Here are a few more videos taken recently of Cody doing some work.

This is a routine we're working for Cody going outdoors.  First he sees a photo of 'outside', then he walks to his chair and hands his shoe to his therapist.  Then he gets his coat, goes to the door and signs 'open.'

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This is Cody working on some fine motor tasks.

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 And we are learning how to eat with a spoon.......

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How to you describe these events captured in video?  Compared to many kids with mitochondrial disease, Cody is a walking miracle.  He has surpassed every expectation.  He has robust gross motor skills.  Many who have this disease are in wheelchairs, on ventilators, etc.  Considering I was told he'd never walk ~ I'd say these videos are evidence of a great and mighty God!

It's hard to put into words how it feels to be the mom of a child like Cody.  It is equal parts heartbreak and inspiration....searing pain and unbridled joy.  And isn't that how life is...for all of us?  Equal parts of those things?  I just get them all rolled into one dear child!  Oh, the effort that goes into doing 1 simple task like turning pages of a book.  We take nothing for granted.  We celebrate every single inch.  We know in our hearts we aren't worthy of this child...yet we try to rise to the honor of having him in our lives.  Having a 'Cody' means getting to watch miracles every single day.  It means seeing epic, gigantic bravery stuffed into a teeny tiny little body.  It also means getting no sleep and going prematurely gray...and (if you're me) becoming addicted to caffeine and sugar to make it through the day.  You know there has been a lot of 'living' under the bridge when your neighbor looks at the wedding photos on your wall and says, 'oh.....who are they?' 

'It's me.........' I sheepishly reply.  That's me 'before Cody' or as we call it:  'B.C.'  Haha.

Yes, my wedding photo serves as a chilling reminder of who I was.  Thinner, blonder, much more sparkly and fresh.  Now I am graying at the temples...the lines on my face give away my many sleepless nights.  My figure shows the ravages of eating on the run, and eating to survive (did I mention caffeine and sugar?)   My external visage has never looked worse.  Yet strangely my heart has never been more full.  My spirit has never been more in tune with the Lord.  And my mission has never been more clear.  I get to be a mom to two amazing boys...each amazing in different ways.   And my body reflects the stress, the pain, the drama...and that's okay.  I used to be a Television News Anchor.  Now I am the anchor of this home ~ trying to keep this ship afloat and not run aground.  Quite a twist of fate, no?  

Somehow I like to think that God sees my wrinkles, my flab, my grey hair as battle scars...evidence of the fight I've fought...evidence that I did not give in, I survived.  I am surviving.  And THAT, my friends, is an ACCOMPLISHMENT! 

with much love,

Shawna