2010

I don't have any pictures from the other two walks for Bridger yet but heard it was a fantastic experience for all involved. We are so greatful for everyone's support and love. We wish we could have been in CO, and WY to personally thank you. I was thinking how much he has gone through and how far he has come. For the most part, his spirits are high and his physical strength is actually better than it was before his long hospital stay. I decided it would be fun to post "before and after" pictures; they seem more like "on steroid medication and now off" pictures. I didn't realize how much weight he had gained in the hospital. I gained weight as well, but can't blame it on medication. Bridger now looks pretty normal, almost too thin. We always tell him "were trying to fatten you up". At first he got a little upset. He would say "you don't say that to children. That is mean and bad". I was a little confused until he later explained it was "bad like the witch in the story of Hansel and Gretel trying to fatten up the Kid's to eat them". He must have figured out we aren't going to eat him because he is OK with it now.


Before


After

Bridger's idea of walking is "you walk I ride".

LDSSA Kids and the lovly Josie with Bridger

On the day of the walk, I think Bridger broke his mask on purpose so he wouldn't have to wear it, and it worked! He can be a bit sneaky.

Members of the LDSSA had to use creative ways of advertising for the walk. School administrators only allowed them to put up a few signs on school grounds, so they decorated their cars and some made T-shirts to wear. They are very tricky.

On the 23rd of May, here in Texas, the LDSSA held a Walk for Bridger. I think Bridger thought he was a real "Rock Star". He truely was the center of attention. When we arrived, we put on our red "Walk for Bridger" tee-shirts and finally met Josie who headed up the walk. We took a lot of picture, some of which have been posted to teh blog. A lot of people showed up. I don't really know how many (I've never been a good estimator), but others said around 100. None the less there were way more people than we expected. Blake's brothers family even drove down from Arkansas and his mom and dad were in from Phoenix. It was fun for Bridger to have his cousins around. Before we began the walk, we all gathered together. Bridger just wanted to go walk, but I told him that we needed to thank everyone for coming to support him. With that, he immediately yelled out "THANK YOU FOR COMING EVERYONE" while waving at the same time. It was so cute. Then Josie thanked everyone and Blake said a few words for us. Bridger then blew the blow horn to signal the start of the walk. I had to cover his ears (He doesn't like loud noises). People in red tee-shirts went everywhere. It was quite a sight. The walk for Bridger was a very touching experience. One friend made the comment, "I've cried three times this morning. How are you doing?" It was one of those days that you look back on and think about how blessed you are. We know our Father in heaven is constantly looking down on us. We felt so much love and compassion that day. My words can't even begin to describe it, "joyous" is all that comes to my mind. Thank you to all who helped and participated. It has touched our lives for ever.