Monday, April 2, 2012

Day 1404 - Apr 1, 2012

Well we really had a great week!  Yes, I can be honest and say that Kevin didn't want to go when it came down to it and the first few days we were there he said he'd never go back, but by the end of the week he was having a good time and he started telling folks he would be back next year!

Y'all would have been really proud of him!  I try so hard to keep Kevin active and entertained, but he generally just doesn't want to do much of anything.  But he did agree to take part in the activities this last week and it all started with some snowmobiling!  (Oh - and he picked up MANY new words and phrases while we were there!!)

First though, here is a pic of Kevin in this huge chair that he just HAD to climb on, lol (some guy walking by helped me lift him up onto the chair as Kevin was struggling to do it himself):


And now here are some snowmobiling pics:






This next photo is of Kevin with Jose', the rec therapist from the VA hospital here in SA.


As you might have noticed, we tied Kevin onto the snowmobile as there were so many bumps and with his right side being weak, we didn't think he could hold himself on it.  They are hoping that he can drive one solo next year too, but we'll see. 

The next day Kevin got to snowboard!  I wish I could say he had a great time, but he didn't.  Unfortunately we were given an instructor that just didn't understand the needs of someone like Kevin.  He just kept saying that snowboarders were lazy and he kept putting Kevin down.  I was keeping my mouth shut, but Jose' actually saw it too and he made sure that Kevin had a different instructor for the other two days he got to board.

Honestly, Kevin actually quit after this day and turned in his boots and his board.  He just wanted to go home.  It took everything I had to get him interested enough to try again.

There is one little video here of Kevin boarding by himself that day though.  I had to beg the guy to let him try on his own.  I don't think the instructor realized that the 100+ falls were mostly his fault as he was running next to Kevin and couldn't keep up with him so he was pulling him down.  Ack!  It doesn't matter, but it was just so frustrating at the time:






And some pics:

 
I just can't believe that my son was actually on a snowboard!!
 


This is the bottom half of the bunny slope that Kevin boarded down.






Ok, so I think I am going to have to come back and finish up with more videos and photos another day this week.  I am uploading a video and it still has over an hour to go, so I think I'll end here - halfway through the week and get the rest either later this week or next Sunday; depending on what our schedule ends up being like.

And I'm sorry, but I am not editing these photos yet.  I'm too tired, lol.

3 comments:

Mark said...

It was a great time and we were so happy to meet you guys in person.

Mark B.

RRisemas Photography said...

Not sure if you remember meeting me, but Jose introduced us when Kevin was getting geared up for his second attempt at snowboarding. I just wanted to say it was a pleasure meeting you and I'm glad that Kevin had a good time and I hope to see you guys there next year :)
Robin R.

bearlythr said...

I live in Angel Fire, NM now, not in Hawaii any more. We have awesome adaptive winter sports here and Kevin would have a ball!! We also have a condo y'all would be welcome to use should you ever decide to visit ( on the first floor and easy access to the slopes ). The Veterans Memorial here hosts wellness retreats too...something that might be enjoyable for the both of you, contact info here

http://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/contact/

Not just for Viet Vets....all vets welcome !!