Marvin took a nasty spill at school on some ice a couple weeks back. He did a real number that resulted in an ER visit and follow ups at our local Children's hospital. (Bonus, we found an awesome Neuro Dr. How sad has my life become when I get excited about this stuff.....).
Anyway he's on the mend and except for needing a re-eval for PT, OT, and Speech, following up with Neuro, genetics, and adding 50 more grey hairs to my crown of glory he's pulling through.
But he needed my full focus this past weeks. Which can be hard. I have TWO kids with diverse needs. I live in a whole new state and cannot pick up the phone and call my Virginia friends to help with Cary Lynn. I also am on germ lockdown with her and have orders not to take her to any doctors until at least March-ish. There has been more flu out here than you can shake a can of Lysol at.
I was kind of in a panic here. Marvin NEEDED to see doctors. I NEEDED to take him. It's not like I could say, "Oh well, buck up son. I'm sure your full speech abilities will return and your double vision will settle down eventually here."
Enter (Cue the music, whatever you like. I prefer a superhero theme myself) Crescent Cove!! Crescent Cove is something special and unique. With multiple hospice homes in the US for adults Crescent Cove is Minnesota's first and only one for kids. You can learn all about them here.
They happened to have a spot for Cary Lynn thanks to a cancellation. They were thrilled to have their little southern belle stay. She lived it up. Here are some of the many pictures I got during her stay.
She kicked butt at board games.
Puppy therapy!!! Well, actually pet therapy. She got to play with bunnies and dogs this stay.
Chilling with her homies, the squashmallow brigade.
Music therapy. She played guitar, sang, and they even had a band show up. The girl rocked it out.
More puppy time!! She loves animals.
So this was a win for her. Not only did I keep her away from cootie apocalypse (there were people sneezing and coughing on elevators that were so gross Marvin and I took the stairs.), she was kept pretty busy.
The people there care and they are seriously amazing. They checked in on Marvin and me during the week, they sent photos, and kept detailed logs (they think she may be having mild seizures and some breathing stuff, but that will probably be a whole new post). I don't leave my kids anywhere but Crescent Cove is a place I know and trust. I could focus on Marvin knowing that Cary Lynn was safe.
There is also another aspect. Some kids need the Cove for different reasons. Some kids aren't going to see that next birthday, sunset, or holiday. Crescent Cove lets the family come and gives them a place to say goodbye. When the time comes for Cary Lynn (and I pray and plea it's not for a long time) Crescent Cove is where we will be.
Marvin is getting better. Cary Lynn is home. This journey isn't always easy but I'm thankful for the new connections we are making and the people that we are adding to our village.
