July 9, 2006

It’s been 5 months since Michael’s accident and things are as hectic as ever. We’ve been trying to get a routine down, but everyday there seems to be a new adventure. Michael on the other hand, has taken everything in stride as he’s been taking things day by day, doing whatever we might ask him to do. June was a special time for Michael, as he graduated from High School. It was a special day for everyone who graduated, but as you can imagine, the emotions ran freely when Michael’s name was announced. High school was certainly a challenge for Michael, but to have this “obstacle” thrown at you, in your senior year, it was hard to imagine he would be able to handle this setback and graduate with his class. But, as his name was announced, everyone in attendance who knew Michael gave a thunderous ovation. His smile on his face could barely keep back his happiness and emotions, as he accepted his diploma from Mr. Dunnigan, his principle and new found friend.

Michael continues his physical therapy at Kessler, three days per week. In addition, it appears Michael might have passed his Mountainside evaluation for the FES bicycle clinical trial. He passed his bone density evaluation and he was just waiting for the results of his x-rays. This will certainly be a blessing, as this form of exercise, on this type of equipment, is extremely beneficial for Michael. Besides his weekly therapy sessions, we’re looking to increase Michael’s exercise regiment by having him workout at home, everyday. Hopefully, we’ll be able to have the help of a personal trainer to come over once or twice a week to assist Michael with his exercise program. Michael wants to start preparing for his trip to Project Walk, the spinal cord recovery center located in California.

As you can see from the pictures in the photo album, he has been busy this summer. We had a great time down the shore at Baris’s house, where I was able to take Michael out on a jet ski. At first I was controlling the speed and steering, but it did not take long for him to take over the controls and drive the thing himself. I was just along for the ride, as he was zipping along in the bay, jumping over the wakes of the passing boats. I think I was more nervous then he was. The day started off with excitement, all the kids were fishing from the dock, the only thing being caught were small crabs, which ate the bait. Just has we were about to put the fishing poles away, Michaels’s line was dragged out from his reel and he was struggling holding onto the pole, without his chair rolling off the dock. He had to hold the pole with one hand, as he reached down and locked his wheels, at the docks edge! After a few minutes of reeling in the line, Michael caught what appeared to be a stingray, weighing 10 lbs. He was thrilled, as it definitely made up for the non-eventful past 2 hours of fishing. Check out the pictures in the photo album section under “Summer 2006”. His face his priceless.

It has become apparent, that none of Michael’s friends, including his bothers and sisters, are going to allow Michael’s setback, to prevent him from enjoying the summer. His friends have certainly made Michael feel included in all their activities, as he goes with them just about everywhere. The other day, I came across a pair of binoculars in the car and was curious what they were for. My wife tells me their Michaels. When he goes to the lake, his friends climb to a rocky ledge, where they swing from a rope into the water. Michael parks his chair near the water’s edge and watches them through the binoculars, judging each jump. It was only last year that he was doing a double back flip off the same rope swing, a trick that his friends have yet to master. So, he still feels he’s king of the rope swing, until someone can beat his trick and take his crown. Good Luck!

Michael’s athletic ability has certainly allowed him to continue his active ways, as he has tried many things that most able body people don’t do, never mind someone in a wheelchair. His latest feat was to prepare for his upcoming golf outing in August. He doesn’t want to just watch, but he wants to play! So, I took him to the driving range at Crystal Springs, where my son Kyle works. The people there were terrific, as we were able to get a few buckets of balls to practice with. As Kyle and I, wheeled Michael up to the driving range, you can feel the stares coming from all directions, as all the other golfers where wondering what this kid was going to do. Well, Michael shocked them all, as he “wind milled” his golf club with one hand and hit the ball straight as an arrow for approximately 100 yards. Ball after ball, he hit with deadly accuracy, as most of the other golfers sprayed their balls all over the range. After about an hour of driving, we went to the practice putting green, where again he amazed the onlookers has he was putting from the side of his chair, sinking 30 & 40 foot putts. It would have made Tiger Wood jealous! 

Michael received great news today, has he was selected as this years “benefactor” of the Wallkill Valley Swim Conference Swim-a-long. This is a yearly fund raising effort by all the members of the swim league, and Michael was fortunate enough to be selected as this year’s recipient. He was really excited, and even more thrilled about the opportunity of holding one of those big card board checks, like the one you see Publishers Clearing House giving out on TV. He just wants to see the look on the bank teller face when he tries to deposit such a “big” check. If anyone is interested in finding out how to sponsor one of the swimmers during the swim-a-long, or to make a donation, please contact Justine Fugowski  or Brittany Marinaro . A special thank-you to all the members of the Wallkill Valley Swim Conference. THANK-YOU!!

Michael is blown away from all the generosity of every one in town and he can’t thank everyone enough. It’s certainly a blessing to live in a town which shows a tremendous amount of support and love. We continue to express our appreciation, and we’ll be anxious to thank everyone in person at the upcoming fundraisers. We’ll try to update the site on a regular basis. Thanks to all the people who continue to work diligently on the fundraisers. Our gratitude will be eternal.

Mike & Kim Ryan