Day 415 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Wow – what a day!

This afternoon we went to the adaptive ski school at the Mammoth main lodge – Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) – for the program we had expected to take in yesterday that was delayed by flight issues. We were not sure how Grayson would react to it, if he would stick with it or if the staff was able to deal with him.

They blew our socks off! The staff was very in tune with the needs of someone like Grayson. They asked all of the right questions, knew how to encourage and challenge, and to celebrate success. Everyone at DSES seems to have studied Grayson's paperwork that I had sent in, and they all were aware of his issues and his challenges. They were also determined to make a success of it. They succeeded beyond our wildest dreams!

First they checked to see if Grayson was physically capable of doing several things. Then they took him out to the first time learner area and had him snap into skis for the first time since February 2009. Then they checked that he was able to follow instructions before taking him on the magic carpet. A couple of runs convinced them that he was ready for the "real lift". Here is a picture of the team stopping to see Regina after an early run. Here is a video clip of Grayson after he had taken a few runs this afternoon. Can you believe it?

Grayson kept asking to do another run. This is a first, because he has difficulty maintaining his attention on a topic for more than 5 minutes. The staff was surprised and pleased with Grayson's capability because this shows them that Grayson has muscle memory and remembers how to ski. At the end of the day he had completed 6 runs on the chairlift, was a happy camper, and ready to come back for more tomorrow. Mom and Dad were emotional basket cases but ready for more also!

Wow!

Pax!

Brant