When school is out, my sons with DMD get into their summer groove
From summer jobs to video games, Max, Rowen, and Charlie all enjoy their break
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This past winter in rural Nebraska was mild, with no real snow and only a handful of very cold weeks. But as it has gotten warmer and the grass starts turning green, I very much appreciate the arrival of spring. My children, who will be out of school for summer break by mid-May, have begun their countdowns.
I am a mom who shares seven children with my husband, Jason: Lexi, 24; Max, 20; Chance, 18; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and Callie, 4. I am also a caregiver as Max, Rowen, and Charlie live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
I often see posts on social media asking what activities our three sons with DMD are able to do, and I wanted to share what keeps them busy over the summer when school is out.
Swimming and baseball
As young boys, my sons enjoyed playing baseball and swimming.
I often took them to the local water park, but we’ve since installed an above-ground pool so they can be in the water as often as possible. We built a deck around it and installed a lift so they could get in and out of the water safely.
The boys also played on a coach-pitch baseball team when they were younger. They would bat, run the bases, and even play the field if they wanted. However, when they were tired, or it got too hot, or the game went too long, the boys would take an inning off and hang out on the bench.
They weren’t the best players on the team, but they had fun with their friends and, like most little ball players I know, enjoyed the snacks afterward!
It’s been several years since my sons have played, but this summer, Rowen has signed up for a team for people of all abilities, and I’m excited to see him back on the field.
We also spend a lot of time at the baseball field as spectators. Our son Chance is a college baseball player, and we follow him wherever his games take us. Jason and I watch while the others enjoy the concession stands and sunflower seeds.
Summer jobs
Finding a summer job can be tricky for Max, Rowen, and Charlie. Many of the jobs available to young adults in rural America are manual labor, but suitable summer jobs are available for those living with DMD.
Max worked two summers for the local water park. In his first year at the concessions stand, he usually ran the cash register. The second summer, he worked the front desk and helped check patrons in.
Rowen worked a summer at the softball complex. He worked the gate, taking money and giving wristbands. He really didn’t like it, but I was glad he gave it a try. He is considering a career in broadcasting and has worked with a vocational rehabilitation program to secure an internship as an announcer for a local summer college baseball team. That will be an extra-fun activity, especially since his older brother Chance will be playing on the same summer team.
Charlie is looking for his first summer job.
Free time
During the summer, we venture out for a walk most weekday mornings. We have three dogs that love being walked, but admittedly, with the dogs, three chairs, a couple of girls, and me trying to keep us all moving in the same direction, we look like a parade or circus going past. But this time together gives us time to talk, and there’s always lots of laughter during our walks.
Almost as often, we can be found gathered around the fire pit, sometimes to make s’mores, but most of the time to enjoy the ambiance of a summer’s evening.
We also go to a movie at least once a week during the summer. We’ve been to quite a few already this spring. My sons love watching new movies at the theater with good popcorn.
And I can’t forget to mention video games. My sons love them and will spend a portion of every day playing them.
Note: Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.
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