Van Issues, Easter Part 2, Mother’s Day, School, and an Ear Infection

  • Post category:Holidays / School
  • Reading time:5 mins read

Van Issues

I was one of those people who wasn’t sure what they wanted to do when they grew up. After I graduated high school, I bounced around to a few local schools trying to figure it out. Before I decided to pursue a career in IT, I did about a year in an automotive technology program. I’m starting to wish I would have stuck with auto tech and became a mechanic. Our van is starting to get expensive to maintain.

In early April we had to have the front struts, which are part of the suspension, replaced for the second time at a cost of $900. They were originally replaced in June of 2019 for around $1,200, but they turned out to be defective. Unfortunately, they were beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, so we’re stuck paying for them again. Our mechanic was cool and cut us a deal on the new set and also said that he’s going to fight the manufacturer for a full refund because they were defective. If he is able to get any money out of them, he’ll pass it on to us. I’m not holding my breath, though.

Then in late April Stacy took the van to Mobility Works, where we bought the van, for the routine six-month checkup where they inspect the ramp and other components related to the modifications to make it wheelchair accessible. That was $140. While she was there, she had them change the oil and oil filter…$60. She also had them look at the air conditioning which has been having problems. The air coming out of the front vents was cool, but not as cold as it used to be. The air blowing out of the rear vents was warm. After some testing, they determined that it was almost out of refrigerant, which they suspect is because of a leak somewhere. They added refrigerant and some blue dye which they hope will help them find the leak. That was almost $400! Yeah, I know. I think that’s a bit steep. Stacy was there and figured she knock out a bunch of things in one stop instead of having to go to multiple places.

Between the suspension, routine maintenance, and the air conditioning, our bank account is about $1,500 lighter. I hope we can get some money back from our mechanic for the suspension. If not, then that’s crap. There is no reason a suspension should fail within two years. We’re just going to have to wait and see.

We are really starting to think about the possibility of having to buy a new van. No idea how the hell we are going to do it when they are going for about $60,000 or $70,000 new. Even if we didn’t buy new and bought something about a year old without too many miles on it, we’re still looking at over $40,000. For a fricking minivan! Don’t be surprised if you see me promoting a fundraiser for a van. I think that’s the only way we’re going to be able to buy another one.

 

 

Easter Revisited

How about some happier news? Remember in the last post when James found the golden ticket during the Eater Egg Hunt? Well, he got his picture in our Township’s Disability Services newsletter.

 

A newsletter page titled “Department News” features an article called “Egg Hunt Recap!” describing an April event where more than forty people with disabilities and their families participated in an Easter egg hunt. The text notes that four attendees found a Golden Egg and won a prize, and that the Easter Bunny posed for photos with guests. Three photos accompany the article: one showing James in a wheelchair holding a cellophane‑wrapped basket, one showing the Easter Bunny seated beside a child in front of a wall decorated with colorful egg patterns, and one showing two children standing with Easter baskets and wearing large pink bows on top of their heads. The page feels festive, inclusive, and celebratory, highlighting a community event focused on joy and participation.
James got his picture in the Disability Services newsletter

 

He won an Easter basket filled with some candy and a stuffed animal.

 

 

Mother’s Day

When you were a kid, did you ever do something or say something that was followed by your parents saying that they were disappointed in you? This must be the adult version of that:

 

A mobile screenshot shows a “Restriction Overview” page explaining that the account is not restricted but has received a warning. A section titled “Why did your account get a warning?” displays a past post from Jeff stating affectionate praise for James’s mom along with a joking, protective remark. The interface notes that the post didn’t meet platform standards but that no restriction was applied. The scene feels like a simple record of content moderation and a reminder about community‑guideline boundaries.

 

All I did was post a picture on Facebook to wish Stacy a Happy Mother’s Day and said, “He’s got the best mom in the world. If anyone says otherwise, I’ll punch them in the face.” And Facebook reprimanded me for it because it violated their Community Standards policy. Sorry Facebook. I didn’t mean to disappoint you, but it’s the truth.

I posted another picture that evening that was a little less violent:

 

A Facebook post from Jeff shares a Mother’s Day message alongside a family photo taken outdoors on green grass with trees in the background. Stacy sits with the family on a blanket, wearing a purple sweater, with James leaning against her in a plaid shirt and Jeff behind her in a maroon shirt. Their scruffy tan‑and‑brown dog Maggie sits lays next to the group. The caption expresses love and appreciation for Stacy, calling her the glue that holds the family together. The scene feels heartfelt, grounded, and full of quiet togetherness.

 

James made her a little something at school:

 

A small handmade yellow ceramic heart with a simple black smiley face sits on a light surface. Above it, decorative text reads “With love,” followed by “Happy Mothers Day mommy!! I made you a smiley heart!” In the lower corner, “2022” is written. The scene feels sweet, personal, and full of childlike affection, capturing a cheerful Mother’s Day gift.
Smiley heart that James made for Mother’s Day

 

And Maggie wanted to get her something too, although it showed up a few days late:

 

A gray T‑shirt lies flat with a blue printed design showing a detailed illustration of a dog’s face inside a circular border. Beneath the illustration, bold stylized text reads “Maggie’s MOM.” The scene feels simple, personal, and affectionate, highlighting a custom shirt celebrating a beloved dog.
Maggie’s Mom shirt for Mother’s Day

 

 

School

I haven’t posted much about school this year, have I? Maybe I can make up for that here with a bunch of pictures.

Hanging out on the tennis courts at school enjoying the beautiful weather:

 

James sits in his wheelchair on an outdoor court surface, wearing a red hat, sunglasses, and a yellow shirt with bold black text that reads “CHICKS DIG SCARS #SPINALFUSION.” He has red wrist supports and dark pants, and his chair features a red frame with supportive attachments, including a headrest and foot supports. A chain‑link fence and grassy area stretch behind him. The scene feels confident and expressive, blending adaptive mobility with personal identity and pride.
Enjoying the beautiful spring weather at school

 

They went on a field trip to an indoor athletic center. In case you’re wondering, no he didn’t get hurt. That bandage on his nose is because the ventilator mask he wears at night when he sleeps rubs a little bit.

 

James sits in his wheelchair in a long beige hallway lined with framed pictures. He wears a navy blue T‑shirt that reads “UNIFIED SPORTS DAY 2022” with a bear logo, along with red wrist guards and a small bandage across his nose. Another person is visible far down the corridor. The scene feels active and communal, capturing a moment from an inclusive sports event and the everyday movement through a familiar space.
Ready for the field trip

 

James sits in his wheelchair on an indoor turf field marked with white lines. He wears a navy “UNIFIED SPORTS DAY 2022” shirt, a cartoon‑patterned neck pillow, and red wrist guards. Several people stand farther out on the field, some in sports attire, with cones and speakers arranged around the space. The moment feels active, inclusive, and full of shared energy, capturing his participation in an accessible athletic event.
On the field at the indoor athletic center

 

James sits in his wheelchair on a gym floor, wearing a dark blue “Unified” shirt and red wrist guards. A staff member stands beside him, helping position a blue ramp with a white ball resting at the top, setting up an adapted sports activity. In the background, several people in matching blue shirts gather near the wall, where an American flag hangs. The moment feels active, supportive, and inclusive, capturing James participating in an accessible physical‑education event.
Playing games at the indoor athletic center

 

Last week they had an end of the school year poetry reading. Although he can’t speak, his teacher read his poem for him.

 

James sits in his wheelchair with head and arm supports, wearing a blue patterned shirt and red wrist guards. Stacy stands close beside him in glasses and a purple hoodie, smiling warmly. In the background, another person sits at a table wearing a face mask, and an American flag hangs on the wall. Tables, chairs, and posters give the space a school feel. The moment feels friendly, supportive, and grounded in everyday connection.
James with his Mommy at the end of the year poetry reading

 

Several students sit at a table in a classroom, including one in a red shirt and another with a striped shirt and a braid, with a green tablet in front of them. In front of them, James is in his wheelchair, engaged in the activity while two adults stand close — one upright, one leaning forward in conversation. A large blue‑and‑green mandala tapestry hangs on the back wall, adding color to the room. The scene feels inclusive, busy, and collaborative, capturing a shared learning moment.
Reading his poem

 

A printed page titled “A Noun Poem” shows a short, playful poem written by James about his deep affection for his pillow and how he carries it everywhere. The poem mentions wanting to share one with a friend at school, contrasts his parents’ practical advice with his own honest feelings, and ends with a sweet line about holding the pillow close to his heart. “By: James” appears at the bottom. The page feels creative, personal, and full of his voice.
A Noun Poem – The poem that James “read” at the poetry reading

 

The above poem that he “read” at the poetry reading was included in a poetry book that he brought home from school. These are the other poems that were included in the book:

 

A gray silhouette of a dog with scalloped edges is filled with colorful words describing James. The words appear in varied fonts and sizes, including “sweet,” “good friend,” “quiet,” “cool,” “courageous,” “happy,” “7th Grader,” “exciting,” “music lover,” “James,” and “handsome.” The layout feels playful and celebratory, creating a bright, personalized portrait of him inside the dog shape.
Poetry Book Cover

 

A printed page titled “Color Poem” shows James’s short sensory poem about the color red, typed in bright red text with a matching red border at the top. The poem describes red through sight, taste, smell, sound, and touch — from sky and apples to cherry pie, a drum, and a pillow — ending with the repeated line “Red is the sky.” The page feels simple, creative, and expressive, capturing his playful approach to describing a color.
Color Poem

 

A printed page titled “If I Were…” shows a short creative writing piece by James, centered on a white background with a green border at the top. Each line imagines himself as something different — a dog, the color red, a sunflower, Mickey Mouse, football, and a Jeep. The layout is simple and clean, and the tone feels playful, imaginative, and personal, capturing a snapshot of his personality and interests.
If I Were…

 

A printed page on a yellow background shows James’s short poem about spring. Each line describes a sensory detail of the season — seeing baby bunnies, hearing wind, tasting hot dogs, smelling grass, and touching dirt. “By James” appears at the bottom. The page feels simple, bright, and grounded in his clear, direct way of capturing a moment.
In the Spring…

 

A Thanksgiving‑themed worksheet titled “Giving Thanks,” decorated with pumpkins and autumn leaves, lists the things James is grateful for. His name appears at the top. The page includes school, Maggie, friends, family, music, Disney shows, superheroes, teachers, and his cool clothes. It ends with a larger, heartfelt line thanking Mom and Dad. The scene feels bright, seasonal, and full of sincere appreciation.
Giving Thanks

 

And with that, another school year has come and gone.

 

A side‑by‑side photo shows James on the first and last days of 7th grade. In both images he sits in his wheelchair outside a house, wearing sunglasses and holding a sign. The left image, labeled “First Day,” shows him in a short‑sleeved shirt and shorts with a sign reading “FIRST DAY OF 7th Grade 2021.” The right image, labeled “Last Day,” shows him in a red jacket and jeans with a sign reading “LAST DAY OF 7th Grade 2022.” The paired photos highlight the school year’s beginning and end, with “7TH 2022” printed below as a simple marker of the milestone.
First and Last Day of 7th Grade

 

He is supposed to start summer school, or extended school year (ESY) as it’s officially called, in a couple of weeks, but his one-on-one school nurse wanted some time off for the summer. We don’t blame her for wanting to take time off, but now we have to wait and see if the nursing agency can find James a nurse for him. If not, then he will not be going to summer school.

 

 

Health

James has been staying relatively healthy. Now that Spring is here, I think it’s safe to say we’re out of pneumonia season. He has been fighting an ear infection, but other than that, he’s been doing good.