Since it's been so long since I've posted, I thought a quick summary of the last several years would be helpful. Here goes. Our last visit to Hope therapy was about 15 years ago. Aiden got better and better at walking. He went up and down stairs independently. We were able to go places and do things with relative ease. Aiden hit 13 and a growth spurt that caused him to have lots of pain when walking. Dave and I felt like maybe we should head back to Hope for an evaluation and and an intensive. What we ended up with was a referral to see an orthopedist. Aiden's diagnosis: bowing in his tibias and femurs. It was so bad that by the time we had surgery in November 2022 (age 17), Aiden's left fibula was weight-bearing. Aiden had 4 titanium rods in his legs and gained 2" in height. We rehabbed him at home over 6 months with hime health. Unfortunately, the scoliosis that we had been watching, had gotten considerably worse. Dave and I knew more surgery was on the horizon.

It got to a point where Aiden's spine was so curved that it was going to begin causing other health issues. We planned the procedure for January 2025; a date that has literally changed our lives. The suergery itself was successful from the point of view that Aiden's back is straighter and won't get worse, however, he lost the use of his right quad, effectively taking away his ability to walk. Our kiddo who had never been in a wheelchair, now needed one. On topof that, Aiden had 2 hopital acquired illnesses. All told, we spent 55 days in the PICU or rehab in Richmond. This brings us so much closer to today. Aiden's doctor felt sure that we would see improvement by 1 year. That hasn't happened. We are now trying to find a way for Aiden to regain some mobility, but it is an uphill fight. You miht be wondering where I am with Jesus. He could easily fix this problem with Aiden; reach down and heal all of Aiden's nerve issues, make it an easier road. Trust me when I say that I have asked the Lord (many times actually), why this is happening to a kiddo who has done nothing to deserve this "punishment". My heart has broken over how hard this is on Aiden; how hard he has to work, and how much this has changed our lives. The struggle is real for me. I don't see the big picture, but I'mpretty sure I couldn't handle it if it was right befire my eyes. So my only choice is to sit before Jesus and wait. My faith is being stretched in ways that I couldn't imagine. Some days I sail through some days feel like a trip up Everest. At least I am still on the road (althiugh some days it's only the shoulder!!). Thankyou for taking the time to read this super long post. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement. I will post some pics from our current PT adventure soon. BTW, the top pic is Aiden 2 weeks after Aiden's spine surgery. The second is his spine a year before the operatiom.