"What if I fall?" Oh, but my darling. What if you fly?

Last month, on the one year anniversary of Kyle's accident, we celebrated his graduation from Kettle Run High School.   Who could argue that this was the perfect way to say "you've come a long way, baby!"

On May 31, 2014 our lives were turned upside down and inside out, but then slowly we began to see right side up again.  Exactly one year later, on May 31, 2015, we watched Kyle walk across that high school stage.   It was thee perfect way to celebrate.

We still have our daily struggles, but on that particular night the smiles told a different story.

Here is a look back, through a photo gallery, of some of the transitions of the past year.  There are some before, during, and after photos, some of which have never been posted before.

I'll start with a not so pretty picture of what we were faced with.  It's a reminder of how incredibly fortunate we are to have Kyle with us.

Did we ever doubt? (mmm, yeah maybe)

A Grandmother's Loving Hands...

Out of ICU, and into "step down" in Pediatrics.

 At home, this past winter, with those same Loving Hands.

Kyle's Beard....

The week before the accident.

In ICU, his beard got a little nasty.  Good thing he didn't know Missy was shaving off his pride and joy.

One year later, "so GQ".  (I personally like this trimmed beard look).

That Trach, oh that Trach...

 Inova Fairfax in ICU

Slowly eliminating the trach at Shepherd Center.

Without the bandage a visible hole.

The hole had to be kept covered in order to talk.  Kyle's first phone conversation was with Grandma.

So much weight loss!

At Shepherd Center, with a 40 pound weight drop.

Inova Loudon Rehab today.

Progressive eating....             
                                                                                                     

Completely dependent.

Workin' it with help.

When we returned to Shepherd in January for surgery, right hand eating only though.

At Loudon's therapy in April, eating popcorn with his left arm... not too bad.

But with a spoon?  a slightly different story.

Cornhole!...

 It all started at Shepherd's Garden Of Hope  ;)

Now in our back yard...the Champ he proclaims to be!

That arm.....

Jasmine working on that H.O.  (Heterotopic Ossification)

The H.O. didn't stop forming.  Back to Atlanta for surgery.

Thank's to his awesome surgeon, Dr. P, and his wonderful therapists, Kyle's arm is close to normal.  Current therapy at Inova Loudoun Rehab.

Working that arm on his Eagle Scout project!

Maddie.... ♥

Inova Step Down in Pediatrics... brushing Kyle's teeth for him :)

No words needed ♥

The crew that brought Maddie down to Shepherd.

Kyle's homecoming in October!    Yes, Crashing IS for Dummies (t-shirt courtesy of Alex and his work company).

The Love of his Life....

No, not Lucas (well, maybe Lucas).  Basketball!

This was a difficult one to watch.

We'll never know what he was thinking.

Our return to Shepherd in January, for the H.O surgery on Kyle's arm.

Happier times.

  

Lucas....

A poignant moment

Eight months later  :)

Mobility....

From this...

To this....

To back on the trampoline!

For those who followed and prayed for my brother, Greg, and for Nancy....

And one of my favorite categories, Pet Therapy....

They were there, right from the start.  

Our last day at Pathways out-patient therapy at Shepherd, and heading home.