Winter Has Been Rough

Since Ben started going to school a full day, the cold and flu season has been very rough on him. He catches bugs easily because his trach is an open airway directly to his lungs. And when he gets anything, he gets extremely sick because he has chronic lung disease, is considered failure to thrive because of his low body weight, spends most of his time on his back and doesn't walk. Keeping him out of the hospital with every bug is a struggle. We have almost everything at home that a hospital has with the exception of a cough assist machine and if he needed to get an IV for fluids. So far this winter has been especially bad. It seems Ben has been sick on and off since November with about a week in between illnesses. We have debating keeping him out of school from Nov-March for health reasons, but for now haven't gone that route because school is such an enjoyable experience for him. He is just getting over a stomach bug now and we are praying this is the last illness for him this season.

Learning Sign Language

What this mom is trying to do for those deaf is FANTASTIC! She also happens to be the mother of a little girl with CHARGE Syndrome who is deaf and has a trach (just like Ben). I encourage everyone to learn a few basic signs as well. You don't have to know many or be perfect at doing them, just attempting to communicate can make this world a little less lonely for people like my son. Here is a link with video clips of some basic words.
http://www.start-american-sign-language.com/basic-words-in-sign-language.html
And watch the video below too - it is GREAT!
http://vimeo.com/87797329