The Trials

"Adversity builds character."  Repeat to oneself until it sinks in.  I find myself saying it a lot.  I do it in my head.  But I also say it out loud.  I need to do that.  It's been a long week.  The hits keep coming.  We have no heat in half the upstairs.  The contractor found rot and ants upstairs in the roof.  The faulty ice maker in the freeze was really a leaky hose that Demi discovers had pooled up in the drop ceiling of the basement.  Those things by themselves would be crappy.  But piled up, they are a lot to take.  They pale in comparison with Coco's health issues.  Coco's is priority one.  No dispute.  He has not been to school in weeks.  He seems to be getting worse and not better.  But I refuse to become discourages.  No of this will beat us.  I won't allow it.  We will keep plowing along.  We will get through this.  Better days lay ahead.

Veteran's Day 2014

Demand & I try to make sure the boys understand what today mean, each year. It can't just be a day off to the boys. They need to understand the sacrifice & courage associated with not only those who serve, but their families too.  It takes a special person to be home while someone they love is away serving.  I think our boys get it much more than most. And that's not by accident.

NH 2014

We managed to take our family fall getaway vacation after all.  I was nervous that we would not be able to go with Coco's anxiety out of control.  This weekend was a victory.  Coco got out of the house for a whole weekend.  He did ask about the length of the car ride once.  And he did ask about the length of our intended hike.  But he was really great.  He didn't issue a single complaint.  He handled the entire excursion well.
     We spent the weekend in Jackson, NH.  We hadn't been up in the area for a few years.  Too long.  The boys did have some good memories of our previous visits.  They were able to reminisce a bit.  Coco had his weekend planned out by meals.  He counted the number of possible meals we would have up there.  He then listed his favorite eateries up there.  Of course, I told him that some of us might want to have some input into that.  I think he humored me, but summarily ignored me.  We did visit some of our favorite haunts, Glen Junction and the Flatbread Company.  We tried for the Shannon Door but it was too crowded due to a private party.
     We did a new hike.  We followed the trail to Tuckerman's Ravine.  We didn't summit.  But we did hike a little over an hour up and then an hour back.  That was huge progress for Coco.  He was fine through all of it.  We saw a really amazing waterfall.  It was cool but not cold.  The boys and I had our Camelbaks.  It has snowed a bit.  Just enough to make footing a bit slippery.  It was a nice walk in the woods.
     I chalk this up as a win.  Coco was a champ.  I am very proud of him.  I hope it leads to better days ahead.

Crisis Mode

So much for getting back in the saddle with this blog.  I am still playing catch up.  I make no bones about it.  This was not the priority.  Coco has had a bad run with his health issues.  Demi and I have been all hands on deck for a couple of weeks now.
     We were really excited in September when we finally got a diagnosis for Coco's troubles.  It seemed like we had a definitive answer.  We knew it would be a long road to recovery.  But we didn't anticipate this.  What seemed like the lesser of the issues, has grown exponentially.  The anxiety that triggers his IBS has gone off the charts.  We really don't know why.  The root cause eludes us.  But Coco cannot handle life as it is now.  He does not want to leave the house.  School is a secondary concern right now.  We just need Coco to function.  I feel a bit lost.  I certainly was not trained for this.  I don't have an answer, let alone an easy answer.  We are looking everywhere for help.  We are not shy.  We know we are over our heads.  We have a counselor on retainer.  Our doctors are consulting.  The recommended medication will take weeks to take hold.  Time seems to be creeping along.  We hope to see some results.  We really need a sign that things are getting better.  For all of our sakes.

Granite State of Mind

Week one of my new commute to the NH office.  Three days in a row.  This doesn't just impact me. It impacts our whole family.  It's crazy.  I can't believe it's here already.  The AM commute is long but not crushing.  I vent my frustration in the gym after I get there.  But night is ridiculous.  I tried 3 different routes.  I tried 3 different depature times.  It got worse each night, 2 hours, 2-O-5, and then 2:15.  Demi was awesome this week.  She really made a point of trying to make a point to the boys, how much I had going on with this new commute.  She tried to make it easier for me.  I really appreciate it.  #LiveFreeorDie

Election Day 2014

We sort of glosses over election day this year. I was a bad citizen this year. I didn't do any research in n order to cast informed votes. We did talk about the issues with the kids. Sure, we had a lot on our plates. This was not critical. But is that the example we want to set? Maybe we have done enough with this topic in years past to cover us? Hopefully.

He's Baaaaackkk

Coco returned to school today.  This is really a milestone.  He is learning to cope with his ailments.  It will take time. But this is a great first step. He needs to take his life back. I am so proud of him.

Winter is Coming....2014

Snow.  Are you kidding me?  I know it's Patriots/Broncos today but seriously?  I was not ready for this, that's for sure.

Coco is playing with his friends  I didn't think I would be so happy to see him playing XBOX.  But this is a big step.  Homework can wait.  He needs the social interaction.  He needs to see his friends supporting him.  Why you may ask?  Well, that is part of the upcoming recaps.  Needless to say, its been serious enough here to celebrate some good old fashioned gaming.