My life with the Sullivan boys

Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs with some types of neurological disorders, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. In these instances, the children’s trunks are not strong enough to support themselves fully, and the spine curves into a long C-shape. Got it. Dermot has this. A 50 degree curvature in his spine. "Severe" in the words of the first orthopedic surgeon we've ever met. He was a kind man, by just looking at him you would probably guess he was about twenty-two years old. Of Asian descent, no visible wrinkles and wearing a stylish outfit (as far as doctor's go). He carried himself in a hurried fashion as if he was late for his chemistry final. Having already been briefed by his resident, he sits down at the end of the examination table, grabs Dermot's feet and begins to maneuver Dermot's limbs in a peculiar fashion. Then he asks to have Dermot sit up, slightly offended I immediately point out the obvious fact that Dermot does not...

I thought as I awoke this morning that the day would go as planned. We'd bring the whole family to hockey to watch Owen, return home for lunch and pass the day away by watching the NASCAR race. If you know us, you'll know that this is a Sunday custom in our family. Things were going off as planned. But then I went out to find a rug. The rug we have in the mud room entrance has been stepped on far too many times to count. It was the entry way rug at our first house. I purchased it without even glancing at the price, from the Pottery Barn catalog. I was pleased with its appearance when it arrived via UPS a week later. It welcomed you into our home. Many of you stepped foot on it. Then we moved to Edina. As I write this I am trying to recall where this rug was in our soon to be dream home. Ah, yes. I remember now. I placed it temporarily at the top of our stairs. It didn't go well there but I knew that we were planning to remodel soon and I would get a new rug. Then our pl...