"40 Years"

40 years of wiping noses, corralling children to the bathroom to wash for lunch, hugs after a fall, letter sounds (which by the way, the "W" sound is "woo" not "wha"), numbers, recess, lunch, wiping those first day of school tears away, boogers, little heads visiting under the restroom stall, raised hands of "I have a pet lizard" when discussing colors, calming the storm of a fire drill, tying shoes, telling Johnny for the 18th time "we keep our clothes on" when he says he is hot, even though your classroom is like the Antarctic most of the time, reminders of soft touches and quiet voices, reminders that Lego blocks don't go up our nose, hallway celebrations, classroom parties, desks full of back up Valentine's because some Mom (mdmom right here won this year's mom fail award for Valentine's Day) forgot to pack Joe's valentines for his friends, parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, phone calls, those dreaded teacher-inservice days, and graduation's; marking yet another set of students you helped and guided to face the real world.

Kolter's Kindergarten teacher, MIss Wragge, did all of these things I mentioned plus soooooo much more than any of us even know about. I can't imagine doing anything for forty years and still find the enjoyment after each year that passes. Working at the preschool for a few years taught me that teaching clearly was not the profession for me! Teaching is clearly not a profession for everyone, so bless you Miss Wragge for taking that responsibility on for those of us who were not made for teaching!

It is on to a wonderful world of well-earned retirement for you but I wanted to leave you with just a few things......

You will never know the impact you've had on each student that has passed through your classroom doors. However, I hope we have all grown to be as amazing as you knew we could be sitting in that classroom at the tender age of five! Not only have you made a very large impact on each student, but also their parents.

I remember sitting with you one day discussing the "Kolter cannot's" of our life. I remember you clearly saying, "Kolter is capable of doing anything, you will just have to be patient and have faith until that day comes." Patience was never a virtue of mine! I am ever so thankful for you and everything that I have learned from you and continue to learn!

Thank you for waiting one more year to retire so that Kolter could have you as his teacher! Kolter had a great year with you and is off to first grade! We hope that you have an amazing retirement Sue and we look forward to spending more time with you now that you don't have to be up so early to go to school!

Miss Wragge and Kolter

Deb, Kolter, Sue

Lori, Kolter, Sue, and Cricket 

Sue and Kolter, Halloween 2017

Miss Wragge and Kolter 

         
 

First day of Kindergarten
Kolter 

Much love,

mdmom

MDA Walk 2018

This past weekend, we attended the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Walk of Omaha, NE. An incredible event where families and their support groups can get together and walk for those with Muscular Dystrophy. And as always, it never disappoints! Well, except for the fact that the people our supporters were walking for were late getting there! Our GPS took us into a residential neighborhood and the walk was located in a park. So, not the right place obviously! Such is life people!

Kolter's Krew - MDA Walk 2018 - Omaha, NE

My favorite part of the walk this year was the "caregiver" pin that was distributed. The MDA organizers handed out pins to those with Muscular Dystrophy. Those individuals were then asked to find their caregivers, hand them a pin, and give them their thanks for their care and love. I am not an emotional kind of lady, but I was definitely caught off guard and emotional having my baby give his Daddy and I our caregiver pins. I loved this part of the walk and have placed my pin on my sun visor in my car as a reminder of this weekend. When things get tough and we feel we can not do this anymore, this pin will serve as a reminder of why we do what we do!

In the months prior to the walk, we began fundraising for our team, Kolter's Krew. The previous year we were Team Kolter but I thought, why not have a catchy team name? Thus, Kolter's Krew was born! We went all out this year and made a t-shirt design to sell for those wanting to support Kolter. The shirts were super stressful for me to keep everything straight and organized with who ordered what. I loved all the support but I am slightly irresponsible so it is always challenging for me to keep anything straight on a normal day! However, when the shirts came, all the orders matched up and they turned out fantastic! So, I guess I did a good job this round. Will keep you posted on my next "Julie needs to be responsible for this" run. Along with the t-shirt orders, we received numerous monetary donations.

And let me tell you, people are so amazing! I had people ordering shirts and giving donations that I had no idea who they were! To be approached by someone and have them tell you how amazing your child is, how proud of him they are, and how much they wished they could help more; there are no words really. My friends tell me all the time that I know everyone so it is rare for someone to walk up to me and me not recognize them. But, this little six year old is impacting people all across the country folks and it is so wonderful!

We had several people join us for the walk which was great! We also had many people send pictures wearing their shirts which I loved seeing! From Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo to a race track in Iowa, we had lots of love and support! We were able to spend a few hours with family and friends celebrating this life we've been given. And on days like Saturday, what we've been given is such a gift. The gift of support, the gift of walking, the gift of his laughter, the gift of him living and breathing! There are not many gifts you can keep opening everyday so we'll keep opening them for as long as we can!

Much love,

Mdmom

"Committed"

We're all committed to something right? Our spouse, children, jobs, bills, friends, family, pets, the list goes on.

The word committed has been on my mind the last two days. As I finish this crazy week (and next week isn't looking any better), I reflect on everything I'm committed too. Which led me to write down every commitment I currently have. And when I did, I found something missing.

My hope after reading the next chapter in hisgiftsofmusculardystrophy, you too will be able to evaluate your commitments and find that missing piece for yourself.

Within my home, I'm committed to my spouse, Kolter, our lizard, our cat, and everything that makes a house a home such as the utilities. Also in this category I would put family members and friends; mom, dad, sister, brother, grandparents, etc.

Within my job, I'm committed to my students, my supervisors, the programs I develop and teach, my customers, and the food I prepare.

Within my community, I'm committed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and its advocacy and fundraising efforts, Valley Hope, AA meetings, being a Sponsor, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing advocacy and support efforts, SEE (signing exact english) sign language classes, The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross as a DAT (disaster action team) member, Susie's Christmas Wish, my crew and my patient as an EMT, bible study, Special Olympics, becoming a MDA Summer Camp counselor, making quilts for people, and volunteering my time whenever/wherever I'm needed.

On paper, I see a whole lot of commitment. However, nowhere on this list do you see the word "me, myself, and I." Why is that? Why is it that I have enough time for anyone and anything listed or not listed above, but no time for "me, myself, and I?"

Why is it that I will get out of bed at 3:00 a.m. to help someone who has fallen and then chooses not to go to the hospital for treatment?

Why is it that I will answer my phone, for the 12th time today, and let a fellow AA member just talk because they want to pick up that drink?

Why is it that I will drive to Broken Bow and miss my baby's soccer game because the Red Cross just dispatched a family of four lost their home to a fire and needs shelter assistance?

Why is it that I will stay up until 1:00 a.m. talking to my friend on her way home from college so she doesn't fall asleep, even though I have to be to work at 5:00 a.m.?

Why is it that I will drive five hours to speak with my Senator in person on why those with disabilities deserve the same things as those without disabilities?

The answer is actually pretty genius. And last time I checked, my name was not Albert Einstein.

The answer: BECAUSE I MAKE TIME

I commit to things that are important to me. But why am I not committed to me? Giving myself to others gives me a sense of purpose. Like I'm making a difference. However, what good is that difference if I'm no longer here because I maxed out my high blood pressure medication at age 30 and experienced a stroke? Leaving me with the inability to ever be able to give of myself anymore?

Whoa. Newsflash Julie. It could happen.

So, self commitment 101 was born today! Be committed. Give, give, give. Give til your heart is content. But don't forget about Julie. Ask someone to cover your 911 for a round of golf. Have supper with a friend. Schedule that trip to Washington D.C. that you've always wanted to take Kyle on. Go to bed early. Catch up on the book you started last summer. Go to Grandma's and make a quilt for yourself. Watch every episode of Grey's Anatomy in one day. Whatever it takes to commit to just you every now and then.

Make time for yourself.
You'll be a better person for it. And really, don't we all just want to be a better person than we were yesterday?

COMMIT. TO. ME. MYSELF. AND. I.

YOU ARE THE MISSING PIECE.

Much love,

mdmom

"Heaven on Earth"

All those beautiful ladies!
All those handsome gentleman!

This past weekend, Kolter was asked to walk his cousin down the red carpet for the Stapleton Highschool Jr./Sr. Prom. Well, in this case it was white but who's keeping track?!

We loaded the car with all the prom attire a six year old requires. The handsome tuxedo, dress shoes, shirt, tie, and extra hearing aid batteries. We loaded the car and made the trek to Stapleton.

There's still nothing out that way besides cattle and deer in case you have not travelled that way recently. Although there was a train that passed by which Kolter loved!

We arrive at Nikki's house. Kyle had this plan that he would enter the house with Kolter and tell her that her date was ready for a diaper change 😂 but, she was not home yet. It was a dud but made me laugh.

We all got ready and headed to Prom. Pictures first, as always! I walked my ever so handsome young man up to meet his beautiful date for pictures. He stood beside her looking so grown! They smiled, laughed, Nikki tried to steal a hug or two, then they were off to Grand March.

I waited with Kolter beside the stairs because his date was nervous she would fall. Kolter was less than pleased that Nikki could not maneuver the staircase. He loves stairs, I think almost as much as popsicles!

They met in the middle and walked the carpet. As an MD mom, something so simple as walking a beautiful lady down the red carpet is truly amazing. I often reflect back on the "we are not certain he will walk" days. Those were some of the hardest days of my life. More on that chapter of our lives later!

They successfully completed the Grand March in style and I couldn't be more proud. Proud of Kolter for continuing to do everything his heart desires regardless of the MD. Proud of Nikki for being different than the norm and asking Kolter to escort her. It is something we will never forget!

The whole experience was wonderful and I am sooooo glad Mother Nature decided it should be a good weather weekend.

Shout out to Madison W for working my weekend shifts so I could be there!

Shout out to Needles and Pins for the tuxedo rental. They had one size, way at the top. After a step stool and ladder change, we discovered it was a 5T tuxedo. Perfect fit!

Kolter and his lovely date, Nikki B

Much love,
mdmom

Sunday, March 5th 2017

Welcome!

I have no idea what I am doing and I am really just winging it. So, thank you in advance for tagging along for the ride. I am excited for the future and sharing it with you through this blog. I was told that I should start a blog, so here goes nothing!

Much love,

mdmom