courage

some of the athletes we saw last night--image found on Google images

Last night, our family went to visit cousin Dionne at the Courage Center in Golden Valley.  Dionne was born with Cerebral Palsy and has endured many surgeries and setbacks with her CP.  She is currently recovering from bladder removal/creation of a urostomy.  She is recovering at the Courage Center.   She looks great!  She looks happy/healthy and well.  We talked about things we like about St. Croix, USVI (where Dionne was born and where her Mom still lives).  After Dionne was tired and ready to turn in for the evening, our family said our goodbyes and decided to do a little wandering...

While touring the lovely facility, we found a group in a gymnasium playing wheelchair basketball.  About 10 young adults were playing hard and being quite aggressive in their play.  They had special wheelchairs that had two big wheels (one on each side) that were set close to the chair on the top and flared at the bottom and small wheels in the inside to help keep their balance.  O, K and A really enjoyed watching their play.  I talked a little bit to one of the Moms and her daughter really enjoys playing the game.  The chairs are expensive (about $200), but Mom said that it was so worth the money.  I was amazed at the courage of all the residents and people who visit/work at the Courage Center--makes you pause and realize the greatness of others.