My Dad

Dear Dad,

You taught me how to tie my shoes, ride a bike, and drive a car.

You taught me to work hard and to never give up.

You raised me on the "best" music--Al Jolson, Buddy Holly, the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and Billy Joel.

You shared your love of traveling and together we saw so many amazing places and did some pretty amazing things.

You taught me to appreciate a good Root Beer Float and barbecue beef.

You are the reason I made it through AP Physics in high school.

You nurtured my love of gymnastics and always supported my dreams.

You never missed a meet from the time I was ten until the time I turned 18.

Because of you, I have amazing memories of white water rafting, visiting National parks, and yes, of visiting many empty fields where you would stand and imagine the Civil War battle in your head.

My friends called you Mr. Hickman, and I actually think most of them thought I had a pretty neat dad.

You were the original "helicopter parent" but in a way that kept me safe and still allowed me to pursue my dreams and interests.

You always told me I could do anything I set my mind to.

You built me a bedroom in an unfinished basement with your own hands. Oh, and a Reader's Digest How-To guide for the electrical wiring. I was terrified you were going to electrocute yourself.

We had good times and yes, we had some rough times. But you were always there. I knew my dad would always, always be there.

You promised me you would live to be 90 years old. We teased you about being older than dirt, and I was convinced that living to 90 was more of a threat than a promise. But gosh, I wish you could have kept that promise.

The last 10 years have been some of your hardest. I'm glad for your last visit out here and I'll always remember the last words you said in the car on the way to the airport, "I'm still your father."

Dad, I've missed you. I am glad you're free from this earthly body that's been holding you back from your dreams. It hasn't been fair. But I will continue to miss you. You would have been an amazing grandpa. Don't worry, I taught my kids all of the important games like "elevator", and "dump truck", and "touch". but I wish you could have played them with them.

Please keep an eye on us Dad. Please know that we love you. I can't wait to give you one more hug. Until then, enjoy a good concert with some of your favorites. Love always, me.

Donald Eugene Hickman July 11, 1943-March 12, 2018

Milestones--The Finn Edition

Finn has had an incredibly busy year.  He was blessed with a fantastic 2nd grade teacher who also happened to have medical training and experience with kids with g-tubes.  She was organized, kind, firm, and patient.  We were so lucky to have her!

First day of 2nd grade

There are 3 boys from our ward that are in the same grade at the same school and they all happened to be placed in the same class this year.  Finn developed a strong bond with the boy on the left (Caden).  They have known each other since they were about 4 years old and have never really gotten along, but that all changed this year.  They now say they are BFFs.  

At my very first meeting with the teacher before school even started I was told about the zoo field trip that would happen in September.  I had never had Finn go so far for a field trip and I had never had it happen so soon in the school year when I wasn't sure how comfortable his teacher would be with dosing enzymes, so I made the decision to chaperone my very first field trip.

I was assigned to a group of 4 high-energy boys.  We covered a large portion of the zoo but it was constant herding of kids and trying to get them to tell me which animals they wanted to see and what they were willing to give up to see them (not much!)

Finn joined Cub Scouts on his actual 8th birthday!

Tuesday October 17th--He's 8!

Hiking during our fall break.  He still HATES hiking (at least he says that) but he always ends up having a good time.  And finding a really big stick.

For Halloween he wanted to be Harry Potter.  He's read the first book and watched the movie.  He's half-way through the second book and has gotten "stuck".

We celebrated Finn's 8th birthday with friends at Summit on Saturday October 28th.

Pictured--Josh (from school and church), Jackson (neighbor and classmate), Caden (his BFF from church and school), and Parker (from church)

Birthday time means annual CF clinic visit time.  He never likes blood draws but always ends up doing pretty well (after he gets done negotiating).  His PFTs were not were I would have liked them at this point (in the low to mid '80s) and his culture from this appointment showed Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (for the 2nd time) which meant starting another 28-day round of inhaled tobramycin.  His liver levels in his blood work were slightly elevated which meant we had to repeat them 6 months later (where they remained at that slightly elevated level).  Not long after this clinic visit there was discussion of an admission or sinus surgery or what other options there might be.  I talked his CF team into a short round of oral steroids (with antibiotics) which ended up being a great decision for him.  His PFTs came up to 101% for the time ever, his cough and sinus congestion cleared.  All of his recent PFTs indicated that he has managed to hold on to those lung function gains and so I'm grateful to have the experience and knowledge to know my kid and for a pulmonologist who is willing to listen and try my ideas (she really didn't want to do steroids and it was not an option she presented, but she was willing to try what I asked and I'm grateful for that.)

Look at THIS!  Finn is not afraid of costumed people anymore and was willing to pose for a picture with Santa--for the FIRST time!

In early January he had his very first piano recital.  He did a great job.  When he gets nervous he tends to act up (lots of energy, squirming, not listening well) and that did happen, but he still played his songs well and did his part.  Just with lots of energy and gusto!

The recital was also a showcase of many things they have been working on--some times on the glocks or with singing and clapping rhythms.

I have been Kai's room mom for many years and so I have missed many of Finn's parties.  A friend texted me this picture of Finn at his class Valentine's party, for which I was grateful.  I have no plans to be Kai's room mom this year so that I can make it to see more of Finn.

Famous American day is a 2nd grade tradition.  Finn went off of the list of typical choices and requested to be Steve Jobs.  He (ummm....that should say "Mom") worked hard on his poster and researching to write his speech.  I have to say I learned so much about Steve Jobs and I have a lot more respect for how much he has shaped the world I live in.

We all still enjoy trips to the library and feeding the ducks.  They just aren't as frequent as they were when the kids were younger.

Easter 2018

Finn was so excited to participate in his first Pinewood Derby.  He was most excited about building a car with his dad and was very disappointed when his den worked on them for a couple of weeks.  Luckily he got to finish it up with his dad at home.  He was so anxious about how his car would do (Kai has placed in the top 3 every year) and is super competitive so there were tears before the race even began.  Luckily he has his dad to help and the boys went 1-2 in the pack.

Finn is a sensitive, emotional child.  He has BIG feelings.  Even though he is 8 he still throws full on fits when things don't go his way.  At this point, I have to laugh and take a picture of it or I'd be frustrated and angry.  He hated that I took this picture of him.  I'm hoping this behavior will die down here very soon.

At his spring clinic visit he got to do his first ever activity test, and he decided this is one of his favorites.  Basically they had him step up and down on the stool to get his heartrate up and then they monitored his oxygen levels.  It wasn't very fancy but it's a good screening method and he did great.  He wanted to keep going on the stool.

Finishing one of the last requirements for his Wolf Badge, his den put on a campfire evening.  We had skits and music and then roasted marshmallows.  It was loads of fun!  His scout leaders are in the back sitting on the rock wall.  One of his leaders in the bishop's wife and this is their beautiful home.

Last day of 2nd grade.  I can't believe we made it!  Saying goodbye to his sweet teacher had me tearing up.  After such a rough 1st grade year, I was grateful for this woman more than she'll ever know.  She's pregnant with her first and she's going to be such an amazing mom.

And finally, the day after school let out we walked for our 8th time (well, it was our 7th time walking but our 8th time having a team--2013 and Bree's arrival threw us off).  I love this picture of Finn with his BFF beside him and his amazing team behind him.  We are always the last team to cross the finish line because we have such a good time walking, talking, and enjoying the friendships we have made.  This year we didn't quite make our goal, but did raise over $3,000.  Each year I hit this point and think it will be our last year and each year Finn asks to go back.  I'll be honest, it's exhausting emotionally and physically.  It is certainly rewarding but I would not be doing it if it weren't for how much I love Finn. 

For the first time Finn had his own canine team member and by golly that walk wore Rosie out.  At the end of the walk Finn won an award for the highest fundraising total for a kid (I diverted a lot of the funds I had raised to Finn's name so that he could win this award).  His prize is a catered party from Noodles and Company for up to 10 kids.  I think we are going to cash in on that for his birthday this year.

We are so grateful that Finn is a part of our family and we are so proud of the kid he is becoming.  He's doing well and working hard health wise, school wise, and with his extra-curriculars.  During this school year he loved his tumbling and trampoline class.  He wants to get back to tennis soon and is talking a little about swimming.  We will see where he ends up next.  No matter where it is, we know he will bring a lot of enthusiasm and will do an amazing job.  He always does!