Even before last night when Gage got his yellow belt in karate yellow was his favorite color. And everyone knows it. Which is why it drives his speech therapist crazy that he sometimes says "lellow" but he’s getting better every day about saying it properly all the time.

We’re very proud of Gage for getting to a yellow belt. This is a big deal for any child, but in particular for Gage because he’s been unable to follow through with any kind of sport or activity for the long term because of his health. Soccer was too exhausting and hot. Swimming had to be stopped because he can’t get his catheter wet. No rugby because it’s a contact sport (I just threw that in for my sister Tammy and our very most excellent more like a family member than a nanny Kate).

In this picture the kids behind Gage are about to beat on the floor when Gage’s Sensi (Teacher) ceremoniously removes the white belt and replaces it with the yellow belt.

This is a huge accomplishment for Gage. And for us. For a short moment in time all four of us really felt like things were normal. There’s beauty and sadness in that statement.