Heidi, our oldest daughter (sorry Heidi), Husband~ Alan, kids Alex (age 12) and Scarlet (age 7), live in Bend. The Nelson family is the most amazing family (I am not just saying that because I love them)!
They are amazing because of what they have been through and the way they have come out the other side.
When Scarlet was 18 months she became critically ill and because of the illness, she suffered a series of strokes. (Due to HUS, look it up)
The strokes caused Scarlet to loose ALL motor skills, everything: she could no longer nurse or suck a bottle so a feeding tube was needed for 2 1/2 years: she could not use her arms, legs, hands, could not even hold her head up. Scarlet spent 49 days in Legacy Emanuel Children's' Hospital in Portland. The last 4 years have been a constant rehabilitation, with 24/7 care needed for Scarlet and that's what has made the Nelson's so amazing.
They never gave up and still have not, Scarlet is thriving and getting more use of her limbs every day; (see her pictures), this family took a tragedy and made it a blessing (made it their life).
Alan is now very involved with the United Way Campaign, Heidi is a 24/7 nurse, therapist, and companion for Scarlet. Alex has had to take the back seat to Scarlet's health needs, but has remained a normal (although anoying) brother and friend to Scarlet.
Scarlet has a huge personality, a great sense of humor and loves life, she attends a main stream Grade School and is in 2nd grade, she is in advanced Reading and Spelling; she has an attendant to help her with her motor skills, she even rides a bus that is able to accommodate her wheelchair to school every day!
Alex is a typical boy, loves to play games, play with friends, is an avid reader. Alex is alot like his mother, does not want to takes chances, is skeptical of trying anything new (might not be prudent!). Alex is always reminding me of his status as the 'First Grandchild', he wants me to know he is #1! .....no jealousy there, right?
While growning up, Heidi was the 'Matron' of the family; making sure Brian and Kelli were behaving (they were usually into something they should not have been), making her 'To Do' lists daily. (she still does that one!)
Scarlet is the most wonderful little girl, she is gaining her abilities back slowly but surely as time goes by.
The family has been to many locations for therapy ( Look up Conductive Education, Budapest, Hungry, Petta) They are world travelers by now, Alex can say he has seen alot of the USA and Canada over the past 3 years!
Scarlet has a huge personality, a great sense of humor and loves life, she attends a main stream Grade School and is in 2nd grade, she is in advanced Reading and Spelling; she has an attendant to help her with her motor skills, she even rides a bus that is able to accommodate her wheelchair to school every day!
Alex is a typical boy, loves to play games, play with friends, is an avid reader. Alex is alot like his mother, does not want to takes chances, is skeptical of trying anything new (might not be prudent!). Alex is always reminding me of his status as the 'First Grandchild', he wants me to know he is #1! .....no jealousy there, right?
Now that Scarlet is in 2nd grade, Heidi has taken a Part time, job and is enjoying getting out of the house some.
While growning up, Heidi was the 'Matron' of the family; making sure Brian and Kelli were behaving (they were usually into something they should not have been), making her 'To Do' lists daily. (she still does that one!)
All 3 of our kids are still close and they are all great Aunties and Uncles to the cousins!
We are very blessed!
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