Wow Joel...
I always thought that vents were these big, bulky things that made it all but impossible to move without a lot of planning and help. Thanks for helping me understand that it isn't always the case.
Eryk is on vent support; already started the research/education process and an RN friend of mine is going to teach me the basics of caring for someone on a vent. (Actually, she DOESN'T think I'm crazy unlike some people...
) I find that education is power; even though it's only been days already I feel more in control of things than I did before. I misunderstood because I saw him at home; he said that he did not get out a whole lot so I assumed it was the vent that kept him from doing so.
Now that you've explained it to me, I really do not see a problem with taking him to the game. He really wants to go; it isn't him who's afraid it's his parents. Even though he got the shot right off the bat they are worried about the flu and him getting it. Ergo, even though Eryk is a grown man (with a sound mind) his parents are very leery right now of taking him anywhere - and he has very little recourse if they say no. They aren't doing it to be jerks...they're concerned (justifiably) but at the same time he does deserve some good times and a life as he wants.
If going to his baby sister's game is going to give him some happiness, then why not make it happen right?
How DO you manage to get around so much with both a wheelchair and a vent? Does it take a lot of planning, or do you pretty much just pack up and go wherever? Part of Tara's problem she told me is her hair trigger as far as Eryk is concerned. She'll defend him in a heart beat and has gotten into fights when people have become a little too free with running their mouths. Sisterly love....go figure.
She wants him there, but doesn't want him to get hurt. No problem...he says he's ready for it this time.
However much she loves her brother, getting into fights at school these days is never a good idea; this is where I think having other youth to talk to who are in a similar situation would be a benefit. Transportation isn't a problem...his parents have had a modified van for quite some time now and the school is completely accessible, including elevators and this cool ground escalator (like in a large airport) that will take you straight to the gym. Would it be wise to get him there as early as possible, just for logistics sake?
Pretty soon, it's going to be Game Time!
Already he is looking forward to it and all of us can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees him. Thanks Joel for the little bit of education; I appreciate it and look forward to talking to you and everyone here soon.
Penny
Brand New-But Have an Idea...:) 
) and now it's a lot of work to get him through a day. Even at 15 she helps out; but she'll barely look at her brother, let alone talk to him. I know what part of it is - she feels left out, this much I know. All of her folks attention (or most of it) is focused on her brother - rightly or wrongly, it does not leave a lot of time for just her, since she is the only one of her sisters still living at home. A question...
She's a great kid - I've known her since she was very little.
