After eight months of having an external fixator attached to his leg and four weeks of a long leg cast, Owen is ready to be FREE for awhile! Tomorrow we are headed to Grand Junction to see Dr. Deering for cast removal, x-rays and an exam. Hopefully everything will be fine and Owen can enjoy some normalcy for a time. There will be challenges...his ankle is still very stiff, his left leg is quite a bit longer, and he will need a lot of physical therapy. Daniel asked Owen what is the first thing he will do once his casts comes off. Owen said, "Run as FAST as I can!"

His fixator removal surgery a month ago went well. There was a pin that broke off in his bone, so Dr. McClure did need to make an incision to get the fragment out. Owen amazed me with his calmness and "take it in stride" attitude. I went back to the operating room with him. It is always scary leaving your child in the hands of others, knowing you are completely out of control. I guess surgery has gotten easier for all of us, but it is never completely awesome. The surgical team was great...even outfitting "Bunny" with a cast and anesthesia mask when Owen woke up. 

It is interesting to think about how something such as bone growth that typically happens naturally without anyone thinking about it can take an incredible amount of time, effort, pain and sacrifice to accomplish "artificially." Owen is excited to be able to take a bath for the first time in nine months, get both of his feet in the sand box, run, jump and play without precautions. We are really grateful for all the medical professionals, friends and family who have contributed to his health and joy. He is full of exuberance for life and I think it is largely due to all the love, support and prayer he has received! 

I added another journal entry below to include pics of the cast~