Here's Max, exploring some sand at the park.
I felt blissfully happy watching him. To see him using his hands, often tight from the cerebral palsy, spread out and feeling the sand. To see him focusing, not always easy for him, so intensely. To see that balance. What balance! I had no idea he could stoop.
Every week, there are dozens of moments when Max does something that amazes me. Like when he says a new word. Or when he holds a cup with both hands, not just his left one (the "good" hand). Or when he attempts to put on his shoes by himself or brush his own hair. Or when he climbs up the stairs upright, instead of clambering up on his hands and knees.
For many other moms, a kid doing any of this stuff is no big deal. To me, it's as endlessly thrilling as there are grains of sand.
Look at how solidly he plants himself! That's good exercise for him, too, squatting like that--it strengthens the muscles around the hips! It's great when kids do that and don't even realize they're "exercising."
ReplyDeleteAs I get older, getting my big ass into that pose is getting harder and harder....and getting UP from that position!! Let's not even groan about that!
Great job, Max!
toatly agree it is ordany miraclesf
ReplyDeleteEvery day I fall more head over heels in love with Max... he reminds me so much of my Finley. His left hand is also his "good hand". I hope that Finley evolves into a fine young man like Max!
ReplyDelete(I finally grabbed your button for my blog! I have admired it for a while and just realized it was there for the taking. I hope that's okay? )
Oh, I love that squat! I've not met Max but when I saw the picture I thought, "Wow, he can do THAT!!??" How wonderful that you have dozens of amazing moments to celebrate each week.
ReplyDeleteThat is impressive! Max is an amazing kid. Accomplishments like that are definitely thrilling!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I noticed when I opened the blog today was Max stooping. I instantly thought that was amazing...miraculous. I wondered if I would ever see Gavin do that. I think I will! I love today's blog because it makes me feel less crazy when I jump for joy over everyday things. I totally get how you feel about Max's hands. Whenever Gavin would open EITHER hand I would take a close up picture and post it for everyone to see. I'm sure people thought that was looney...but to me it was a miracle. :-)
ReplyDeleteI totally understand what you are saying - the littlest things my T does make me incredibly happy. Simple things, like running out to the bus by himself, getting onto the toilet by himself, coming over to me and giving me a hug, playing briefly with his brother, bring the biggest smiles to my face. I do understand. and your Max is just simply awesome. what a kid - you must so proud!
ReplyDeleteMax is a very cute little boy. We are so blessed to have our "special children". They teach us so much everyday. They teach us how to be grateful and appreciate life with a very happy and humble heart.
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful! All the little things to us are big things!
ReplyDeleteI am in awe lately of Jude's recent "giggle legs". He gets excited, and his legs go really fast. SO great to see Max exploring, concentrating, and squatting. awesome
ReplyDeleteThat is sooo great, Ellen. We feel the same way, so many times. I was so excited when Faith learned how to pick up a ball with both hands. This was just recently, it was such a big deal. She concentrated so hard and used her arms to pull the ball in to her. I was thrilled!! Way to go, Max!
ReplyDeleteI live for days like these. It makes those hard days when you want to run and hide seem like nothing.
ReplyDeleteI hear you - I get so excited about those little things that others take for granted. The other day I watched Bennett pull a band-aid off his left elbow with his right hand - it was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe on a daily basis that Graham is simply breathing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
You are so right, Ellen.
ReplyDeleteDaniel likes to get into mischief quite a bit. As I wrote on his blog last week, he's developed a knack for taking things apart using Daddy's tools. He also likes to sneak out of bed to get toys to hide under his pillow after I put him to bed. Although I do scold him for doing such things, my heart swells with pride. I am so grateful that despite his muscle weakness, he's able to take apart my keyboard or race his little feet across his room to get a forbidden toy.
Pleased to meet you Ellen & Max. He is SO handsome! Thanks for sharing his life with us. What a blessing he is.
ReplyDeleteAwesome accomplishment! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog today and leaving a comment.
Nice to meet you, too.
Amy
I know.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about all those millions of stem cells, sending them the strength and courage to really help Max heal.
love
he does look like he has great balance there!n You're so right in looking for those little things we otherwise would take for granted.
ReplyDeleteOrion's left hand is also his 'good hand' - though we refuse to refer to them as 'good' or 'bad' - there's nothing bad about them, it's just that the right one is harder to use. ;o) I have had experiences just like this with Orion, and even more since he got his new 'magic glove' because it helps him spread the hand out so wonderfully - I was watching him dancing earlier and he suddenly leaned down and put both hands flat on the floor. I was in heaven. :D
ReplyDeleteI love this post Ellen. It's so true. When our kiddos have special needs, we notice things a lot of people wouldn't even give a second glance. Even though Elijah has been walking for awhile now, I rejoice when he decides to crawl on the floor - sometimes with his hands open. I notice which hand he uses to perform each and every task (his left is tighter than the right). And, on the one occasion that he picked something up with two hands, I took a picture. Ha, I take pictures of him getting into trouble if that means he's also using his hands! Heaven, I tell you. I so get it. Way to go Max! :)
ReplyDeleteDespite Amelia's CP, I don't give her achievements enough attention because I've been worrying about the future and obsessing over her delays. I should stop being so crazy and obsess less about what the future means for her.
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