Up

A Mother and Daughter's

Peakbagging Adventure

Patricia Ellis Herr

I spent 10 hours on 4 flights this past week and I was able to finish another great read, Up by Patricia Ellis Herr. 

The book shares the story of a mother who takes her very young mountain climbing daughter on an adventure few adults achieve. The goal was to hike and climb the 48 tallest peaks in New Hampshire, including Mount Washington- home to some of the worst weather and strongest winds in the world.

Patricia has to balance many things as the mother of a 5-year-old adventurer, including safety, risks, equipment, and nay-sayers. The author has to defend their outdoor activities because too many assume that the parent is just dragging her child along for their own selfish reasons.

I can relate because many look at what I do with the girls, especially Kellisa, and assume that I am forcing her to be out on the trails. Anyone who spends time with Kellisa on the trail will know her giggles, laughter, and never ending asking for "more" proves the exact opposite- it's actually Kellisa dragging me along for her ride. 

The mother-daughter team is not afraid to go at their own pace and even turn around with a summit in view when it is no longer safe to ascend. Patricia shares many struggles, both physical and emotional as she describes their unique peakbagging challenges and experiences. Up is an inspiration on the importance of spending time with your children in the great outdoors, even if it's not a monumental undertaking like climbing 48 mountains higher than 4,000ft. in New Hampshire. 

Up can be purchased here.

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I'll Push You

                           

A Journey of 500 Miles

Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair

Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck

It's been awhile since we did a book review on Kellisa's Path, but after recently reading, I'll Push You, we couldn't resist sharing this book. At the heart of this book is a love story, not a boy meets girl or father-daughter love story, but the love between two life long best friends.

Patrick and Justin grow up together as inseparable best friends always up for an adventure. They serve as the best man for each other's weddings and even vacation together with their brides.

Like so many families, Justin's life is interrupted by a debilitating disease which eventually leaves him confined to a wheelchair in need of constant care. Instead of accepting his fate and merely existing, Justin is determined to set an example of how to live. He could have picked an "easy" challenge, but that is not his nature. He decides he wants to hike the famous Camino de Santiago trail stretching 500-miles over mostly difficult terrain in Spain.

Unable to hike this trail alone, Patrick immediately volunteers to push Justin and they start planning. The first order of business is to find a wheelchair up for the hike and to start training. Along the way, they have the opportunity to have the hike filmed for a documentary and many other people offer their help in varying capacities.

The Camino de Santiago should be impossible for Justin and Patrick, but with their love, dedication, determination, and the help from other hikers along the way, they are able to complete this challenge proving that the impossible is very possible!

It is nice to see and read about others hitting the trails on wheels and pushing beyond known limits. I'll Push You can be ordered here.

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families on foot

families on foot

Urban Hikes to Backyard Treks and National Park Adventures

Jennifer Pharr Davis and Brew Davis

It didn't seem right to sit back in a chair to read this book, so I found a comfortable rock to read my new favorite book, "families on foot" by Jennifer Pharr Davis and Brew Davis. Kellisa and I have met Jennifer a couple of times over the years from Trail Days in Damascus, VA to a presentation at REI in Jacksonville, FL. Someday we hope to share a trail together.

I didn't hesitate to submit a story with a few pictures when the call went out for submissions. I decided to share the story of Kellisa's first hike on wheels. We were thrilled that Kellisa's story was chosen for the book and honored to discuss some of Kellisa's challenges and medical history to be included in Chapter 9: Health Conditions and Special Concerns. Both Lisa and Cousin Matt (hiking partner on several trails with Kellisa spanning several states) received photo credits as an added bonus.

Jennifer and Brew definitely succeed in providing the blueprint and motivation to get families up and more importantly, out. I especially appreciate that they recognize the need for all children to experience life on the trail. Too often society overlooks the disabled population and I'm beyond proud that Kellisa can represent her "peeps" in this book.

Since I'm probably slightly biased, I will just say, go ahead and buy the book here. 

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A is for Abigail

An Almanac of Amazing American Women

Lynne Cheney

Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

 

A is for Abigail is another important book written by former Second Lady of the United States, Lynne Cheney. Even though Mrs. Cheney wrote the book to share the story of American women with children, I was able to learn a lot as I read the stories to Kellisa and Laurel. The book is full of brilliant illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser.

 

Mrs. Cheney does a great job featuring women of all backgrounds as they achieve wide ranging accomplishments. Women who fought for equal rights are included. Also, women who excelled in education, philanthropy, sports, science, math, exploration, and many other fields are featured. As a father of two daughters, this is the history lesson I want to share with them as it lays the foundation for future learning and goal setting. I want Laurel to know that she can do anything and this book proves it far better than any words I could come up with on my own.

 

Even though we only live about an hour north of Bethune-Cookman College, I had no idea that it was founded by Mary McLeod Bethune, a daughter of former slaves. I love reading about mountaineering and since Kellisa was born, I've found myself reading everything I can find about women mountaineers. Mrs. Cheney shares the story of Annie Smith Peck who in 1911 was the first person to summit Mount Coropuna. Annie planted a "Votes for Women" flag on the peak. Mrs. Cheney sets the example herself and through her writing...now it's up to the parents to help their daughters follow in so many footprints.

  

Our 50 States

A Family Adventure Across America

Lynne Cheney

Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

 

Our 50 States by former Second Lady of the United States, Lynne Cheney is an excellent introduction to America for young children. Mrs. Cheney wanted to share all the beauty and variety our great country has to offer in a fun and educational way. And she succeeds in telling the story of America with magnificent illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser.

 

Besides a great history lesson for kids, I love that a main theme throughout the book is a focus on our National Parks, a subject both my daughters enjoy. And, what kid doesn't love animals? Mrs. Cheney has that covered too! Native birds, animals, and reptiles can be found on every page of this inspiring book.

 

Our 50 States can be used in the home for educational purposes and/or planning the next family Great American Road Trip! I knew Teddy Bears were named after President Teddy Roosevelt, but I did not know that the first bear was made in Mississippi by Rose Michtom in 1902 after the President refused to shoot a bear in the woods of Mississippi.

 

Kellisa and Laurel get excited learning about places they've already visited as it ignites their memories. They may get even more excited learning about new places to visit. High on their list is a cave you can drive through in Missouri and seeing the world's most active volcano in Hawaii.

 

A Unique Life Fully Lived

A Personal Journey of Love, Hope, and Courage

Lorrin & Karen Kain



I drove with the girls to Atlanta in February 2013 to attend our first Abilities Expo. We had the good fortune of meeting Karen Kain and attending her presentation, "A Unique Life Fully Lived". This was also the place where Kellisa climbed her first indoor rock wall. 

At the time of meeting Karen Kain, I had almost 14 years in the world of disabled children. I would have guessed that I had either lived or seen it all. I was wrong. As far as I know, we've never known anyone who was vaccine injured. Unfortunately, that was the case with Lorrin, Karen's daughter. At the time, I didn't know anything about vaccine injuries. 

The fact that I had no idea still scares me. My girls had been vaccinated per their pediatrician's schedule and we never questioned it. I'm sure we signed something agreeing to the risks, but they were never fully communicated to us. 

Lorrin lived 6 weeks before she was significantly injured by a vaccine. Like Kellisa, the doctors didn't give Lorrin much of a chance for a future. Lorrin would prove the doctors wrong! Unlike Kellisa, Lorrin had those first 6 weeks. Before reading Karen's book, I had no idea (and I still don't because I believe you can't truly know unless you lived it yourself) how a mother could go on under those circumstances. But Karen shares her intimate process of growth in excepting the fact that she was Lorrin's mom. In fact, Karen dedicated her life to Lorrin so she could live her life fully. Beyond Lorrin, countless other children and families have benefited from Karen's devotion. 

This book shares Lorrin's medical journey which includes extreme struggles with seizures. It easy for parents of medically complicated children to get bogged down with the never ending necessities of keeping their child healthy and in many cases, alive. Karen was able to manage Lorrin's care while always looking for new options with an open mind. I'm thankful that Karen has shared her mindset and the things that helped Lorrin. I've spent many hours researching alternatives now that Karen has pointed the way.

Karen also found a way for Lorrin to experience the outdoor world. Anyone who knows me or ever stumbled upon this blog, knows how important this is to me and Kellisa. I felt a bond with Karen shortly after meeting her, but when she discussed cross country trips with Lorrin to have an experience with dolphins and her visits to national parks, I knew that we were two people with similar children and shared similar passions. Perhaps the most impressive fact about Karen, she basically raised Lorrin alone. Again, I can't even begin to comprehend.

I would say this is a must read for anyone in our community, but it should appeal to everyone because it's really a true story about love. It's also a story that proves you can't judge a child by how they look. Lorrin changed the world for the better and Karen continues changing the world. Karen's mission is simple, yet more important than anything else, help those that need it most. 

Disclaimer: I've had the book since it was released and I haven't been able to read the final chapter. It hits way too close to home.

Click here to purchase your copy of "A Unique Life Fully Lived"

It's Only A Mountain

Dick and Rick Hoyt, Men of Iron

By Sam Nall

I've been thinking about recommending books on this website for awhile. Since the disabled world owes so much to the Hoyt family and yesterday was Dick and Rick's last Boston Marathon together, I thought this was the obvious choice as the first book to recommend. 

Team Hoyt, as the father and son are known really opened up competitive running to the disabled community. They made their name by officially completing the Boston Marathon after several "unofficial" completions in the world famous event. Not content with finishing the world famous marathon, the Hoyt's set their sight on completing an Ironman Triathlon. The Hoyt's would eventually complete Ironman Hawaii.

Most road races today have wheelchair participants. Some even complete the races using their own power while others are pushed along the course. "Dad, when I'm running it feels like I'm not even handicapped." Rick's own words motivate his father to accomplish truly amazing feats.

Many know the father and son story, but few probably realize how much Dick's wife, Judy accomplished for the disabled community, with special emphasis on "inclusion" for the disabled in everyday life, including in school.

This remarkable family started blazing the trail in the 60's and 70's when so many children like Rick and Kellisa were sent to an institution to live out their days and were forgotten about by their families. While a lot of work still remains to be completed for the disabled, there is a lot less to do thanks to the Hoyt family.

Amazon: It's Only A Mountain