed a steroid and antibiotic, assuming it was pneumonia, and trying to avoid a trip and/or stay at the hospital. The combination of those meds must have done the trick because two days later he was pretty much back to normal.

Okay, okay, I suppose I should give Stacy some credit, too. She sensed something was off and didn’t want to “wait and see what happens”. November is pneumonia month for James so at the first sign of respiratory problems, she wanted to get on top of things before it progressed to the point where he needed to be in the hospital.

 

A two‑photo collage shows James resting at home. The top photo shows him lying on in is cushioned recliner with a respiratory mask in place, surrounded by bed sheets and a stuffed animal nearby. The lower photo shows him in laying face down on his therapy table with medical tubing and equipment visible beside him; shelves with books and personal items sit in the background. Colorful text reading “GOOD VIBES!” appears across the top, and a chalk‑style banner at the bottom says “Grateful for momma.” The collage blends caregiving, comfort, and appreciation.
We’re all grateful for Momma

 

 

School

James was out of school the first week of November while he fought the pneumonia, but was back at it the following week. I guess it takes more than a little pneumonia to keep James away from rockin’ out at school. He is our little rock star.

 

Playing some tunes at school

 

 

Family Pictures

The woman that we have used the past couple of years for our family photos was not available this year so one of our old neighbors offered to take some pictures for us. Here is just a small sampling of our photoshoot.

 

James sits in his wheelchair on a grassy area outdoors, wearing a plaid shirt and jeans. Two people are beside him — Jeff kneeling and Stacy crouching — both smiling warmly and leaning in close in a supportive, affectionate way. Their dog Maggie lies on the grass near them, looking toward the camera. Trees and bushes fill the background, giving the scene a relaxed, natural setting. The photo captures a quiet family moment full of companionship and care.

 

James sits in his wheelchair on a sunny grassy area, surrounded by Jeff and Stacy standing close beside him in a supportive, relaxed way. Their dog Maggie sits on the grass in front of them wearing a purple leash, looking toward the camera. Trees and bright green foliage fill the background, giving the scene a warm, natural park‑like setting. The photo captures a moment of togetherness, accessibility, and easy companionship outdoors.

 

James sits on a colorful blanket outdoors with Jeff and Stacy closely supporting him on either side. He wears a plaid shirt, and the group is gathered on bright green grass surrounded by trees and shrubs. Their dog Maggie lies on her back beside them, paws up, leaning into the attention and affection. Sunlight filters through the greenery, giving the scene a relaxed, connected family moment full of care and easy warmth.

 

James sits outdoors in a park‑like setting, wearing a plaid shirt, with two adults standing close behind him in a supportive, affectionate pose. Stacy wears a light purple sweater and the Jeff wears a darker purple one, both smiling toward the camera. Green grass, trees, and bushes fill the background, giving the scene a bright, natural feel. The photo captures a calm family moment centered on care, togetherness, and being outside in the sunshine.

 

James sits on a blanket outdoors with two adults beside him, Stacy in a light purple sweater and Jeff in a dark purple shirt. James wears a plaid shirt, and the three are positioned close together in a relaxed, supportive way. Their light‑brown dog Maggie lies in front of them on the blanket. Green bushes, trees, and grass surround the group, giving the scene a calm, natural park setting. The photo captures an easy moment of togetherness and companionship.

 

 

Thanksgiving

James lies on a zigzag‑patterned sheet, wearing a mustard‑yellow shirt with white text that says “EXTRA thankful THIS YEAR.” A small plush dog rests on his shoulder, and a white cloth sits near his mouth. The image is framed with a decorative border of branches with red and orange berries, giving it a cozy fall or Thanksgiving feel. The scene centers on comfort, seasonal warmth, and a quiet moment of gratitude.

 

This was the second Thanksgiving in a row that we stayed home by ourselves. With James’ short bout of pneumonia at the beginning of the month, and Covid still out there, we thought it best to stay home.

I always like to take a moment, look back, and think about what I am thankful for around Thanksgiving. So, what am I thankful for this year? I guess I am thankful for the same things I’ve been thankful for in the past. I am thankful for James’ health, and the team of medical professionals that help keep James healthy. I am thankful for his teachers, therapists, and nurse at school for working with him and helping him be the best he can be. I am thankful that our family has remained healthy throughout this pandemic.

We are thankful for Nestle Health Science for making us part of their family. Thank you for the beautiful bouquet of flowers you sent us for Thanksgiving.

 

A bright Thanksgiving floral arrangement sits on a table, filled with orange, yellow, and red blooms — roses, chrysanthemums, and alstroemeria — surrounded by green leaves. A small card is tucked into the bouquet with a holiday message of gratitude and well‑wishes. The flowers are arranged in a brown box labeled with the florist’s name. Behind the arrangement, a Route 66 sign hangs on the wall, and a window with blinds and patterned curtains adds a cozy, lived‑in backdrop. The scene feels festive, warm, and full of seasonal appreciation.
Flowers from Nestle Health Science

 

If you can’t read the card, it says:

“Happy Thanksgiving! We Are So Grateful For You & Your Family! Sending You Peace & Warmth During This Holiday Season.”

~ Nestle Health Science

Another company I want to say thanks to is Target. A few years ago, they started carrying an accessible line of clothing for those with special needs. This year they have a Christmas ornament of a girl in a wheelchair. Stacy bought one and modified it so it would look like a boy. She just took scissors and cut off the girl’s braids.

 

Two small winter figurines sit side by side in wheelchairs, framed by a red‑and‑white striped border. The one labeled “Winter Girl” wears a red knit hat, a green‑and‑yellow striped scarf, a red sweater, black boots, and has brown yarn braids. The one labeled “Winter Boy!!” wears the same hat, scarf, sweater, and boots, with shorter yarn hair. Each wheelchair has round silver wheels. They’re placed on a kitchen counter with cabinets and an orange towel visible in the background, giving the scene a cozy, festive feel.
Christmas ornament of a girl in a wheelchair from Target

 

Finally, I am thankful for our friends and family for periodically checking in with us to see how things are going. And I can’t forget James’ fans for following his story on Facebook and this blog and sending positive vibes our way. Thank you.