OHG / JAWS 6 Commenced

My second week with Ocean Healing Group has begun with a bang with their JAWS 6 program (Just Add Water Surfing). This week brings us two teenage boys from Southern California. Cody is 15 and he was born with a condition called Spina Bifida. For those of you that do no know, my niece, Alice was born with this same condition. The severity of each case varies drastically. Throughout Cody's entire life he has had several different surgeries on his spine and brain. As a result of the Spina Bifida, Cody has a condition in his brain that causes an inability for the spinal fluid that his brain produces to discrete correctly to the rest of his body. During one of the procedures to help correct this, around the age of five, Cody awoke with a loss of feeling in his legs. Other than his chair, Cody is a totally typical teenager. He battles his Dad for another cup of coffee, and he gets embarassed when his Mom kisses on him obsessively. The coolest thing about Cody though, is his immense support group. Cody has brought with him his Mother, Father, Step-father, Step-mother, and half brother (11). It's really inspiring and admirable. The fact that they can all come together for something like this that is clearly about Cody and his experience in a civilized and friendly manner= it is really cool to see. It is also remarkably obvious that they all care a GREAT deal about Cody. He is truly lucky to have so many people behind him.

The other boy here is Christian. November of 2008, Christian was in a dirt bike accident in Southern California and is now a parapalegic. Christian is 18 and about to start college in the fall. Like Cody, Christian has a really strong support system. His Mother, Father and two little brothers are both here in full support of Christian's surfing experience. His Dad, Tom, is really involved in the daily surf sessions for both kids. Tom greatly encourages Christian to be more independent and strong. MAN that kid has got some SERIOUS upper body strength. When he just paddles out to the waves on his own, he FLIES! Tonight he showed me some pics of his dirt bikes, and toy hauler back in CA. Tom told me that he has sold most of the bikes, and Christian doesn't think he would ever be interested in riding again. He is, however, incredibly active in other things, surfing included. He showed us pics of his brand new Scion car which he isn't proud of AT ALL, AND some of his sea kayaking trips. Truly adds another meaning to the other program most of these guys are involved with called "Life Rolls On".

Tonight the SIX parents all went out to eat together and we are here at the camp watching the three little kids and two teenagers. Mostly playing dominoes and watching movies... but it's great fun! I am sure it will be a really nice, and much needed vacational break for the padres in town. I hope they don't get too crazy! We have a 6AM surf lesson tomorrow!!! This is the life... My surfing hasn't progressed mucho personally, but that is NOT for lack of trying!!! I get out there at least once a day, and fall A LOT!!! But it's great fun!!!