Well 2009 is quickly coming to a close and I often think about all the great things that happened this year.  It's been a pretty great year, but it's not been without it's trials.  Luckily, I have a great family with lot's of support to ensure that I am always getting the best that life has to offer.

My Mom had a banner year.  She's is the rock that I've built my foundation on.  She is always there to advocate for my needs and reminds people that even though I don't speak...I still have a voice and it will be heard.  She's always there for me 24 hours per day.  If I have a seizure in the middle of the night (which happens almost every night), she's there to help me settle down and get back to sleep.  She's decided that being a Mom is the most important thing to her and she's set her own professional goals aside to ensure that me and my sisters have the loving support of a Mom who is always there.  Don't worry Mom...I know one day you'll put that Master's Degree to work and return to helping other families and children overcome their own challenges.

My Dad was awesome in 2009.  He continues to serve our Great Country in the US Army, and for that I'm thankful.  I'm also thankful that he has some of the best leadership the Army has to offer.  His leaders found it more important for him to be home with me than to be in Iraq as his unit is deployed to help the Iraqi people take control of their country.  He also set some pretty big goals for himself in 2009 and we recently accomplished one of those goals.  Thanks to my Dad...I was able to complete my first marathon (see the video)!  My Dad pushed me and my wheelchair (almost 80 lbs) all 26.2 miles.  It took him almost 5 hours but that's only because he got a terrible hamstring cramp around mile 17.  He did so good that he did the first 13.1 miles in 1 hour and 48 minutes!  Also thanks to my Dad...I now have this great website.  Xavier's Journey has been a great way to share my story and get people involved.  I've been contacted by people that are just learning how to cope with special needs like Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy, and they've found my story helpful.  Thanks Dad...I look forward to you pushing me for more races in 2010.  Running is great, and I rarely even break a sweat!

My 3 year old sister who is more like a big sister was my biggest helper in 2009.  She's had to grow up fast because of my special needs and sometimes she's more like a little adult than a young tike.  She's always there to get me my drink, or bring me toys, or help get me unstuck when I squirm under the coffee table, or bring Mom the diaper changing supplies in the event that I have a poop'tashrophe!.  In fact, I think much of my progress is because of the example and courage I see in my little sister.  She's made some great accomplishments this year too.  She knows her ABC's, can count to 20, can write her letters and her name.  She also ran a marathon.  She did 1-2 miles a day for 25.2 miles then did last mile of the St Jude Marathon for a total of 26.2 miles.  She even got a race number, race shirt, and finishers medal!  Thanks Mary Elizabeth...you are one special girl.

My baby sister was born late in 2008, so 2009 was really her debut year.  She followed right in the footsteps of her sister and started walking at 10 months!  Since then, Mom and Dad have had their hands full.  She only has two speeds...fast and asleep!  I really like having a baby in the house.  They have the coolest toys and I love to share them with her.  Did I forget to mention that she's the cutest thing since Shirley Temple?  Maybe even more cute, but I'm biased so don't take my word for it!

No story is any good without a great supporting cast.  My Grandparents are those cast members and their support is more than I could ever ask for.  Gammy, Grandmom, and Mimi all fill the role of world's greatest Grandmothers and their love, encouragement, and support help me and my family more than they'll ever know.  Pop Pop, G-Daddy, and Pop Dale win the award for the awesomest Grandfathers a boy could want.  Their guidance and role modeling have shown my Dad what it means to be a Father.  Thanks Grandparents for just being there...you don't know how many times you've really rescued Mom and Dad!

I can't believe that 2009 is almost over.  I really had a lot happen this past year.  My seizures became quite severe and at times I was having several per day.  Luckily, my Mom found me some great doctors at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, AL.  They really went after my Epilepsy and are determined to tear down that road block for me.  I had my first brain surgery in June and since then I have seen a significant change in my seizures and they're not happening nearly as often.  I'm crawling all over the house!  I had to do something with two sisters around.  Even though those girls are great...there are times when a boy just has to get away, and now that I can crawl there's no stopping me.  I also love to stand on my own, and try to pull up whenever I can get my hands on something to help me.  All my therapist think I should be walking in no time!  2009 was a great year, but it was only a stepping stone.  2010 should hold some great achievements for me, and I can't wait to share them with all of you.  

Stay tuned to Xavier's Journey and watch me tackle this thing called life...