The
Journeys of Mr. Bear Page Two!
Mr. Bear's FIRST PAGE of Travels Is HERE!
December 23, 2005
Mr. Bear arrived at the Williams Family Household -- Brrr!! It sure is COLD in Michigan! Today is Suzanne's birthday and we went out to eat at Longhorn's Steakhouse. I passed on the filet mignon and lobster tail Suzanne had, but the salmon filet sure looked good to me! December 24, 2005
Christmas Eve! I went to church with the Williams for the 6:30pm family service. They don't go to the 11pm candlelight service because that delays Santa's arrival! I took pictures with Kevin & Erinne by the Christmas tree. Erinne even allowed me to sit in her wheelchair for a picture. WOW -- what a splashy ride! December 25, 2005
MERRY CHRISTMAS!! The marooning didn't start too early at the Williams house. Erinne & Suzanne were the last ones up at 8:45am. We had a blast opening presents! Erinne got a portable DVD player (which didn't work, and has to be returned to the store :-( and about 12 DVDs. She also got tools, a slot car race track, Magnetix, Mario Superstar Baseball game for Game Cube and a bunch of other stuff. Kevin got an MP-3 player, which his rabbit promptly chewed through the earphones (and Suzanne was pretty mad!) Claire & Steve got tickets to a Red Wings hockey game (which are hard to come by!) I even got a couple of presents! I got a Steve Yzerman hockey player figurine and a butterfly magnet that was made by Stacey Haq! These gifts will be traveling with me to my next visit at the SMA Family homes. I am also taking a bell from the Polar Express. Do you believe? December 27, 2005
Kevin's hockey tournament started! Boy - that is a FAST game! And loud! Kevin is #14 on the Westland Jets team. He is a big guy on the ice and sure does hit hard! OUCH!! December 28, 2005
After another hockey game, Suzanne & I went to Bill Saville's parents' house, which is about 1 hour 20 min from the Williams' house. Stacy, bill, Zeke and Clayton are in town, visiting with Bill's family. We got to meet all of the aunts, uncles and cousins. I got to listen to Bill, Stacy and Suzanne tell Morgan stories which made everyone smile. I loved the story about "Angry Eyebrows." The Savilles will be coming to Kevin's next game tomorrow, and will see Erinne then. December 29, 2005
We went to ANOTHER hockey game! Boy, are these Williams into hockey! Erinne very patiently explained all of the rules and idiosyncrasies of hockey to Stacy. Stacy was amazed that Erinne knew so much about hockey. Suzanne told Stacy that there isn't much else to do in Michigan! Afterward, we went out to Ruby Tuesday's for some dessert. Clayton spent part of the evening trying to karate chop Kevin. And Kevin was enjoying Clayton immensely! Liz Orvis joined us at the hockey game and went with us to Ruby Tuesday's afterward. We lost track of the time and left the restaurant at midnight!! Before the hockey game, I went to Erinne's occupational therapy (OT) appointment, and met her OT, Val. Val is just the nicest person! She has been working on Erinne's contracture in her left elbow and left hand. Erinne couldn't supinate her left hand very far, nor straighten out her arm fully. Val has done a great job getting Erinne's arm fixed!December 30, 2005
Hockey, hockey and more
hockey! If I spend much more time in an ice rink, I may
have to go into my hibernation mode! It's cold in there
- even with my coat and hat on! Erinne doesn't seem to
mind in the least. She says her turtleshell and Snug
Suit keep her warm! Although Suzanne did say Erinne's
feet were like Popsicles!
January 4, 2006
Today I
arrived at the Potter house. They didn't let me out
immediately because Murphy was napping and they wanted
her to open me! She sure enjoyed playing with me.
She
kept pushing me around in her doll stroller.
We went to
Murphy's Memere's house for dinner. She made us some
soup. Tomorrow is a big day - Murphy's first birthday!
Her party will be on Saturday.
Happy
Birthday to Murphy! She woke up at 8am (about an hour
later than her usual time!) We opened a present right
away to celebrate. She got a set of Fridge Phonics.
Thanks to Lily for the idea! We will have some cake on
Saturday at her party.
January 6, 2006
Today is
Friday. We don't have any major plans yet. Murphy's
grandparents went to Boston and they picked up a
keychain and a post card for my travels.
January 7, 2006
Today we
celebrated Murphy's birthday. There were loads of
people here and we spent a lot of time playing with her
new toys. We had some cake and a lot of other yummy
food too!
Today we
took a ride in Murphy's new sled. There is a lot of
snow here in Massachusetts and we stayed outside for
over an hour playing in it! We made sure to keep
mittens and hats and warm blankets on me and on Murphy
so that neither of us got cold. Murphy's mom made some
hot cocoa with marshmallows when we got back inside.
Mmmmm!
January 9, 2006
Today
Murphy's mom had a doctor's appt. I stayed behind with
Murphy to play with her aunt, "Tante Celia". I learned
that Tante is the French word for Aunt. We had a good
time playing and then we took a nap together. Murphy's
mom got home shortly after that.
January 10, 2006
Today I will
accompany Murphy to her 1 year well check appt. at the
pediatrician's office. Her mom promised me a lolli pop
if I behaved! Of course we all know I'll be great
company. After that, I will say Goodbye to the Potters
and it's off to visit the Sanchez Family! Louisiana,
here I come!
January 13, 2006 Guess What - today I arrived in "Louisiana”! I am at the home of the "Sanchez Family”. I was so very happy when "Destiny" opened up my box. The first thing she did was giggle as she started loving on me. I arrived just in time to see Destiny's wheelchair get some new modifications added to it. And boy is it a pretty chair (pink & purple) I cannot wait to take a spin in it with her. I had fun getting a tour of Destiny's house; my favorite room is her room! I also had fun playing today with Destiny's new pet Guinea Pig named "Patches”. Later this afternoon Destiny's daddy got home from work, her found us snuggled up in his recliner, it has been really cold & windy her today so we have been keeping indoors where it is nice & warm. I had a fun night visiting with Destiny's Pa-Paw, Aunt Kim, Uncle Danny & little cousin Haley. We all had a yummy supper together. When it was time for Destiny to go to bed, I got to sleep all snuggled up in her arms. I was so happy & so tired from my trip that I feel sound asleep!
January 14, 2006Destiny & I slept late this morning; guess we were both in need of some rest. I helped Destiny's Mommy give Destiny her morning medicines. Boy! Destiny is sure a big girl too. She is so brave! Then I got to help Destiny feed her 4 fish and her Guinea Pig. Afterwards Destiny and I sat down on the floor to watch some TV and eat some yummy breakfast. Destiny's Mommy said we both are little piggies, cause Destiny & I love to eat. (LOL) We spent most of the day just playing together. Then we had fun having a taco; get together with some of Destiny's Mommy & Daddy's friends & their little baby. Destiny & me sure have become good buddies. She carries me everywhere. I love-love it!
January 15, 2006
|
Kenny has lots of fun things to play with. Madison and I played bumper pool and then i played some mini lacrosse with Kenny.
|
Back downstairs, Madison decided to get adventurous and take me for a short ride in her power chair.
She drove really well for not being up and in her chair for over a month. We were all so proud of her.
Madison went back on bipap for about 1/2 an hour than came off again for school.
Madison has another home school teacher named Miss Kathy. She has a southern accent and is so sweet. I got to take my picture with her and a book we read on measurements.
Back to her room and back on bipap. More
computer fun next. Madison showed me some more
games and web sites that she likes. Man can she
surf the net!
Madison was worn out by 11 PM but she had to finish her treatment before we could wash up, brush our teeth and go to bed. Another fun day at Madison’s house!
February 7, 2006
Same morning routine for Madison. We woke up at 11AM. I ate oatmeal while watching Madison’s favorite movie- The Lizzie McGuire Movie. She sure LOVES Hilary Duff- her pictures are everywhere and Madison even got to meet her. Her Hilary ,Friend 2B doll , even has Hilary’s real voice in it with a special message to Madison. That Hilary doll LOVES me too!
At lunch , Rose and I had a picnic with Madison on her bed. Madison prepared sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and even dessert. Yummy! After lunch, Rose and I went horse back riding on Rose’s new horse, Belle. We had to take turns. I got my picture taken on Belle. She is a very gentle horse! It was fun.
Madison’s friend Dani came over after school. We ate popcorn and played a game called Scene It. I didn’t know too many of the movies in that game.
You are never going to believe this but I got to go with Aunt Shell to The Ohio State University. I met Dr. Arthur Burghes and some of the other OSU SMA researchers.
I got my picture taken with lots of them. I even got my picture taken with some of the SMA mice. I got a tour of the lab and even got to help out on some of the research going on. I sure hope I’ve helped my SMA friends.
Dr. Burghes took us to another building where the clinical drug trial is taking place. I met Dr. John Kissel there. He gave me a little checkup. No worries- I am fit to travel more. I got to meet 2 other SMA kids and took my picture with them. They were very happy to meet me. They didn’t know about me but maybe now I’ll get to go visit them again at their house. Aunt Shell said we may go back tomorrow. I sure hope so.
Oh-I missed Tami today since I was at the research lab but Madison said MJ emailed and said I get to stay longer-YEAH! So now I’ll see Tami on Thursday. Madison had dinner ready for me when I got back -taco’s, hot dogs, broccoli and pie for dessert. Oh yeah-juicy juice to drink. I got stuffed.
We played with some of Madison’s new toys and watched a new Raven movie till bedtime. (oh by the way- Madison got to meet Raven too.) Madison stayed off bipap a lot longer today so she got tired out faster this evening. I was more tired too cause of my exciting outing to OSU today. WOW- just think-I may have helped to find a cure for my SMA friends! I’m gonna sleep good tonight!
February 8, 2006
Madison took a bath after her morning respiratory treatment. She got to play with some new bath toys-little dolls in animal floats. She looked like she was having fun. I wanted to jump right in but I can’t get my fur wet.
Miss Christina the school speech therapist came and brought a huge princess activity book just for Madison. Madison had to repeat words from the book or ask for things using all the sounds she could or she’d have to try again. She didn’t mind repeating herself.
Miss Kathy came and we measured all kinds of things in Madison’s room. She brought big and little rulers for us to use. That was kinda fun. They even measured ME! Then Miss Kathy got out some books to read. They were silly.
In the evening Madison showed me some more games to play on the computer. We took it easy and watched some TV the rest of the evening.
February 9, 2006
I woke up at 10:30 AM. Madison thought she was going to go back to sleep but she didn't. So we ate breakfast. I had an egg sandwich, a waffle, bacon, cantaloupe and juicy-juice. We watched My Little Pony, The Princess Promenade.
Miss Lori Madison's school O.T. came. She read pop up books and lift the flap books. And then TAMI came! And I asked her, "Tami will you marry me?" She said, "Well, let's see. Are you here for only one more week?" I said, "Yes." Tami said, "Well, I.....yes" We had a wedding and I got to take a wedding picture with Tami. M She did not want to take the picture, but we did. She wore a veil and carried roses. She sure looked pretty. I wore a black tie.
For my lunch I had a super-duper double stack ham and cheese sandwich, pretzels, watermelon and juicy-juice. After I finished my lunch, Madison, Tami and I worked on reading.
Aunt Shell got me a buckeye necklace (that's the big thing here to wear to football games) and a Brutus Buckeye key chain that says “hug me”. I took my picture with an autographed mini football helmet that is going in the auction.
Madison got beautiful roses and daisies. The roses are called raphael roses (angel roses)-Madison’s roses. I had to take my picture with them-they are HUGE!
Madison then had a cooking class with Chef Shell. She made yummy sandwiches and then we ate pizza too! Oh my!
I watched Madison draw pictures and then we watched a movie. Time for bed-I’m worn out!
February 10, 2006
Madison and I slept in till 11 AM today. Madison got her aerosols started. We watched a new Holly Hobbie show on Nick Jr. while I ate breakfast. After cleaning up and brushing our teeth I helped Madison do her valentines for her class at school. She had some cool heart stickers that I got to put on the envelopes. It was fun.
Tami didn’t come today. Her grandma had to go back to the hospital and she wasn’t doing very well. I won’t get to see her again and I didn’t get to say good-bye. Madison will tell her for me and I know Tami will read my journal on SMA Support. She’ll miss me!
Madison wanted to do the computer after her evening treatment. She showed me how she can draw pictures on the computer besides playing games. We even emailed some of her friends.
Well today went by fast. We just hung out and did lots of activities. Somehow though, I don’t think I took any pictures (again). Good night!
February 11, 2006
Madison woke up at 6 AM to go to the bathroom and then she couldn't go back to sleep. ( I didn't wake up.) Annette put Mary Poppins on (thinking Madison would fall asleep like she usually does) BUT Madison watched the whole movie before going back to sleep at 9 AM. We both slept till 12 NOON!!!!! We had brunch while watching Barbie The Magic of Pegasus. Madison didn't want to watch it in 3D this time.
Madison took a bath and her dad watched the fish this time so it didn't get caught in her hair. It was fun to watch Madison play and exercise in the bath tub.
Dani- Madison's friend came over and they played lots of girl games. I went out to the "white room" and jumped into a picture with Madison's dad, Karen and Jamie. Karen and Jamie help Madison's mom with the big fundraiser. They took a picture to send to the newspaper announcing the fundraiser.
Dani and Madison played some more games till Dani had to leave with her mom. Dani’s mom is Karen. Karen has been here every day. She is a BIG help to Annette.
After Madison’s treatment we played on the computer.
I ate a really good pasta dinner with cheese, chicken and spinach. I drank limeade in a really cool light up glass.
Madison can taste food but she can’t swallow and so she gets her food through a feeding tube. She said she likes pasta but with red sauce only. My pasta had a cheesy white sauce on it.
Annette told Madison I only had 2 more nights to sleep with her so Madison decided I could sleep in her bed with her tonight. Rose is not sick anymore and she was going to sleep with London so she gave me her spot. Rose is so nice!
Well, its bedtime and were watching some TV to help us fall asleep since we got up late. Writing in my journal always gets me a little sleepy-YAWN!!!!
February 12, 2006
Well we slept in AGAIN! Madison's bed is soooo cozy!
I ate toast and a cream puff while watching Zoë's Dance Moves. Madison and I danced along with Zoë. We had so much fun that we watched it and danced 2 more times. Whew- I might need a nap!!!!!!
Madison is drawing pictures again. I'm helping her get markers and turning the page for her. She sure likes to draw and does very well.
Annette is getting my box ready to ship me out tomorrow
Madison
is sad that I am leaving. I’m sad too.
We have had sooooo much fun together.
Oh nooooo. Annette is coming at me with the
cytolog.
She’s
been giving that stuff to me (and Madison)
so I don’t get sick on my travels. I’ll
update again later.
Aunt
Shell made chicken chili for dinner-wow-that
was good!!!!! We watched Bambi II this
evening. It was so cute!
A few TV shows while Madison got her bedtime
treatment then we washed up and went to
bed.
I got to
sleep next to Madison again in her bed.
Sooooo nice!
Madison said I had to eat oatmeal this
morning to keep my stomach full and warm
for my long trip. That was a good idea
cause I'm stuffed! Good thing bears know
how to hibernate too.
Madison made me a little friend bear out
of pipe cleaners to keep me company on
my trip. He's soft!
Well, I took my picture with a few other
bears who were traveling to OSU as gifts for
the kids in the Project Cure SMA trial. At
least they will have a bear to snuggle with
in case they get lonely or scared while they
are here. There are some neat surprises for
them tucked away in the bears heart too.
Madison thinks of everything!
I got lots of hugs and snuggles from Madison
today. I HATED to say good-bye!
Sadly, I had to jump back in my box.
Madison was glad I was at least
traveling next to see her friend sweet
William in Georgia. Madison put a
valentine in my box for William asking
him to be her Valentine-too cute!
Well, I’m snuggled tightly in my blanket
and off to GA! Nap time! BYE
MADISON- I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR A GREAT TIME!
Mr. Bear Continued On:
PAGE ONE
PAGE TWO
PAGE THREE
PAGE FOUR
PAGE FIVE