Gratitude is the Attitude!

This seems to be Orion's mantra. He does indeed make each place, each day, and each moment his masterpiece! He works so hard at every therapy session, remembering and acting upon the advice given him by the therapists. When at home, even when the tasks are hard, he is up to the challenges that each place, day, and moment bring.

Orion is walking fairly well by himself albeit somewhat like he has imbibed a bit too much. (None of us knows what that is like!) His speech is becoming more and more normal with his pitch insinuating itself on a more regular basis. He laughs and smiles and tells jokes like he used to. He has taught me that Gratitude is the Attitude (to have). We were at the movies watching "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and I kept grabbing his arm during the exciting scenes. He kept commenting to me on different parts of the movie. One part in particular, when it appeared that the boy might have been lost or worse, he whispered to me, "I'm so glad I'm alive!"

Yes, God. Thank you so much that our cute little red head is alive and well and continually teaching us about love and hard work and gratitude!

Love to you all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion shows Dad his moves

I have been lucky enough to be able to spend the last several evenings with Orion and Matthew at their home. This video is one of several I took late this afternoon. Matthew knows that Orion needs exercise but there are only a number of things Ri can do as of now. He was getting restless this afternoon and as we were working on a gameplan for some sort of release for his cabin fever, Orion kept interjecting his idea of going to Amy's ice cream parlour - his idea of exercise. For such a skinny kid he thinks fat!! Well, he won out and we walked all the way from the parking lot into Amy's and then walked again all the way to their courtyard seating!!! Imagine how many calories that burned! Orion enjoyed the cool bites of his Mexican Vanilla ice cream with oreo crunchies. He even shared it with his dad.

When we got back home, they had fun on the trampoline jousting about, with Orion showing his dad some of the defense moves he had learned in his martial arts class this past spring. I am so lucky to be surrounded by the love of my son and his cute little red headed son. We are all so lucky to be surrounded by the love of all our families and friends. Thank you for being a part of this continuous circle of love! My gratitude to you all. Love, Orion's Nana Colleen

He's Walking!!!!

Hurrah!!! Orion walked by himself yesterday! He was so excited to walk that when he and his dad went to HEB for some groceries, he did not want his wheelchair but instead held onto the grocery cart and walked! Of course, Matthew had to stay right behind him and it made the little shopping they did a bit harder on Matthew, but it was worth it! By the time he got home, he was exhausted but what a day for him!!

Tonight when I stopped by, Matthew had to get after Orion for trying to walk when an adult wasn't present, even if Orion was on the carpet in the living room. His equilibrium is still off a bit and it would be a worry if he fell.

Wow, he has come such a long way!! And in no small part, because of your prayers. Thanks so very much! Just to think that when we were in Costa Rica, the doctors there knew it was an AVM but sadly told us that Orion had less than a 25% chance of even living, much less getting well and having a normal life. Talk about beating the odds! Whew! How very blessed we are with this remarkable little boy! Apparently, there are very few statistics concerning children who survive this type of medical problem. Thank you, God, that Orion has been given back to us, fighting and surviving. Actually, more than just surviving, he is so very much alive and full of life. He is living proof that none of us should ever give up on life. There is a reason each of us is here. And I know we have to always help each other and always pray for each other. Look what it has done for Ri! Again, I thank you so much but ask you to continue. The babe still has a way to go.

My gratitude and love to you and my prayers for you always! Orion's Nana Colleen

Pix of Ri

Here are several pictures of Orion having fun.

First is when he is holding a new puppy in 2005

Also about that time, Orion and Nana read the Dr. Suess's book so, of course, we HAD to make our own "green eggs and ham"!

2006 was Orion's year for advertising Uncle Jimbo's window tinting and solar screen business. Don't you think that shot would have made a good TV ad? Orion thought so!

Back to Orion's kindergarten year when he drew this picture of his daddy.

The last one was Orion and Matthew at Cypress Valley Zipline tours (not the one in Costa Rica, the one off Hwy 71!) I took this picture of them in Oct of last year when Matthew took us there to celebrate Orion's 9th birthday.

Tomorrow I may put some of the pictures I have of Orion in the hospital even though it is heart-wrenching. It will show what a long way he's come and we've all come with him! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming!

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion is Happy

Orion is going to out patient therapy 4 days a week. He has speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. He seems to enjoy it somewhat, challenging himself to get better every day. What he said he enjoys the most, though, is being able to go home afterwards. He said he really hated being confined to a hospital bed. He is happiest challenging himself to building his newest Lego theme, which by the way, is great for additional therapy.

Ri is pushing his own wheelchair and is doing pretty good walking by himself although an adult must still always be behind him with an arm halfway around his waist. His sense of humor is as good as ever. He loves telling jokes and referring to movie scenes while conversing with others. He is working on changing his monotone speech; he has to focus on using a variance in voice inflection so as to denote emotion. As of now instead of saying "WOW, that's GREAT!" he says "wow-that-is-great" without much emphasis.

In this picture, he was rolling himself down the hallway at Dell Children's Hospital after a therapy session. He is enjoying life as much, if not more than he used to. He doesn't whine; he just enjoys the moment. Again, we can learn a great deal form this cute little red head.

I will try to keep any readers up on the latest, without making you wait more than a few days for news. The babe is doing so good, continuing to surpass the goals we have been told he should work towards. Every week he amazes us. It seems it won't be long now before he's doing things on his own. In spite of our cheery outlook, please continue to keep him and his folks in your prayers. Thank you, everyone!

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Pizza and Jokes

Yesterday evening, Matthew and Orion met JP and me at the loudest pizza parlour we could find. No, it wasn't on purpose, it's just that HomeSlice Pizza happens to be Orion's favorite.

We had a very fun time exchanging jokes and remembering good times. Although I had a lesson in learning to read lips (it was too loud so I must be too old!) we still managed to have a decent conversation and some good pizza. I told Orion a joke about a cat and he repeated it several times so that he could remember it, so as to give enjoyment to others.

Matthew and Orion took turns pretending to shove a napkin into one ear, through their head, and out the other ear to do some cleaning. It was funny to watch and a joy to feel Orion's exhilarating participation in a "jest fest". He is such a sharp person and doesn't seem to miss a thing.

When we were done eating, Orion, JP, and I waited out on the sidewalk for Matthew to bring the car around. There was live music playing across the street which entertained us. JP started dancing and Orion moved his wheelchair around to the beat, keeping time with JP. It was great!!

Even if you only think of the cute little red head for a second or two every day, we thank you. A kind thought of someone is a quick prayer to God for them. And we keep all of you in our prayers of gratitude to the Big Guy in the Sky!

Love always, Orion's Nana Colleen

No news is good news!

Orion is home and will be attending out patient services at Dells Children's Hospital 3 days a week. Although there is not a great deal of news that can be reported here concerning this, just the fact that the cute little red head is alive and well and with us is fabulous on its own.
He is doing quite well with his vocal skills and his speech therapists are really very amazed at his focus. I'm sure that as soon as this feat is accomplished he will direct his vast amount of energy on his coordination and his ability to walk alone. We are hoping that his double vision will be cured in a timely manner as the human body is a miracle in and of itself. God is great and I know that all the prayers and goodness sent Orion's way these past weeks have not been unheeded by the Great One and the angels. Please continue your prayers. We all continually need them.
Peace to you in your daily lives. Thank you for sharing ours. Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion climbing a mountain

Orion is definitely climbing a mountain - for real - now as he is heroically struggling to walk and have good coordination. The wonderful thing is that he is a fighter and a survivor. He doesn't give up. He is really mastering his speech and his extended vocabulary is showing through.

Friday, his speech therapist was going over words with him. As she was pointing out words from a list for him to pronounce, she got to one she thought was especially hard for him.

She said "That's ok, you can skip that one. It's too hard."

He answered her, " Don't you know what tenacious means?"

Isn't it amazing that the cute little red head knows a description of himself when he hears it?

That same day, tenacious Orion showed his father (again) that when he wants something, he definitely goes after it, and I don't just mean learning to walk and talk again.

No, something more dear than that. I mean Skittles!

Matthew had a small package of Skittles candies which he placed next to the sink and he told Orion that he could have some after he had eaten his lunch. After Orion was through, though, Matthew stepped into the hallway to speak to the doctor. When he came back into the room just minutes later, he saw Orion eating Skittles. Matt asked him, " How did you get those? I didn't give them to you."

Orion slowly explained that he had finished his lunch so he climbed down off the bed and crawled over to the sink, reached up and got his prize! Then he crawled back. Simple, Dad!

Like I said, if he wants something, he goes after it!

Again, we can all learn a thing or two about life from this tenacious little guy!

Please be tenacious in your prayers for him and his parents. We appreciate your love.

Goodness to all - Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion's last full day at Warm Springs

Orion spent his last full day at the Warm Springs hospital meeting with his therapists, eating, playing video games with his dad and showing his Nana Colleen how to crash and burn on the play station. It was fun!!!!

In this picture, Orion ate holes to create a face mask although he looks more like Jason in the scary thriller movie.

We all had a great day and we're so glad that he is heading home! Thanks again to everyone for everything you've done to show your love! Will keep you up on his progress as an out patient as much as possible.

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion's coming home!!!

Orion has impressed his doctors so much with all his efforts at getting well that they have agreed to allow him to begin out patient services starting next week! Yeah!!!
He will leave the hospital early Saturday morning and hopefully, he will be able to spend every other week with each of his parents which will be beneficial to all.

He has tried to move along as speedily as possible on his extended road to recovery so here's to his continued success!
If anyone wishes to send him a note, please either make a comment on this blog page or send him a note at his fathers house at

4713 Old Castle, Austin, TX 78745.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, prayers, and good wishes. We couldn't have made it without you.

Love forever! Orion's Nana Colleen

Incentives

Today, Orion experienced a great deal of pain in his legs and his neck, especially during his physical therapy. The therapist explained that a part of it was due to the fact that Orion has pretty much been bed-ridden for the last 5 weeks but Matthew mentioned that he has had an ongoing research on AVMs and asked if perhaps some or most of the pain was neurological (in Orion's head - I know that's where most of my problems are!). The therapist backed up Matthew's knowledgeable assumption describing the great pressure that was placed upon Orion's very fragile brain has left "ghost" pains that can be worked out by physical manipulation as well as with the time it will take for his brain to be healed. It was tough to hear the babe cry out even though he was controlling his tears. The therapist showed Orion some simple exercises to do in bed very often to build up his strength. His double vision is getting a bit better, that too will be worked out in time.
Aunt Maura Jo, who is a massage therapist, was there at the session watching and learning. She has worked with a number of special education kiddos as a middle school teacher and had several questions for the physical therapist. Orion wanted her to massage his neck and back but she wanted to make sure she would not hurt him in any way. After they got back to the room, Maura Jo massaged his back but decided against massaging his neck, instead diverting his attention by asking him if he'd like to play a video game with her. Amazingly, when she could not seem to get the game working correctly, Orion got himself out of bed and walked the 3 or so steps by himself to the TV to show her how to set it up properly! Amazing what each of us can do when properly motivated! Although she had to help him back into bed, she was thrilled with his progress.

Another wonderful thing that happened last night was that Matthew awakened in the night to Orion speaking very clearly with no hesitation at all! Matthew asked Orion if he needed anything even though he was completely bowled over that Orion's speech was just as it was in the past. When Orion didn't answer and Matthew heard his regular breathing, he realized that Orion was talking in his sleep. Today, Matthew told the speech therapist what had happened. He was told that when the the person is deep in REM sleep and there is no mental stress on the healing brain parts, that sometimes normal speech does occur even though the next morning the patient cannot speak that well when in a conscience state. It is all good and most likely shows that Orion should be getting well in that department sooner than later. Hooray!!!

Thank you for all your prayers. Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion and the Hemisphere Tower

Orion was able to procure a couple of afternoon passes this weekend! After going to the Rain Forest Cafe with his mom Saturday, he asked his dad to take him to the Tower of the Americas, the revolving restaurant in the downtown skies of San Antonio! During the one hour wait, we toured the grounds with its many fountains and waterfalls. Orion's Nana Colleen, cousins Isabelle, Sophia, Eva Simone, and Caleb along with Uncle Wayne and Aunt Thelma were honored to attend a luncheon with Rock Star Orion. Among the culinary pleasures were Alaskan Salmon, Filet Mignon, and of course the long standing delight Chicken Tenders with French Fries! Orion saved the latter morsels for his cousins while he forced himself to be satisfied with the surf and turf items. Aside from the delectable dishes, the +/-60 mile views from the top of the 750 foot restaurant was a panoramic feast for the eyes. Orion recalled dining at this restaurant last year with fond memories of being able to see the complete 360 degree breath-taking views from this establishment that completes one revolution per hour. He had asked his dad about going here ever since he knew he would be a patient at Warm Springs in San Antonio. He finally got his wish!

Orion is working hard to get better and stronger so that he might be able to leave the hospital and go home to complete his physical and speech therapies on an out patient basis.

Please remember to keep him in your prayers. He has come such a long way because of your love! Thank you.

Leaps and Bounds

Orion challenged his Uncle Jeff to a game of duplicating a building block tower within a matter of time. As a part his physical therapy to help build up strength in his hands, Orion has to build things with the Duplos plastic building blocks.

Orion can now walk albeit with help. His ability of speech is absolutely fabulous, he is so focused on learning to talk again. He already had an astounding vocabulary and is continually surprising all his nurses and therapists with his rapid recovery efforts. Thank you God for this amazing little boy in showing us all how to keep on struggling until victory is ours!

Thanks to all!

I have been very overdue in the multitude of thanks due so many people in making our Orion-Palooza the success it was! Thank you so very much to everyone who came and supported us in every way they could. Thanks to Chelle Murrey and her band http://www.chellemurrey.com/
as well as Darin Layne and the Crying Monkeys http://www.darinlayne.com/
We are also so grateful to the following people who made it all happen:
Francine Tucker, Lucy Rappe, Mark Fierro, Jessie Herrada and Albert Nance, Eileen Brown, Tanya Rodriguez as well as everyone who loaned us there love and goodness.
Much appreciation to the bidders of all the silent auction goods.

And of course we couldn't have done it without our sponsors!
Hills Cafe http://www.hillscafe.com/
Hope Biba/Hand-made pendant http://www.notjustmailonline.com/
Michelle Alonso- Artisit (for further inquires, contact Colleen)
Chirofit Wellness/Dr. Mo and Sarah http://www.chirofitwellnesscenter.com/
Blue Elephant Boutique/ http://www.shopblueelephant.com/
Inflatable Wonderland http://www.inflatablewonderland.com/
Kisma/Donated by Jen Stephens and Mario Gonzales
http://austin.citysearch.com/profile/37379741/
Terra Toys http://www.terratoys.com/

Texas Roadhouse.com, http://www.kaleidovisions.com/,

Austin Farmers Market http://www.sustainablefoodcenter.org

So.A.P. http://www.southaustinpeople.com/

And so many thanks to Dean Goodnight and Cheri Fox!!!!!!