what a great week!

two sided card

I have had just one wonderful week! 

My fabulous husband surprised me with my own business cards, not 1 but 2 of my own domains and a website for my photography business

 I did my 1st big event...an award dinner for Heartland Food Corp. Employee's flew in from Canada and the surrounding Midwest states.  Honestly the first hour I thought I might pass out. Taking pictures of kids or families is easy and non-stressful.....you really can't ruin it. An annual awards dinner ....if you mess it up, you can't fly everyone back in to re-shoot. The evening turned out to be a success and I had a ball with it.

TJ started another 9 week class downtown on Saturday's. This week I headed North to the Rush St area with my Macro lens...flower above

 I took some fun candid shots at Karrick's soccer practice...fun in the sun! I love playing with light

 Friday night Tim and I joined some of our friends at the 1st Annual Black and Red Ball to benefit the Glenbard East Boosters. My dear friend Missy- below in pink, sister in law put this together in just 8 weeks and was hoping for at least 200 people. Over 300 people attended. There were 720 items in the silent auction, dinners to All-inclusive trips to Mexico. A junior/senior school parking pass went for $500 for 1 year...it was just crazy

All proceeds go toward GEHS new turf field and concession stands. Community spirit and support was second to none!

A table of some of my favorite people

Bern, in the white sweater is the worlds funniest person...she will make you pee in your pants from laughing

I won the "Fireman for a Day" for Karrick in the auction. The auction was cool as you bid via cell phone. Tim won an hour with a mechanic for a teen...a learning hour. It's for Callahan and my fear is that Cal may teach the mechanic

I have joined the juicing fad. I actually have aged in the last 6months...little stress with TJ's  traumatic brain injury. I always took pride in the fact that I never looked my age. I have a couple on wrinkles...GASP, I know....48 is only 5 months away..after that 50 is knocking on my door. I love my juice...every morning I juice all my veggies and a couple fruits. I feel fantastic after almost 2 weeks of juicing

 Just my sweet little boy 

He wants the shin guards on the outside

Concussion's are a big deal...one mothers journey

FYI Update

2-10-202 TJ has "Post concussive syndrome" not SIS, Im not changing the post

On Oct 5th TJ suffered a double concussion during football practice. Below is my account of the 1st three weeks 

http://mcgintyfive.blogspot.com/2011/10/football-season-cut-short-for-tj.html

He suffered from horrible headaches, dizziness, confusion, fuzzy peripheral and short term memory loss. He was unable to attend school, so he was provided a home tutor by the school paid for by the state
I'm going to try to summarize the last the last 21 days out of 39 and counting and then keep a current journal here.
I am not a medical professional, this is only my story of my sons injury. Every concussion is different, no 2 are the same. Please check with your own doctor as I am not giving medical advice.
The Neurologist says TJ suffered a double concussion in a 10 min span. What makes concussions so dangerous is when you suffer a 2nd blow before the 1st one has healed 100%. There has been so much news about the damage football players have due to getting hit and jumping back into action before they are healed
(all sports are included, Im just going with my personal experience-football)

NFL coming to grips with concussions

Similar to professional boxers, long-time NFL players are at risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, due to continually sustaining brain trauma. The NFL began issuing guidelines concerning concussions in 2007, according to Bloomberg, but many former players protest that the league doesn’t do enough to assist those with the most debilitating injuries.

In 2010, the NFL admitted that concussions put former players at risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, memory loss, dementia and other neurological symptoms. Former professional football players are especially at risk for developing mild cognitive impairment, commonly referred to as MCI. MCI is a common precursor to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. A 2008 survey by the NFL of former players over the age of 50 included surveys for their spouses to complete. Of those who responded, it was noted that 35 percent had some form of cognitive impairment.

'Sam Hoober August 19, 2011  Newsytype.com'

It was most likely TJ's second blow that put him over.

A recap:
 Wed,10-5-2011 TJ plays wide receiver for his sophomore high school football team. During a routine after school practice, TJ was slammed from behind, a helmet to helmet hit. TJ slammed to the ground and remembers everything going to a dream like state. He remembers people asking if he was okay. Although shaky and confused TJ got up and continued to play. About 10 minutes later TJ was running with the ball and hit full force helmet to helmet (front to front) tripped and slammed his head to the ground again. All in all it was 2 brutal helmet hits and 2 head hits to the ground. TJ again remembers getting up all confused and kinda hiding in the back of the pack dazed. It is believed he did not lose consciousness.

Why didn't the coaches pull him out, I don't know. TJ was clearly too impaired to make any judgments after the initial blow

My girlfriend drove TJ home and commented to me that 'he just didn't looked right'. I was getting take out with Tim when TJ called me, I immediately knew something was wrong. His speech was off almost like he was stoned
 "mom, I think I have a concussion"
TJ's eyes were red and glossy, he had funny colored circles under each eye and he was dazed. We watched him closely and he went to bed as usual.

The next morning 
10-6-2011 TJ woke up, took some Advil and got dressed for school. After school he went to football practice. I had text the coach about what was going on and said I wanted TJ to see the trainer and have the IMPACT test. TJ saw the trainer, was not given the test, but was told to sit out and watch the practice (which means stand and watch). I don't know if the head coach relayed my message or if they wait to do the impact test when all signs and symptoms are gone. TJ was an absolute wreck when he came home from practice and I had to make a "mom" decision to pull him from "standing on the sidelines to watch a 2 1/2 hr practice which is strongly encouraged" TJ kept telling me "Mom, make sure you tell all the coaches that this is your decision, not mine"  I'm sure the coaches were pissed, as to this day (day 39) not one has called or reached out to us. The trainer and Athletic coordinator have called

TJ's reaction shows me kids are still considered "a sissy" or not a true football player if they don't jump back into battle. TFB (too fucking bad) is my thought...parents are the only true advocate for their children. Coaches do not always have the best interests of the child in mind 

Fri, 10-7-2100- I got an emergency appointment with the pediatrician who ordered a STAT CT with STAT results. CT was normal
That day I realized that TJ had short term memory loss when he called me and asked me a question that we had gone over 2 hrs prior ( did I tell his coach and how were we getting to the game that evening)
TJ wanted to watch that night game in West Chicago. The last thing I wanted was TJ on the bus being banged around so I drove him and stayed with him, as I had already lost faith in the coaches to take care of my son. ( I get that they would be busy with the game) The trainer did come talk to me and TJ didn't tell him how bad it was when he saw him. He til this day is on my good list. He has called the home to check on TJ and quickly returns my calls. I was afraid for TJ standing on the sidelines...I had him stand further back. I don't believe he had the reflex ability to move if someone was tackled on the sidelines.We had to leave the game early as TJ got a severe headache and extremely dizzy.
The next 2 weeks TJ did not attend school. His signs and symptoms just got worse.

1. severe headaches
2. dizziness
3. nausea
4. blurred peripheral vision 
5. short term memory
6. confusion
7. extreme light sensitivity
8. extreme sensitivity to movement around him
9. 
   

In the mean time TJ's school counselor set up a home tutor and put a plan of action in place. She has been incredible! Keeping all teachers in the loop and providing everything possible to accommodate TJ. TJ's tutor came every morning at 9am...the 1st session was only 20 min as TJ's brain couldn't handle it. Headaches set in and words jumped around. Hank, the tutor has a lot of experience with kids and concussions. He recommended Marionjoy for rehab. 

Tue, 10-25-2011-The Neurologist came in a hour early to see TJ  (he was booked a month out) due to the severity of the injury. I really liked the doctor he put TJ on Amitriptyline now used to treat migraines and concussions. I was told to schedule an MRI with contrast. The doc agreed with sending TJ to Marionjoy for a Neuro-psych evaluation. The MRI was negative



next up: TJ has become a prisoner of his room 
Marionjoy Rehab

My little sand gnat

My little Karrick is now up to 45lbs 18% in weight and 48% in height so we are closing the gap. His cheek bones don't stick out and he has a tiny...and I mean tiny layer of chub that only I can notice

The Junior AA (7 yo) Sand Gnats finally began their game season. They are pretty darn cute and the coaches are pretty good. They take an honest interest in teaching the kids baseball.

Something about the look on Karricks face makes me smile

Love this, we had a man on 2nd and 3rd base. 3rd runs toward home but catcher and pitcher are ready to tag him so he's dodging back and forth, meanwhile 2nd base is now also heading towards home and he joins in on the dodge.

Some how both boys safety tag home plate...It's possible they may have run out of the baseline, but in AA the score is not kept....oh but the kids keep score in their heads

my little pitcher

Today TJ had his 2nd high school baseball game GO RAMS, anyway TJ was starting pitcher today. He pitched 5 innings out of 7...91 pitches!. First of all TJ has never pitched more than 2 or 3 innings in his life. This is also the first time he pitched 60.6 feet, mound to plate. TJ has only pitched 54 feet because he is almost a year younger than his classmates therefore has to play with his age in travel (8th graders) TJ won't be 15 until sophomore year.

I mention this because it is a big deal to pitch that much and that far for him. He had one rough inning, but never let it bother him and he totally recovered to continue pitching 3 more innings...which is HUGE!

Sadly we lost by 3 runs, but played a pretty good game. I think that some are suffering from high school baseball nerves.

How cute is my little boy who is almost a man

Basketball

What could Cotter possibly be saying to warrant such serious expressions?

Annual Wisconsin ski trip day 1 and 2

We were able to sneak away for 5 nights. Callahan and karrick had  Friday and Monday off...TJ had Mon-Tue off. We were able to have TJ take his last 2 final exams scheduled for Friday on Wed and Thur. I was stunned at how accommodating TJ's teachers were. We called the other 2 boys in "skiing" on Tuesday to their schools. We headed way up to Wausau Wisconsin to Granite Peak, Rib Mountain. We left Thur around 5pm...weather was awful driving.

We arrived around 10pm ish and had just enough to hit the pool that closed at 11pm. The best thing we did was get 2 adjoining rooms, suites were sold out for Saturday night which would have been more trouble than it was worth to keep switching rooms. My stud of a husband got our rooms for $59 a night with his smooth talking.

The next day we went into town to rent Tim and TJ skies, cheaper than at the ski mountain. Callahan owns his own skies and boots. I must say my TJ was freaking adorable trying on ski-wear...1/4 inch more and he can finally start modeling again. Liliy's signed him at 5' 9 and have been waiting patiently until he reaches 5' 11. He does not look 14...at all...he's not even 14 1/2 yet....just sayin

He has the moves down

Mint Cafe for lunch...good cheeseburgers

Must be just like "the brothers" at $19 for glasses and $30 for the hat

Callahan above and below....we drew the line at the pink glasses

Brand spankin new Holiday inn and suites in Rothschild WI...all the nicer hotels by the ski resort were booked. This turned out to be a beautiful hotel.Lobby was stunning with big leather furniture, fireplaces...yes plural and flat screens. Flat screen in the marble bathroom in our rooms too! Only problem is there was nothing for miles so we had to drive to fast food pl;aces to eat...Aarrgh

I honestly felt like crap by the time we had left...all I wanted was a fruit salad

We had th hotel pretty much to ourselves on Thur,Fri, Mon Tue. Sat and Sun it filled up. Much to TJ's delight a teenage competitive dance team stayed on our floor Saturday and Sunday

Hockey picure

Group hockey shot. Missy just emailed it to me...you can see my camera around my neck. Missy has the same camera and put it n the tripod with the timer...YAY

I want to play again

Football awards night

Last night football awards were held at GEHS. TJ and the freshmen team were all awarded their graduation year numbers 14 for class of 2014. They have a certain spot on their lettermen jacket. Each year the player receives a new progressive patch.

As I was sitting in the stands watching the seniors, I couldn't help but feel sad for them. Their 4 year reign has come to an end and I know in a blink of an eye, that will be TJ in 3 years. My girlfriend and I had a conversation about the team work of football vs any other sport. You really have to be a close team and work together like no other sport. My TJ carries the ball and if his teammates don't protect him he can get seriously hurt. The linemen are the soldiers of the team...you don't get that in baseball, volleyball and soccer etc. (not to this extent at least) There was a senior slideshow that was mighty touching...I get the whole football thing now, I really get it. I had chills and a tear in my eye and I am so proud that TJ is part of this tradition. Three months ago, I reluctantly gave the GE coaches my baby and they in return gave me back a much physically (not the same body he started with), mentally stronger boy, a boy that fought through Hell in double summer workouts in 95 degree heat..TJ never once complained that anything was too tough, hard yes, but he embraced the challenge actually looked forward to it. He went to school sick as not to miss practice. My TJ has a maturity he didn't have 3 months ago. He has embraced the strength to tough it out, to think beyond himself, to fight through head trauma, cuts and bruises, sprained ankles and sickness. He walks with pride, he walks as a Glenbard East Ram. I thank all you coaches for giving my boy this life long gift that only a football team can give. He looks up to you all and he had FUN!

I think I love football...ok, I sad it I Love Football!!

Our son's shoulders are back and his head is up

 2010 Freshman Glenbard East Football Team

 This  is the Varsity MVP trophy. Each year a Senior is awarded it and their name is engraved . Last night the 40th name was added to this award.

 I don't know a lot about this tradition, but every year a senior passes the Harley Davidson t-shirt down to a Junior that shows sportsmanship, honor, and team leadership etc.

After 20 years, The Varsity head coach is stepping down. I didn't get the chance to meet him, but didn't get choked up at his goodbye speech

My baby broke himself....Ouch

 TJ had a great great week at practice, The B team went up against the A in practice and my TJ showed up that A team. The coaches (A&B) were all over him with praise and TJ was super excited for Saturday's game against Naperville North. 1st qtr, 3 play TJ catches a un-catchable throw for 1st down. 4th play of game TJ is handed the ball and starts running...look at pictures as they were snapped in Sport mode....which catches everything, snap snap, snap in a row

 He is on his way to score a touchdown

 I know we all love our kids and believe they are the best, BUT...check out this kids form after 2 months of playing football....2 months in his entire 14 years of life

 Click on it, click on the picture with the giant black arrow...Aarrgh!!! Did I really need to see that? For the love of God! some things a mother just doesn't need to see...damn ass camera. TJ tried to cut across and slipped on the grass

TJ tried to stay in, he tried for the next 2 plays but couldn't put any pressure on his foot. He sat on the bench for the remainder of the game...then his coach yelled at him "we needed you on offense" I honestly believe we could have won, had TJ not broke himself.

School is closed until Wednesday so he had 4 days to fix himself. He is much better and will try to practice tomorrow (tue is 1st practice since game)

The coaches A nad B are desperately trying to recruit TJ to wrestling. I guess it is phenomenal conditioning for football

because they want him for all 4 years of football. So far he has no interest