We took you to Shriner's today for the spina bifida clinic. As usual, you charmed your way through the joint, doing your "hello tour" and greeting every nurse, patient, doctor, and tech with a cute smile and a sweet hello.
We got lots of comments about how cute you are, but the comments we treasured most were the ones about how well you're doing. How well? The people who did your braces think you'll need a much less restrictive set six months from now when we go back, and that you may not even need your walker.
You may not even need your walker!!!
We're not getting our hopes up, despite the three exclamation points in that last sentence. You are always allowed to move at your own pace, although that naturally happens to be super fast and involves plowing over anyone that gets in your way. And if you end up needing a walker longer, even for the rest of your life, that will be absolutely fine. If you need braces on your legs or feet forever, that will be absolutely fine. And we mean it.
At the same time, we dare to dream about how wonderful you walking independently would be.
You need to know that all of the doctors that you have seen ask about your "special need". Honestly, there are times where I have to stop and think about what they're talking about before I realize they're referring to the SB. It's a non-issue for us, something I didn't think I'd ever say.
But here's what I didn't realize would happen. Your personality shines through it and I don't even see the limitations that it has placed on you any more. You're just sweet, joyful Vivi. The walker and braces give you support, but in no way do they define you or are they part of your identity. You know what makes you you?
This spunky smile.
Mommy & Daddy
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