What a busy month for everyone. Shannon graduated from 8th grade and is extremely excited to be entering Magnificat High School in the Fall. While Shannon is sad to leave the familiarity of St. Bernadette School after 9 years, she is ready for new adventures in high school and another milestone in the journey of life. She will be working on her golf skills all summer to get ready to tryout for the Mags golf team in August. After 10 years on the soccer field she is hanging up her cleats and trying something new. No need to mention that Joe is excited to play many rounds of golf with Shannon this summer and also help fine tune her golf etiquette skills :)
A quick trip to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for RJ, after school ended for the year, revealed music to RJ's ears! After 9 months of daily injections he has finally grown 2 inches! While achieving six foot status, like his dad, will never happen he made it over 4 feet and now he can aim towards five feet! RJ was all smiles and stood even taller, in his mind, as his doctor was pleased with his growth and overall tolerance of the hormone therapy. While this achievement is not marked with as much enthusiasm by many, it is getting harder to be 11 years old and the size of a first grader! For that brief moment, RJ felt six foot tall and carried on with the rest of his appointments, needles, blood work, x-rays, tests, and nonstop talking with more doctors than anyone would ever have in there lifetime, with a renewed sense of accomplishment. This hospital visit was a milestone.
The next hurdle in June came when RJ attended MDA camp. He had his usual low key nature about the upcoming week and being gone for so long, but after we reassured him that he would not miss anything at home he was off to his 5th year of MDA Camp. I am told he quickly changes from apprehensive RJ to "the life of the party RJ!" RJ takes it all in and enjoys all the experiences he has to be himself and be apart of a group of kids where being the best physically is not a sign of status and popularity. Everyone can feel good about their abilities. This was the year that RJ would overcome his fear of the rock wall. For several years he looked at the dauntingly high rock wall but was never able to believe in himself. This year would be different. As we dropped him off he was still unsure if he could do it but by the time we picked him up a week later he had conquered his fears and successfully made the climb (with adult help of course) to the top. Another milestone achieved!
Lastly, an update could not be complete without mentioning a family milestone that occurred at the end of June. RJ's grandparents celebrated their Golden Anniversary, 50 years of marriage, complete with a family celebration in Cleveland. As all the siblings, in-laws, and grandchildren assembled in Cleveland for several days of merriment, it was a time to reflect upon the importance of family. In times when the value of marriage is so easily disposed, it was very special to honor my parents (RJ's grandparents) for their milestone, 50 years of marriage. God Bless you Mom and Dad and thank you for your constant love, encouragement and support!
A quick trip to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for RJ, after school ended for the year, revealed music to RJ's ears! After 9 months of daily injections he has finally grown 2 inches! While achieving six foot status, like his dad, will never happen he made it over 4 feet and now he can aim towards five feet! RJ was all smiles and stood even taller, in his mind, as his doctor was pleased with his growth and overall tolerance of the hormone therapy. While this achievement is not marked with as much enthusiasm by many, it is getting harder to be 11 years old and the size of a first grader! For that brief moment, RJ felt six foot tall and carried on with the rest of his appointments, needles, blood work, x-rays, tests, and nonstop talking with more doctors than anyone would ever have in there lifetime, with a renewed sense of accomplishment. This hospital visit was a milestone.
The next hurdle in June came when RJ attended MDA camp. He had his usual low key nature about the upcoming week and being gone for so long, but after we reassured him that he would not miss anything at home he was off to his 5th year of MDA Camp. I am told he quickly changes from apprehensive RJ to "the life of the party RJ!" RJ takes it all in and enjoys all the experiences he has to be himself and be apart of a group of kids where being the best physically is not a sign of status and popularity. Everyone can feel good about their abilities. This was the year that RJ would overcome his fear of the rock wall. For several years he looked at the dauntingly high rock wall but was never able to believe in himself. This year would be different. As we dropped him off he was still unsure if he could do it but by the time we picked him up a week later he had conquered his fears and successfully made the climb (with adult help of course) to the top. Another milestone achieved!
Lastly, an update could not be complete without mentioning a family milestone that occurred at the end of June. RJ's grandparents celebrated their Golden Anniversary, 50 years of marriage, complete with a family celebration in Cleveland. As all the siblings, in-laws, and grandchildren assembled in Cleveland for several days of merriment, it was a time to reflect upon the importance of family. In times when the value of marriage is so easily disposed, it was very special to honor my parents (RJ's grandparents) for their milestone, 50 years of marriage. God Bless you Mom and Dad and thank you for your constant love, encouragement and support!