I am so lucky to get to look into these eyes almost every single day. My Charleston loves me just as much as I love him. He tells me that by looking deep into my soul. I live for those moments. They make my heart happy. I'm the luckiest nana alive, to have a precious boy like him to love.
BIG NEWS!!!!
Charleston got his power chair!!!!!! I wanted to add a video of him driving it for you, but they're all sideways on my computer & I can't figure out how to fix that. I'll work on that!!! He is able to drive it with the use of his pointer finger on his left hand. It's amazing!!!! He's learning how to steer it daily, and once he's ready, we'll hit the streets!!!
Ashley was finally able to get a trial approved for a Tobii Eye Gaze System!!!! Because Charleston is hard to understand, this will become his communication device. He controls it with his eyes. He's figured out how to tell his mama when he needs a diaper changed. He's also figured out how to get to the games :).
We are finally getting close to lockdown season being over. Yippeeeee!!!!! I'm hoping we get to celebrate my birthday this year feeding the ducks, as we did last year. I think it's a great annual tradition. Ashley can't wait to go shopping :). I think she's earned a shopping spree with me.
We received two amazing phone calls last week. The first was from A Sweet Affair Bakery in Walnut Creek. Last year when I was planning the 1st Annual Hope for Charleston Pasta Feed in Danville, I sent a letter to them asking for a donation. Not only did they donate, but ever since then, they collect donations in jars by their cash registers for our Charleston. I cannot begin to tell you the difference that they make in Charleston's life. Because of them, we are able to provide Charleston with things we never would be able to (example: his power chair!!!!!). The owner's name is Terry Babcock, and his daughters are Sarah & Jennifer. If you are ever in their area, please go in to their bakery, spend a bunch of money and thank them!!!! They are an amazing family to do this, especially when they had never heard of us before my letter went to them.
The second phone call was from the Volunteer Fire Departments in Reno. As you all know, we had to leave Reno last summer to get to a lower elevation for Charleston. The fire departments up there have done two fundraisers for our Charleston, and we assumed they were over with. NOPE!!!! They are going to do another one this summer!!!!! WOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I'll let you know details when I get them.
Last, but not least, is that our Hope for Charleston 2nd Annual Pasta Feed has been scheduled!!!! It is on Saturday, July 21st, at The Great Impasta in Danville, CA. You can click on the link above for details, to purchase tickets, or to donate items for the silent auction/raffle. We're so excited!!!! As Charleston grows, his needs change. What a great problem to have!!!!! This year, we are not only trying to raise money for him, but also for research. We have teamed up with Sophia's Cure, and will be contributing to gene therapy research through them.
Guess what!!!! Charleston is going to be in my son's wedding!!!! BJ & Catie are getting married in September, and my grandson gets to be in it. I can't stand it. We already bought him a tux!!!!
Life is good with my Charleston. He loves Barney, has discovered earphones with my ipod (which has now turned into his ipod), loves driving his power chair, and even will sit through an entire full-length movie as long as I am rubbing his feet and hands with lotion. He thinks he's doing me a favor!!!! HA!!!! It's my favorite time of day, to get to rub on him. OMG I LOVE THIS BABY!!!!!
