Navigating Life's Detours
Finding the right path for a teen with special needs
Tag: hydrocephalus
Getting to know our puppy raiser
It was an exciting Friday as team training at Canine Companions for Independence drew to a close. The day began with a grooming session for Karina in preparation for Saturday’s graduation at SeaWorld. The 11 recipients and their families attended a luncheon with the… Continue Reading “Getting to know our puppy raiser”
Disappointment abounds
I’m disappointed. I’m really disappointed. I’m sad. I’m worried. I’m envious. I’m tired. I’m wondering how what I had hoped would be a bucket-list experience was decimated before my very eyes. At the same time, I’m thankful to the entire staff at Canine Companions… Continue Reading “Disappointment abounds”
Karina visits J.P. before discharge
J.P. tolerated his feeds well and was able to be discharged Wednesday afternoon. It was a really interesting day because Karina was able to spend the day with J.P. in his hospital room. I was very happy with the way she behaved in the… Continue Reading “Karina visits J.P. before discharge”
J.P. wakes up with smile
J.P. was awake and smiling Tuesday afternoon after surgery to repair his shunt earlier in the day. He had reason to smile after his fellow students at Canine Companions for Independence got together and purchased him a big stuffed dog and card to let… Continue Reading “J.P. wakes up with smile”
Getting back on track
J.P. went to surgery Tuesday morning to repair his shunt, and everyone is hoping that will settle his stomach and allow him to get back to dog training in time for graduation Saturday. Dr. Eric Trumble performed the surgery and said it was the same issue… Continue Reading “Getting back on track”
Preparing for surgery
It’s always nice to have two superheroes pulling for you on the day before surgery. J.P. got to meet Batman and Catwoman on Monday afternoon at Florida Hospital for Children. It is looking more like J.P. won’ be returning to his Canine Companions training… Continue Reading “Preparing for surgery”
Dealing with unforseen problems, part 2
The old saying, “One step forward, two steps back,” is so true in the lives of J.P., Paige and I. We have become so excited about the prospect of bringing home our skilled companion dog over the past week, but what happened Saturday night… Continue Reading “Dealing with unforseen problems, part 2”
What is holoprosencephaly?
Holoprosencephaly is a form of cerebral palsy. Paige and I learned that J.P. had holoprosencephaly at 23 weeks into our pregnancy during an ultrasound appointment. It was one of those situations where no one wants to tell you anything, but they make phone calls… Continue Reading “What is holoprosencephaly?”
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Navigating Life's Detours 