Unbelievable journey for Abby

Whenever I'm out for coffee with my fellow seniors and friends, once in a while the conversations can slow down. The ice breaker that always gets the conversation rolling is the question, “Does anyone have any grandchildren?” The group immediately becomes animated and lively. Every grandparent is grateful and thankful for the spirited gift from above. Grandchildren reach for your hand and also touch your heart. Our crazy world is much better with grandchildren in it; they make the world a little softer, warmer, and kinder.

To a grandchild, grandparents are the best kind of grownups; their visits bring gifts, treats, and so much love. Guess you might say “Grandparents take pride in spoiling their little angels.”

Grandmothers, in most situations, have their calendars full of events for the year, the majority of the filled dates are all about the grandchildren. And of course Grandpa will be at all of the events as well. Youth athletic events, recitals and dance programs give grandparents something to look forward to. School grandparent programs and lunch afterward in the school cafeteria bring grandparents back to school, a place they all attended many, many years before; also band, choir, plays, and maybe even a speech or debate contest. A church service brings grandparents so much joy, as they watch a grandchild sing a special Christmas hymn or play Mary or Joseph in a Christmas pageant. Birthday and holiday celebrations become big affairs with lots of laughs and hoopla. A grandchild graduating or even getting married becomes such a wonderful milestone to be a part of. Being a grandparent rocks!!

Linden and Toni Bauleke have resided in Waseca their entire lives. They raised six wonderful children, all of them graduated from Waseca High School, all are married, all have children. Linden and Toni, now retired, will happily tell you their life is presently consumed with family–especially the 18 grandkids and 2 great-grandkids. During February, Toni was busy sending out valentines to everyone in the family, both young and old. Linden and Toni both take pride in the fact that they give gifts to everyone in the family at Christmas; kids, spouses, and grandkids.

Chris, the Bauleke's oldest son, and wife Natalie, have given Linden and Toni a very special granddaughter, Abby.

Abby, at a very young age, contracted leukemia, which she beat and became cancer free. Unfortunately she developed Gullian Barre Syndrome (French Polio) which caused paralysis at a very early age from the hips down. Abby became a very avid reader; at age 12 she also developed a passion for wheelchair basketball at a Courage Center. Abby became an outstanding wheelchair basketball player thanks to the coaching and help she received from “Kenny” at the Courage Center. Abby went on to graduate from Burnsville High School, where she competed in swimming and was elected captain. She swam without the use of her legs and competed against her own personal times.

Abby's unbelievable journey was just beginning. She was given a scholarship to play wheelchair basketball at the University of Alabama. I've always thought that Alabama was an elite college football powerhouse: I was surprised to learn it is also a wheelchair basketball powerhouse. Alabama has its own wheelchair basketball field house and Abby was an instrumental defensive specialist on three national champion teams, playing against teams like Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas and other wheelchair teams before a packed house of spectators.

Abby has trained in Colorado Springs, played on a USA national team against other teams from countries like Chili, Brazil and Thailand, and won a bronze medal in basketball at the Paralympian games in China.

I watched a Channel 5 news segment that Toni and Linden had recorded–an interview with Abby about her remarkable journey. Time and time again both grandparents told me how special their granddaughter is; loving, kind, humble and courageous. During the interview Abby was asked what she always looks forward to. Her response was “I always look forward to going home and spending quality time with my family.” When Abby graduates she wants to give back to children who have had the same health problems she had to overcome. She’s looking at work in a hospital as a child life specialist who brings hope and joy to young children with health problems.

Abby is currently training and working out for a possible spot on the Paralympian USA wheelchair basketball team. The Paralympics will be held in Paris. If she’s selected, I'm sure the Baulekes will be there cheering for the USA and Abby. Will she earn a spot on the USA basketball team?? I would not bet against her!!