Looking forward, reflecting back. It's been 12 years.

December 2, 2011.  12 years ago.  We stopped publicly sharing our story when Brian turned 18.  It’s his story now.  He can choose when and if to share it publicly. 

The time I personally reflect on this is always the first Friday in December.  That was yesterday.

Previously the first December Friday has always been spent in silent reflection at home.  I’ve gone to work physically, but not sure my productivity.  For the last ten years, my supervisor hosted a holiday drop in event at his home on the evening of the 1^st Friday of December.  I excused myself from attending for seven years. I could not justify going out that night.  My sister also hosts a holiday thing that same day.  Again, I excused myself from that for many years as well. 

Let me reflect on my first Friday of December 2023.  First:  Work:  My job is unpredictable.  Yesterday I wound up working with my wonderful team in solving issues caused by three separate issues.  They were in order: internet outages, sink clogging, and a power outage.  This was while we were hosting hundreds of potential students in a large recruiting event and other student and department meetings.  I take pride in handling the unexpected.  Yesterday was full of unexpected events at work.

Now for Friday night.  Brian actually came with me to my bosses party this year.  He actually now knows most of my current colleagues.  He has been a great representative of the GSU IDEAL program in so many ways.  He has introduced the program to so many colleagues that knew very little about it.  In fact, one of the university attorneys was at the party.  Brian went up to him and his fiancé and talked to them for a while.  When I latter chatted with the attorney he had said that he had handled some contracts and legal things for IDEAL, but had never met a student from the program.  That is what Brian is doing, putting a face with a name for the program.  Brian spent the night telling my work colleagues that he was celebrating successfully finishing his first semester in college.  (Which he should be proud of).  

We felt so much great support those first few months.  I feel that had if we lived in Statesboro in 2011and beyond that Brian and our family would have gotten the continued community love and support that Georgia Kate is getting right now.  Our Bulloch County and Savannah support was so touching.  The way the community showed up than and is showing up now for GK is wonderful.  Kudos!!!  It is a great community and the support that you give at times in crisis shows how great you are.   

Most of the people I worked with in 2011 have retired or moved on to greener pastures. Only a handful from December 2011 are still around.  A couple of colleagues came from a long way to attend the Evansdale field vigil for Brian on a stormy night in December 2011.    It meant the world to me that folks from work came to that vigil. 

Well, last night, Brian and one of colleagues that attended the vigil had a hug at my boss’s party.  Brian has hung out in her office often this fall.  He also shared that he passed all his classes this fall to her. The colleagues has seen the prayers and community support come full circle from the rainy Evansdale field.  She is also moving to a new position and leaving GSU next month. 

So- almost everyone Brian interacts with now knows the new Brian.  Very few knew him or me from way back when.  He is making a name for himself based on his current personality and skills.  He is literally known around GSU from students to administrators to the President as Brian/ Bmoney.  In fact, Brian had Dr. Bridget Blake, the GSU first lady, call me on my cell phone one afternoon.  That was a very random out of the blue call. Brian thinks that he get’s special treatment at GSU if he tells people that I am his dad. The truth is, he does not.  He is making a difference based on his own interpersonal skills. 

Brian and I went to my sisters event as well last night. Many of the people that were at her party gathered on December 2, 2011 at the same party.  Brian also bragged about finishing his first semester. 

So today, my reflection is on the present and the future with gratitude to the past.  Life is not perfect.  However, the future is still very bright.

 

525600 Minutes

My Birthday is March 12 (the day I am posting).  March 12 will now be blocked in time in most people's memory as the date that the world changed and lockdowns began. Or at least when it started in the United States.  

I remember the days leading up to March 12, 2020 and the day after.  The photos below just seem like from a long-forgotten time.  No masks, no social distancing.  Will it ever be that way again?  Here are the memories that etched in stone from those last few days of normalcy.  

February 29, 2020, - Spent the morning watching the Olympic marathon trials in downtown Atlanta. A very crowded downtown area.  They even lit the Atlanta Olympic Flame for the event. Brian and I went to the Songs for Kids Foundation recording studio that morning as well.  He worked on his music and was able to see one of his friends sing an original song that she wrote.  We spent the afternoon at the UGA vs GT baseball game.  Brian was honored on the field with the GT Dance Marathon kids.  He even got to go in the clubhouse.  We went to the GT vs UGA Baseball game on March 1st at the Gwinett Stripers Baseball Stadium.  A UGA victory on both days.    

March 2-3, 2020:  I put the finishing touches on my presentation that I was scheduled to present at a national conference on March 17.  Ben also found out that he was accepted into a study abroad program.  He was heading to Wexford Ireland for the summer. 

March 7, 2020:  Participated with the GT Dance Marathon.  Lots of enthusiastic college students in the ballroom of the GT Student Center.  Brian and I got to ride in the Ramblin' Wreck, the historic car that drives onto the football field before the games.  

March 8, I spent an afternoon on the lake with my sister as an early birthday present.  

March 11, 2020:  Went to a Sunbelt tournament basketball game between Georgia Southern and Georgia State. A fairly large crowd at GSU Sports Arena saw the Eagles finally get past the Panthers in post-season basketball.  By winning, the  GS Eagles qualified for a trip to New Orleans for the semi-finals of the conference championship. 

 

March 12, 2020:  Ellen and Brian brought me to the Blue Ribbon Grill to eat a birthday dinner with a fantastic dessert.  

March 13, 2020:  Ben came home for Spring Break.  

In an instant, the following things happened:

• - The Olympics that those runners were racing to get into was postponed.
• - The college baseball and basketball season ended.  The Eagles didn't get to take the trip to New Orleans. 
• - My presentation and the national conference i was supposed to attend got canceled.
• - Ben's trip to Ireland got canceled.  
• - Ben had to complete his college freshmen year virtually.  Brian had to do the same for his high school freshmen year.  Our house was full of two teleworkers and two teleschoolers.

• -  Brian has not been back to the Songs for Kids studio since.  His sessons had to be done via Facetime. 

• -The Blue Ribbon Grill, and so many other resturants, had to lock the doors.  

March 14 through Memorial day are sort of a blur. We had to upgrade our internet. We didn't run out of toilet paper.  We did zoom meetings with family for Easter.  We adjusted to what we had no choice but to adjust to.  Summer, fall, and winter had a sense of getting back to normal a little bit. Social justice, election campaigns, COVID concerns and testing are the first things that come to mind.   

I can not help but wonder what it will like to be in a crowd again.  The Olympic trails brought 200,000 people to downtown on February 29.  The March 7 the GT dance marathon consisted of hundreds of people dancing, hugging, and running around in an interior ballroom.  The March 11 Basketball game had over 2,800 people cheering, high-fiving, and jumping up and down.  The restaurant had tables close together and a bar full of people.  

These events may very well be the last time in the near future where I am participating in something where masks are not being 

Now that we have gone a year, college basketball and baseball have started back. The Olympics are set to take place in the summer of 2021. The GT Dance marathon was virtual this year.  

Bens fall and spring have been hybrid.  He is getting to study abroad in the fall of 2021 in Japan.   

So in the end, I've lived another 525,600 Minutes.  I can say I'm optimistic for the next 525,600 minutes. I'm a year older, I received both of my vaccine shots, and I think the new normal will be ok.  Always looking forward.   

So for dinner tonight, I return to the Blue Ribbon Grill for the first time in a year.  Ben comes home for Spring Break on March 14 this year.  Brian starts in-person school next week.  Let's look at this as a redo......or the start of something new.  

The Shoe

 We do not post much anymore about our accident in December of 2011.  Brian is now 16.  What 16 year old want to hear stories about themselves when they were seven?  Especially when the story is such a gut-wrenching one.

We share our story with the Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathons at UGA and GT each year.  We get a chance to brag about the hospitals and medical professionals that did so much for us. We have enjoyed getting to know the other families and the social scene of those events.Brian loves the students. Sharing the early days of our journey for the dance marathons is about as much as we want to relive it. So much is going on these days.  We try to look forward and not back.  

However, I want to relive a story that we are not able to share too often since it is not a part of the hospitals.  In fact, it was something we didn’t know about until months after it happened.

Two days after our accident Steven and Freiya Brown were driving down Old River Road to the Union United Methodist Church.  UUMC is a small church in very rural Bulloch County. Steve served as the pastor Freiya played the piano every Sunday morning. I remember Steve and Freiya fondly when they served as a counselor in the 1980’s for church youth trips that I attended.  They have a son around my age and we all attended Pittman Park UMC at that time.

Steve and Freiya were heading to Church the first Sunday in December of 2011,  They had heard about the accident two days before. .I don’t know if they even knew that they had a connection to me from over 20 years before, When they drove by the scene of the accident, they saw a child's tennis shoe on the side of the road.  They felt compelled to stop and pick it up.

They took that shoe and placed it on the altar of the church.  Our family was prayed for by the Browns and the entire congregation of UUMC for many months. The shoe remained on the altar the entire time. I’m certain they prayed for healing, understanding, peace, and prayers of thankfulness when Brian left hospice, checked out of the hospital, spoke his first words, took his first steps, and all the other joys that followed.

It was late spring before we heard that this happened.  We were not certain that it was Brians shoe. We did not know if Brian lost a shoe that night.    

The Browns invited my parents to a Sunday Service at UUMC on Old River Road in the Spring of 2012.  They presented the shoe to mom and dad after it stayed on the altar all that time.  Yes, it was indeed Brian's shoe.  

Freiya Brown passed away on February 20.  A casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her funeral is tomorrow.  My parents and Ben, who is in his second year at Georgia Southern, will attend the service.  It is time for the Murkison’s to send our prayers to the Browns.  Rest in Peace Freiya.  Thanks for taking good care of Brian’s shoe!

*Note* some of the details of this story may be incorrect. The memory of such things as this sometimes changes details.

Log Day 1: Journey begins

The day after Brian passed his swim test, we got word that his school was closing.  Not at the end of the year, but with 2 months of school left.  So, he started the new school this week. So far so good.  His transition has been as good as expected.  He even got interviewed on WSB TV about his new school.  The link to that interview is here. 

The last 2 weeks have included a college fair for Ben, a Dance Marathon for Brian, getting things done at work for me so I can enjoy the vacation time.  Atlanta traffic was awful this week.  Top it off that it was sort of cold and rainy earlier in the week.  What I'm trying to say is that we are ready for this trip. 

So, Troop 15 will have 22 people at Seabase.  We have 16 Scouts and 6 chaperones.  We will be on 3 different sail boats.  Brian and I will be on Boat C.  Ben will be on Boat H.  Ben,Brian, and I are driving down to Key Largo and meeting the others that are flying down.  Ellen is driving down with us.  She will fly back to Atlanta Monday. 

To assist the other scouts, we are bringing the cargo of sleeping bags and pads of all 22 Scouts and leaders. This way they don't have to check any bags flying down  It has been a very interesting hauling this cargo so far.

Day 1 started after school and work for all of us with a drive to Statesboro, GA.  Visiting my parents and seeing our old home town has been brief but enjoyable.  Day 2 will start with a brief visit with some friends, and a drive to Melbourne Florida.   We plan to celebrate Easter Sunday with a sunrise mass on the beach. 

Future Blogs will likely not come until after the trip is complete.  I plan to keep a journal and will post it later.  I will post Facebook/ Instagram Photos.   Please send any positive thoughts and prayers our way.  This is a trip of a lifetime for all of us. 

Swim Test passed!!!

I have not blogged on the trip to Seabase or on Brian's progress in swimming as much as I had planned.  I knew that the toughest challenge was going to be the BSA swim test. participation in Seabase is not allowed without an up to date swim test for all participants.  No exceptions!!!!

Getting Brian motivated to practice swimming the last few months has been challenging,  He has spent  thousands of hours of his life in therapy.  To him, swim practice was sometimes seen as an unneeded therapy.   Sometimes with frustrating results.  The folks at Blaze Sports have been awesome.  They have been patient and very good at getting the best out of Brian. once he got to the pool, they did great with him.  I also had Brian practicing with me and with a private instructor.   We would practice at Dynamo swim club Sunday afternoons, snow days, and on one occasion, a morning before school.  Honestly, I can see why Brian didn't want to go to practice.  Without the practice, he would not have had a chance to pass the test.

Part of the test is stamina.  You have to swim 100 total yards without stopping.  We had a treadmill, till it broke in January.  We had Brian running,and walking walking the dog in the cold months.  This didn't always make me to popular to Brian.   Brian has had other therapies thru this time.  So those therapies helped.

Even as recent as a week ago, i still had concerns.  A practice did not go well.  However, I grew even more optimistic as the week went on.  We had an early practice in the middle of the week   I saw Brian do all the parts of the test.  Not all at one time, but he had all of it down.  Also, when we walked the dog on Friday, Brian insisted on running, and holding Stella's leash the entire time.  Stella is strong, so holding her leash is a work out.

So, we planned for the test on Saturday March 10, with his Blaze Sports Instructors.  Had a back up on March 24 if this test didn't go well.   The test included a number of things.  None of them are timed.  in the end, I knew his biggest challenge was going to be the 25 yard backstroke.  It comes after a 75 yard freestyle.  So the hardest part happens after the longest part, so stamina was a factor.

It was a slow but successful backstroke.  He passed.  Happened to have the Executive Director of Blaze Sports at the swim practice.  Brian celebrated with her, as well as his coaches.  One coach said that it was the best that they had seen Brian swim.  They are all excited for him to go on the Seabase trip.

Swim lessons will continue for Brian on the 17th and 24th. Now that he passed the test, learning how to snorkel effectively will enhance the trip.  We have snorkeling equipment for Brian.  Like most, he swims much faster with fins on his feet.

POST TEST CELEBRATION:
During all swim lessons, I gave Brian incentives (aka bribes) if he did well.  This was no exception.  Ben took the SAT on Saturday Morning, and this is my Birthday weekend.  We combined all that to have 2 family celebrations.  Appetizers at Three Dollar Cafe and dinner at Bambinellis. 

Brian has passed all hurdles.  He has earned his ticket to Seabase.  He has proven again, that anything is possible.  More Blogs to come.

Mid February Update and 2018 UGA Dance Marathon

Well, things didn't go as planned since my last blog.  In January, I  was preparing for a snow ski trip with Brian.  Sadly, the flu caught up with Brian, and almost caught Ben.  Snow skiing will have to wait until 2019.  Brian got treated   had some sick days from school.  He is now fine, and ready for the next thing.

Brian has continued his swimming practices with Agnes Scott and Dynamo swim club.  The trip to SeaBase starts Easter weekend.  With Ash Wednesday happening this past week, it was a reminder that we are less than 40 days away from the trip.  I wish that Brian was further along with his back stroke.  I feel confident he will get to the point needed, but it will be some hard work in the next 40 days,

mm

Actually, less than 40.  Brian has to complete the test before the trip.  Our plan is to take it on March 10, with a March 24 back up.  I see some serious pool time for Brian's immediate future.  The prize is worth it.  An amazing trip to the Florida Keys.  

No swimming this weekend, as it is the UGA Miracle Dance Marathon.  Brian has 3 planned events on stage in front of some of the most high energy college students 3 different times.  It wouldn't surprise me if he somehow got on stage a few unplanned times as well.  g 

He will demonstrate some equipment CHOA Robotics uses, he will be on stage as Ellen will share our story, and Bmoney will be performing "Living on a Prayer" in the talent show.  

Meeting other families that have been patients at CHOA is very heartwarming.  Hanging with the amazing students of UGA Miracle is a very motivational as well.  The 24 hours is really a time that gives me hope for the future.  My reflections from last years Dance Marathon.

I expect to send a few more blogs as the training for Seabase Continues,

Training Update: Passed one hurdle, Trained by climbing, and Beech Mountain on Horrizan.

From Florida Sea Base Pinterest.  We will be sailing on boats like these

Happy New Year everyone!!!

The unseasonably cold weather we have had in Georgia makes me think of warmer places and times.  

The trip to Florida Sea Base is less than 3 months away.  Troop 15 will have 3 teams of 8.  Each team will consist of 6 scouts and 2 adult chaperones.  Each team will be assigned to a sailboat with a seasoned captain.  We will have 6 days on this boat going around the blue waters around the Florida Keys.  It will include fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and adventure seeking.   It will also include responsibilities of sailing like hoisting the sails, keeping the ship running, keeping the ship clean, going, and keeping an anchor watch.  Some time for kayaking and paddle boarding will be available as well.  Sleeping will be on the deck of the ship.    It will not be a bad week at all.  

Brian has cleared one hurdle in terms of qualifying to go.  He has gotten the required doctors sign off.  This is required for all participants of any Boy Scout High Adventure Camp.  I wasn't sure if the doctor would have any objections or not. Doc had no reservations.  Now onto swimming and stamina.  

Swimming:  

With the holidays, snowstorms,  and other things going on in November and December, Brian only had one swim lesson from in November and December. January 7, he will start some private lessons at the Dynamo swim club in Chamblee GA.  This will supplement his group swim time with Blaze Sports America.  The requirements for SeaBase are to strongly pass the BSA swim test. They warn it is not for beginners.  I have no concern that he will pass the swim test.  I'm just not sure how to quantify "strongly" passing it.    I imagine that is in the eye of the person evaluating the swimming test.  That will be done sometime in March before the trip takes place.  That is the main test we are working for.  

Stamina:  Mountain #1 - Stone 

On top of Stone Mountain December 30, 2017

During the school break, Brian and I climbed to the top of Stone Mountain.  Back in summer of 2012, I walked with Brian maybe 5% up.  We sat on a step and saw all the hikers going up and down.  I told him I had a goal for him to climb the Stone Mountain again.  In 2013, he completed the hike up.  Though that was a monumental achievement at the time, it was not without frustration. Brian had to take numerous breaks and the further up we got, the breaks were needed even more often. He needed lots of rewards and motivation.  In 2013, when we climbed to the top, we took the Stone Mountain Summit Skyride down.  We climbed up to the top a time or two since 2013.  Each time was a little easier.  However, we always took the Skyride down.  This time, Brian is the one that wanted to go to the top.  This time, we made it mostly to the top (95%).  It was cold and very windy once you reached the top.  I was under dressed. So we turned around near the top.  Those familiar with the mountain, it was about 1/2 between the top of railings and the top of the mountain visitors center/ concession stand. It was cold.  This time we walked all the way down.  Yes, we took a few breaks going up and coming down - but nothing like in the past.  Also - we saw 3 large deer cross our path about halfway up. Seeing the deer on a hike is a life experience that you should never take for granted.  

The hike was good, and I think it certain worked my muscles and my cardio.  I know it did for Brian also.  

Stamina:  Mountain #2 - Beech

On way to Beech Mountain 2016. 
We thought we were covered with
our GSU Hats.
    

Skiing is clearly a fun way to get a little more in shape as well.
In just over a week, Brian and I will be making a return trip to Beech Mountain NC.  He participated in an adaptive ski clinic sponsored by an organization called Disabled Sports USA in 2016.  He used gliders that time and participated in three lessons in two days.  Since it was his first time skiing, I felt that I needed to go down the mountain with him and his instructors to start off with. I don't think Brian or the instructors wanted me to.  It was cold, and I was very nervous how Brian would do if he fell or just felt like he couldn't do it.  The first time up, I was observing him on the mountain as the 3 instructors were watching out for and coaching him up. They were telling him what to do and how to use the equipment.  Suddenly, I was run over by a careless skier.  Brian had three trainers looking out for him.  I had zero.  I dusted myself off and continued the day.  After the first few trips going down, I left him and the instructors alone.  He was clearly in  good hands with trained volunteers and instructors. He enjoyed the rest of the lessons with me from afar. 

Photo from hotel in 2016. 
Clearly our GSU hats were not enough. 
Ski masks were purchased before actually skiing.

At that event, I witnessed people in wheelchairs, people missing limbs, people that were blind, and others that have over come many things enjoying a day of skiing.  Yes, I knew it was not as large of a mountain as in Colorado or other places.  I knew that most of the snow was man made.   But the courage these people have is real and larger than any mountain range in the world. 

They have a potluck dinner each night at the hotel.  We got to know a few of the other participants and instructors at the dinner.  Brian has a different social standard than most.  Two years ago, I tried to have him  conform with traditional social norms.  I am a different parent now.  I am most likely going to let Brian be Bmoney in this setting. 

Weather in Beech Mountain
 on January 6. 2018. 
Warming up by January 15.

Brian had surgery in 2017, so we could not go to the clinic last year.  This year, he is scheduled for four lessons in two days.  January 16-17.  I didn't take to many pictures last time.  I hope to do so this time.  It is 2 degrees as I type this in Beech Mountain (See Screen shot).  However, long term forecast calls for a little warmer stuff. 

I did not take to many pictures in 2016.  I was nervous to bring my phone or a camera with me.  I can sometimes have a reputation of breaking electronics.  It seemed like a mountain full of snow, a camera, and me as a novice skier was a bad mix.  I will try to this year.  A blog with pictures from this years clinic will be done.  I will enjoy 2018 even more because Brian is stronger, I am more confident in Brian, I am more confident in the trainers, and all this will assist in the goals of getting in better shape for Sea Base. 

Georgia/ Florida

Training Update:  Brian has had a short break from the pool.  His birthday, as well as a number of other October obligations, have made the training schedule a challenge for this month,  He has still done some treadmilling and continued with his stretches and exercises.    Back in full force in November.  

This upcoming Saturday, he will miss his training because he has been asked to represent UGA Miracle at the Florida/ Georgia game in Jacksonville FL.  

This game is always a huge one, despite the team records.  A large stadium split in half.  UGA fans on one side, Florida fans on the other.  These fan bases do not like each other. (understatement of the year).    

One unifying thing about both schools is that they both have a Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon.  Combined, college students from these two Universities raised over $4 million in 2017 dance marathon activities.  How does that compare to what you did as a college student?

We have been involved with UGA Miracle for over three years.  Trust me when I say that the fundraising is not nearly as impressive as the way that this organization has embraced many families including our own. Brian is treated like a rock star by the students.  Don't believe me?  Check out his talent show performance this year. (this video never gets old)

So the Ga/FL game recognizes the fundraising and family relations accomplishment of these student organizations by letting each University invite one family and recognize them. This year, Brian and I will be on the sideline for the first quarter, and the recognition happens between the 1st and 2nd quarter.  If you are at the game - wave. I will post some pictures.  

  

Brian, as always. is so pumped to see his UGA friends at the game.  He is also excited to possibly meet the family from UF as well as UF Students.  If anyone can unite these two fan bases, it is Bmoney.  

In the mean time.   Gooooo Dawgs.  

Read my reflections on the 2017 UGA Miracle Dance Marathon.

Training begins: Stamina

Thankfully, the test that Ben, Brian, and I have to pass is not timed.  

The test includes a 75-yard swim using sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl.  IThe test concludes with a 25-yard swim using the backstroke.  At least one hard turn is required.  After that, you have to prove you can rest/ float on your back in the water.  

A large challenge for Brian will be the requirement that all of this must be done without a break.  

A few years back, I posted about Brian's challenge of climbing Stone Mountain.  It was a huge accomplishment.  He would go a certain distance up and come back down.  Eventually, he got to the top.  It was a wonderful accomplishment.  In his hikes, he had to take many breaks. He has more stamina now, but he still likes to take breaks.

It is mind over matter, to a point.  If you think you can swim 100 yards non-stop - you probably can.  If you don't think you can swim 100 yards non-stop....no dought that you won't.  So - for Brian - we need to get him to not only have the stamina but also the confidence.  

He had a swim practice on September 23 at Agnes Scott.  It was a start for him.  THe instructors are certainly all on board and ready to help him  

September 30 Treadmill:  

Treadmill at home 21 minutes.  Not sure of the distance.  

September 30 Swim at Dynamo Swim Club in Johns Creek.

1:   Touching deep end and coming back.  

This is something Brian has not done at all.  Our focus has been swimming and not sinking.  This was the first time he ever really intentionally went to the bottom of the deep end.  It means a strong swim underwater to get to the bottom, not just a "let yourself sink" 

2:  Retrieving an orange cone from the deep end.  

The orange cone in the picture was at the bottom of the deep end.  The instructor told Brian to retrieve it.  he tried with his hands, but it was a challenge.  He did grab it with his feet and pulled to the surface.  it was upside down, so when he got it to the surface, it was like trying to pick up a container of water with 7 gallons in it  The water did not drain fast. It was an interesting challenge.   

3:  Attempting backstroke for the first time.

It was the first attempt.  Swimming requires multiple body motions at once.  Brian did a good bit of weaving back and forth.  He also cheated a bit by continually touching the bottom of the pool in the shallower end.  he has to work on kicking and laying on back.  His legs kept going deeper, which made it harder for him to swim. 

4:  Swim a backstroke with a ball on the forehead.  

This added another element.  Some of the other swimmers were doing this as part of their training.  At times he was able to keep it on.  However, the focus of breathing, kicking, and arm movements were enough to keep Brian busy.  Adding the ball for focus may have been just a little bit much for the first time doing the backstroke.  

5:  Challenge:  Do a full lap (50 Yards) in five minutes.  

As I mentioned, the test is not timed.  Brian sometimes needs a challenge.  He enjoys being social.  Sometimes will fiddle around instead of staying focused on a task.  However, when you give him a challenge, he will try to overcome it. Going up Stone Mountain was a challenge.  Heck, learning how to walk again, that was a challenge.  The challenge of swimming 50 yards in 5 minutes is not as monumental as those.  He did it in 3:40. He did stop and touch the bottom a time or two, but he did it.  

6: Do 4 laps...3 freestyle, one backstroke,

This is, in essence, the BSA test.  It gives a base point.  He stopped after each 25 yards.  More stamina is needed.  Also, the way Brian swims is not your typical stroke.  He overcompensates with his right hand and leg. Doing this will actually cause someone to tire out quickly.  Imagine swimming with one arm and leg as extra weight in the water. For Brian he has to consciously think to do things like kick with both legs or open his left hand from a fist.  He also has to think to breathe.  His pattern has pretty much-been swim and stops everything to breathe, not just take a breath as you take a stroke.  They have worked with him on this.  Not a skill he will need to pass the test, but it will help in keeping the stamina.  

7:  Float for a minute:  

Brian and coach Sam

Attempt to stay floating on the back for 60 seconds.  Brian completed 2 attempts.  First was 27 seconds.  The second was 47.   

. 

 October 1: Popcorn!!!

The Scouts sell popcorn.  During the past 2 weekends, Ben and Brian sold popcorn at Holy Cross Catholic Church. They will each get a commission from the hard work they did that will go towards the funding of the trip.     







Conclusion:  
Good Start.  Hard word ahead.  However, good things are going to take place.

Brian's Rio: Florida Sea Base

I have wanted to share this post for some time.  I have been hoping and planning this for some time. Some things just got confirmed, so I can now share.

Ben and Brian are both members of Boy Scout Troop 15 in Atlanta.  Officially in the Hightower Trail region.  As part of the Scouts, Ben has participated in two of the BSA High Adventure trips.  So far, he has successfully completed challenging time in the boundary waters of Northern Tier in Minnesota and hiking of Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. If you are fortunate enough to make it to all three, you officially earn the Tripple Crown patch.  Ben will earn the Tripple Crown distincion in April 2018, as he is signed up to go to Sea Base in the Florida Keys.

I had the honour of going to Northern Tier with Ben as an adult leader.  The Scouts earned a 75-mile patch for canoeing and portaging a very long way in a 6 day period.  It was an amazing experience to be with Ben and the other Scouts as they accomplished, endured and learned so much.

At Florida Sea Base, Ben and the other Scouts will be sailing, snorkelling, exploring islands and sleeping at large sailboats. Yes, I am an adult leader for that trip also.  Anyone that knows me knows that spending a week in the Florida  Keys is something I'm always willing to do.  Going with my son is a dream come true.  I am so excited about this trip.

So if you don't know the story about Brian, read my post here.  His chances of survival, much less his ability to walk, talk, eat or be conscious ever again, were pretty much nil in December 2011.  No sort of a quality of life was possible at that time.

Many many amazing things have happened for Brian and all of us since that month.  Books have been written.  Today, I can't think of a better way to celebrate the quality of life than spending time in the Florida Keys.  If only Brian could go to Sea Base also.  However, his swimming is currently likely not going to allow him to pass the required test, plus he was about 45 days too young.  The requirements said that you must be 14 years old by September 1, 2018, to attend the trip.  Brian will not turn 14 until Oct 14. The guidelines said "no exceptions....don't even ask"

Brian has been involved with an organization called Blaze Sports. He has been involved with an adaptive swimming program for 3 years.  Our goal was to get Brian to be a good enough swimmer so he would not sink if he fell into deep water.  It has been pretty amazing to share the pool with so many inspiring kids.  Some that have even competed in international competitions including the Rio 2016 Para Olympics.  Our goal has been surpassed.  Our comfort level around the water is so much better than it was.  Blaze Sports is the main reason why.

In the past few weeks the following things happened:.
-A spot opened up on the Troop 15 team to Sea Base
- Sea Base changed age requirements that would allow Brian to go.
-Hurricane Irma sparred Florida Sea Base enough that they feel pretty confident that the April trips will continue as planned.
- We signed Brian up for the spot.  For a boy that had no hope of any quality of life, a sailing trip to the Florida Keys and experience one of the Boy Scouts High Adventure trips seems like a monumental accomplishment,.

To be eligible, Ben, Brian, and I must "Strongly" pass the BSA swim test.   For Brian, that will be his new Blaze Sports goal.  It will be a challenge that he will have to work hard to get.

Also, a challenge that we all face is the ability to climb up a latter from the water onto a boat.  Though it is not a formal test, we have been informed that this is something that Brian will need to do on his own.  With his Physical Therapists, Blaze Sports and friends with boats, we feel that we can overcome this challenge as well.  These things will be tough but achievable.

I do not expect that Brian will be competing in the Para Olympics in the future.  However, if he is able to accomplish the goal of attending a BSA High Adventure trip, weel, that would be his Rio.

I plan to Blog about Brians progress on this goal. Prayers are very much welcome.  The trip is scheduled to happen the first week in April 2018.

Reflections on UGA Miracle Dance Marathon 2017

From 10:00 am Saturday February 18 to 10:00 am Sunday February 19 we as the Murkison Family were one of 72 Miracle Families that participated with the UGA Miracle Dance Marathon (DM).  In that time frame, these college students raised $1.35 Million that was donated to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) via Children’sHealthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).  Our first DM was in 2015.  That year they raised 683K.  They almost doubled in 2 years.  Certainly impressive.   That number is easy to put in a press release or a website.  However – I must say that $1.35 Million is just one of many things to be impressed about.  Below are the items that are equally impressive if not more IMO:

Miracle Families  

Perseverance:  That is the best word to describe the 72 families that had been helped by CHOA participated.  Any that wanted to share their stories did.  The students and other family members were very respectful and engaged to the stories.   I don’t recall the actual scientific diagnosis of most of the stories, but I remember the stories.  One child, named Parker, is about 6 now.  His story was featured.  When he was born – he had an ailment that pretty much meant that he had a much smaller than normal brain.  Somehow brain fluids were filling his head so much that the brain itself could not form properly pre-birth.  CHOA saved his life and Parker is now thriving.  He runs around and is friendly – and very very energetic.  At the opening ceremony of DM – Miss Georgia gave a welcome.  Parker, came up and in front of the 3000 in attendance, He politely asked Miss Georgia to come sit with him and walked her back to where he was.  Of course she went with him.  We have met that child's family a few times.  They are amazing.  

Another Child was treated at CHOA years ago.  He now sells Ice cream.  Beau Shell is known as Little Ice Cream Dude.  He is a young entrepreneur now.  Beau Shell had an ice cream stand at the DM.  The revenue he made that day went to UGA Miracle.  It turns out, Beau was UGA Jr. Homecoming King this past fall.  

Brian and Beau Shell, "LIL ICE CREAM DUDE"

One family that I met for the first time was the Trip Halstead family.  Trip was only 2 years old in October 2012.  He was playing outside at his daycare center when a large branch from a tree fell and hit him.  He acquired a TBI.  His mom and dad, (Stacey and Mike) have had a very public journey of his recovery since then.  The story has been all over the Atlanta news as well as nationally.  The Facebook page they have created has over 1 million followers.  The way they have handled everything has always been an inspiration to me.  So – it was an honor to finally meet them.

With the Halsteads

We got to know the Hopkins family last year.  Kelli and Mike are the most amazing parents.  They have had four kids.  Three have had special needs.  Sadly, Abe and Mary Elizabeth passed away in 2014.  We met Micaela and Marlee Ann at DM16.  Brian got engaged to Marlee Ann at DM16.  That engagement lasted a few months.  They live in Covington.  For about 6 months, Brian wanted to go to Covington every weekend morning.   We actually did a time or two.  Marlee Ann is 14 right now, and has raised $55 for UGA Miracle.   That is $55,000.  She helped to motivate the group to raise $50 In a 20 minute period to match her total.  The Hopkins spoke Sunday morning.  Awards were presented in honor of Mary Elizabeth and Abe.     

Brian and Marlee Ann - from 2016 Dance Marathon

Brian Photo Bombing with the Hopkins and Hopkins Family  and Family Pals  (Courtesy of Kelli Hopkins) 

We gave our story, and had a very positive response.  My sister happened to be in Athens and came to see our story be told.  It was great having her around.  When we finished, a student came up to me and said she was from Statesboro and that the story triggered some memories for her.  She remembered the story when it happened.  We were able to hear stories from other families we knew from camp TBI as well as thru previous CMN/ DM events.      They set up a family break room, and so family members got plenty of time to get to know each other.  

Theses stories really put things in perspective.    Perseverance and inspiration is something that all of these kids have plenty of. 

Life is short.  4% is not enough:

In 2016 – two kids that were at the DM lost a brave fight to cancer within a few months of the event.  They were both walking around celebrating, sharing, and entertaining in February.  By May – they had passed.  Both were cancer warriors. 

Both families have made public campaigns that only 4% of federal cancer research dollars go towards pediatric or children’s cancer research.    We all know that 4% is not enough.  Grant Gossling was one of the two.  He was a 4 years old boy running around in a cape at DM16.  His family came to DM17 and shared.    UGA Miracle gave an award in Grants Honor.  The Gossling family has created a foundation.  You can link to it here: 

High Expectations.

UGA Miracle raised just over $1 million last year.  Every year the main emphasis of the donations has been the CIRU.  That is the department that we lived in January –February of 2012.  The Therapy gym in the CIRU has now been named the UGA Miracle Gym. 

This year, they made a commitment to raise even more than last year.  Anything above $1 million total would go to the Aflac Cancer Center at CHOA.    

Brian being Bmoney:

Brian has an ultra-ego.  He goes by Bmoney.  I really do not know how it got started.  However – most people at UGA Miracle may say they don’t know anyone named Brian Murkison.  With all the kids that participate, I can see why it would be difficult to know every single one of them.  However – if you say Bmoney, and everyone knows him.

Since it was our third year, I knew that we had a lot of eyes watching out for him.  He would often disappear from my sight.  I never worried about his safety, but felt like I needed to at least know where he was.  Most of the time, he was hanging out and taking pictures with a different set of UGA girls.  They were all taking selfies together or laughing at his jokes. 

Knowing that this group of people love Brian….err..i mean Bmoney was an awesome feeling as a dad.  He was pretty much treated like a rock star.  (See the talent show.)    At one point, of Bmoneys new friends started counting the hugs he gave.  In a one hour period, he gave 168 hugs. 

Talent Show: 

Certainly my favorite event memory was when Brian belted out Journeys “Don’t Stop Believing” in the first talent show.  Brian had about 1000 students watching and singing along.  Most of them got their phone lights on and swayed to the music as well.  In the video below you can hear the cheers for Bmoney.   It is worth a watch!!!!

I think about 9 other Miracle kids performed such things as dancing, joke telling, being a human pretzel, and other singers as well.  One of the moist courageous was a 12 or 13 year old girl that got up and said that she was singing a song in honor of one of her friends from camp that had passed.   I assume that it was a Camp Twin Lakes type camp and that the friend had similar health situations like her.  The song was Ed Sheerans song “Photograph”.    This girl bravely fought back the tears and showed so much bravery in the heart felt words of this song.  I don’t think that anyone that watched it had a dry eye. 

Family Pals:

Our first DM – we had Ashlyn Belding and Peri Levey assigned to us as family pals.  They are students that were assigned to us to hang with us during the DM and also encourage us to come to other events throughout the year.  The second year, Cooper Drose joined us.  This year, Ashlyn and Peri moved to some other leadership roles with the organization.  Caroline Beldon and Lilliana Bardi joined Cooper as our family pal.    These students have become part of our family now.  They have traveled during breaks to visit Brian.  They have also attended concerts for Ben in Athens and hung with us during all of our antics at Braves/Hawks/ Zoo Days/ Trunk or Treat and other times.  Ashlyn and Peri are about to graduate, but we plan to keep in touch.  We are proud and honored to be associated with all five of these wonderful students.    

Peri Levey, Brian, Ashlyn Belding

Lilliana Bardi, Brian, Caroline Belton, Cooper Drose

Run by College Students: 

The President of the University gave a welcome.  Some administrators of the University came and witnessed or are a part because they are Miracle family members.  Outside of that – everything was all about the students.  UGA Miracle has events throughout the year.  The correspondence for the families for the Braves game, the Trunk or Treat, the complex schedule of the DM, the AV for talent show, the coordination with family discussions, the finance folks, all full time students.    I have worked in higher education administration for almost 20 years.  I am not surprised by what students can accomplish.  Certainly the organization as a campus advisor and some required administration.  By all accounts, it is student run.    They have many different committees to join.  They include; Hospital, Finance, Family Relations, and many more.  So – no matter what your skill or desired activity, this has something you can do.  Not sure the number of students that are a member of UGA Miracle.  However, the DM had over 3000 registered students.   

Some of the many students that put this on.  (Photo by Kelli Hopkins) 

330 Nation Wide

So – the Dance Marathon for CMN has been going on at UGA for 22 years.  In 2017, a total of 330 Colleges and Universities are hosting one.  At the same time as the one at UGA, 33 others were going on.  In the next few months, we will be participating in one at both of our employers.  Georgia Tech hosts one on March 4, Georgia State will host its first ever DM on April 15.   We are very excited to participate in these.    

Standing Challenge:

The marathon is 24 hours long.  Many students decide to commit to also participate in the standing challenge.  That is – no sitting for 24 hours.  You can kneel, lean, crawl, but no sitting for 24 hours.    We left Saturday night at around 11:00 pm, and came back Sunday morning around 7 am.  By that time, they had been standing 21 hours.  I witnessed some very creative kneeling and leaning at that time.  Kudos to everyone that did that.   

Faith:  

The organization is solely focused on fundraising and interactions with family and the hospital.  It does not have Christian or religious roots.  However, many of the family members mentioned their faith in God during the presentations.  God is the ultimate healer.  Certainly he had a hand in the recovery and healing of all these families.  That includes ours.  God has a plan for us, and I think he helped lead us to finding this wonderful organization.   

CHOA Hour:

At one point, many CHOA doctors and staffers showed up.  Brian got to see many of the people that helped him in the early days including his Doctor as well as the Music Therapists and many others.  He also saw staffers from the Robotics lab that continually work with him today.    A great way for Brian to say thanks – and great way for CHOA staff to say thanks to UGA Miracle.  

Circle of Hope

Words truly cannot do this part of the event justice.  It is the final event.  After the total reveal, they have all 72 of the families in the middle of a circle.  The students all got a hospital wrist band put on their wrist when they checked in on Saturday Morning.  The families all take a pair of scissors and cut off the wrist bands for the participants.  Lots of symbolism here.  I realize that I can in no way come up with words to explain the emotions at this point of the event. It doesn’t seem to make sense that just cutting off wristbands can cause such a feeling.  I assure you, it does.     

Other Amazing things that happened 

-         In a very unexpected turn of events, one of the Nurses at Ogeechee Area Hospice that cared for Brian in the darkest of days stopped by.  Her son is now a student at UGA, and her Niece is our amazing family pal Ashlyn.   I cannot imagine what her thoughts were seeing Brian (Bmoney) doing his thing. 

A good friend and former supervisor of mine is now an administrator at UGA.  Her son is one year older than Brian.  She followed our story from the early days.  She had shared stories of her son praying for Brian.  Michelle moved to Athens in May.  She met Brian in October, when we came in town for the UGA Miracle Trunk or Treat.  She brought her son Jackson as well as her husband to see our family story talk Saturday night.   After our talk, Jackson and Brian spent a long time chatting.  Jackson wrote a social media post about Brian latter that night.  Michelle shared it with me the next day.  What was cool was that one of Jacksons friends saw the picture, and realized she also had met Brian.    Brian invited Jackson back for the reveal the next morning.  He came.  Jackson and Brian did everything together the next morning and convinced all the parents involved that we should go get burgers after the DM ended.  I do believe that Jackson and Brian bonded.  

Brian and Jackson Howard (photo by Michelle Howard) 

In Conclusion: 

The entire experience was awesome.  In no way can I capture all everything in this post.  When you participate in something that is bigger than yourself, the rewards are bigger than your expectations.  When I see these students doing what they do, and hear the stories of these families, it makes me want to do more to make the world better.  It gives me hope for the future and the realization that many wonderful people exist.   You hear all sorts of things about millennials.   Next time you hear someone criticize millennials, ask them if they ever stood for 24 hours and raised $1.35 million dollars for anything.  Can you imagine, these students are doing this at ages 18-22.  What will they accomplish when they are 30 or 40?  

Thank you UGA Miracle for allowing Bmoney and all the Murkison family to be a part of your wonderful group.