Laura update 11/28/2014 Every year I take the kids to the mall on the day before thanksgiving to have their picture taken with Santa and pick out a new ornament for the tree. This year, our annual trip was the start of a nostalgic time for me, filled with mixed emotions. Laura used her wheelchair for the trip because it was too much walking for her right now. As we waited for Santa, she sat up taller in her wheelchair and clung tightly to the letter that Carter had helped her write. She was giddy with excitement (she told me the night before that she could hardly sleep because she was so excited). When it was our turn, I scooped her out of the wheelchair and followed behind her as she walked to Santa and handed him her letter. Then, I lifted her onto his lap. As I stood back and watched the picture being taken, I found myself blinking away the tears. I was feeling sad for her that she couldnt climb onto his lap by herself, remembering how the year prior I turned around to find she had taken off on her own and boldly walked over to him and just started talking. I felt sad for her about the things she was unable to do right now. And then I looked at her beautiful smile and dancing eyes and realized, she wasnt feeling sorry for herself. She had risen to the occasion, accepted where she was for now, and chosen to be happy. Obviously she isnt like this every moment. But, what a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes when we are grateful for all that we have. As for her progress, the last week has been focused on getting her to rest and recover from her cold. It has been a reminder that her immune system is still rebuilding and fighting off these bugs will require a little more time and energy for a while. But, I was also relieved that she was strong enough to cough up the yucks that were draining into her chest. This has been a lingering fear of mine as her trunk muscles are still weak. Tomorrow, she will begin therapy exercises at home again and next week she will resume therapy at spot for kids. I pray that she has not lost much strength in past week and will be back on track for making slow but steady gains. Her neurologist told us that she will begin to make slower gains now, so as we transition to this new phase of healing, I hope to find more moments like our trip to the mall to remember that we must choose to be happy and enjoy each moment for what it is, not comparing it to what was or what we dream will come. Living in the moment has always been a struggle for the planner in me and Im thankful for this opportunity to learn to do just that:) We hope that you all had a thanksgiving filled with the love of family and friends. We count you all among our blessings! -Sara
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 01:44:07 +0000
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