I used to watch my daughter run and think "wow, she has no coordination at all." It was like watching that old Friends episode where Phoebe teaches Rachel to let loose and run like her. It was equal parts funny, embarrassing and endearing to watch.
This morning as I sat in the car watching Bailey hobble towards the school door, struggle to open it and then wobble in, I missed that uncoordinated run. I used to have to tell her to slow down because she was so prone to knocking things over. She was, as the saying goes, a bull in the china shop. Nowadays every movement is an effort, every step is well thought out, every narrow passageway another hurtle to overcome.
While it is heartbreaking for her mother it doesn't seem to phase her. When I picked her up yesterday afternoon I kept staring at her and she wanted to know why. I told her that I was having a hard time with watching her struggling. She looked at me, smiled, and said "Ah, it's OK. It is what it is and I will run again. Don't you worry."
Has a mother every loved her daughter this much?
Hi Bailey and family,
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great Bailey, keep up the hard work! We don't know each other, but my mother who lives in Richfield told me about you, so I thought I'd drop you a line.
Although I'm a few years older than you, I also had a stroke and have experienced a similar recovery and similar experiences. Here's my sites if you want to check it out: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessicazalusky and www.roadracinggirl.com
Keep at the PT, OT and the positive thinking. Make sure to cut yourself some slack too. Journal and write as much as you can about your experience, so you can go back and see your progress!
If you ever need to chat or want to meet, contact me! Not many young stroke survivors out there!!
Jessica Zalusky