From a vision to reality.

Well the last couple days have been quite the whirlwind. It started with a quick email to Ability camp asking when I should submit Ryder's video application for the camp...

Originally we were hoping to take Ryder to the January Mom and Tot camp but when we thought about all the factors, it didn't make sense for us. The main reason being Ontario has crazy winters and there's no way we would risk driving the 15 hours in a potential snow storm to get there. That would mean we would have the extra cost of flights and I would not have a car for the full 5 week stay. The camp is located almost 3 hours away from the major airport in Toronto and twenty minutes away from the closest grocery store. Not having a car and not knowing anyone who lives there makes for some difficult times. Another reason for wanting to wait is winters are pretty tough for me and the thought of being all alone in the middle of no where in an unfamiliar place didn't sound like the best plan.

Then we decided that if they would accept Ryder early, in the 3-6 year old session we could go in June when he would be two and a half and the weather would be nice so I could drive there. That was all fine until I was informed (in the email) no parents are allowed in the 3-6 year old class. The kids go in alone... For those of you that has not experienced Ryder's neediness to me, lets just say its bad. REAL BAD. I can't imagine spending all that money just to have him sit and scream for days on end. They said most kids usually all cry for the first 2 weeks but almost all get use to their parents not being there and do fine. In my opinion when your spending almost $10,000, two weeks is too much time and money to waste screaming till you puke everyday. I was also looking forward to being with him in the class learning along with him so I could continue his therapy at home. So now were back where we started which is January. THIS JANUARY! Like basically 2 months away January!! 68 days away January!! AHHhhhh!

So it started as a vision. A dream really and now, from all your help it's a reality. It feels like it was just yesterday when I stumbled on Ability Camps website. I sat there watching all the video testimonials with tears streaming down my face. I felt like I had finally found some answers, something that could really impact my beautiful sons life. I said to Tyler, I don't care what it takes, I am getting Ryder there. I didn't really know how it would happen but it didn't take long before you all made your support quite clear. YOU all made it happen for us! In four short months you raised $9214. I called today and made the deposit to save our spot. Thank you never seems to feel like enough.

Now with the extra costs of travel and possibly renting a car while I am there we are left a bit short. We need to somehow raise another $2000 to cover the extra expenses. I have no doubt in my mind that we can make this happen. But.... if you've been waiting for the perfect time to make a donation, now would be that time :)

I am nervous, scared, hopeful, excited but most of all thankful for this journey that we are about to take. I look back at my first post in the beginning of July and Ryder could not sit, kneel or crawl. All very important milestones that come so easy to most kids. We have worked with Ryder daily and now four months later and he is doing almost all of that plus more!! :)  I am so excited to see what he can get and learn from Ability Camp!