Prayers for DJ: September 2016

Family night at the Rivera's, pizza, movies and ICE CREAM!!! These precious little things in life we sometimes take for granted. Mom's busy with PTA, babysitting, housework and all that comes with a big family...Dad's working long hours to give the children a better life. Sometimes we tend to get caught up in the fast pace of life. Unfortunately, 6 years ago the fast pace came to a complete stop when DJ started having seizures. This is an update to his journey:

DJ is now 11 years old and in the 5th grade. He is very excited to be back in school. This week he was very proud to show me some of his classwork, all A's! DJ has been trying to read every night, his new book is Divergent. So proud how far he has come in school!

This summer we were able to take a family vacation back to AZ. The kids were so thrilled to be visiting, that the 100+ degree weather didn't even phase them...until we walked out of the airport doors to meet grandma Ann!! The look on DJ's face was priceless! I thought for sure he was going to try and seek out the pilot and convince him to take him back to Colorado. After a couple of laughs and getting into an air conditioned vehicle I think everyone was ok. We spent the rest of the week visiting both sides of our family, seeing relatives we had not seen in awhile. We know we both have big families, so if we missed you this time we apologize. This will give us another reason to come back and visit soon. Of course though, this time when it's cool if DJ has a say in it!

DJ has continued to work very hard on his right side of body. During the summer he continues to do swim lessons with Ms. Buckner. She is also a para at school that has helped DJ since kindergarten but we think of her more like family. DJ has known how to swim for years now but she continues to help him become a stronger and faster swimmer. He is starting to get more movement in his wrist and a little in his fingers. His fine motor skills still have a long way to go. He is always talking about never giving up and has amazed us every day with his determination. He still plays xbox with one hand and actually plays better than most who use two hands! If there is a will, there is definitely a way!

God has truly blessed us with the love and continued prayers from family and friends. DJ has been an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with. He has a beautiful soul and builds strong relationships with people he meets. He has a way of lifting your spirits when your day isn't quite going so well. He loves to make people laugh and always wants to see people smile! I thank the good Lord for everything he has done for our family. I also thank him for the great family and friends who have supported us with love and prayers, you will never understand the gratitude we have for you. Keep your family and friends close and God Bless.