Nov
3
2011
therapy for him {and me}.
Filed under: Uncategorized by Jenn
When you adopt internationally there is really no such thing as a “healthy baby”. We were on the healthy baby list. When we filled out our mounds of adoption paperwork we deliberated, and sweated, and cried over the special needs checklist. It is torture to see the lists of possible ailments and check the “no” column. We checked lots of “no”s as well as quite a few “yes”s. Things like malnourishment and minor birth defects (although worrisome) weren’t a deterrent for us on our adoption journey.
When we first saw Danny’s pictures…and had our initial consult with the pediatrician…we knew there were potential problems. His health in country was less than stellar. He we tiny, malnourished, and likely premature.
When we met him for the first time we knew he was “behind”. We brought him home as an 8 month old newborn. He could hold up his head but that was about it. Since that time he has made remarkable gains. But it hasn’t come easy (for him or us). With lots and LOTS of practice, determination, and by God’s grace and healing…he WILL walk! Now we have an 18 month nine month old. The progress is there…it is just slow.
I’m a 3 speed gal. Fast, FASTER, and “get out of my way”. So this snail’s pace is h.a.r.d. for me. I want a magic potion. Maybe a special healing prayer. But instead…God sent Ms. Laura.
Laura is our therapist. She comes to our house every week to work this little munchkin into shape. She taught him that he has legs. She taught him he has arms. And he adores her (I do too). Danny is receiving therapy through our local infants and toddlers program. We could have been assigned ANY therapist in Kansas City. But God sent us a therapist who lives at the end our block…who is a mom at our school…who is a Christian mom full of encouragement and honest advice. God sent me a friend {cue water works with us leaving}
It is really hard to have a child that is different. There. I said it.
Everyone asks his age. And then the inevitable “Is he walking?” No. “I bet he’s quite the crawler!” No. And then they launch into a long tangent about how their second cousin once removed didn’t walk until he was two and he turned out “just fine”. I honestly get that most people are trying to be encouraging. But the truth is…even if he DOESN’T walk…it doesn’t really matter. He’s still our joyful baby boy whom we love to pieces. I want him to walk more than I’ve wanted just about anything. I want it for him. I want him to feel the wind in his teeny tiny curls as he runs across the playground…I want him chasing after a soccer ball with the other kindergarten boys. But the truth of the matter is…he’ll walk when he walks.
So thankful Ms. Laura is here to help 
As we get ready to transition to a new therapist in Nebraska I was looking over Danny’s files. And I was completely struck by the immensity of his issues when he came home with us.
His first physical therapy goal read as follows “Daniel will relax more so everyday activities are easier. We will know that this has been met when Daniel will relax his arms to easily play pat-a-cake and to cooperate more with dressing.” Does it surprise you that at 8 months I could not physically lift his hands over his head. He could barely straighten his arms and couldn’t straighten his legs. I’m not joking that we called him “Rigamortis Baby”…the boy was STIFF with a capital S. We’ve moved up a bit since those early sessions…we’re onto pulling to stand and cruising!
You may ask why I’m sharing all of this.
Some days my heart breaks a little bit (or a lot) for my son. Some days I’m overcome thinking about the challenges that so many children face. Our challenges are MINOR. Small little hiccups in the grand scheme of things. But some people face devastating heartbreak every day as they watch their children struggle. Do you know someone caring for a special needs child? DO SOMETHING to encourage them.
Have a special place in your heart for children who are struggling? ADOPT ONE OF THEM.
I’ve never seen God’s hand more clearly than in the healing of my own son. {And Ms. Laura totally rocks the house too!!}
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