He's doing OK!

Happy Birthday Uncle Jeff!

This was Orion Thursday evening when he was at his and his dad's house wishing his uncle a very happy birthday!

He was telling him about his latest endeavors on the different video games that help his hand/eye coordination. He has done really well with them and enjoys them immensely.

From what he told me Thursday, he has only attended school one day this past week, with a small bit of home schooling otherwise. He was more prone to discuss other interesting topics such as his little piggy or his video games instead of something as trivial as school.

He looks forward to outings with his father as they love to explore the outdoors, hiking various greenbelts around Austin, or swimming in Deep Eddy or Barton Springs. Although Orion loves to scale almost anything, there has, of course, been a bit of a nix on any climbing. He was very happy about being able to jump on the trampoline, even for a short time. This was another milestone for him.

As always, we thank you for your love and your prayers. It has got him this far and will continue to speed him along the path towards complete recovery.

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion jumping

Hello! While this video of Orion jumping on the trampoline for roughly 20 seconds or so may not seem like much, it is actually quite a feat for him. He is keeping his balance and keeping up his stamina. (I have a hard time jumping for 20 seconds without something hurting or being completely out of breath!)

Every week he is doing something else to better his situation, continually trying hard, not so much to show others that he can do something, but just because he wants to. He seems to be driven to get well as soon as he can. He is such a fabulous little boy, I just adore being around him, listening to his stories and his recreation of adventures, some real and some read.

Again we thank everyone for their continued prayers and good wishes. We love you and feel your love for us!

As always, Orion's Nana Colleen

Thanks so much, Austin Homebrew !!!

Yesterday we had such a great time at Austin Homebrew. Three bands, lots of food and really great people!

I feel like someone accepting an Oscar for Orion - there are just so very many people to thank.

From Austin Homebrew many thanks to Forrest, JB, Kevin, John, P. Berry & Ginnie Dove, Scott, and all the crew there.

Eileen and Cheri, there's no way we could have done it without you! We love you and truly appreciate all your hard work! And as Cheri wrote "Russell, you rock!" Standing out in that heat and cooking all afternoon was tough!

To the bands, I didn't know you before yesterday and now feel like we have many new friends. Vanessa Lively, Daniel, Paul K & Mikey Bones and all the musicians, you were all fantastic and in spite of the oppressive heat, made everyone feel like dancing. That's quite a feat!

Several persons stopped by because they heard the bands playing and decided to stay, contribute, and enjoy. Thanks to you, also!

Again to JP and Valerie of So.A.P. we are so grateful to you for all the soap and lotions you donated to sell for the cause! And leaving a box of your product for the employees of Austin Homebrew was a nice touch!

Many people emailed Austin Homebrew from out of town to send their support, 2 of whom are Benjamin Say and Chad Ward. Thanks for your kind words and warm thoughts!

Please support everyone who supported us!

Love to all from Orion's Nana Colleen

austinhomebrew.com

vanessalively.com

southaustinpeople.com

thelittlemorts.com

Austin Homebrew Benefit Sat Aug 23 noon to 6

To all who love the babe, Hello!
Please forgive me for not placing something on this blog for more than a week. I have been out of town for the last week and I won't be able to see Orion until he is at his father's house this Thursday. But, please know that no news is good news. I am told that he is still doing quite well at his therapy sessions.

His cousin is giving him a benefit at Austin Home Brew this Saturday from noon to 6PM.
Please try to drop by at some point. We really appreciate this company helping out like this as the medical bills are adding up quickly. Their website is: austinhomebrew.com

AUSTIN HOMEBREW SUPPLY, LLC
7951 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757

As their website says, "our store is located on the east side of Burnet Road between Anderson and Steck, directly across the street from McDonalds and their Golden Arches. "

John Brack (JB) from Austin Homebrew wrote in part the following on one of the comments for this blog a couple of weeks ago:
"I work with Kevin Glenn here at Austin Homebrew Supply. I wanted everyone to know that we will be holding a fundraiser for Orion here at the store on August 23rd from Noon -6pm. We will have 3 bands providing entertainment, refreshments and munchies. We will have a donation jar set up onsite for Orion's recovery fund. We are also donating 10% of the stores sales that day to the recovery fund. We are located at 7951 Burnet Rd. Phone 512-300-BREW. I hope everyone can attend!"

Hope to see you there! Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion writes on his blog

This is Orion. I feel good. This weekend I went swimming. Amber and Scarlett came over. My Nana is over right now. My cousin Nahn had a sleep over on Thursday, we slept on the trampoline with my dad that night.
I am excited that my cousin Savannah will be back in town today, and I will see her soon. I have not seen her since my AVM.
I am really sensitive with sounds. I don't like loud, crowded places. Lots of people talking feels like sound bouncing off metal. When there are lots of people together it sounds like one big wild animal, like they just don't care.
My dad and I put down all the shades on all the windows. We made it very dark and put the AC on very high. We like our house like a cave.
This is a video of my sister and me with my spider pig.
Thank you to everyone that cares about me.
Bye-Bye.
- Orion

Spider Pig

Orion had fun earlier this week singing Homer Simpson's song "Spider Pig" to his little piggy. He enjoys being outside with his dad although they don't stay out long with this extreme heat. They have been swimming several times lately which Orion really loves. Plus, it's great physical rehab.

Orion has also been able to spend a lot of time with his gorgeous little sister Scarlett. He is so very proud of being an older brother, and is a very big assistance in her care.

Also earlier this week Orion had quite a scare. He had a headache, his mother contacted the neurosurgeon's office and was told to take him to the hospital. When Matthew arrived, he knew Orion was afraid. He thought he was going to have to go through everything again. After all the tests were run, and he had an IV, he felt fine. Matthew believed that it was only slight dehydration that caused his headache. So, the message of the day is "Drink, Drink, Drink!!!" Water, that is! Keep hydrated during these very hot days we are enduring.

Thanks for your continued prayers and concern!

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion and Homebrew

Here Orion and his uncles are having some "guy talk". I know he really enjoys conversing with family members. Speaking of which, a well loved family member has arranged to have a benefit for Orion at Austin Homebrew Supply, 7951 Burnet Road, from noon to 6 p.m. Aug 23. They are doing this because of the long rehabilitation Ri is facing as well as the daunting pile of medical bills. The shop is donating 10 percent of all sales that day, three bands will provide tunes and there will be food and refreshments. If you brew, this is a golden excuse to pick up ingredients for your next batch and do a good thing at the same time. An article concerning this was in the Austin American Statesman in today's paper by Patrick Beach pbeach@statesman.com; 445-3604

If you're interested, please come! Thanks!

Love from Orion's Nana Colleen

2 months

Amazing, isn't it. Two months ago today Orion was lying in intensive care in a hospital in Costa Rica in a coma; today he's able to play in his backyard with his new little pet pig "Mr Gates".

You've come a long way, baby!

Again, thanks so much for your thoughts, prayers, and wishes for goodness for the cute little red head boy. The whole family appreciates all the love and support sent our way.
Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion the Go Getter

Orion was sitting at his father's desk last night showing me shorts flicks of himself on Utube. I thought that was pretty cool. He also showed me several funniest home video type films. Like most children, he can navigate around the internet very well.

His eye patch will probably remain a fixture over one eye or the other for a while still as his double vision seems to be fairly stubborn. The eye patch doesn't seem to other him around adults but he takes exception to kids staring at him. I imagine that since it bothers him, this will be his next line of focus. When he concentrates on something, trying to overcome it, watch out! He generally has shown that he will go above and beyond what most of us will do to overcome any obstacle. And so far he has succeeded. He is a super boy, demonstrating to us all how to keep on keeping on! In saying this, though, I keep in mind all the love and prayers all of you have sent his way supporting him and making him stronger. I thank you.

All my love and prayers to you all, Orion's Nana Colleen