Ella is growing up. She just turned 9 on June 10 and will be entering the fourth grade this fall. Her mind is as sharp as a tack. She’s starting to understand sarcasm and the ways it can be used. She is expanding her friendships to include a variety of…
Five Servings of Strength- a column by Michael Casten
Our house is filled with music and song. Ella turned 9 on Monday. In light of her joining the Young Naperville Singers, we decided to get her a karaoke machine. She was delighted at the prospect of hearing her voice through the speakers. We downloaded an app to go…
We live close to Prairie Elementary School, where Ella and Henry attend. Ava’s in junior high at another location. Henry has just finished fourth grade and will be “king of the hill” in the fifth grade next year. Ella has completed third grade and is excited to…
Ella’s sister, Ava, plays the violin and sings in the school choir. She practices her violin at home almost every day. Henry, their brother, plays the piano and practices as well. In fact, he has a piano in his bedroom and plays while we’re getting ready for bed.
Ella’s mom, Lindsay, came home from the Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital over the weekend after having her lower right leg amputated because of a foot infection that lasted four years. While Lindsay was gone, Ella had to rely solely on me for her needs. And…
Ella sits in her power chair at a table in the hospital’s surgical waiting room. She’s coloring a picture with the words, “The Best Is Yet to Come” on it, surrounded by flowers. She works with diligence and precision. Her artwork is for her mother, Lindsay,…
My daughter Ella went to the hospital last week to receive her ninth dose of Spinraza (nusinersen). Before her appointment, she had concerns about the procedure. For several months, she has watched as her mother, Lindsay, battles a bone infection due to surgery. The…
My wife, Lindsay, and I work as a team when it comes to taking care of Ella and the household. We have three children, ages 11, 10, and 8, as well as two young dogs and a bunny. Taking care of Ella requires physical strength. We…
Ella is growing up. She is starting to see the world through new eyes. She’s finding humor in light sarcasm, developing a taste for music, and exploring her artistic side. Her friends are becoming increasingly important in her life. Last weekend she asked if one…
Taking care of Ella is a full-time job. She needs help getting food and water, going to the bathroom, and moving around into various sitting positions. She needs help playing with toys, swinging on the swing, and going in and out of the house.
