If you are a frequent reader of my blog you know that Friday was my “anniversary” or “transition day”. Everyone has a different name for it, but basically it’s a huge turning point reminder in your life.
I made plans to go see Rilee well before I realized that it was “that day” and when I realized it I knew it would be a great way to spend part of my day.
The boys wrapped up school for the week, we scarfed down our lunch and loaded up around 2:30. We got there exactly at 4 and not 15 – 30 seconds after we made it into the building the sky opened up and poured!
Rilee looked AMAZING!! I am blown away what a diffence 2 weeks can make.
Oh. Wait. Did you catch that I’ve been saying Rilee and not “R”??
I asked and was given permission to use her real name and share her support page with you.
PLEASE like Camp Rilee on Facebook. She needs all the support she can get and the higher that number gets the more she sees people really care.
Ok, back to the visit.
The boys were great and conned Rilee’s mom into more of the family’s beef jerky (spicy for Will). If you love jerky you should totally try it.
We talked about when she might get to go home and go back to school (and ooooh the cute boots shs hoping to adapt and wear!!). We also chatted about how the town is continuing to rally together and help the family. It’s amazing what a community can do when they all pull together.
Sadly I didn’t have that, so in some ways Rilee is way ahead of the game!
I look forward to my next visit and seeing her continue to soar in this new, strange “normal”.
______
This month is also Spinal Cord Injury Awareness month and backbones is trying to raise money to help connect new injuries with veteran injuries.
This is NOT how I met Rilee and NO, I wasn’t “paid” to go see her nor was I compensated in anyway.
That’s not what backbones is about. It’s about educating people, connecting similar injuries (which Rilee and I really are not) and all non profits need support.
I‘ve been ever so slightly involved with backbones for a while now.
If you would like to make a donation to backbones, They would CERTAINLY appreciate it.
So where does your donation money go?!
$500 Sponsor an SCI Meet/Greet: Support groups at hospitals and rehab centers are important and crucial for recovery, however we understand that many individuals with SCI need to feel “normal” again and get back out in the community. BACKBONES hosts gatherings at pizza parlors, bars, restaurants, sporting events, bowling alleys, etc. in order to create opportunity for connections and friendship.
$250 Expenses for Ambassadors: BACKBONES Ambassadors have a great story to tell and represent the BACKBONES family! They easily motivate and often speak at local events on our behalf.
$100 Provide Transportation to events: A common barrier for people with SCI to participate in our programs and events is transportation. We help arrange transportation for those who need it so no one misses out on the fun!
$25 Share Our Message At Rehab Centers: Hospitals and rehab centers help us share information with those recently injured. You can help send a BACKBONES Swag Pack- brochures, stickers, cards- to hospitals, rehab centers and support groups nationwide.
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