July 15th Update with Exciting News!

Thursday morning, we went to a the 7th Annual Ian Surratt Memorial Fishing tournament.  It was put on for some cancer kids from Cooks.  I believe there were about 20 kids fishing.  We first met at the marina on Eagle Mountain lake and had breakfast.  We are then matched up with some local anglers that fish the bigger tournament trails in the area.  We were paired with Monte and both kids were given a fish in pole, tackle box, and shirts.  They couldn't wait to get out on the water!  We first started fishing for sand bass.  Monte found them on the electronics, but they weren't feeding.  After a short time trying to get one to bite, we decided to find something easier to catch.  We found a little place by a different marina and started catching perch, and a lot of them!  Bryson was a little tired and cranky from staying up late and getting up early, but his attitude changed when he started catching fish!  We probably caught over 20 perch, and then it was time to head in.  Lunch was waiting for us when we got back and plaques were giving to each family and boater.  I couldn't be more proud of the plaque!  It was a great time and I'm differently looking forward to it next year!  And Bryson slept for 4 hours after leaving the lake!  

I guess the fishing trip did Briley a lot of good.  Here's the big news - she is walking WITHOUT assistance!!!!!  She no longer needs her walker or wheelchair.  Her & Alicia were in Alicia's classroom on Friday when Briley took on step without holding on to anything.  I guess something clicked, and she took off!  Granted, she's still very unsteady on her feet and walks a little bowlegged, but she's walking on her own!!!!   She is so proud of herself and that night, she walked every where around the house.  It was such a good sight to see and very emotional for Alicia and I.  Even little brother was excited for her!
As faith would have it, the steroids that she's on is affecting her walking.  Not only does the steroids give her an attitude and an appetite, it causes bone pain.  Especially in her legs.  So the stinking steroids have slowed down the walking process just a tad. Her last dose will be tomorrow morning and it will take a couple of days to completely get out of her system and she will be back to her normal self.  She always craves something different when she's on steroids.  This time it's spaghettios!  
We will go back to Fort Worth (again) on Thursday for her ortho checkup.  I hope and pray that the doctor will be please with Briley progress.  
There will be a blood drive here in Seymour this coming Tuesday at the Portwood Pavilion.  I encourage everyone to give blood if you are able.  Briley has had numerous blood transfusion and the importance of giving blood has really become apparent after her diagnoses and after the wreck.  Giving blood really does save lives!  Thank you for keeping up with Briley's progress!