"Not tired", is what Jewel has to say right now, even though we want to get her off to bed earlier.
She has never napped, I figured that her bio-rhythms were messed with in the NICU and she just doesn't want to miss anything! What an amazing evening. Cindy picked us up at 4:15 and she had her friend Martha form Ohio with her. When we got to the horses, Billy aka Cookie Dough was waiting for us, and ready to eat. But first, Cindy and Raven groomed him, Jewel watched her Cookie Dough get ready for her. "I help", is what she usually says, sometimes we have her stand on a step up and hand over hand we brush Cookie Dough together, it is a lot of work. We have to focus on her balance, putting both feet flat, and trunk control just to mention a few things.
Cookie Dough was very stiff so Cindy walked him around to warm him up. His new shoes look great, but he is still tripping a lot. Jewel enjoyed Martha watching her as we encouraged her to lift up more. Cookie dough is so patient and he always listens to Jewel as he moves his ears to her every whimper. Jewel was a bit whinny and stubborn with our directives until we heard a "hello" from a familiar voice.
Victoria and her sister Frankie appeared at the gate. They saw us as they were driving by and pulled over. We have known Victoria and her family for most of our homeschooling career. She is an accomplished horse rider and is very interested in horse therapy. She was all lit up and beaming with joy which was very contagious. They asked if they could come and watch, Cindy invited them over. Somewhere inside us we all crave recognition, and Jewel got the wind in her sail as soon as she saw the girls. Jewel knows that Victoria is a cowgirl, and has ridden in the fourth of July parade. Trying to impress Victoria she worked extra hard, and became a horse rider. Gone went the slouched over whinny kid and in arrived a strong girl. She sat up tall and rode Cookie Dough :) Cookie Dough is arthritic and stiff, showing his age these days. He stumbled and Cindy walked right close to him, nudging him with her elbow, as she lead him through the pasture of wild grass, cactus, and monkey pod trees. As Raven and I walk besides Jewel, we encourage, direct and coach her. Rearranging her hand placement for optimal stability, running our fingers gently down her neck and spine to stimulate, patting her butt to give imput and que her body to sit up straighter, straighten her legs back into position, check the horses ears, surrounding, and so much more. Being alert at all times is key to safety. We ended our session on a high note amongst friends. Next we put a towel over the saddle and Jewel belly down, over the saddle does push ups. She likes to count in spanish, the goal is for her to lift up and back down with head control. I stand behind bending her legs so that her movements are planned and voluntary versus just spastic tone. The difference between these two movements are that one is more functional than the other, and one uses the correct muscle movements and creates functional patterns to build off. Raven fed all the horses, she mixed the rice bran into the food that had been soaking for Cookie Dough. After Jewel stood on bare flat feet as I supported her. She felt stronger and more present in her body, her core was stronger. She stood staring at her horse as he ate his food and she reassured him with a "good boy"!
Victoria and her sister Frankie appeared at the gate. They saw us as they were driving by and pulled over. We have known Victoria and her family for most of our homeschooling career. She is an accomplished horse rider and is very interested in horse therapy. She was all lit up and beaming with joy which was very contagious. They asked if they could come and watch, Cindy invited them over. Somewhere inside us we all crave recognition, and Jewel got the wind in her sail as soon as she saw the girls. Jewel knows that Victoria is a cowgirl, and has ridden in the fourth of July parade. Trying to impress Victoria she worked extra hard, and became a horse rider. Gone went the slouched over whinny kid and in arrived a strong girl. She sat up tall and rode Cookie Dough :) Cookie Dough is arthritic and stiff, showing his age these days. He stumbled and Cindy walked right close to him, nudging him with her elbow, as she lead him through the pasture of wild grass, cactus, and monkey pod trees. As Raven and I walk besides Jewel, we encourage, direct and coach her. Rearranging her hand placement for optimal stability, running our fingers gently down her neck and spine to stimulate, patting her butt to give imput and que her body to sit up straighter, straighten her legs back into position, check the horses ears, surrounding, and so much more. Being alert at all times is key to safety. We ended our session on a high note amongst friends. Next we put a towel over the saddle and Jewel belly down, over the saddle does push ups. She likes to count in spanish, the goal is for her to lift up and back down with head control. I stand behind bending her legs so that her movements are planned and voluntary versus just spastic tone. The difference between these two movements are that one is more functional than the other, and one uses the correct muscle movements and creates functional patterns to build off. Raven fed all the horses, she mixed the rice bran into the food that had been soaking for Cookie Dough. After Jewel stood on bare flat feet as I supported her. She felt stronger and more present in her body, her core was stronger. She stood staring at her horse as he ate his food and she reassured him with a "good boy"!
Cindy has been talking about getting Billy some series of shots for his arthritis. The shots are 275 dollars and we were discussing fundraising ideas during the ride to horses. On our way home Martha gave Cindy a check for Billy, it was for the full amount! Thank you Martha! Thank you for helping Billy aka Cookie Dough, thank you for believing in Jewel's dream to be able to ride in the parade. Thank you for all the encouragement you gave straight from your heart to Jewel. Thank you Kandi for letting Jewel ride Cookie Dough and for trusting in the process. Thank you Cindy for being there at Ross and opening up your heart, and inviting us out to ride with you. Over these years you have tirelessly been there for Jewel through the tears and the many "No's" and all the certificates, love, encouragement,& patience. It is such a gift you have given all of us. I remember when Jewel was still so small, she would ride with Cindy and rest on her chest, Jewel was so tiny then. Thank you Raven for always willing to do what ever is needed. You have shown your self to be such a loyal big sissy, I am very grateful and so very proud of you. Tonight Raven said to me, "Mom, I can finally see it all coming together". Thank you Victoria for showing your heart's delight when you came over this evening to say "hi" and encourage Jewel. Blessings to you all, life is such an amazing gift xox
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