Checking In

[Bridget]

Hello to all,

Just wanted to "swing" by and drop you all a note to check in and let you know how Ian and I are doing.

Ian played Fall Ball this past fall and had a great time. We faced a few challenges as the Director of the Little League would not allow him to pitch due to the amount of time it takes Ian to switch his glove to his right hand after throwing the ball. It was seen as a safety issue, can't argue with that. So Ian played a lot of outfield but had a great time anyway, especially at bat. Ian also started playing the cello, which has been fun. He intended to play the violin, but after several individual sessions with the instructor, it was determined that due to his lack of supination the violin would be extremely difficult for him to master. He cheerfully agreed to tackle the cello, and now he loves it. Ian recently scored 100% on a national honors level test, we are very proud of him!

As many of you may know my term on the UBPN Board of Directors ended this past summer, and I have taken advantage of all my newly found free time to tackle some exciting things...I accepted a new full-time position working for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Arizona doing basically everything that I did for UBPN, only now I get paid to do it:)! I love my job and go to work everyday happy to know that I am making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. I have also been training to run/walk a marathon in Paris to raise funds for UCP, and that is going really well also. I feel so great about using my physical abilities to make a difference for those who are not as fortunate. And it has really helped me to lose weight and feel good about my body, something that has been an issue for me since my son's birth almost nine years ago!

I wish you all the best in 2003 and beyond, take care of yourselves and each other,

Bridget McGinn

[claudia]

Dear Bridget:
I have missed your voice here.

I am so glad you are out doing something you enjoy. I am sure Ian recognizes this too. Most kids like happy parents!!! I am sorry your baseball director is so rigid. Perhaps in time Ian will become more fluid at the transfer and will be able to pitch. Of course, I had friends in High School who had elbow surgery because they pitched...in those days they let the kids who could pitch, pitch as much as they could. Maybe the outfield isn't a bad idea...
I will take this opportunity to thank you, for the millionth time, for starting Outreach. It was truly my lifeline. In my bedstand drawer are the 2 first copies I recieved. I don't know how many times I read them. Your gift to all of us was to let us know that we were not alone. I hope one day I can help someone the way you helped me.
So, enjoy your new life. Do your Oprah-esque marathon. And please, check in again soon.
claudia

[francine]

Hi Bridget! So happy to read your update. Good luck with the Marathon... is Ian going with you - will he run some of it? Are you going to meet with Pr. Gilbert while you are over there? Keep on coming back with updates ok?

Happy New Year to you and Ian and your family,
francine