my guess is that the first time riding a bike is sort of a big deal. and that was certainly the case for E today when we arrived at P.T. to find this waiting for her. and yes, through the generosity of children before her, the family donated it to her clinic and they are passing it along to us.
i am perpetually overwhelmed by my daughter's strength. her quirky sense of humor. her love for life, and for us. she is daily an inspiration to me, and that has less to do with her alternative abilities than it does with who she is- put simply, she is extraordinary. extra ordinary. you know what i mean? she's got that "extra" something that is so hard to name.
imagine the delight for her, and for me, watching her hand peddle like a pro within minutes of getting on this, her first bicycle. she was animated in a way we hadn't seen before, and both her therapist and i were certain it wouldn't be long before i'd be running to keep up with her.
tonight, when the hot sun is setting a bit, we'll take the bike out for a spin (which she's decided to name "Chicky"), and i will chase after my girl, all the while thanking those who came before us to make this day possible.
So fricken' cool! I love that kid!
ReplyDeleteAs I saw her face light up in those pictures, I was thinking.."Oh K...you have got to find a way to get one of those for her"......so glad things worked out the way they did. I can see her flying down the street now. I never did understand how other people gained weight after adopting....run...run..run.....
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful!!! The look of determination on her face is priceless. No doubt you will be trying to keep up with her!
ReplyDeleteYou GO girl! I love the look of pride in that last picture. She's a rockstar.
ReplyDeleteThat's BRILLIANT!!! Wonderful. Just wonderful!!! :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteoh debby. i wish i understood how it was possible, but i packed on 35 pounds since about November of last year, shortly after coming home. it's called... hmmm, too many PB&J's, Goldf*sh, ice cream. i think.
ReplyDeletei am a dedicated weight watcher now.
Oh that is special, even extra special!
ReplyDeleteJill
That is so amazing. Literally brought a tear to my eyes.... but don't tell anyone, because I am reading this when I am supposed to be auditing a payroll report at work! :>) I hope she has the best time on her new wheels. Way to go, E! Really, way to go!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! I think "chicky" is a great name for a bike, btw :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think we need to 'imagine' her delight - it is so clear in her face. She looks like she is just have a wonderful, wonderful time. Hope you have a fantastic walk/jog keeping up with E. Thrilled for you :)
ReplyDeleteShe is a wonder, K. Truly. You are not 'just saying that'. It's not just because she is yours and FM's. She sparkles and shines.
ReplyDeleteMy kids are grown, but I always felt, when watching them grow up, that raising children was like opening a surprise gift, day, after day, after day.
I want photos of you chasing her down the street, her propelling "chicky", head thrown back with the laughter and freedom of independent mobility. Please?? :)
I love seeing your girl on 'chicky!' How awesome...and her expressions are the best! :)
ReplyDeletelove it...first thought was "get your motor runnin', head out on the highway..." she's a doll!
ReplyDeleteawe! I love it. Chick and her chicky; perfect (it will make her heart and arms that much stronger too!)!
ReplyDeleteI think she might be one of the coolest kids on the planet! Love her new Chicky bike!!
ReplyDeleteHow much do I love that she named her new prize? What a special bike and special family to pass the bike your way, and most of all what a special kiddo you have there.
ReplyDeleteThat is too cool!
ReplyDeleteOMG, she is just SO DARN AWESOME!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I just LOVE that she named her sweet ride! ;)
I love how so many people have such kind & generous hearts...so.very.cool.
I am all choked up here K. Honestly, these pictures have made my day. Go Ellis, let no one define you.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME! Great name for your new bike.
ReplyDeleteNice wheels!!! Go get 'em E!
ReplyDeleteLook at her go!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that E looks like she is having a ball.I know you'll love running after her.
ReplyDeleteThat is the coolest thing! And.. does it not amaze you every day how "special" our "special needs" children really are !!? Everyday, my Miss M makes me love her more (if that is even possible) and makes me realize God's love for me too!!! :0)
ReplyDeleteYour posts always make me tear up, for one readon or another. This time is is joy and pride in your little girl.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on my blog. We need to connect by real e-mail soon.
Look at her go.. .
ReplyDeleteLOVE that smile.. she is soooo FULL of LIFE..
Now THAT is one sweet ride!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, that first moment when you soar on a bike,the same and yet x10, go sweet girl!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness chicky is right! That is so awesome and to see the smile in her eyes is priceless!
ReplyDeleteNow that is a nice ride for that fiesty girl of yours!
ReplyDeleteLea
xo
what beautiful present !
ReplyDeleteone more freedom for her...and a lot of fun !
Very happy for you.
kiss from south France
Severine and Victoire
Chicky is super Cool!
ReplyDeleteSo very happy for all of you. Especially Chicky and E! Oh, the places she'll go.....
ReplyDeleteAh magical!
ReplyDeleteHow fun!!! And, yes, I imagine you will be running after her as she pedals ahead of you ;)
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow!! I would of been soo crying running behind her! She is amazing! Truly Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteKrista D
Well now how cool is that?
ReplyDeleteLovely!
This is just awesome to see. Awesome to see the generosity of folks. Awesome to see your sweet E's face and hear of her new found joy. Awesome to hear your perspective of it all.
ReplyDeleteLove how the happiness just shines through.
Hooray for Chicky!
Chicky is a good name for a bike. It's my pet name for many of the women in my life:)
ReplyDeleteHow very exciting! I love seeing her face on this new mean machine of hers. Perfect choice of music, too (as usual)
ReplyDeleteThere is no question that this very special little lady was meant to be right where she is!
Hey E,
ReplyDeleteUncle Jay and Aunt Karen are grinnin ear to ear now!!! Soon, you'll out RIDE them!! Triathlete training in PROGRESS!!! Love you and your new CHICKY, sweet angel!
It's like you gave her wings to fly!
ReplyDeleteTruly awesome! And timely for me. I met some pro-bikers yesterday who ride bikes like that! Disabled vets who will be in a local race today. Too cool.
ReplyDeleteHow Wonderful!! She looks so happy - so proud!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE Chicky!!
I'm sure you will find some way to pay it forward. Just blogging about your courageous family has inspired many of us...
ReplyDelete