My baby so proud of her new-found freedom
We spent this past weekend is Salt Lake getting Brooklyn her first set of wheels. Though its not a car, it is about triple the price of the first car I got in High School! When we started this process a YEAR AGO, Brooklyn had just begun to crawl and had a hard time keeping up when playing with kids her age, which tugged at my heart strings, and made me curse her disability, so applying for a chair seemed like the right thing to do. I was secretly hoping she could then run over those overly able-bodied children once it came! One year later, I'm not sure how I feel. Maybe I am too close to the situation to actually see that getting this wheelchair was the right thing to do, but I have met this new stage with a lot of anxiety, and yes a tear or two.
I told Jonny that I feel like there really isn't anything to 'wrong' with Brooklyn, but if the Doctors and Therapists feel like we should get her a wheelchair, I would humor them and get my perfectly FINE daughter a wheelchair. It seems a little excessive for a child who can crawl really fast and climb up on tables and chairs with ease..........
When we met with her Physical Therapist (who is amazing) in Salt Lake, he was so excited all he could do was gush about all the wonderful things she would be able to do, and how quickly she will catch on be able to maneuver her new set of wheels. I finally had to burst his bubble, swallow the lump in my throat and explain that I was worried she may never learn to walk if she relied on her chair. He very nicely explained that often once children realize they CAN be mobile, they explore all their options, like a wheelchair, using a walker or arm crutches to walk etc. But then he went on to say that maybe walking will just be too difficult for her, and therefore she will choose to be in a wheelchair. Sometimes the truth is hard.
For the time being, Brooklyn ,who hates doing anything herself, screams at anyone who tries to help her by pushing her wheels for her. We learned this the hard way. We were a half mile away from our car and she still hadn't learned that if you don't push with BOTH of your hands at the same time, you will go in circles! So an hour later we made it to our car with a very proud girl.
I would be ungrateful if I made this seem like a thing of dread, when really we are very blessed and excited to see where this next step takes us (hopefully not around in circles for much longer!) Though we are still going to keep working on walking at home and in therapy, we are not going to bang our heads against the wall when the progress is slow. We have a happy healthy girl who lights up any room with her smile and countenance. We love you Brookie! Get runnin' over those kids!!!!
P.S. Does this mean I can get a handicap pass for my car? Score!
11 comments:
What a CUTIE! She looks so happy, Melissa. I love hearing your updates on how Brooklyn is doing. Your story really does touch my heart.
You never cease to amaze me Meliss-I swear! You have had such a great attitude through this whole thing. You should give yourself more credit! I don't think I have met one parent who has a special needs child who hasn't had moments where they overlooked their childs' hadicap (either in hopes that their child could do more or because it's a super scary thing to admit as a parent that your child needs help)and wondered if they were doing the right thing. I have learned that what is best for the child and family is different in all cases, but most of all as long as it makes the child and the parent happy that's what is best. From the look on her face, I really think this has opened a door for her. With her determination (I'm sure she inherited from her stubborn mommy-a good trait to have) I am sure she will use this as a catalyst (once mastered) to give her the courage to try more and more. With the progress she has already made above and beyond what they thought she would ever do-she has already shown that she is a miracle, and that God is on her side! I can't imagine how heart wrenching this all is for you as a parent, but I want you to know that you are an amazing example to me of patience, gratitude, love, optimism, ect, ect, ect...I could go on and on. I can tell how much you guys love her, and in doing so that you always put her needs first-she will have success in all she does because you love and believe in her. Anyways, sorry this is so long I just wanted to let you know to keep your head up, you're doing just fine-just look at her smile and you'll know :0). Love to all you all, and congrats to Brooklyn on her new accomplishment-she'll be racing past all those kids in no time!
Very nice! You know the Lord may have given her an inability, however, you can't deny that He gave her the cutest white smile and face ever. I swear she can smile the clouds away. I love it! You're a pretty amazing person Melissa. Don't ever forget that.
You guys are such amazing parents. I can tell how much you love your little girl. She is such a little doll.
Hey Genessa! I forgot to give you my e-mail before you went private. I hope you check this again :)
fishmeli@isu.edu
every time i peek at your blog, i end up crying at your humility and laughing at your sweet humor. you are an example of Christ like love!
She is so stinkin cute!! I think she could do amazing things on her chair at Daleta! You and Johnny are amazing parents and Brookie is so lucky to have gotten you to.
Hey stranger. Yay for Brooklyn!!!! What a rockstar! She's such a happy and beautiful little girl! I'm so glad for her. Can't wait to see her in action in person. So I heard you cheated on us at Island Park. Whatever, no wonder you guys all got sick. And I was wondering about that book series you were talking about . . is it just at a normal bookstore? Did you ever read The Great and the Terrible series? I'm so bored out of my mind these days.
What a beautiful girl. Keep it up Brooklyn. She is an angel! Love the Snell's
Melissa Brooklyn is so awesome I cant wait to come to town and have lunch with you guys. Tell the family hi for me.
Brooklyn is just so cute!! what a hard thing to decide for parents- you know the best for her though:) You guys are such great parents!! By the time we see her she will be an expert!
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