Back in Action!

          Turning the page to another chapter in the story. After a much needed two years at home, Caleb is heading back to the classroom for the 9th Grade. Looking forward to a year of new adventures and tremendous growth... The staff and administration at the Intermediate High School have gone above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition and have far exceeded our expectations on all fronts. Praying for good friendships, the courage to make wise choices and opportunities for his strengths and talents to shine through as he navigates through the year.

          He loves all of his classes and likes his teachers.  His favorite class is Biology (no surprise there!).  The lab is full of all kinds of live animals which could prove to be a bit of a distraction at times, but a happy distraction, no doubt.  The counselor worked hard into the late hours one evening last week to ensure a solid schedule for him with electives that he would enjoy taking.  Woodworking, personal fitness, vocational readiness with on-campus work, video production....  Makes ME want to go back to school!  Ok, maybe not, but definitely excited for my young man.

          On his way out the door this morning for day three, he turned and said, "I think I'm going to really like school now, mom."  I said, "Caleb, I'm so glad!  That makes my heart so happy to hear that!"  He said, "Yeah, it's so much easier to concentrate and listen to my teachers now."  Then he paused and said, "Oh, and you don't have to walk me to the bus today if you don't want to.  I'm good to go on my own if that's ok."  "Yes, my dear.  It's MORE than ok," I thought to myself as I smiled and waved and a tear rolled down my cheek.  It's going to be a great year.

          Fly high, my shining star. 🌟 Show 'em what you're made of. Cheering you on all the way. ❤👊💪

"For I know whom I have believed in [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that day." 2 Timothy 1:12

NO MORE MEDS!!!

     

     

   

    

     I have so very much been looking forward to sharing this news. Tomorrow marks four weeks of Caleb being medication free!!! He has been on the two prescription medications for attention and anxiety for over five years. Once we finally swallowed the pill (LITERALLY) of using medication to manage his symptoms, we really didn't see that there was an option for him to ever be off of it. In fact, it only seemed that the dosage was increasing as he grew. Earlier this year, we spoke with his psychiatrist about our desires to wean him off of the medication. It didn't come without resistance but he did agree to help us toward that end. Since beginning the Neurosensory Program with Dr. McFadden last Fall, we began seeing progress in so many areas. At the same time, we began to realize that all of these positive changes were because we were finally getting to the root of what was keeping him from reaching his potential. Years of interference to his central nervous system was literally holding him hostage in his own body and mind. My husband made the comment this past Spring that he was even becoming convinced that the program was working and with a contented sigh, said that it was so nice to begin to see and hear the REAL Caleb with no interference or obstacles in the way. As we continued to pull back on the dosage of medication, and realized there were no negative side effects, I began to also realize that our goals to eliminate medication were well within reach. When we finally decided to discontinue the prescription, I didn't say anything to Caleb about it. It was kind of comical that he didn't realize that he hadn't been taking it. After 2 weeks had gone by, I asked him if he realized that he hadn't been taking it. He immediately stopped what he was doing and looked at me wide-eyed and jaw-dropped and said, "Really? Are you sure? Huh... I guess I don't need it any more after all!" And then he smiled really, REALLY big. (and so did I...)

     I share this to say that if you're advocating for someone you love or know someone else who is, you don't have to settle.  Keep fighting, keep seeking answers and DON'T GIVE UP!  The body and mind are incredibly AMAZING and once unhindered, can function beautifully and naturally together as God designed... 

Black Belt Journey

***2nd Degree Black Belt Recommended!***  Four more months to go to complete testing for official 2nd degree rank. 

This is a link to his flying side kick and downward hammerfist board break (which he had to train using his left hand to avoid further injury to his right hand which he broke this past spring.) 

⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇  

Black Belt Board Breaks.  

He also completed 3 other components of testing including his Shim Jun Form consisting of 81 moves which he will perform again in December.  The components that go into this type of testing defy all of the limitations that Caleb's diagnoses have put on him:  Balance, coordination, memory, focus, control....So proud of him and so thankful to his instructors​ at ATA in Wexford, PA for their continued dedication to Caleb's personal journey to not just achieve excellence as a martial artist, but to continually strive to be better inwardly (mentally, emotionally and physically), learning the value of hard work, respect and perseverance.  The look of accomlishment on his face said so much with NO WORDS.  Had a hard time holding back the tears!  Onward and upward!  (Stay tuned!) 👊💪