Orion and Matt

Working for Legos

2010-05-05T10:16:00.003-05:00

When it comes to Legos, and more so to specialty legos, Orion is right there! When he asked me if he could buy a certain type of legos at Annie's Toy Depot and also some that he saw on the internet, I told him he would have to work to make some money to buy these treasures. Because I needed my bushes trimmed, I suggested that he could make the money that way. He was very eager to do this chore towards the end product. But as it turned out, he not only did a great job, but he has an artist's eye for trimming correctly. He even seemed to enjoy the job!
So, I got my bushes trimmed, and he got more than just his legos, he got the satisfaction of a job well done! I so love that cute little/big red head!

Local Olympics?

2010-02-26T21:10:00.005-06:00

Orion and his medal

Orion and most of his Parkside Community School 5th grade class have been running twice a week. They typically get to school early on Tuesdays and Thursdays to run a half mile each time. They had pledged to run 26 miles total for their personal health. Orion has probably run more than twice that distance as he very often jogs with his Dad in the greenbelt on the weekends. In mid February, the children and their families all gathered at the Tony Burger Stadium to run the Final Mile. Afterwards, each was given a medal for their perseverance.
Speaking of personal health, it is amazing to think that less than 2 years ago, the cute little red head was fighting for his life after suffering from his AVM. I know that almost everyone who saw him while he was in a coma uttered a prayer for his recovery. Then when he was so valiantly recuperating, more requests for him were made for his health. It has been a long road that he has traveled but just look at how very much love he and all of us have been constantly nurtured with. We might whine about not having enough money for “stuff” but the next time you think about this, please stop and tell the Big Guy up there “Thanks” for all the love and goodness we have in our lives.
And do consider your own personal health. Remember, the best gift you can give to the world is a healthy you!
Love to all, Orion’s Nana Colleen

Cheers to Dr. Timothy George

2010-01-25T21:02:00.003-06:00

I don't know how many times I have thought of Dr. Timothy George and thanked God for this man's intelligence and ability. I truly feel that if it weren't for him, Orion wouldn't be the same Orion we get to hold and love now. He is the one who told us the day when Orion first was medivaced back to Austin that Orion's "window of opportunity" was quickly closing and we must choose whether or not to allow him to immediately operate on the cute little red head. (I know he used that term of endearment for the babe!) While he completely left the choice up to Matthew and Aris, he sure did explain what he thought we were up against and everything he told us that dark day turned out to be right - well almost. The babe came out of his coma much, much sooner than anyone expected and Dr. George was right there cheering him on along with the rest of us.
Now this is not to downplay all the hard work everyone who was involved in Orion's recovery put in, it is just meant to praise a very hardworking man whom I will always have on a pedestal!
Thank you, Dr. George! May you see your children's grandchildren!
Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Star Wars Invader!

2009-11-15T22:07:00.002-06:00

We neglected to inform everyone that Jango Fett invaded this household on the evening of October 31st!

Even though he is from a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, he managed to make it to Austin this year in time to score several dozen hits on unsuspecting households!

He also received a free meal from the Texican Restaurant as they thought he was a very cleverly disguised young man who was hungry. Little did they know it was truly Jango Fett! Lucky for them the service was good and the food was great! Otherwise.....

We apologize for the tardy reporting but better late than never.

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Happy 11th Birthday Orion!

2009-10-30T23:54:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to the Big cute little red head!

We are all so very grateful that he is with us to celebrate his 11th birthday! Pictured here with his little sister, he is waiting for his neapolitan cake to finish baking. He made his own 3 part delicious delight of one part strawberry, one part chocolate and one part vanilla cake for his birthday party to be held at his dad's tomorrow. He and his family and friends will have such a good time celebrating and will close out the fun times with several rounds of trick-or-treating.

He is lucky enough to have already had an earlier birthday party at his mothers home last week!

Everyone loves the big cute little red head! Happy Birthday Babe!

Love always, Orion's Nana Colleen

One year and going strong!

2009-06-01T19:24:00.004-05:00

Well, it's been a long time since I wrote anything in this blog. I knew I had to today as I was taking this picture of the cute little red head and his dad. After all, we have so very much for which to be thankful! Tomorrow, it has been a year since Orion's AVM burst causing all the pressure on his brain. During these past 12 months, he has worked very hard, physically, emotionally, and mentally to get well and strong again. And he has succeeded! He still has some therapy sessions but they are very few compared to what we feared might be the case. He works very hard with his right hand to bring it to perfection and so I hesitate to tell him that none of us are perfect; but it's ok to strive for perfection so keep on keeping on, Orion! You are so very loved by everyone. Thanks for being such a fabulous human being and bringing so much joy to all our lives! I love you Baby Boy!

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion's doing well and so is his dad

2009-02-04T07:02:00.003-06:00

I have been asked by several friends and family members near and far, why I have not been keeping up this blog. I have allowed one camp, one particular camp who seems to enjoy haranguing Orion's father, to get to me. In my world, as well as throughout the whole world, the small, constant bickering and nasty ways, prevent true peace much more than any war.
Anyway, the boy is doing well. He still continues to go to the different therapy sessions at Dell's Children's Hospital. When I see him at his dad's, I see such liveliness in his spirit! There is so much love and understanding between father and son. This is not to say that this love is to the exclusion of anyone else. The cute little red head boy loves so many people with such a deep, trusting love that, like other hovering grandparents, I want very much to always be there to make everything ok but I know such is not life. We all must take our bumps and falls and learn from them. At least Orion knows he can always depend ultimately upon those who love him so dearly.
Speaking of one of the ones who loves him more than anyone or anything else in the world, Matthew has been juggling 2-3 part time jobs but Matthew always makes time for the babe. Part time jobs in this economy come and go, but one particular one which Matthew had definitely did go as Matt had agreed with his manager ahead of time that he had to have Thursday afternoons off for time with his son. When he was told he had to pull a double on a (you got it!) Thursday afternoon or be fired, Matthew knew what his choice was. He went out and interviewed the next day. He knows he has to be careful, in spite of managers who do not understand his situation, because the medical bills are all in Matthew's name as he is the one with the insurance on Orion. It seems that every time he turns around, there is a new bill or even a very old one begging to be paid. I salute him for continuing to struggle through the day to day challenges while still being such an extraordinary father. I hold in the highest esteem all the loving parents in the world trying so hard for their children's sakes. It's hard enough to be a good parent even when you're married and it's twice as hard when you're single. So here's to you Matt! Keep it up!

My love to all! Orion's Nana Colleen

Peace to all

2008-11-23T09:34:00.003-06:00

This blog was started for Orion's family to be informed on his condition and was meant for healing for all involved. This is not a place for ugliness so I have had to moderate comments.
I am sorry I have not kept the blog up much lately. I have been spending as much time as possible with the cute little red head, enjoying his explanations of his Lego cities and his tales of what has happened to him recently. Luckily, his father keeps him unaware of the ever mounting pile of unpaid bills that Matthew's insurance has not covered. Matthew also tries to shield Orion from the tensions that typically seem to arise out of divorce.
We want to thank everyone for all their love, prayers, and good thoughts sent daily to Orion. We also thank everyone once again who have had a part in the benefits for Orion.
If possible, I will have Orion write a Thanksgiving message to all.
Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Thanks to everyone

2008-10-23T19:00:00.003-05:00

The following was written by Francine Tucker

Not Just Mail’s 5th year anniversary, a benefit for Orion:WOW! Not Just Mail’s 5th year anniversary was a SUCCESS! Thanks to all of you who were able to come out and participate! From our very generous donations to purchase the telescope -to the overwhelming generosity of the businesses who provided the items for the auction; what a community we have in Cedar Park/Leander! And of course, a loving thank you to each person that participated in the silent auction, your contribution helped make this event a true success! We hope everyone had a great time listening to the great music! Many thanks to the following musicians:Vanessa Kidd http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=20134786 B. Sterling Archer : http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=379359149Something Quiet http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=150423848 If you liked them or were unable to to make it out, check them out on their My Space and look for upcoming gigs by these talents musicians! The food was excellent and the Dig Pub is to thank for the tasty beer and BBQ ! Go check them out and enjoy their wide assortment of draft beer and food http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15240106215 Many thanks to all of you who purchased raffle tickets and a big Congrats to Michelle Alonso for being the winner! I would also like to thank Orion for coming! It was so nice for the people to put a face to a person they have heard so much about….his name has made its way around this side of town now, quite the local celebrity!! We have an extended list of people that made this all possible and below are a few of the names of the donors and web-links to their sites. Without the support of the community this would not have happened. Again, thank you to all who made the trip out to Cedar Park to show your support and lend a helping hand. And finally, thank you to Mike and Hope, owners of Not Just Mail http://www.notjustmailonline.com/ for making their anniversary a time to bring a community together to help this family…they are truly grateful for you to have honored Orion! We look forward to many more anniversary’s to come!
On a final and more personal note to the boy who brought so many people together: Orion, so many people think about you everyday and wish you the strength and courage to get better . You are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the great attitude; we could all learn something from you Orion!
With much love, FrancineTucker

So.A.P. South Austin People J P Fierro http://www.southaustinpeople.com
Cedar Park Jewelry: http://www.cedarparkjewelry.com/
Mark and Carol Reynolds: http://www.kaleidovisions.com/
Crystal Falls Golf: http://www.crystalfallsgolf.com/golf/proto/crystalfalls/
Shady Grove: http://www.theshadygrove.com/
HK Taekwondo: http://hk-tkd.com/
Extreme Fun: http://www.extremefun-tx.com/

Orion and R2D2 at the Makers Faire

2008-10-19T19:16:00.008-05:00

Today at the Makers Faire, Orion and his dad had a great time inspecting numerous displays, among which were Lego cities, all sorts of computerized gadgets and programs, bicycle rides that looked like a snake skeleton, man made lightening that rode up metal strings to play different guitars. The video below shows Ri with R2D2 from Star Wars. Orion appeared very comfortable around the robot, even commanding him to do things.

Uncle JPs business SOuth Austin People had a booth at this faire which was geared towards those of us who are talented enough to make things with their own hands. JP gave Orion and Matt tickets to the fairgrounds, for which they are heartily grateful. It was amazing to see so many booths and shows sporting all the imaginations and geniuses of the everyday person. Matthew said that this Makers Faire could be compared to the 1880s World Faire for showing the cutting edge of science and technology. He and Orion were overwhelmed by not only the number of booths and shows, but the depth of love poured into these projects and the desire for all the vendors to share their knowledge with the participating public. I hope that everyone reading this can attend a Makers Faire in their respective communities anytime one is put on.

As always, we thank you for your love and prayers. Michael and Hope, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the hard work put into the benefit Not Just Mail had for Orion last Sunday.

Love always, Orion's Nana Colleen

Benefit for Orion Oct 12th

2008-10-04T20:51:00.002-05:00

Hello again!
Just a quick reminder about the benefit at Not Just Mail that our very good friend, Francine Tucker, is spearheading for Orion. Not Just Mail, the boutique and mail center in Cedar Park, will be celebrating their fifth year anniversary & in celebration of their anniversary, Hope and Mike Biba (owners), will provide free food, free beer and live music on Sunday, October 12 from 2-5 located at 1525 Cypress Creek Rd. Ste. H Cedar Park, TX 78613 . Local artisans will be vending their handmade jewelry, pottery, and more! There will also be a great raffle! There will be a silent auction a week before the event at the shop, so if you are in the area, stop by and make a bid. Please mark this event on your calenders, it should be a great time...all for a great cause!!! If you know anyone how would like to donate items for a silent auction, please let Francine know.... Or if you have know anyone who is crafty and would like to sell their pieces, please email this to them! So tell your friends and family, and please join us for this exciting event, bringing the community together!
www.notjustmailonline.com/
francinemarietucker@yahoo.com
The cute little red head will hopefully be there. He seems to be getting better all the time. Just to think that only 4 months ago he was lying in a coma in the hospital. Wow!! Have we ever been blessed! Thank you for your continued love and prayers. We hope to see you on the 12th.

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion and the Backhoe

2008-09-25T21:18:00.003-05:00

Today Orion got a fun hands on lesson in operating a backhoe! How great! Our family friend Jerry Roberts showed Orion how to move the correct levers so that he could shovel, dig, and drop out the dirt. It was great watching Orion learning a trade! Orion will write his own version following. Thanks for caring! Love, Orion's Nana Colleen

Operatering the mini-backhoe felt like a bus that had a big giant machine on it. It was a lot of fun. I wanted to try it out when Jerry offered to show me how to work it. It made me happy to work with something like that. Once, when I moved the hydraulics of the mini-backhoe to the side really fast it almost hit my dad and he had to duck. We thought it was funny, but I learned this machine is serious.

Orions favorite restaurant

2008-09-20T20:13:00.003-05:00

The Counter Cafe on Lamar seems to be Orion's favorite eating establishment. Yesterday morning when we arrived, immediately the 2 waitresses and the owner all greeted Orion like he was the King of England! They really showered their love and affection upon him. Apparently, he and his dad have been going there since they opened and when Orion was in the hospital they hooked Matthew up a few times with some of their great meals and constantly asked about Ri's well being during that dark time.

The food is fabulous there! I might not be Dale Rice, but I've not tasted better crab cakes anywhere else. Orion loves the steak and eggs and is also really partial to the biscuits with honey. He related that all the while he was in the hospital he dreamed of eating here and numerous times asked his dad to bring him some take-out food from Counter Cafe. Unfortunately, Orion wasn't able to eat much of anything for so long while he was hospitalized and when he was able, he was whisked off to San Antonio. If it were up to him, he would eat every meal there!

I guess it's good that we don't hav ethe money to eat out as often as we'd like or else I/we would be much heftier than we'd like. Instead we do have a huge amount of love and affection for all of you who love and care for the cute little red head. As always, thank you for your prayers.

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

When in need

2008-09-19T22:31:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I had a bit of trouble when a portion of my sewer system broke. Now that's not exactly a conversation most people enjoy discussing but everyone needs a decent sewage system. When Matthew and Orion volunteered to come over and help do some digging as well as other chores I needed to finish, I quickly accepted their offer of assistance.

Like most kids, Orion enjoyed running, jumping, and hiding in the ditch that was trenched, that is until I told him what might still be in that corridor of dirt and of who knows what else. He stopped jumping into it pretty quickly after that. And no more hide and seek there either.

I was thinking how extremely fortunate we all are to have the cute little red head alive and well with us, no matter what kind of a ditch he chooses to play in. Thank you God for this intelligent and vibrant child in our lives!

Thank you for caring! Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Not Just Mail benefit for Ri

2008-09-16T09:08:00.002-05:00

Hello all you smiling faces who love the cute little red head boy!

A very good friend, Francine Tucker, is again spearheading another benefit for Orion. The following is a letter she sent out to everyone she knows.

"Hello Friends,
I am currently working on another event for Orion, the nine year old who nearly lost his life from a ruptured AVM in his brain. In a few weeks, Not Just Mail, the boutique and mail center in Cedar Park, will be celebrating their fifth year anniversary! In celebration of their anniversary, Hope and Mike Biba (owners ), will provide free food, free beer and live music on Sunday, October 12 from 2-5 located at 1525 Cypress Creek Rd. Ste. H Cedar Park, TX 78613 . Local artisans will be vending their handmade jewelry, pottery, and more! There will also be a great raffle....more to come soon!!!! There will be a silent auction a week before the event at the shop, so if you are in the area, stop by and make a bid. I will be sending out a preview of the items soon!!! Please mark this event on your calenders, it should be a great time...all for a great cause!!!
If you know anyone how would like to donate items for a silent auction, please let me know.... Or if you have know anyone who is crafty and would like to sell their pieces, please email this to them! So tell your friends and family, and please join us for this exciting event, bringing the community together! Not Just Mail www.notjustmailonline.com/ would like to have all donations for the silent auction by the last week of September, so if you will be able to provide any help or know anyone who can, please contact me by Wednesday, September 24. Thank you for all you help you can provide!Francine francinemarietucker@yahoo.com "

Thank you again, Francine!

Please keep up your prayers for Orion and his folks. We all survive the ups and downs of life on love and prayers. We appreciate your concern and good wishes. I will try to place more information on the little boy as I can, even if it is just pictures. I'm sorry I have been a bit lax in doing this.

Thank you notes

2008-09-08T22:27:00.006-05:00

Although this picture was taken more than a year ago, it captures the mood that seems to be within Orion right now. He is as patient as he can be with his limitations, yet he is impatient to get back to doing things as well as he used to. The medical staff had told us that it may be a year or more, as far as they can tell, before Ri can expect to be well, or as well as possible. They have been amazed at how well he has progressed, as have all of us viewing him first hand. So when I asked him to get started on writing our long overdue thank you notes, he just looked at me funny. I asked him what was up. He showed me.

He can't write very well at all. He took the pen in his right hand but had to grasp his right hand with his left to make it work. I bit my lip and tried to keep the tears from stinging my eyes. I have been with him as often as I can when he is at his dads and I just did not know that this was still such a limitation for him. After all, he is so good on the video games which take such hand/eye coordination. Why is it that he can't write properly? The brain is so complex. Just as he has overcome so many other obstacles, I'm sure that with his strength and determination, he will re-learn to properly read and write. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. We do appreciate everything each of you has done for us and we are especially grateful for your love and prayers! And sooner or later we will get the thank you notes out!

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

No eye patch!

2008-09-04T21:50:00.003-05:00

As of yesterday Orion does not have to wear his eye patch any more! Cool deal! The medical folk at Dell Children's Hospital informed the cute little redhead that, although he still has a bit of double vision, they felt the eye patch was no longer needed. Hurrah!!! Yet another milestone!

With his father at their home today, Orion showed me some of his jujitsu moves using his poor dad as his "assistant". I felt sorry for Matthew, getting his joints hit upon and bent back some. I know it hurt but Matthew didn't seem to mind. Orion remembers his sensa's instructions and put on a good show for me. His little sister Scarlett was not so impressed. She just wanted Orion to play with her. She really adores her big brother.

This picture shows her sitting with Orion as they play "Off Road ATV". She was so happy sitting there with the control in her little hands pushing invalid buttons that she just knew were making things happen on the screen.

But a little one who will celebrate her first birthday in a couple of weeks can only sit there for so long. She then got off the couch so as to hand Orion the play station box and messed things up for a bit by dropping it. Orion wasn't too happy but took it all in stride. After all, not only was that his cute little sister whom he doesn't get to see very often, but he and his dad do have one of the largest collections of legos that I've ever seen. So the lego-master started playing with his legos knowing his dad would help him fix the play station later. Life is good!

Please continue to keep Orion in your prayers as he could not be doing so well without your love and good wishes. Thank you so very much! If you would like to send a message to him but would rather not put something on this blog, please feel free to email him/them at orionandmatt@gmail.com

Love always, Orion's Nana Colleen

He's doing OK!

2008-08-30T21:22:00.003-05:00

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

2008-08-25T20:45:00.004-05:00

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 !!!

2008-08-24T18:28:00.009-05:00

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

2008-08-18T22:06:00.006-05:00

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

2008-08-10T18:31:00.003-05:00

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

2008-08-10T17:38:00.004-05:00

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

2008-08-06T17:06:00.004-05:00

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

2008-08-02T22:05:00.004-05:00

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

2008-08-01T21:00:00.003-05:00

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

Gratitude is the Attitude!

2008-07-30T22:41:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-25T22:27:00.002-05:00

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!!!!

2008-07-23T21:46:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-22T21:04:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-21T22:31:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-17T22:30:00.010-05:00

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!

2008-07-15T23:14:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-12T22:43:00.006-05:00

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

2008-07-11T19:12:00.003-05:00

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!!!

2008-07-10T18:16:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-07T22:21:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-06T20:43:00.005-05:00

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

2008-07-04T20:48:00.004-05:00

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!

2008-07-03T09:18:00.005-05:00

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!!!!!!

Orions weekend

2008-06-29T15:42:00.004-05:00

The last few days, Orion has been walking further and further. Yesterday, he walked with his Uncle Jeff all the way to the elevators and back, probably about 30 yards or so. Jeff had to support him but he walked on his own.

Orion is still loving pepperoni pizza although he does not always enjoy all the therapy's (speech and physical). He has a set of Duplos (large Legos) to help his hands get strong along with his coordination. This came in handy this weekend with his cousins from Laredo visiting him. With all the cousins, uncles and aunts, and both grandparents there, what was a boy to do except to watch a movie, a comedy of course! Orion definitely has not lost his sense of humor.

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

!!!!!!!ORION-PALOOZA!!!!!!!

2008-06-27T23:05:00.003-05:00

No, this is not de ja vu. I just want to make sure everyone comes and has some fun at our
!!!!!!!ORION-PALOOZA!!!!!!!

Hills Cafe Sunday June 29th 6-9pm4700 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745 (512)851-9300

Come to our fun(d)raiser! Fun, food, adult beverages, child beverages, and fabulous music
6 pm -Darin Layne and the Crying Monkeys
7:30 pm Chelle Murrey and the Chelle Murrey band

Our silent auction items have really grown! Besides the dinner for two at Texas Roadhouse, a Kaleidovision (superior, upscale kaleidoscope), baskets of body products from So.A.P. SouthAustinPeople, we have several other restaurant dinners, a $250 gift from Terra Toys, and a number of other items from local businesses and as well as local artist prints.

Make your plans to attend! Come join the fun and help at the same time! No particular charge at the door, donation only, as you see fit. No host - cash bar and menu from Hills. Please come!

Talk, Orion, talk!

2008-06-26T21:11:00.003-05:00

Most parents can't wait for their children to learn to talk and then spend the rest of their children's growing years telling them to "shut-up". Matthew longs for the day he would ever even think that again. Orion takes a deep breath and concentrates on what he is saying, patiently repeating himself if he is not understood. When his jujitsu (martial arts) instructor, Miss Anna, gave him a megladon tooth, he told every person who walked into his room about the 50+ million year old dinosaur. Wow! I'd say his thought processes are very much intact.
His physical therapist walked with him around the room and had to remind Orion not to look at his feet while walking, saying he needed to teach himself to do some things without looking. Immediately I thought I should probably get some physical therapy for my typing - I always look at my hands. Thanks God for the genius who invented spell check!!

Orion is progressing fantastically with his speech although his walking, double vision, balance and coordination have greatly been affected by the AVM's pressure on his brain. As I understand it, the bruising will go away and with Orion's determination and with time, he will get back to normal. No telling how long he will be in rehab. We had been told approximately a year but then again we were told he would take much longer to do everything he has already accomplished in less than half the time predicted. Way to go Orion!

We are going to see if there is anyplace in Austin where the cute little red head can have inpatient services for his rehabilitation. Hopefully this can be sooner than later. Will let you know. Please keep up the prayers! They are lazar lights to heaven, brightening Orion's path to getting better.

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion's in San Antonio!

2008-06-24T23:10:00.004-05:00

This afternoon Orion was moved by ambulance to a rehab facility in San Antonio. Apparently, Warm Springs is supposed to be one of the finer ones in the area, if not in the nation, for brain injury rehabilitation. While we were waiting for the ambulance crew to arrive, Orion ate a couple of slices of his favorite, pepperoni pizza. We had a decent two way conversation. I understood almost everything the cute little red head had to say about extinct sharks, dinosaurs, his school and teachers from Dawson Elementary,... His words are very slow and deliberate but discernible.
Once the ambulance crew came to transport him, he got a bit nervous and Matthew had to spend some time with him to calm him. Although he had told me and the nurse that he knew where and why he was being moved, I think when the time came, it was scary for the little 9 year old.
He is supposed to be at Warm Springs for 2-3 weeks to re-learn how to properly talk and walk.
Please continue to keep him and his folks in your prayers. Thanks!
We hope to see you at Hills Cafe this Sunday evening.
Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion-Palooza June 29th Hills Cafe (reminder)

2008-06-22T20:08:00.005-05:00

!!!!!!!ORION-PALOOZA!!!!!!!

Are you ready for some fun???

Hills Cafe Sunday June 29th 6-9pm
4700 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745 (512)851-9300

Come to our fun(d)raiser! Fun, food, adult beverages, child beverages, and fabulous music

6 pm -Darin Layne and the Crying Monkeys

7:30 pm Chelle Murrey and the Chelle Murrey band

We are going to have a 50/50 bowl whereby tickets will be sold for a dollar each and at the end of the night the ticket picked will get the winner 50% of the ticket sale proceeds, the other half goes into the Orion fund.We are going to have a cake and pie sale (any donations will gladly be accepted)!We are also going to have a silent auction to include a dinner for two at Texas Roadhouse, a Kaleidovision (superior, upscale kaleidoscope), baskets of body products from So.A.P. SouthAustinPeople as well as a number of other items.

Make your plans to attend! Come join the fun and help at the same time! No particular charge at the door, donation only, as you see fit. No host - cash bar and menu from Hills. Please come!

Hungry Boy!

2008-06-22T18:28:00.004-05:00

How great to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Since Orion has been eating these last 3 days or so, one can noticeably see the difference in his physical stamina and his coloring is so much better. This afternoon we spent about an hour and a half walking around and also in the cafeteria. While walking by the desert section, Orion stuck his arm out and did a pretty good job of grabbing at a piece of carrot cake. He also asked for a slice of pizza. No way was he going to waste time in a cafeteria just drinking Pedisure. He ate most of the pizza and all of the cake.
He had wanted to go outside for a bit of sunshine (no lack of that here lately!) but by the time we got through, he was pretty tuckered out and wanted a nap. Before he fell asleep, he asked me to order more food since it takes about 45 minutes to come to the room and he thought he might be hungry again by the time he awoke. Wow, if he's eating this good while he's a still a very sick little 73 pound boy, imagine the grocery bills for is folks when he's a teenager!

The attached video was taken last October when Matthew took Orion and me to Cypress Valley zip line tours for Ri's birthday.

Orion Unplugged!

2008-06-21T19:35:00.005-05:00

This morning Orion got his feeding tube removed from his nose with quite a bit of discomfort on his part. The kid is brave and, in spite of the pain, worked very well with the nurse practitioner.
The staff told him and us that as long as he eats well, he shouldn't have to have the feeding tube re-inserted. Orion asked for food immediately! He does not want anything plastic inside him ever again in any way, shape, or form.
We are all hoping that perhaps with no tubes stuck down his throat he may be able to enunciate his words that much better. He is working so hard to communicate. Even though I know there is still frustration there, he is working with what knowledge he is given daily. One can see the force in his head, willing his mouth and lungs and voicebox to become in sync once again. He is trying so hard and he will succeed.
Although there has been talk of a rehab facility in San Antonio, that may be a bit premature as he is still very weak physically. Orion is working day by day, making each day a good one - as good as possible. We can learn from him.

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Orion's hat

2008-06-21T07:54:00.004-05:00

My friend Steve Simon from El Paso sent me the following, not knowing what had happened to my own grandson. I thought it was so appropriate, though, in how we pray to God but are never really satisfied as we do not know God's greater plan.

A Jewish grandmother took her grandson to the beach on a sunny day. He was playing in the water, she was standing on the shore not wanting to get her feet wet. All of a sudden, a huge wave appears from out of nowhere and crashes directly onto the spot where her grandson was wading. The water recedes and the boy is no longer there. He had been swept away. The grandma holds her hands to the sky, screams and cries: Lord, my GOD, how could you? Haven't I been a wonderful grandmother? Haven't I been a wonderful mother? Haven't I kept a kosher home? Haven't I given to charity? Haven't I lit candles every Friday night? Haven't I tried my very best to live a life that you would be proud of?

A voice booms from the sky, "Oh, all right already!"A moment later another huge wave appears out of nowhere and crashes on the beach. As the water recedes, the boy is standing there. He is smiling and splashing around as if nothing had ever happened.

The voice booms again. "I have returned your grandson. Are you satisfied?"

She responds, "He had a hat."

Orion has certainly been returned to us so, Thank you God for that. When he is back walking and talking fine, I'll know God made sure he came back with his hat on!

Orion, the outstanding student

2008-06-20T22:54:00.007-05:00

June 20, 2008

Last night Orion brought the biggest smile ever to his mother's face when he slowly said "I love you, Mom". Wow, Aris was bowled over! She immediately called Matt to tell him. This accomplishment far surpassed anything the speech therapist could have forseen. Today, when the speech therapist was in, she told Orion that she was having to think quickly of words for him to practice saying because he was so ahead of anything she had planned for him. He went through the vowel sounds having the most trouble with eee. When going slowly and breathing deeply, he could pronounce most of his consonants without too much garbling, although he was having trouble with his w's and n's. I mentioned that he had an Uncle Wayne so they practiced saying Wayne for a while.

The lady told Orion that as his brain gets better, so will his speech and his motor skills. She explained to him that he will have to remember to close his mouth and swallow, then take a deep breath just before saying a word. She went on telling him that he will have to jog his brain's memory of how to speak and how to make his body move and that it will all come back sooner or later. By the looks of things, I believe it will be sooner than later! Thanks to everyone for their continued prayers!

I imagine that today Orion's Grampa Julio was probably beaming himself when he heard Orion's somewhat unclear but well intended "Happy Birthday, Grampa!"

Orion's tryin'

2008-06-19T13:38:00.004-05:00

Orion is doing better in spite of the continual frustration he suffers (and his folks suffer) as he remembers doing all sorts of things well prior to June 2nd. Although he is very aware of his surroundings, and his memory is very good, he is still mute, still has trouble focusing his eyes together on any object, trouble coordinating his hands and, as of now, cannot walk more than a foot or two without help.

Now the good part. Last night, he was watching his dad play video games and had a smile on his lips with every wreck and wheeley done on screen. When his dad went out to get some food, I handed him the controls and showed him how and where to press the buttons. He could only press one button and it was a hard one but he kept it up for about 2 minutes or so. I imagine that is one physical therapy exercise he won't mind working on. Really though, the problem with it is that he does remember doing it so well that he's extra annoyed with his hands for not obeying his bruised up brain's signals. It will all work out!

Please keep visualizing him as completely well and every step it takes for him to get there.
Thanks so much for all the love being sent to this cute little red head.
Thanks for all the notes and calls and especially thanks to his cousins Isabelle, Sophia, and Eva for their faxed note to the hospital! We love you girls!

Love to all -Nana Colleen

Orion-Palooza!!!! Sunday June 29th 6-9pm

2008-06-18T23:04:00.008-05:00

Are you ready for some fun???

Then come to our Orion-Palooza! It's our fun(d)raiser! It will be at Hills Cafe Sunday June 29th
from 6-9pm. Fun, food, adult beverages, child beverages, fabulous music with Darin Layne and also Chelle Murrey whom I can honestly say has a magnificent talent for music and has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard! Darin is an exceptional guitarist and is so good that ACC snatched him up as a guitar instructor!

We are going to have a 50/50 bowl whereby tickets will be sold for a dollar each and at the end of the night the ticket picked will get the winner 50% of the ticket sale proceeds, the other half goes into the Orion fund.

We are going to have a cake and pie sale (any donations will gladly be accepted)!

We are also going to have a silent auction to include a dinner for two at Texas Roadhouse, several nice household items among other things, but especially we have a Kaleidovision (superior,
upscale kaleidoscope) that will be part of the silent auction. Any of these will be wonderful to own -these Kaliedoscopes are great adult toys!

Make your plans to attend! Come join the fun and help at the same time! No particular charge at the door, donation only, as you see fit. No host - cash bar and menu from Hills.

He's good!!!!

2008-06-17T19:33:00.003-05:00

Orion's angiogram today showed the doctors that there was still a couple of problems still inside Orion's head so Dr. Neal Rutledge immediately operated on him BUT fortunately it was non-invasive surgery although we did not know this to be the case until the procedure was almost over. Dr. Rutledge came out and explained to Aris, Matt, Renee, Colleen and David that he had found 2 dura fistulas (hard connections of veins where connections should not be). He went through Orion's femoral artery to clear these fistulas and now feels that Orion should not need any more operations or procedures, at least not like the ones he has endured in the last 14 days.
Dr. Rutledge feels that Orion has at least a year of recovery/rehab in front of him because, as he put it, Orion's cerebellum really took one heck of a hit and it will take a long time recovering from that. So thank you everyone for your continued prayers. He needs it and we all need it.

Now, speaking of problems inside of heads, I wonder if Dr. Rutledge can do anything for me????
Hhhmmm, probably not. Y'all are stuck with me the way I am!
And ain't life grand.

Love to all, Orion's Nana Colleen

Please pray for Orion -Another Operation!

2008-06-17T15:26:00.003-05:00

June 17th 3pm

Anyone who might be reading this today, PLEASE stop and say a prayer for Orion. His MRI showed another AVM albeit a smaller one. Dr. George was prepared just in case this happened. I will post more information as soon as he is out. Think positive! Pray positive!
Love, Nana Colleen

Orion gets to eat!

2008-06-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

June 16th

When I pulled into the parking lot this afternoon, Uncle Jeff was just pulling out (I got his rock star parking place). He told me that Orion was going to get to eat today!

Hooray!!! Real food! Inside the hospital, Uncle JP, who was only able to stay a short time, told me that Orion had ordered macaroni and cheese, pudding, and some gatorade. How much more real can you get?????

After taking and passing some more physical therapy tests today, Orion was given the green light for solid foods. Boy was he ever ready to eat! By the time they brought his mac and cheese, he was tired from being up so much during the day and the two therapy sessions, so he only ate about 5 or 6 bites of the mac and cheese that his dad fed him and a few sips of the gatorade but over a period of an hour or so, he ate one and a half cups of the vanilla pudding.

About 5:30 or so, the nurse came in to check on his very sore back and she told us that he could order whatever he'd like from the kitchen to eat throughout the evening but that he needed to order soon as the kitchen closed at 6:30. I told him I would read the menu to him and to squeeze my hand when I read something he wanted.

Any breakfast foods? Waffles or pancakes for the pancake king? No squeeze.

Oatmeal or cream of wheat? No squeeze.

OK. Let's get to the lunch and dinner items. I don't think corn would be so good right now. How about steamed carrots like your dad always has for you? No squeeze.

Small milkshake? SQUEEZE

Rice? SQUEEZE

Buttered noodles? SQUEEZE

Broccoli? SQUEEZE

Green beans? SQUEEZE

Roasted turkey? SQUEEZE SQUEEZE SQUEEZE

"Ri, I've got to stop there. I know you're hungry, but I think that's more than enough for tonight. You only have until midnight and then you can't eat again until after you MRI at 1pm tomorrow. Bummer of a deal, isn't it? But, woo hoo for now. You get food!"

By the time the food came, Ri sipped a bit of the chocolate shake, ate some of the noodles, slowly counting the 30 chews for each bite, then he was exhausted. Before he fell asleep, I asked him if he wanted me to send back the food. Two very wide eyes opened and stared at me as if I were crazy while his head slowly moved from side to side, an emphatic "NO".

Although I only got to spend just a couple of hours with the babe today, they were a very good 2 hours.

Please continue to pray for Orion and his folks. Prayers got him this far and will take him all the way!

Love to all, Orion's Nana

A (somewhat) Brief History

2008-06-15T21:25:00.002-05:00

The following is a quick history of what Matthew and I experienced when this storm hit his 9 year old son Orion's life.

June 2, 2008 approximately 7pm Austin time: we each received a call from Aris's boyfriend that Orion was in a coma. He told us that he, Aris, her brother Finn, and Orion had been zip-lining and that Orion had a headache and didn't want to go after the first line. He said they tried to encourage him to finish with them and when he didn't want to, I remember Mark saying that they told him to wait for them for the next hour and a half that it would take them to finish out. From what I remember, Mark said they came back from their zip line tour and Ri was convulsing, he vomited, and then passed out. They rushed him to a clinic who sent him and Aris by ambulance to the children's hospital in San Jose, approximately 4 hours away given the bumpy roads. He and Finn went back to check out of the hotel and grab the cell phone which is when they called Matthew and me.

The rest of the evening, Matthew and I were on the computer getting the best tickets possible for Costa Rica. I gather all my work and literally dumped it on my partner and niece, Eileen, not knowing when I'd be back. Matthew and I left just after midnight for Houston, going to Matthew's brother's home. Mark Fierro was definitely a godsend - helping us to get organized, loaning me a proper suitcase, giving us some cash which we were low on, and taking us to the airport so that we wouldn't have to worry about the car at all.

We left at 5:50 am and after a change in Atlanta, arrived in San Jose at noonish. A cab dropped us off at the Hospital Nacional de Ninos on Calle Colon where we were met with friendly but curious stares as I realized I definitely wasn't dressed for a Central American summer day and I was dragging along my suitcase. At the time, though, the only thing on our collective mind was Orion. Matthew went upstairs first after obtaining a pass from the information desk. When he came back down so that I might go up, he looked devastated. He wanted to warn me but had a hard time talking.

Matthew took me up and when I arrived in the intensive care unit, I saw our sweet little boy lying flat on his back with his eyes half open although there was some type of balm over his eyes, I imagine was to protect them from drying out. There were tubes coming out of him all over the place but when his daddy spoke to him, his eyes darted all around giving us our only indication that he knew his father was with him. We stayed until Aris returned a few hours later and then got a hotel room, one that the doctor suggested. We were told to come back later that evening.

We couldn't sleep and we hadn't eaten since the day before so we stopped at a restaurant 2 blocks from the hospital and walked in as after another man. As it turned out, that other man was the evening chef and the owner greeted us and told us that although the place was closed, he would personally fix us a meal. It was a fine meal of filet mignon, medium rare, with vegetables. It was great and his kindness towards us was so appreciated. By the time we left, we realized that he had guessed why we were there in his city and he told us he would pray for our nino.

June 4, 2008 7:30 am

We all met with 4 or 5 doctors who told us that other than the drain they had placed in his head, there was not much more they could do for Orion except wait for the swelling to go down. They did not answer very many of our direct questions pertaining to his chances of recuperation. Finn got the doctor from Dell Children's Hospital on the line so that he could be a part of the meeting. One of the doctors told me afterwards, when I asked him directly about Orion's chances of survival, that the way Orion's was at that time, he wouldn't give him more than a 25% chance of making it, much less chance of ever being the Orion we love.

It was determined that Orion would be air-lifted home, which Finn arranged with the help of several individuals he knew back home. Thank God for all of them doing their part.

As only one parent could fly with Orion, Matthew and I again called our lifeline, his brother Mark Fierro and found out a flight was leaving back to Houston at 1 pm. It was 11:00 by this time. Matthew handed Aris the insurance card he had for Orion, we gave the babe a kiss goodbye, asked his angels to protect him, and we ran to check out and grab a cab back to the airport. What a visit to Costa Rica! It seemed we had been there in a dark haze for so long yet 28 hours after we had arrived, we were headed back to the states, back to all the love and prayers everyone had for Orion.

June 5, 2008 3:45 am

Grandpa (Julio) and Matthew were at the hospital waiting for the precious one to arrive at the emergency room. By 8am Aris, Matthew, and I were in a meeting with Dr. Timothy George who agreed with the prognosis that the Costa Rican doctors had given us, figuring it was an AVM rather than a tumor or an aneurysm. He said Orion's window of opportunity was fast closing and he felt that he should operate right away. We asked how soon this would be and he said he had the operating room ready, he just needed the parents permission.

What was supposed to hav ebeen a 4 hour operation turned into a 7 and a half hour one but the doctor was cautiously optimistic about everything and said Orion should come out of his coma in 3-5 days and then we'd know a lot more. Here come the thousands of prayers from family, friends, and strangers alike. and God heard! Matthew was spending the night with Ri and about 6 hours after the operation, Ri opened his eyes and responded to his father's voice!

The next morning everyone was amazed and we heard a word that doesn't often seem to be uttered by a doctor very often, and how very "miraculous" it was.

Now here it is ten days later, and Orion is struggling so we still need everyone to continue to pray for him. I'm sure that besides the tremendous frustration that he's confused and angry. I know I would be if my mind said one thing and my body refused to follow through.

Please, please pray for Orion and his parents.
Love to all, Orion's Nana

Orion's in charge

2008-06-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

June 14, 2008 11 pm

I just returned home after sitting next to Orion for several hours while his dad got some dinner and a bit of down time. It was very peaceful and relaxing saying the rosary, meditating, and just looking at the cute little boy. Matthew had said Orion had gone through another very frustrating day and seemed a bit depressed. His nurse informed us of what we really already knew, that he will have good days and not so good days. Although all of us know this is typical of the ebb and flow of life, it is so hard to watch the low times hit your child or grandchild whom you love so dearly. By the time I got to the hospital about 5:45 pm, Matthew was calming Ri down, helping him to rest. Matthew had said Ri wasn't even interested in going for a walk in the wheelchair. Today was so very hard on Matthew, as he tries so hard to keep up a good attitude and a cheerful smile for the babe. When he left and Ri was resting, I got to relax, too. To reiterate, it was very peaceful sitting there, watching him sleep.

It seems Orion has not only been very frustrated because of the lack of oral communication, but because he feels powerless. So tonight, his dad and I made sure that he knew he was in charge of the following:

the remote control

his wires that are attached to him

his sheets

his pillows

But mostly his dad tried to remind him that he is in charge of his thoughts and his imagination.

Matthew wanted to make sure Orion felt he was in control of at least a few aspects in his life there in that room. He also knew Orion was still upset with having to undergo a sponge bath by a female nurse while his mother was in the room earlier in the morning. So, it was requested that Matthew would always be the one to help Orion give himself a sponge bath and when Matt wasn't around and if at all possible, a male attendant would help Orion. Hopefully, this won't have to be the only bathing option for too terrible long.

Wow! I don't know from what reserve Matthew gets his patience and understanding but I could shout it from the rooftops that Matthew Fierro is the best father in the world!

So Happy Fathers Day Matthew!!!

And Happy Fathers Day to all the good fathers out there!

Orion and his Dad

2008-06-14T11:55:00.001-05:00

June 14, 2008

Yesterday was Matthews 32nd birthday and he was able to see his 9 year old son Orion mouth the words "Happy Birthday Dad!" It was very touching as Orion is still mute because of the pressure that was placed on his brain when his undiagnosed AVM burst on June 2.

Orion is aware and thus frustrated at not being able to communicate with words. He is restless yet exhausted.

This is our first attempt at a blog, so we will do our best at reporting daily on the cute little boys condition.

Our love to all, the Nance and Fierro Families