Alex's Bike

Some of you may remember back in March we entered Alex in The Great Bike Giveaway contest. Unfortunately, he did not get enough votes to win one of the many bikes available and even though we were disappointed, we figured we would try again next year.

You see, special needs bikes (also known as adaptive bikes) are not cheap. The base price is usually over $1,000 and then you take on the additional things that we need for Alex and it can be anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the vendor. WAY OVER WHAT WE CAN AFFORD.

In these kinds of things, people share and word travels. Out of no where, people you have never met or have met the one in need open their hearts and their wallets and do the unthinkable.

In our journey, it was my Aunt Sue who shared the voting process with her co-workers. One of those co-workers came to her and told her that if Alex didn't win, that he would make sure he got the bike. At first I didn't believe that it would happen. You know how some people will just say things and never follow through....I didn't get my hopes too high, but I was hopeful for Alex.

Well, he followed through and not only donated money himself, but so did a handful of other people. These people are complete strangers to us. My Aunt only knew the guy who made the promise. I cannot tell you how overjoyed I was and how grateful we are to all of these generous and loving people.

I went out and bought individual Thank You cards and hand wrote personal notes to each of the people who donated and made this dream come true for my special little boy. I even included a picture of Alex on his bike with a smile, because his smile will make anyone's day better.

He has had his bike for a couple of weeks now and just loves it. Not only is it a bike for him, but it does amazing things for his leg muscles. Just the other night I had him ready to go in the driveway and he took off down the driveway by himself!!!

I am SO thrilled that he has a bike of his own and can ride alongside Evan now. None of this would be possible without my Aunt Sue and the wonderful people who gave us money out of their pockets so that our son could have a bike. Thank you will never be enough. We will forever be grateful.

 

Alex enjoying his new bike with Evan by his side!

First Day of Pre-K

Summer isn't officially over yet but the kids are going back to school and soon the weather will be getting cooler here in Michigan. Summer always seems to go by so fast. It seems like yesterday we were celebrating Alex and Evan's preschool graduation. How quickly the three months have gone.

Today, my boys embarked on a new journey. All day Pre-K. I have mixed emotions about today. Over the past few weeks I have been saying how I can't wait for them to go to school. Today my heart aches a little. They have grown up so fast, from their teeny tininess in the NICU to today. Watching them grow and evolve is so amazing.

For the past four years I have been with them everyday; every step of the way. I guess I am feeling this way because they will be going full time, Monday thru Thursday. The bus will pick them up at 8 and they won't be home until 4. In a way I feel like I am already sending them off to Kindergarten.

 I am excited for them to be in the same class together this year. Last year they were in two different classes two different schools. That was a little tough on me. I did lots of driving and spent a lot of money in gas. This year I wanted them together, and it is nice to have that option with Alex being in special education. I have a good feeling about it all and I am hoping that they do well together.

I am feeling a little lost right now. As much as they can drive me batty some days, they are my babies, my little side kicks and I miss them. I am hoping that the time away will improve our time together. I am sure I will get used to the days I am away from them, but today there will be two small pieces missing from my daily life. My Alex and My Evan.

Here are my sweet boys on their first day this morning. I love them so much!!!