June 3, 2002---
ROSS DILLON
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Fourteen Years later...

6/3/2016

11 Comments

 
Picture
This photo was taken right after Betsy and Rusty brought Ross home from the hospital. Betsy just sent the following update:

"This is the day the Lord has made and I will be glad and rejoice in it."

Today is the anniversary of the injury that changed Ross's life and that of those who love him. Ross's injury was awful, and the prognosis was grim with no hope of recovery.
Now, fourteen years later, we have a longer view. Ross was terribly injured. We do not expect that he will have full recovery. What we do know is that the Ross we know and love is still with us.

Ross is a happy man. He laughs at jokes. He still is impish, appearing to frown when I am being a clown trying to get a smile. Ross will hold the frown, suddenly a smile appears, and laughter unfolds.

Ross loves to watch the Tour de France or the Warriors playing. He reads short articles in the newspaper, magazines, or letters. He loves food and feeds himself. One day when Ross was asking for food, he said, "I want food, I love food, I am going to marry food." 
Ross's walking is progressing with more stability. He also moves around the house in his wheel chair by using his feet. He still peddles the stationary bike by sitting behind (recumbent position) in his wheelchair.  

​He loves the challenge of jig-saw puzzles. Ross's new interest is in Lego (Duplo) blocks. He got them for Christmas. He started with beautiful one layer graphics. Now he is making multi level constructions. The designs reflect Ross's sense of symmetry and color. One of the best aspects is his increasing ability to pick up a Lego with his two fingers and put it in a tight space.

As Kate posted, Ross was hospitalized last ​
Picture
week because he had developed pneumonia. The doctor wanted to give him IV antibiotics and after three days and nights we came home. Being in the  hospital is hard because everything is different and sometimes confusing. It is definitely not home. Some of the staff remembered Ross from 2002;  his records were in the system. His progress
was a surprise for most everyone. Ross was given physical  therapy two days and they watched him walk with a walker (not far since he was tired and sick).  He even sang to the ladies who helped  him. That we could not understand all of the words didn't matter. We know he liked them!

Have the last 14 years been difficult? Yes!  Are we happy to have Ross with us? Yes!  Are we proud of  his fortitude, and his enthusiasm to tackle challenges?  Yes!

Thank you everyone for your love,  prayers, and support.

Onward and upward!

Betsy
​
11 Comments
Deborah McDonald
6/4/2016 08:45:36 am

So proud of your family-your love and commitment are powerful models to follow

Reply
Betsy Dillon
6/4/2016 06:48:40 pm

Thank you, Deborah.

Reply
Saundra Nelson
2/13/2017 01:22:41 am

Reply
Jill Mason
6/4/2016 09:29:13 am

Congratulations, Dillons! I'm proud of the perseverance of ALL of you. Life is great!!!

Reply
Betsy Dillon
6/4/2016 06:50:21 pm

Yes, life is great, and you are too! Thank you.

Reply
Erik wagner
9/6/2016 08:33:16 pm

From my perspective as someone who had seen this story in 6 month to 1 year chunks, it's really incredible how far he's come!. Singing, talking, walking, and having interests like duplo were simply unimaginable in the first years.

Reply
Betsy Dillon
11/18/2016 06:46:11 pm

We think it is pretty incredible too. Thank you for checking in to see how things are going.

Reply
Judy Baxter
11/17/2016 06:13:48 am

I worked with Ross 15 years ago in Boston and still check on his progress from time to time. I am so grateful that the Lord has allowed this beautiful soul to remain here on Earth with us rather than take him home. His spirit is still evident and, I'm sure, a source of comfort to his family and friends. May God continue to bless your family!

Reply
Betsy Dilolon link
11/18/2016 06:43:59 pm

Thank you for your message. It is true, we are very blessed. Ross is a trooper. We are proud of him.

Reply
Cheryl Byrne
3/30/2017 06:37:18 pm

So wonderfull Ross to read of all your accomplishments! You are a true inspiration to a lot of people, including myself.
sending my love and hugs to you and your family, keep up the good work.

Reply
Dr. Scott Wylie
4/7/2017 04:54:27 pm

Great to see how far Ross has come! Hope you are all doing well.

Reply



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    Picture

    This photo of Ross was taken around 2001-his sense of humor was always amazing, and it's still a big part of the man he is today.

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