Some of my kids are different. They don't learn like other kids. or they don't walk like other kids. Or they dont look like other kids. That said, they are all just kids. Since many things in life do not come easy to them, we cherish the moments when they do something that everyone else can do.
This week Sophie has begun to stand on her own. She is quite proud of herself, and we are proud of her! This alone is not significant since most kids learn to stand, and eventually walk. The thing that makes it a moment like no other is the fact that Sophie is nearly 7. She was born with Arthrogryposis. This means she has contractures in her joints. Most kids learn to walk at 1, maybe 2, Sophie is just learning now.
She can be very labor intensive to take care of but after years of doing EVERYTHING for her, this is the first step to her independence. First she stands, then she walks, then she learns to do more and more. She is loking forward to taking herself to see the chickens. I am looking forward to her taking herself to the bathroom.
She didn't run a marathon. She hasn't tested out of first grade. She hasn't done anything that most other kid's don't do. And yet its incredible that she does it. This is the first step to the rest of her life.
This blog is about our adventures as a large family. We have fourteen kids in our family. Not every one lives at home. Sometimes life is easy and sometimes its weary to the bone hard.
Amazing! I have followed your blog since before you brought Ben and Sofie home and have loved reading your story. I have a young man who is a close family friend who started walking at 11 and we celebrated like none other! Go Sofie, your cants are becoming less and less and your cans are unmeasurable!
ReplyDeleteWow - what an amazing milestone. My six year old has just started standing too - although she has CP and is unlikely to progress to 'normal' walking. It is such a huge achievement though so I can understand your excitement. I'm going to have to start following your blog now so I can find out when she takes her first steps!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic and exciting! It is such an amazing achievement and it is like you are watching a miracle unfold. My daughter has CP and at five years old she is beginning to take some independent steps as well. I well understand and share your excitement. Big congrats to Sophie x
ReplyDeleteI remember those days well, when my daughter who has a TBI and CP could stand and walk. Even if they can only do it for a short time or distance it gives them a sense of freedom like they have never known before and it will lead to greater accomplishments down the road.
ReplyDeletethanks everyone. she walked 4 feet at therapy. it was really hard because one leg is casted and one is in external fixater. at afternoon therapy she walked 16 feet. she was very proud. she screamed the whole way but she did it. I tell her its all her, its all her doing, no one did that for her. SHE walked. SHE took the steps. should be interesting to see what she can do when she gets home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great defining moment and a huge accomplishment! I can only imagine how labor intensive caring for her can be. Thank you for sharing! Stopping by from Ellen's Writing prompt.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Awesome! Those are defining moments and also great causes of celebration! The first steps are so exciting, think about all it took for her to accomplish that! Wow!
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