Lessons Learned

Robert and I decided very early on we'd do our best to not treat Miles any differently because of his leg. This hasn't always been easy, but I'd say we've done a pretty good job of raising him to focus on what he can accomplish and to try new things instead of focusing on assumed limitations. I had to stop myself today from doing the very thing I've been so determined not to do. We took Miles to a birthday party, and there was a rock wall there. Miles wanted to climbed it just like all of the other kids at the party. When my friend, who was hosting the party, asked if I wanted to let Miles do it, I answered without thinking, "No, he's never done that before. He doesn't know how." Ridiculous response, is it not? How does one learn to do something new without trying? I feel ashamed to admit that I responded like that. I really almost cheated Miles out of a perfect opportunity to shine, to accomplish a new feat, and to participate in a physical activity that may initially seem too arduous for an above knee amputee child. Fortunately, my mental lapse did not last longer than a few minutes, and Miles didn't have to suffer having his enthusiasm snuffed out by an over-protective mommy. Robert helped guide him for the first few feet, then he was on his own. He did wonderfully and not just for a kid with a physical disability. He climbed higher than quite a few children. Not only was I extremely proud of him, I also was humbled by the reminder to never set limitations on what Miles can do. His trajectory in life will be as high as he is willing to go, and Robert and I will be there to cheer him on.

The crazy things children do with their prosthetic legs

I was upstairs earlier this morning getting Sheldon dressed when Miles called to me from downstairs. I went down to see what he needed and saw him looking very apprehensive at the bottom of the stairs. Naturally, I wonder what he's gotten into this time. He stated, "Mommy, I dropped my liner in the toilet." Come again? My first question after that popped into my head was, "Was the toilet clean when you dropped it?" Luckily, the answer to that was yes. So, I found myself fishing his liner out of the toilet. What makes this particular incident even better is that this is currently his only liner. We've been having quite a few problems with his liners lately and are currently waiting for a new one to be shipped. Dropping his liner in the toilet is just one of many little accidents we've encountered. A few weeks ago, he managed to get a chestnut stuck in the prosthetic knee and popped a piece of it off. I may be only one of a select few who can say her child has tried to use his leg as a nutcracker. Although, he swears he didn't put it in there. Excluding the possibility of a rogue squirrel, I'm going to have to assume it was him. What can you do when encountering situations such as these but laugh?
Also, an update on a running leg for Miles. Robert visited to Center for the Intrepid yesterday in San Antonio. This is where wounded soldiers go for rehabilitation and prosthetics after being injured. He asked around about avenues we could possibly explore in our pursuit to obtain a running leg. We've gotten a couple leads, so we'll have to see what happens.

The sports Miles has participated in

Miles likes all sports, but the three he has the most interest in are track, golf, and sitting volleyball. He likes to play golf with his dad and has participated in an amputee golf scramble along with people from the Hanger office where he goes for his leg. After visiting his surgeon at Shriner's yesterday, we went to Dick's Sporting Goods and looked at new clubs for him. Santa may bring him a new set.

He LOVES to run. He was in heaven when we went to the Endeavor Games this past summer. We just went to the workshop. He didn't compete, but he plans on it next summer.

The sitting volleyball workshop was fun.

More pictures of the boys

This is my life. Outnumbered by these three clowns.

Miles hasn't always been happy to share his spotlight.

They do have their sweet moments.

Let's Do This

Okay, so I've finally done it. I'd like to think of something witty to write for my first post, but I'm too tired after creating the page and slide show. I'm going to be filling out the application for CAF tomorrow. Fingers crossed that Miles gets approved. He really wants to run competitively which really isn't possible without the proper equipment. It's not fair to him to be up against kids who do have them, and he just can't keep up. We'll see what happens.Miles, Sheldon, and I went to Hanger today, because Miles has been having so many issues with this latest leg. Sheldon was a Tasmanian devil as usual. They ran up and down the hall (Well, Sheldon ran and Miles hopped) while they worked on his leg, screeching at the top of their lungs for entertainment. We were the only patients there, so I figured I'd let them entertain themselves loudly without too much interference.The two of them together are like the perfect storm. Oh well, at least they play well together.