Spinner Regan here. Thought I would write to let you know how my little brother, Carston Stryker, is doing.
Carston was born with spina bifida. Because of it, he is paralyzed from the waist on down, and he cannot walk without leg braces and/or crutches. He has had many surgeries, and he just had yet another one last week. He had to get his shunt replaced because the old one got blocked somehow, and it was causing him to have headaches, vision problems, and seizures. It was a very scary time for all of us.
Well, doctors replaced the shunt, and happily, he is doing much better, but he still faces a long period of recovery. He is still in the hospital as I write this, but he is due to get out sometime tomorrow or on Tuesday, the way things look now.
We are all so glad: we miss Carston when he isn't here. That way, when he does get home, we can spoil him rotten! (He's the baby of the family. He's only five.)
It has been a bad spring for all of us, mainly because of my little brother's ongoing struggles with his health. The last time he had a seizure, it was on July 4th. We never did get to see the fireworks because it was such a bad one. We all thought that he was going to die. It turned out because his shunt quit working properly, and the doctor scheduled him for surgery, which he had, as I said, last week. Now he's doing great!!
At first, I was mad at him because he ruined our chance to see fireworks, but then in a few weeks, we can redeem ourselves because our city is holding a special tribute to our military men and women (and our Veterans), and they're gonna have a huge frieworks show then. I can't wait; I love fireworks!!
Mama and daddy have both been running back and forth to the hospital while I entertain my youngest sister, Maeli Torrence, who is eight. She isn't really that bad, as far as girls go, but she's a girl, and she sometimes thinks she is hot stuff because she's such a good atlete. (I'm ten; just turned ten.) Now that the danger has passed, maybe soon mama and daddy can spend more time with Maeli and myself. I hope so; I hate it when they worry over Carston like this!!
Mama and daddy are in the process of adopting another child. They want another girl ("two of each"), but I would rather have another brother. They're thinking of adopting a girl from Haiti or somewhere like that. They started this back in January of this year, and the adoption people say that it might take up to six months to a year for things to be finalized. I kinda hope we get a new brother or sister, but again, I kinda hope we don't, because that would only mean another mouth to feed, or another kid to hide your things from.
Well, we're going to go to church while it's still cool enough. It's been really hot here in Hotlanta; summer is living up to her name here down south!! Honestly, I can't wait until fall; I'm ready for some cooler temperatures! I keep telling mama or daddy to move us to Alaska, but so far, they haven't budged an inch!
I will write in here again soon. If I don't, then mama or daddy will. Until later, this is Spinner Regan signin' off! Take care and may God bless you always! Keep those prayers for Carston coming; I think that's one reason why he's doing so well from his latest surgery! They are much appreciated! Thanks and goodbye!
~Spinner Regan. :)
