Helwicoper Reunion

"Wow!" was Gus's first reaction. His anticipation had brought him to the top of the University of Utah Hospital. Only a few people get to access the roof of the hospital where the life flight helicopter is perched. I can see the excitement in his eyes as I lean down and ask him "what is it?" "Helwicoper," he whispers back. He points over to the middle of the roof where the large red Air Med helicopter is tied down. Gus doesn't dare blink, as it may be a dream that could shutter away. 

"Ready to go see it?" Nicole asks before we start wheeling over to it.  "Yeah!" Gus shares with us as we start rolling through the wind. 

Big Red

Framed on the wall of the Therapy Gym is this quote:

Little by little, inch by inch,
By the yard it is hard,

By the inch, what a cinch.

Never stare up the stairs,

Just step up the steps,

Little by little,

Inch by inch.

By: Ron Hamilton

Gus's Hunger Games

The hospital schedule describes this time as rehab participation. Curt and I call it 'Gus's Games.' The games consist of three categories: eating mastery, physical endurance, and problem solving. Gus's Hunger Games is the first category, where eating and swallowing are the tasks. He practices eating in his room during every meal. However, a special game is set up for Gus to challenge his best attribute. The game host has mapped out a special task force for Gus to digest today. The challengers are crunchy cereals, mushy breakfast surprises, and dissolving treats. 

A Newborn Colt

A newborn horse will have the desire to get up and stand within minutes. Shortly after his arrival he'll stretch his front legs out in front of his chest and balance his head. Putting his neck into line is necessary to gather his balance. A first push with his body will extend him half way up and back down again. He then roles to his side and stretches to gather his breath before he tries again. The colt's eyes will be wide and full of life. A short fluffy tail quickly flutters behind him to show his eagerness to have the ground under his soft hooves.

Stroll with Mater

Gus hangs his right hand outside his wheelchair. Toy 'Mater' clasped in his fingers. He looks for the next drivable surface for his favorite plastic, hand-sized, tow-truck. We can hear the plastic wheels running on the different wall trims. Driving on the side wood rails, down the hall, jumping the doorway, then back on to a window. Wheelchair driven power gives Mater the ability to cruise on every flat surface on our way out of the hospital. For the first time in weeks, we left the hospital as a family! Gus was awarded a ride pass, which means we could leave Primary Children's under certain conditions. Our couple hours outside was a delight.

The First Miracle

The morning of October 12th started off like a normal Fall Saturday.  Gus got ready that morning by dressing in his ranch clothes.  Stormy Kromer hat, cowboy boots and sweatshirt. While he watched one episode of Disney, I made him some cheesy eggs and packed his diaper bag for the day. I asked Gus as we got into the car, "Do you want to go to Grandmas house while Mom and Dad do cows?" "Oh, yes!" Gus replied quickly. The half hour drive to Grandmas is something we share often. We listened to music and looked for big trucks on the freeway as usual. Daddy was waiting with the horses saddled in the trailer as we arrived. Gus's eagerness ran him to the house and in to find Granny. He barely voiced out a "bye mom" before his quick hands shut the door.

Cheeto Please!

"Do you want a cheeto?" the therapist asks. Gus holds out his right hand and smiles big as she presents a small bag of original cheetos. The top is pulled opened his little hands are trying to dive in. This would be the first time Gus has eaten something solid, which makes me very nervous. We have been introducing foods to Gus on a very cautious level to make sure he can swallow them correctly. However, if there is one thing Gus will master again its eating meals, downing snacks and drinking milk.

Gus Mickey

What did Gus want to be for Halloween?

A) A Pirate

B) Mickey Mouse

C) A Cowboy

D) Lightning McQueen

A hospital created three-piece costume.  First, blue Mickey Mouse print pajamas. Picture a soft, collared, button-up top and matching bottoms. Next, a fuzzy pair of black mouse ears that fit over his blonde hair. To complete the look, his pal Mickey Mouse accompanying him in his wheelchair. Curt and I questioned what Gus would think about trick-or-treating through the halls of the hospital. We didn't know if he would remember the two previous Halloween outings with his cousins.