07/11/2021
❤️ Here is a little feel good story for a Sunday from
“You got this!!” I cheer as Juniper takes her first steps in her new gait trainer.
About a year ago, I didn’t even know what a gait trainer was. I still pictured my daughter leading a ‘normal’ life and reaching ‘normal’ milestones in a ‘normal’ amount of time. I pictured her first steps the same way her brothers were - cautiously toddling barefoot between mum and dad. She would throw her hands up in the air and squeal victoriously. It would come naturally. Easily.
When we bought our house, I even pictured where her first steps would occur — down the long stretch of hallway between the front door and the family room.
And then epilepsy.
I knew the gait trainer was coming, and I mentally prepared myself for the sadness I’d feel watching my daughter get strapped in. It wouldn’t come naturally or easily. Her bare feet would be covered by stiff braces for support. None of this would be what I pictured.
We strap her in and I watch as she is promoted by her physical therapist.
Slowly, she moves her right leg forward. Her left leg needs more assistance due to the weakness caused by the surgery. She inches forward. It is a lot of work…. for all of us. And when she makes it to me, she does not throw her arms up in the air nor scream victoriously. She is not aware of what she just accomplished, but I am.
“You did it, JuJee!!” I scream.
I am proud of her. But I am also proud of Me. The sadness I expected to feel wasn’t there.
This equipment, her gait trainer or maybe her future wheelchair, are not marks of shame or failure. They are not things you should pity for her. Rather, they are opportunities for independence and for mobility; even if that mobility requires some assistance. It allows Juniper, and others like her to see a world beyond where they can sit and lay. Beyond where their parent or caregiver puts them.
“You got this!!” I cheer again. But this time, it’s as I watch my daughter take her first steps down the hallway of our home.
