Ella's summer has gotten off to a good start. Since she is confined to a power wheelchair you might think that going over to friends' houses to play would be difficult to manage. Not in this neighborhood! Ella wakes up at about 9:30 am and asks me to get her dressed and ready for the day. After we're finished with our morning routine she asks if she can go to a friend's house to see if they can play. She zooms out of the house and with her gizmo (a small watch-like device that can make phone calls) she's off and in search of friends.
After being away for about 10 minutes she'll call me and tell me where she is and what they plan on doing. The families in the neighborhood are so accommodating for Ella. Sometimes they let us bring over her ramps and one of her manual wheelchairs so that she can play inside...other times the kids just play on the driveway or yard. Just recently, Ella came home and asked to be put into her bathing suit and have her controls covered with a plastic bag because they were going to play in the sprinkler!! She had so much fun!
Usually, during the day, Ella will come home to go to the bathroom. Sometimes she brings her friends and other times they just wait for her! We're amazed at how understanding people can be and grateful we live in such a neighborhood where her needs are understood.
During the past week Ella (and Ava and Henry) attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) at our church. Lindsay is the director of VBS and puts months of work into the events of the week. Ella was especially excited this year because she would be one of the "older" kids in her group (groups are called crews). She loves playing with and taking care of kids younger than she is in her crew.
There are a lot of activities at VBS; games, crafts, snack making, singing, movies, discussions, etc. Ella's crew leader was awesome in making sure Ella had access to everything she needed to feel part of the experience. Ella thoroughly enjoyed the week and said she'll miss her crew leader from VBS.
It's comforting to know that whatever Ella chooses to do...whether it is playing with a friend or attending a camp...there are so many people who show her compassion and acceptance. We are truly blessed to live in such a community.
After being away for about 10 minutes she'll call me and tell me where she is and what they plan on doing. The families in the neighborhood are so accommodating for Ella. Sometimes they let us bring over her ramps and one of her manual wheelchairs so that she can play inside...other times the kids just play on the driveway or yard. Just recently, Ella came home and asked to be put into her bathing suit and have her controls covered with a plastic bag because they were going to play in the sprinkler!! She had so much fun!
Usually, during the day, Ella will come home to go to the bathroom. Sometimes she brings her friends and other times they just wait for her! We're amazed at how understanding people can be and grateful we live in such a neighborhood where her needs are understood.
During the past week Ella (and Ava and Henry) attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) at our church. Lindsay is the director of VBS and puts months of work into the events of the week. Ella was especially excited this year because she would be one of the "older" kids in her group (groups are called crews). She loves playing with and taking care of kids younger than she is in her crew.
There are a lot of activities at VBS; games, crafts, snack making, singing, movies, discussions, etc. Ella's crew leader was awesome in making sure Ella had access to everything she needed to feel part of the experience. Ella thoroughly enjoyed the week and said she'll miss her crew leader from VBS.
It's comforting to know that whatever Ella chooses to do...whether it is playing with a friend or attending a camp...there are so many people who show her compassion and acceptance. We are truly blessed to live in such a community.
 |
| Ella getting ready to play (June, 2019) |
