I am Thankful

I always seem to do things a day late but I was busy baking for turkey day and never got to express my gratitude for a countless number of things.

I am so thankful for all the doctors and therapists that help take care of Riley.  This is Riley with Dr. Swoboda when Riley was a year old.  Other than being one of the smartest people I know she is also one the kindest most passionate people.  She loves these kids so much and wants nothing more than to see them cured.  We are so fortunate to live so close to a facility with specialists like her.

Next I am thankful for friends in unexpected places.  Tara Liston was a God send to me!  Sometimes it's hard to look through all the tough situations in your life but if you take a step back you might be surprised of where it has taken you and the people that have become a part of your life because of it. You may not even realize what you have done for me but I am so thankful and privileged to have you a part of my life.

I am thankful for modern medicine.  Riley would not be here today with out all these miraculous inventions.

I am thankful for my mom.  She is such an inspiration to me.  She has accomplished so much in her life most of it on her own while raising 4 kids.  She is smart, funny, creative and a go getter.  She is an incredible grandma and wants nothing more than to see them happy.

I am thankful to all those who donate to the Make-A-Wish foundation.  I can't think about our experience with out tears in my eyes.  Thank You a million times over!

I am thankful for Marc.  He has been working so hard in school and I am so proud of him.  Marc is such an incredible father to Riley.  He is so patient and loving.  He keeps me grounded with everything we go through with Riley.  I love you!

Lastly I am thankful for the gospel and for eternal families.  I would be lost with out it.  Our lives here are merely a drop in the bucket compared to the experiences that are yet to come.  Sometimes I can't wait for the day when I get to be with Riley in a world free of disease and limitations.  He will be able to run and play and be able to wrap his arms around me all by himself! I am thankful for Christ and his sacrifice he made for me in order for all this to be possible. 

Clinic

Today Riley ventured out to SMA clinic.  He did really well and didn't cry at all while they were shocking his hand for the emg reading.  We had some great results today.  Last visit his emg reading was .9 and today it was 1.2! Given Riley's age and type 1 diagnosis they would expect to see readings well below 1.  How he gained some nerve function is both interesting and remarkable! After they do the little shocks they watch the nerve conduction while his hand is just at rest.  They are still seeing tons of small nerve reactions.  What starts to happen is as the nerves die off they branch out together leaving big gaps in the emg readings.  They don't see any of that happening yet. Riley is just one of a kind.  We were nervous that with these two illnesses he had this year that he would lose ground but he has bounced back and then some.  Keep up the good work Riley.