<p>I am thrilled that his professors are being so flexible and that he will be able to graduate. Booking the cruise was an absolutely inspired idea. You are an amazing man!</p>
<p>Re walking at graduation: to conserve his strength and ensure that he is able to participate fully in the parts that are important to him, think about renting or borrowing a lightweight collapsible wheelchair. Especially if this is a large event on a large campus, he can ride for part of it, and save his strength for walking in the graduation procession. He is young and strong, but even he may not be up for such a physically and emotionally exhausting day so soon.</p>
<p>The cruise sounds like a great plan!</p>
<p>If you remember, remind us all closer to graduation so we can all shed a virtual tear of joy with your family!</p>
<p>What awesome news and what a courageous and resilient S you have.<br>
Knowing he will graduate has probably done worlds of good for him. No doubt your steady demeanor has had a great effect on him.<br>
The cruise idea was a great one too. A celebration will definitely be in order.</p>
<p>GREAT NEWS ALL THE WAY AROUND! And great GF. Obviously there are still issues. Take it one day at a time.</p>
<p>You son is a very strong man. He wants to finish everything (including walking) despite his condition. You can be proud. He will be an inspiration to his classmates.</p>
<p>And it sounds like he has a great GF too!</p>
<p>Aren’t you pleased at how together the GF is, too?</p>
<p>Hooray for the resiliency of youth! It is so good that he is focused on the future and his graduation. Be sure to keep us up to speed on his progress over the next weeks and months, and, for sure, tell us all about his graduation ceremony. What a great kid you have there . . .</p>
<p>
Wow, what great news! 
I had wondered about that but had not wanted to ask, as I realized it was not the most important aspect of this situation. I am so glad that your family will experience that joyful moment! Please do share it with us.</p>
<p>You must be proud of S. He’s handling this so well and the GF sounds like maybe she’s a keeper too! I hope he continues the positive outlook and heals quickly.</p>
<p>I got chills reading you post. I can’t wait for graduation day!</p>
<p>ditto, youdon’tsay…I’ve got goosebumps reading today’s updates!!!</p>
<p>jdjaguar–your son has wonderful spirit and tenacity and such a supportive family! Best wishes to you all!</p>
<p>You filed his taxes in the midst of everything?! I suspect I’d forget to brush my own teeth. What an incredibly strong and resilient family you are. Good idea about fold-up wheelchair (or perhaps a motorized scooter might be more hip). So happy that you are planning months out (by booking a cruise). Thanks for the uplifting news.</p>
<p>YEAH!! The girlfriend definitely sounds like a keeper! </p>
<p>and taxes… AMAZING!!</p>
<p>I’ve been catching up on the last 2 pages of posts, listening to my ipod and the song “Little Wonders” by Rob Thomas starting playing and I just broke out in tears!</p>
<p>Little Wonders"</p>
<p>Let it go,
Let it roll right off your shoulder…
Don’t you know
The hardest part is over
Let it in,
Let your clarity define you…"</p>
<p>JD, please keep updating us on your son’s progress.</p>
<p>(Mod Note: Terms of Service and copyright laws require me to edit out the complete lyrics of this lovely song here, which I hope is available by other channels. – p3t)</p>
<p>Wow - everytime I check this thread to hear updates, the news gets better and better. It sounds like your son has a great head on his shoulders and a great support system as well. I will be thinking of all of you on graduation day - which is so much more special due to recent circumstances. My thoughts are with you and your family during this emotional roller coaster. Wishing you only good things from now on!</p>
<p>JD: If you are so inclined to update us, I was wondering whether you could let us know how your wife is managing. My heart clutched when you wrote earlier that you feared she was nearing a psychotic break - it often takes us moms longer to recover from cruel twists of fate. She must be exhausted. Steady, strong thoughts continuing your way as you all navigate through this. So glad for the good news you’ve shared.</p>
<p>Re Owlice’s Post #339:</p>
<p>That was amazing. You have a gift.</p>
<p>One of my students told me I was “mad chill” and I needed another student to tell me it was an awesome compliment - so - I am passing the compliment on to your son - He is indeed “mad chill”. I had tears in my eyes when I read about his courage and his desire to attend his college graduation. Mad Chill? - He is a rock star. You, your son and your family have been in my thoughts and in my prayers since I read your initial posting. Be strong, have faith and patience, and continue to shower your son with your love.</p>