After several weeks of June Gloom at the start of our summer, we’ve finally had some nice sunny weather here on the coast and we’ve taken full advantage of time in the pool. Even Rudy has discovered a love for the water. Although we have to be very careful that his trach doesn’t get wet, time in the water is so good for him. He even spent one of his therapy sessions in the pool with therapist Kristin and is more and more confident with each spin in his inflatables! 🙂
Max produced a little video with some recent pool footage we collected…be patient, it takes a while to buffer but it’s worth the time investment! Ha (Thanks Max):
Boy, when he finally gets to wean from the trach, he’ll be quite a little water-rat like his big sibs! He’s definitely primed and ready to go…’wish you could come over and join us for a dip ~ especially our friends and family burning up in the Midwest and East! 🙂 Bless you friends….
It's a big, big world out there and Rudy is ready to go places!
Well, we’re happy to report that Rudy is almost officially accepted into the California Children’s Services (CCS) program! CCS is a state program that offers a wide range of health services for children up to age 21 with certain health problems. Rudy’s current therapy is provided through the Regional Center’s Early Start Program and will end when he turns three years old. Normally this isn’t a concern as most kids with delays like Rudy’s are under the CCS umbrella as well so there is, from what we understand, a natural transition from Early Start to CCS services. Although everyone working with Rudy considered it a given that he would qualify for CCS, Rudy’s road to CCS has been a twisted one.
We were given the standard instructions by Rudy’s pediatrician and our Regional Center case worker as to how to go about initiating the CCS application process shortly after we brought Rudy home from the hospital. As was expected, Rudy did not qualify initially due to Rolf’s income but we were told over and over again to push through the system as Rudy indeed would qualify for the Medical Therapy Program regardless of our household income. Many applications, Dr. letters and current OT recommendations over the past year and a half led to a firm and final denial this winter with the stated reason being that Rudy’s condition did not include a neurological diagnosis that would put him in one of their qualifying categories. As you can imagine, this was extremely troubling news to hear. We feared that although Rudy had the developmental delay of a child with cerebral palsy, for example, his case would be lost in a big, nondescript crack just because he didn’t have the right neurological “label”! The whole process was indescribably frustrating and a bit scary not knowing what other resources were out there for Rudy once he turned three.
As it turns out, Rudy’s onset of seizures in May just may be working in his favor. Rudy’s pediatric neurologist had no problem sending in his recommendation to CCS after our first consultation based on Rudy’s stroke history, MRI results and seizure activity and, lo and behold, our communication with the CCS office resumed shortly afterwards! A packet of paperwork for us to fill out arrived as did the coveted BIC (Benefits Identification Card). Now, we’re not getting our hopes up completely as he still isn’t officially accepted but CCS therapist Rachel came to the house this week for an assessment and when I asked her if she would recommend treatment for Rudy based on her initial assessment, she said professionally but with vigor “YES!”. Phew!
In addition to the potential transition from Early Start to CCS, Rudy may also be transitioning to PRESCHOOL in the fall. He will qualify for special ed preschool starting October 1st when he turns 3!! Unfortunately, the Goleta School District special ed preschool program isn’t currently certified for non-ambulatory kids but there is a wonderful program in the Santa Barbara District that Rudy could go to if he is cleared by his doctors to go. The thought of Rudy going to school is both remarkable and terrifying!!! We just never allowed ourselves to look too far into Rudy’s future so now that preschool is potentially right around the corner, I am left feeling so very grateful and so very nervous all at once. 🙂 There is alot about this fall that is unknown and many details for Rudy that still need to fall into place but with Wilson and Max heading into new schools and the potential of our family managing 4 different schools (!!!! YIKES), I’m praying already for smooth transitions for all and peace for this mama’s heart that is anxious about sending her chicks in so many different directions.
In the meantime, it’s “business as usual” around here…check out Rudy’s new trick…
Yea!!!!
Rudy and his BIC!!!
Rudy is making super progress this summer and absolutely loving all the extra activity the big kids bring to his day…stay tuned for some fun pool footage. The summer is blazing by much too quickly…Bless you friends!
Wow! My Cinderella-esque weekend is over and now I’m challenged to put into words what the whole experience means to me. I’m not sure where to begin…
circa 1987
Memory Lane...
Oh, this one is a favorite!
I guess I should start by telling you that, yes, I am an Up With People alum! (Check out UWP in action…click here) A little known fact about me for many of you…I guess I don’t talk about it much…and it’s not because I lack an appreciation for the experience. On the contrary, I’m a very proud cast member of UWP Cast C 1986-87!!!! (proof in pics above) It’s just the opportunity to talk about one’s tour with Up With People back in the mid-80s rarely comes up in conversation! ha And maybe I’m a little gun-shy given the last time the subject came up in conversation with my friend Bob (yes, “Pastor Bob” who sometimes comments on Rudy’s Beat)…back when Bob, Rolf and I worked together in L.A. an old friend of mine met with Bob about a potential work opportunity. When I arrived at Bob’s office to pick up my friend, Bob said with great enthusiasm “Trish! Kim told me you were with Up With People. You were with Up With People? I didn’t know you traveled with Up With People?!!!”. I humbly shrugged my shoulders and began bobbing my head back and forth preparing myself for the onslaught of gushing admiration I usually encountered when people associated me with this amazing organization when Bob continued….”I HATED Up With People!!! No one can be that happy!”. I responded with a shriek of disbelief and a big, ol’ slug in his arm. Way to go, PASTOR Bob! You traumatized this happy UWP heart for over a decade! 🙂
Well, the positive, giving spirit for which Up With People is known was certainly on display this weekend in Tucson and as the back story of how this trip came to be for me and Rolf continues to unfold, it’s clear it was in play in the months leading up to the reunion as well! My cast has had a reunion every five years since we traveled..this year’s reunion hosted by the UWP Alumni Association included the casts from ’71,’76,’81,’86,’91,’96 and 2006…and although I’ve always wanted to attend, I never felt we were in a position for me to make that trip back to Tucson. When talk of our 25th reunion started to circulate on FB a year ago, once again, I regretted having to miss the event…feeling it was even more out of my reach with the “Rudy logistics” in play.
Unbeknownst to me, a fellow cast member spearheaded a committee of cast mates (thank you Jim and all!) and submitted my name for an Everyday Hero award nomination having followed our journey with Rudy from afar the past couple of years. (Jim also nominated our cast rep, John, for the “Outstanding Cast Representative” award and John also won!!! MUCH deserved John…congrats!). When I communicated my regrets about not coming, Jim quickly contacted Rolf and told him he had to get me to Tucson…and so the web of lies and deception started spinning and Rolf was a very busy boy coordinating Rudy’s nurse coverage, care and activities for the big kids and undoing any plans I had for the weekend without me finding out about anything! His efforts to keep it a secret were quite elaborate…he and his posse of deceivers went as far as to send me texts and emails to confirm plans that he already secretly canceled, Rudy’s nursing agency sent me a decoy nursing schedule at the beginning of the month as Rolf had rearranged our hours for extra coverage for the surprise weekend, etc, etc, etc. It seems everyone around me knew what was going on and NO ONE slipped and let the cat out of the bag…amazing!
All the hard work of Jim, Rolf and Cast C at large paid off because I was completely clueless when it finally came down to prepare to leave on Friday. I was instructed by a mysterious and somewhat vague letter to pack and wait for further instructions. Claiming he didn’t know what was going on, Rolf headed off for work Friday morning and told me to have fun with whatever was going on. With the help of some very sneaky friends, I arrived at the SB airport to find Rolf with his overnight bag waiting to whisk me away to Arizona! Wow!!
sneaky ones...
Needless to say, my mind was swirling with questions…who? what? where? why? HOW? And when it finally sunk in that we were heading to Tucson, my heart was all a flutter with apprehension…”It’s been 25 years! What if my cast mates don’t remember me? What will we have to talk about?” Little did I know what was ahead.
Headed to Tucson!
Disbelief in Tucson!
Well, my fears were quickly relieved when Rolf and I got off the plane and were greeted by one of my cast staff members, Denis, and I recognized him immediately. Denis drove us to the resort where we were greeted by 15+ cast friends in the lobby! There were lots of hugs and I could barely catch my breath…instant reconnections!! What a rush… The reconnections continued all afternoon poolside (passing much too quickly) until it was time to get ready for that evening’s banquet and program.
Goofy Uppies
Of course, my cast knew about the award and Rolf even admitted to being pretty nervous before the program started but either I was so caught up in the frenzy of just being there or my castmates are all pretty cool cats because I had NO IDEA something was up. I was completely blindsided when my name was called and I was invited to the stage. With tears streaming down my face, I looked out at the hall of 700+ guests barely able to concentrate on what was being said. The presenter read a shortened version of the nomination letter below…posted for our records:
“It is strange to nominate someone for an award that celebrates them for being the person they are, but no better words describe Patricia (Trish) Wilson Geyling (86C) than “Everyday Hero!” A dedicated wife and mother, Trish’s life was forced upside down by a turn of events in 2008 which changed her world and have helped her to become an amazing inspiration.
Trish and her husband Rolf were surprised to discover in the spring of 2008 that they were pregnant with a fourth child, a boy. But the real shock came when the 27th-week ultrasound showed that their baby was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). In plain English, HLHS means that the left side of the heart is underdeveloped and non-functioning. It would take a series of three risky surgeries between birth and about 4 years of age to get the little half-heart configured to give their son a chance of survival.
Rudy was born at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital on October 1, 2008 and had his first surgery, the Norwood, when he was five days old. While optimal timelines project about a month of hospitalized recovery, Rudy battled numerous setbacks that kept him in the ICU. His battles with chylothorax (lymphatic fluid in the chest cavity), trying to breathe on his own, and process food properly saw him return to the operating room four additional times (thoracic duct ligation, pleurodesis, tracheostomy placement, Nissen fundoplication/G-tube placement). They were finally able to bring Rudy home on May 7, 2009. The doctors would have counted it a victory to have him home for six weeks; there is great amazement that he has been home for more than two years.
Trish’s courage and strength over the last years are enough to make her a hero, but she and her family have taken their pain and struggle and transformed them in ways to help so many others. In the years since Rudy’s birth, their blog Rudy’s Beat (https://rudysbeat.wordpress.com) has been a source of connection for friends and family, as well as a resource for other families dealing with children born with challenges. Together with members of their community, the entire family has participated in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, as “Team Rudy,” to raise money for heart research. Trish, an accomplished jewelry maker, designed and produces a special heart pendant (http://www.silverbytrish.com/html/pendrh.html) with proceeds supporting Camp del Corazon, a wonderful organization that provides rich camp experiences for children living with heart disease. Trish has also spearheaded the production of “Rudy Rolls” forNICU/PICU wards, offering colorful and practical tools for propping up ventilator tubes and IV lines, for physical therapy exercises, positioning trach babies for trach changes, or simply grabbing hold and snuggling.
Rolf continues his work as President of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission (http://sbrm.org) dedicated to bringing physical, emotional, educational and spiritual resources to men, women and children in need, particularly those struggling with addictions. The entire Geyling family is involved in activities supporting this program as well as their spiritual home, Coast Community Church. As time allows, Trish, a talented singer and guitarist, still performs for fundraisers.
A true testament to Trish’s heroism has been the dynamic affect Trish and Rolf have had on their three older children Wilson, Max, and Olivia. Each has grown into a compassionate caregiver. At a recent school assembly that Trish and Rudy were attending (since sister Olivia was getting an award), Student Council President Max noticed that the normal applause and celebratory cheers were affecting hyper-sensitive Rudy. He can get himself so worked up that he goes into respiratory distress. Sure enough…as the first awards were handed out and the applause began, Rudy’s face turned red, the tears started to flow and his deep, panicked cries rang out loud and clear. Before Trish could gather their things to make an escape out the back door, Max approached the school administrator and asked if he could address the crowd. She quickly stood to the side and gave Max access to the mic. He then told the room full of students and faculty that his baby brother was in the audience, he pointed Rudy out, proceeded to explain that Rudy doesn’t tolerate applause and asked if everyone would use the ASL sign for “applause” instead which consists of holding your hands in the air and twisting them back and forth a couple of times. Max’s quick thinking and confidence to follow through with his instinct is just one example how Rudy’s siblings have become heroes, themselves!
In a recent blog post, Trish writes, “Not much has turned out like we thought it would, which carries its share of heartbreak. But there’s also much cause for rejoicing. The delicate little kid with the stringy curls and battle scars who fought his way home is a far cry from the happy, robust and squirmy boy we have today. His bewildered stare has turned into a smile for everyone he meets–there are times where he just seems to exude love and joy from every pore. It’s been a journey of concern and anguish, but also richness and beauty like we never imagined; and we’ve drank deeply from that these last two years.”
Trish could have sunk into despair with Rudy’s arrival, and spent her energies on self pity. Instead, she mustered the courage of an Everyday Hero, and served as an inspiration and genuine help to parents of other children with special needs. We are lucky to call Trish a castmate and friend, and to nominate her for this award which she so richly deserves.
Sincerely,
Members of UWP Cast C 1986:
David Aurilio (California), Nicole Coppens (Belgium), John Fedynich (New Jersey), Forrest Nelson (Japan), Kendra Reid (California), Kristin Sellers Schneider (Ohio), Charlene Noel Soucy (Rhode Island), Lee Swider Wiensch (Wisconsin), and Jim Williams (New York)”
"Stunned" would be an understatement!!!
Of course, the program wouldn't be complete without a "UWP Theme Song" sing-a-long...complete with swing claps!Even Rolf couldn't resist engaging in our "happy high"!
The rest of the night is somewhat of a blur…the day ended with our cast gathered in a suite sharing until the wee hours of the morning about our lives since our tour ended. With just a few hours sleep, it was time to wake up and make our way to rehearsal for the “Era Show” to be performed that evening. The casts from each year represented performed a few songs from their show. I hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time but the Casts of 86-87 still had IT!
"How does that vamp go again?""Oh my, fake it and smile!""It's coming back!"
"Tah - Dah!"
And look! We even ate our lunch on the floor after rehearsal...just like we used to!
After a quick dip in the pool, we all cleaned up for a group photo...Cast C is looking good!
And then it was off to the show...an excited audience of Uppies! I'll spare you video clips of the performance...ha, ha
I know most of you don’t know any of these people but I just have to include these pics for my own keepsake and those in the cast who couldn’t come. Jim, these are for you especially! After all you did, it’s just wrong that you couldn’t come afterall!! Precious people….uh, Dave, why are you in almost every shot?…
And the music didn't stop after the curtain closed...Cast C snagged a lobby piano and had their own after-party!One last song...
And then it was over…just like that…in less than 48 hours, Rolf and I were back on the plane headed for home. There is so much for which I’m grateful in this experience…for Rolf making it possible on our end to even make the trip, for his willingness to participate in the fun and for embracing these friends of mine from so long ago. I’m so thankful for the friends here in SB that gave of their time to care so sweetly for all the kids and I’m blown away by the big kids’ ability to keep the secret, willingness to let mom and dad go away without incident and by their mature support in general . And, as for the members of Cast C, well, I’m humbled. The generosity you’ve extended to a friend you haven’t seen in 25 years is quite remarkable. Your efforts leading up to the reunion and throughout the weekend have left me feeling affirmed, loved, honored and inspired. Our cast has seen it’s share of heartache and loss in the years since we toured and sharing a bit of ourselves with each other this weekend brings a deeper awareness of hope and encouragement knowing we are not alone…we continue to carry one another in our hearts…and that is the greatest gift -as was the laughter. Oh, the laughter!! How fabulous it was to laugh! 🙂 Bless you dear friends…and thank you for EVERYTHING!
And lest you think this post is a little self-promoting on my part, let’s not forget that it all comes down to this little guy…
This weekend would not have unfolded the way it did if it weren’t for Rudy…it was a real thrill to share so much about Rudy (and family) to a community of Uppies spanning 40 years! And I sure pray I have the opportunity to introduce Rudy in person to the greatest cast ever – see you in 5 years Cast C!!!!
We said goodbye to the last of Rolf’s family on Sunday after a full and much-too-fast family gathering. After months of preparation and anticipation for the reunion, it’s over so quickly and, just as quickly, we’re on to the next thing!!! This week is a big week for our family as we’re all participating in our church’s Vacation Bible School. Olivia is an attendee, Max is helping in the nightly skits, Wilson and I are on the music team & Rolf and Rudy are parking attendants! As you can imagine, a room full of excited children is not Rudy’s favorite place to be so a parking lot full of incoming and outgoing cars seems a better option for him. Ha It’s fun to do something together nonetheless. This week is also significant because it was this week last year that my dad took his severe turn for the worse in his battle against brain cancer and as we sent the kids off to VBS each evening, Rolf and I scrambled to make the necessary arrangements to get me to Kansas as quickly as possible. The 17th will mark the year anniversary of his death…’hard to believe it has been a year…’still think of him daily.
To add to the post-reunion flurry of activity, Rudy had an appt at UCLA yesterday that got me, Max, Olivia and Rudy up and on the road by 6am to make the morning appointment with Dr. Pornchai (Pulmonologist). It was our routine-3 month appt but the first since Rudy’s failed sleep study in May so I was eager to talk to Dr. P about that. In terms of a medical update, nothing for Rudy has changed in regard to his lungs. Dr. P is recommending another sleep study in 6 months. I’m seriously doubting the likelihood of a successful sleep study for our toddler as he clearly hates the sleep lab environment and I’m wondering if there is ever a “home sleep study” option offered out there. Something else to look into I guess… 🙂
The big news coming out of this appointment is that Dr. Pornchai is making a big move to Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC)! We’re losing an important member of Rudy’s team -so sad 😦 – but we appreciate Dr. Pornchai (affectionately nicknamed “Dr. Porkchop” by Max and Olivia) and we wish him well at CHOC. The upside to the transition is that it seems like a good time to seek a second opinion. Rolf and I have been considering talking to folks at Children’sLA or Stanford as we’ve heard great things about both pediatric pulmonary departments so Dr. Abbott’s office is working on getting the necessary referral authorization. Between a second opinion consult and our first consultation with Rudy’s new pulmonologist at UCLA in 3 months, we welcome a fresh look at and input on Rudy’s lungs.
Thank you Dr. Pornchai Tirakitsoontorn!!
Rudy has taken, lately, to making a bee-line for Olivia’s room whenever he is free to roll around and explore….there sure are ALOT of interesting trinkets to explore in Olivia’s room! To keep him close but contained, Olivia came up with a handy solution…
"Rudy in the Box"
But he didn’t seem to mind…he was all “smiles in the box”!
Thank you, all, for your continued prayers…we sure pray for lung health specifically as we continue to wait and hope for the opportunity to advance in Rudy’s heart treatment.
Our Geyling family reunion is in full swing. There is alot of cousin fun being had and although Rudy is missing out on the “dorm” experience on campus with the rest of the family, he is relishing all the extra attention and loving he is getting from his extended family for sure…it’s always fun to watch the children enjoy one another in gatherings like these. Opa and I are home this morning watching Rudy while the rest of the clan is at the beach. All are coming back to our place for a pool party and later Rolf and I will pop in at the Annual SB Rescue Mission 4th of July BBQ. It’ll be a fun day with lots to celebrate…
Yesterday's "June Gloom" at dusk...thankfully its bright and sunny today!
Cousin pic sans Rudy...he melted down during the large group family pic just like a typical toddler!!!! 🙂
...but he sure was all smiles at the family harbor boat cruise later that evening!
Happy 50th Anniversary Oma and Opa! May 6, 1961- May 6, 2011
‘Just a quick post to let you know that Rudy is finally on the mend. The flu bug he had was a vicious one but he has been d-free for two days and smiley again so we’re confident he’s feeling better…just in time, too, as Oma and Opa arrived yesterday for a 2-week visit and in just 2 short days, ALL the Geylings/Connellys will make their way to our little slice of the West Coast for a long due family reunion! Watch out Santa Barbara – The Geylings are coming! It will be a special time to celebrate Franz and Helga’s 50th & family…there is a handful of Rolf’s family that hasn’t had the opportunity to meet Rudy yet so this time together will be significant for Rudy as well. The final preparations are underway…
Cleaning up a little yard debris....
Rudy had his routine cardiology appointment with Dr. Harake this week…it was our first appt. with him since Rudy’s seizures and failed sleep study in May so we spent a good bit of time just catching up. The echo showed no change in his heart condition (no further compromise) which is good. Dr. Harake mentioned at our last appt that he might consider another heart cath (which would let us know what is going on specifically with his pulmonary pressures) in October but he feels, now, that maybe we’ll give him some more time and wait until the first of the year….that is if his heart function remains the same. It’s hard to wait for the information a heart cath would provide but we’re thankful Rudy seems content and happy while we continue to wait. After the hiccups of the past couple of months, we hope to settle into a calm where Rudy is concerned, enjoy the rest of the summer and not let our minds swirl about what might or might not happen in the fall. Thank you for waiting this out with us…:)
A recent "Greg Lawler " capturing Rudy in deep thought! 🙂
The bug Rudy came down with over the weekend spread to me and Olivia (and, unfortunately, to two out of three house guests we had over the weekend!!!! Yikes, sorry gals!). I was miserably sick on Monday but thankfully it hit hard but ran it’s course quickly…I was moving slow but back on my feet on Tuesday. Olivia was down for a couple of days but is back to normal now. Rolf and the big boys have dodged it (knock on wood) but poor Rudy is still battling diarrhea. I thought he was on the mend with an upgrade to “loose” stools yesterday but he’s back to the big D today so we’re praying this bug flys away soon. Today is day 6 so we’re still on alert but we’ve managed to keep him hydrated and I think we’re within safe territory. He’s getting his energy back and even attempted to join in the cul-de-sac fun yesterday on his little riding truck…
A Wheel Fest in the cul-de-sac...
Rudy didn't get too far...he was a little overwhelmed!
You may recall that Rudy’s endocrinologist took Rudy off his daily dose of Levothyroxine last month feeling as if Rudy might be ready to stop his thyroid treatment. He dc’d the med temporarily with the order to add to his monthly blood draw to test his thyroid hormone levels. Unfortunately, Dr. Lifshitz’s office called yesterday to let us know that his TSH is out of range and, therefore, we need to put him back on Levothyroxine. -bummer- Not a huge deal in the larger scheme of things but I was hoping for even a small victory…an indication of growth and progress somewhere within all his complex and compromised systems. Ok, I get it, we’re still in limbo…and so we wait.
Unfortunately another virus is working it’s way through Rudy…he came down with a bad case of diarrhea and vomitting yesterday so we’re keeping a close eye on him and making sure he doesn’t get dehydrated. As a result, our Father’s Day celebration is a quiet one here at home but hopefully we’ll be able to head out for a special dinner a little later. How grateful we all are for Rolf…a loving Dad, good husband and faithful man of God. It’s hard to be distracted by concerns for Rudy on a special day like today but it’s days like these that I’m most thankful for Rolf…for his partnership, for sharing the responsibilities of life with me and for his hands-on expressions of love toward all our kids. So, today is filled with prayers of thanksgiving for who Rolf is to us and prayers for a speedy recovery for Rudy.
Happy Father’s Day to all the special fathers we’re blessed to know! 🙂 Thank you for your continued prayers…
Nothin' says "Father's Day" like a trip to Home Depot and a wood project at home! Ha 🙂
I don’t know if it’s our typical dreary June weather or the disappointment over Rudy’s failed sleep study but the past couple of weeks have been pretty gloomy for me. I fear we sound like a broken record but the reality is there is a daily battle to not give in to our fear and anxiety over Rudy. Even with all the sweet and positive moments, there is a constant and nagging ache that reminds us that Rudy’s journey hurts.
Thankfully there is always enough going on around here to distract us…
We took a day trip up the mountain to Lake Casitas late last week to enjoy the waterpark there with our Girl Scout troop of 20 girls!!! With parents and siblings joining us our total count was 50 – it was quite a caravan!!! Although the June gloom overcast didn’t burn off and the water was freezing, the kids had lots of fun and Rudy was comfortable with the absence of the heat…
Rudy observing the activity at the "Lazy River"The water was so cold that Max and Livy's lips were about as blue as Rudy's! 🙂Rudy and Wilson were content to sit back and watch the others play...
The kids spent some time cleaning out their rooms this week and, as always, unearthed fun old treasures to play with…Wilson introduced Rudy to “Heroscape” and when Rudy began to dismantle his battlefield, we diverted his attention with “Rescue Heroes”! It’s fun to watch Rudy begin to interact with toys…
Brothers playing side by side.Big boy fun!
It has been a long time coming but Rudy is beginning to micmic words much quicker these days…he’s figuring out a greater variety of sounds and beginning to assign meaning to his words. I caught his latest word on video today…Happy Rudy!
Did you notice how his face lit up when he said “Daddy”? 🙂 – priceless. That reminds me…Wilson entered a preaching contest at a teen conference he went to with the church youth group a few weeks ago. The theme of the entries was to be “grace” and Wilson prepared a 5 minute sermonette on “Finding God’s grace in difficult circumstances”. Essentially, he shared that the key to finding God’s grace in difficult circumstances is perspective and he used Rudy to illustrate. He said that he could get real bummed that his baby brother has half-a-heart but instead he finds great pleasure and encouragement in Rudy’s enthusiastic greeting everytime he comes home from school…something he really looks forward to every day and how that’s evidence of God’s grace. I agree with Wilson’s reflection…there’s nothing like a happy greeting from Rudy to help keep things in perspective!! Happy June Everybody…God’s grace to you,
With our week of promotions and final classroom parties all wrapped up, we officially welcome summer and look forward to all the fun to be had in the next couple of months. We, once again, end another school year very grateful for the kids’ success and balance in the midst of a family journey that often feels anything but balanced. Although life in our household appears more stable as time passes, the emotional stress is still pretty chronic and has it’s effect on all of us which is why Rolf and I are especially proud of the kids’ accomplishments…well done Olivia, Max and Wilson! It’s on to 4th grade, 7th grade and 9th grade – 3 different schools (4, if we send Rudy to special ed preschool in October)!!! Oh my…let’s not get ahead of ourselves…for now it’s all about summer! 🙂
Max's speech at his 6th grade promotion...Max and Miss GrantWilson's last jr. high jazz performance at the 8th grade promotion ceremony...Newly promoted member of the Class of 2015!A strong 3rd grade finish for Olivia...she missed the "Perfect Attendance" award by ONE two-minute tardy in March!!! Bummer but we're sure proud of her diligence each day!!Well done Rudy...you made it through all the ceremonies!
As Student Council President, Max was asked to share his reflections on his La Patera experience. For our family record, we’re including it’s text below…
Good-Bye La Patera
I stand before you today as a better student, a better leader and most of all a better person. Hi, I’m Max Geyling – La Patera’s student council president. I’ve had a great experience here and would love to share it. I came to La Patera in third grade. I was in Mrs. Clayton’s and Mrs. Hug’s class. I met some nice kids that year but two really stand out, Thomas Jimenez and Fidel Lopez. I met them when our teacher asked them to show me around. As I got to know them I found out they were just as big of sports maniacs as me. They’re like two other brothers to me and it’s been that way for a long time. Well, at least up to when Fidel moved away after fourth grade, but I’ve made more friends too.
After third grade there was the dreaded switch to the upper grades. Yea, the big 0-4, fourth grade. One of the best things about fourth grade was being on the same schedule as the sixth graders so at recess I was able to be with my older brother Wilson. Also in fourth grade I had Mrs. Burrato, one of the nicest, most up beat, iced-tea drinking teachers I know. Fourth grade was a great experience, I had my first overnight fieldtrips to Tall Ships and El Capitan (that’s fun to say). I also learned alot about the watermelon on my first day, played my guitar in the school talent show and had my first kiss – okay, just kidding. One more thing that made that year unforgettable was when my little brother Rudy was born.
After my interesting year in fourth grade, it was on to fifth grade with Miss Grant. You know one of the youngest teachers in the school with a split class of fifth and sixth graders. What could possibly go wrong? EVERYTHING, but luckily for us it didn’t. Fifth grade was pretty fun. We went to El Chorro for three days. I played in the talent show again and I was voted vice president of the school, (turn to classmates) “Thank you guys.” I also became the oldest sibling of my family in La Patera because Wilson was in Junior High and my sister Olivia was in second grade.
Finally, the reason I’m here with all you wonderful people – sixth grade! I couldn’t think of a better way to end my time in elementary school. First of all, I had Miss Grant again, but as a sixth grader and I went to Mr. Carrera for most of the subjects so Miss Grant could teach the fifth graders. There was alot of running between classes that year, I mean, walking. But anyway, sixth grade – the year everyone waits and works for…why???? My teachers are right here so – for the learning! Also, for CIMI – the greatest field trip ever. Plus, my dad came so that made it better…well, did that really make it better? No, it made it fantastic! We went snorkeling,kayaking, tidepooling and we played some fun games. Also this year I was voted President of the school. It was awesome and it was an honor to hold this office. I also couldn’t believe the fun activities at the end of the year. I loved this year more than any other and I’m sad to see it go by.
I would like to thank all my teachers I’ve ever had…the ones at La Patera and the ones at the schools I’ve attended in the past. And to my family – my dad, my mom, my siblings Wilson, Olivia and little Rudy. Also, to Mrs. Santiago, the staff, and the wonderful students that make this school what it is. For my last few words, I will say something I heard from a very reliable source – a movie. (ha) “Once a La Patera Tiger, always a La Patera Tiger!”.
A great summary Max…La Patera has been and will continue to be a wonderful blessing to our family.
Rudy’s Medical Update:
We were deeply disappointed to hear from Dr. Pornchai yesterday that Rudy did not pass the sleep study. We didn’t talk a whole lot of details – we’ll talk with him more at our routine appt. next month but, for now, it means we can’t move forward on decannultion. Rudy will need to keep the trach and, I imagine, we’ll try again in another 6 months or so. We really hoped for the greenlight to decannulate and are sad to put that plan on hold again. So, as always, one day at a time…
Rudy's Beat 