The Van Journey is Complete!

Happy Saturday!

I’m so excited to share that thanks to #TeamRowan, we officially have our converted Ford Transit Van for Rowan!! 

The wheelchair lift was successfully installed and the van finished on 5/30! Unfortunately, we had a few mishaps with the initial conversion, and so, ultimately had it done by Superior Van in Louisville who did a phenomenal job. They removed two rows of seats to make room for the lift and wheelchair and installed a special flooring and clips to secure the wheelchair. I’ll share a few videos and pictures to show the details. Especially as Rowan gets older, and we adjust to the new process, this will save so much physical energy from lifting Rowan into the car and collapsing his wheelchair since he can stay in his wheelchair. 

Going through this journey with Rowan since he was born, I definitely have a new appreciation for all families with disabilities as there are so many things I took for granted (getting a child in and out of a car seat) that are honestly just so much more difficult for them.  You all did the most amazing thing you can do for families like mine and gave your resources, time, and LOVE so that our daily life could be easier, preserving our time and energy to be able to have fun and provide for the entire family!!

In fact, part of why I’m so delayed in posting is because we moved back to our house after it was renovated to better suit Rowan and our families needs, took our first big van trip to Hilton Head, and are now in Chicago for three weeks for Rowan to experience NAPA therapy. So many adventures! It’s called an “intensive” because he gets three weeks straight of therapy for 4 hours a day. He is LOVING it and thriving, and if it weren’t for the van, this trip wouldn’t have been possible! (Pictures to prove it, we even brought our bikes!). 

I realize this post is long, but I have to take the time to just say THANK YOU!!! I still remember almost not pursing this fundraiser in September, and am so grateful for the encouragement of another disability parent. We would have missed out on getting Rowan this vehicle because of my own pride, but more importantly, I would have missed out on the love and community showered  (more like downpoured) on Rowan and our family. What a reminder this has been of the innate greatness of people. God is so good. 

Goodbye for now! I hope you all get to enjoy the videos (on social media) for both education, and increased awareness of the chaos that is the Wallace Family 😂. 

Love,

The Wallace Family