Thursday, January 15, 2009

Merimbula

It brings me much joy to be able to sit and type about Eth turning 7 tomorrow. I thought it would never happen and that his 6th birthday would be the last. This time last year he was in heaps of pain, his mobility was extremely restricted and he couldn't eat properly. It was a very tough time but I am pleased to say this has changed and he is a lot better. In April they started the wonder drug and for the first 4 months we saw no real improvement but then it was increased to nearly double the dose and we have witnessed a new boy. He is a lot more confident and happy and can physically do things. Don't get me wrong his health issues still affect his daily activities and the rest of the family but he is 100% on last year.

During the first 2 weeks of January we went on a family holiday to Merimbula. Ethan had a ball. We took his bike which he loved riding everywhere. He rode it whenever he got the chance. He loved hooning around the caravan park on it. He cracked the sads at the Bermagui mountain bike trail because I wouldn't let him go with Luke on the big trail. He argued black and blue he could do it and sped off down the track! He even rode to Pambula and back, a total of 17km with me jogging and pushing him up the hills but he did it. (This time last year he couldn't even walk to the letterbox and back). He also loved going swimming, driving the boat and playing cricket.

Hope you enjoy the holiday photos. We will post birthday pics next week

























3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow. So good to get this latest news report. You Hanley's deserve all the joy in the world. You all hang in there and fight for so much. We take our hats off to you all.
A big happy 7th birthday to Ethan.
May you all go from strength to strength. 17 kms is a huge bike ride, not to mention a big run for a Mum, jogging and pushing up the hills.
Cheers,
Judi & Rob

Anonymous said...

Great to hear of the success of the wonder drug and the resulant joy that it brings to your whole family. Hope 2009 is your best year ever. Andy and I are as busy as ever enjoying bridge and golf respectively. We are about to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this month and plan to return to Wrest Point in Hobart where we honeymooned in '79 Cheers Joan and Andy

Anonymous said...

hey Jo,
wow.. eth looks amazing... better than i've seen him for ages... and so active... you must be thrilled. am working in picu at rch at the moment and think of you guys heaps. glad he's doing ok. do let me know if ur visiting at the kids.. would love a coffee. take care :0 claire