Do you ever wonder why things happen to certain people?
I truly believe that this adventure that my family and friends are on is to see what is truly important in life. This change in our lives has touched many people…and I think most of you stepped back and thought of how thankful you are for your children, your family and friends and the deep love you have for them. That’s what my family has every day, and that’s how we smile and move forward and blow any standard out of the water. We have all of you to thank for that. 🙂
Saturday was the best day yet. Mainly because Nic feels great! The horrible pains in his stomach that made him throw up for days are over! Â He is pink again…he is smiling. Â He gave his Aunts a goodbye hug and Erin and I wheeled him around different floors and took a quick ride outside(without wheelies), but it was just cold and crappy.
Friends from Bracebridge came for the afternoon and Erin (aka…mini-me, step sister, adopted daughter) and I had a few hours of “Let’s go shopping in stores we won’t buy anything” that was alot of fun…really! Didn’t buy a thing. Just laughed and enjoyed our time knowing Nic was hanging out with his friends. When the friends left we had our first Hospital Pizza Party…was a great day.
Sunday proved to be a beautiful sunny day and we had to get outside. Nic was concerned that people would stare at him. And they did. I was proud that he went outside knowing that they would. People look with sadness in their eyes when your son is in a wheelchair. We must have really screwed them up when the two of us with sunglasses on…smiled all the way down the street. People are good…they just hope this never visits them. We like people.
It was a day I won’t forget, time alone with my smiling son, hanging out  at mom’s hotel…watching some silly movie together. Mitchell walked in the door, said “Hi Mom” then seen Nic and went “NO Way, Nic is here!”  His happiness seeing his brother was touching.
I let him take over for a few hours, including wheeling Mr. almost 6′ up the ramp (apparently difficult) to the hospital. I went for a drive. We had Wendy’s for dinner.
We have met another family on the 9th floor at St. Michael’s. Their daughter was in a car accident,  and we have become friends. Both Nic and her daughter and the two moms. It is good to talk with someone who has the same concerns, and has let go of the woulda, coulda, shoulda’s as we have. We both look at the day and triumphs…and complain about the attitude our kids are giving us. 🙂
Monday Mitchell started his new job in the city and came the news of our move to Lyndhurst Rehabilitation Center. Are you kidding me? I was there on Friday and was over the moon with the place, but never thought we would be moving there this quickly. That’s the way we roll around here…thank you God! Hugs everywhere, people and staff coming in to say goodbye. Our family for 5 weeks.
Before Faye (his physio therapist) left his room, he thought he would show her something. He moved  his knee. Over and over, HE MOVED HIS KNEE! She smiled  and I think somehow she knew.
The staff of St Michael’s saved my son’s life, they cared for him, they brought him back to health, Â they expect nothing…they just do what they do…they are truly Angels at St. Michael’s Hospital. Â Nic promised to come back to see them…Â Â
Well if we are leaving tomorrow, I thought Nic should at least see the Eaton Center. Oh and get some New York Fries? Nic is all over that, and we put on our shades to the shopping center on another beautiful day in Toronto.
Tuesday! Lyndhurst Day! WooooHOOOO! Â Ambulance Ride! Let’s go…let’s get this party started so to speak…
Lyndhurst  began in 1945 as Lyndhurst Lodge to deal with returning Canadian veterans with spinal injuries from World War II. It is known as the largest Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Center In North America. And the best I have heard of. It is for people aged 16 and up, whereas next door is Bloorview Rehabilitation and that is for children. Magic happens here, I can feel it.
After a day of of meeting and speaking with doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacist and nurses, Nic needs to sleep…it’s a different world here, and we are happy to be in it.
Guess what? My friend I spoke of earlier and her daughter arrived at Lyndhurst today as well! Magic I tell ya!
Hugs to all,
That is wonderful that Nicolas got moved to Lyndhurst so quickly.
All your Winnipeg Family is pulling for you, Nicolas.
Much Love from Grandma Marie & family.
I can’t believe Nic moved his knee. I had tears in my eyes when I read that. Wow, the sky’s the limit! I can’t wait to see you guys on Monday. Have a great weekend. Love Heather
I love you patersons 🙂
I am so proud of you Nicolas! I can hardly wait to see you tomorrow 🙂
I’m coming to visit loaded down with Vitamin Water and Powerade and Dr. Pepper!
Hey nic good to hear your doing better and every one at are school is doing Alot to help out your family and you 🙂 I know we don’t really chill much but I have known you for along time a good kid just trying to have fun hang in there bro you will pull throw this 🙂 it’s just a speed bump in the road and u will get over it
This is fantastic Tammy. I’m blown away with his recovery so far. All the best.
Wonderful news Tammy. Nic is making amazing progress. He is such a strong spirit and I know how proud of him you and Mitchell must be :). Congratulations on being able to get into Lyndhurst so quickly. Thinking of all of you often and sending loving healing wishes to you all.
Thank you for sharing this experience.
Tammy, Nicholas the progress is incredible. My thoughts stay with you. Lyndhurst is an amazing facility so glad you got in so quickly. All the best
Hi Nic and family,
Keep your spirits up and amazing things can happen!
My brother broke his (lower) back in glider accident almost 15 years ago on his 18th birthday, so your story really hits home for me. It took months before any movement came back but it did slowly. After a lot of work and time he now can walk with a single arm crutch and lower leg brace, although not all the feeling has come back to his left foot he can get around very well. He has accomplished so much dispite his injury. He drives with hand controls, he is a successful mechanical engineer, he is married and last June we welcomed his beautilful daughter into the world. The summer after my brother and I graudated from university we went backpacking for 1 month through Europe, just the two of us.. it was truely amazing that after all we had been through, he had the strength to walk through cobblestone streets with me week after week even though i knew he was sore and tired at time.
I hope by sharing my brother’s story you can find hope and inspiration in a dark place.
Best of luck with your recovery, it is a slow road.
Michael
He still says from time to time, 15 years later, that a little feeling/movement/strength has come back.
Thank you Michael…Nic found your comments so positive. We hear many wonderful stories and for you to share your story is very appreciated. Wish you Brother all the very best…and continued inspiration.
Hello Tammy, Nic and all;
Your spirit and strength are incredible and I am sure it is what your son draws upon.
Keep up your fight. Keep up your stories. Keep your faith.
Hi nic and Family
My 19 yr old son Louis is in Lyndhurst Rehab centre recovering from a spinal cord injury (Broke T4 – 6) due to a snowmobiling mishap on Dec 10th 2011. Louis moved his big toe on Jan 10th and progressed from there, he is now walking with the assistance of walking canes. The therapists at Lyndhurst are amazing, everyone of them have had a big role in Louis’s recovery. Louis will be coming home next Thursday but will return to Lyndhurst to do outpatient physio. Determination and hard work!!!!!!!!
Lou is in Room 213 – stop by and say hi.
Best wishes with your recovery Nic!
Thank you so much Heather…I will make my way over tomorrow. Wow…small little world we live in.
Hi Nic, Tammy and family,
I was away and I am so happy to read about the great progress you are making Nic! God bless you. You always in my prayers along with the whole family. Your positive spirit and strength along with your family is a wonderful support for you to continue your receovery. I am so happy that you were able to get into Lyndhurst so quickly. All the best Pat