The Special Mother

by Erma Bombeck

 Did you ever wonder how mothers of disabled children were chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over the earth selecting his instruments of propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"This one gets a daughter. The Patron saint will be Cecelia"
"This one gets twins. The Patron saint wil...l be Matthew"
"This one gets a son. The Patron saint.....give her Gerard. He's used to profanity"
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a disabled child".
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy"
"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a disabled child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel!"
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of sorrow and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it. I watched her today, she has that feeling of self and independence that is so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you"
God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness"
The angel gasps - "Selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally she won't survive. Yes here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider any 'step' ordinary. When her child says "Momma" for the first time she will be present at a miracle and will know it. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty and prejudice...and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as if she is here by my side"
"And what about her Patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid air.
God smiles "A mirror will suffice"

Guess who?

Guess who's going to Middle School!

We've spent the last two months debating on what was Mallory's best option for school next year.  I was hesitant and somewhat resistive to the idea of sending Mallory to Middle School.
But in the end after prayerful consideration and several meetings with trusted school staff, we came to the conclusion that Middle School would be best.

Needless to say, Mallory is thoroughly delighted with the choice.

It will be a reunion with several of her favorite classmates from her special education class room that have moved on up to the Middle School already.

Couldn't have said this any better.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/shut-about-your-perfect-kid/201203/five-things-not-say-special-needs-parent

Modified Ride

Last summer, we had a major mishap with Mallory's trail-behind bike.  We wrecked.  It was awful!  She had went to reposition herself in the seat and turned the bike on it's side.
Lot's of road rash! OUCH. :(

Todd has spent a great deal of time modifying the trail-behind bike to make it safer for Mallory.

The seat now sits lower and is centered over the wheels.
He also removed the pedals and added foot rests.

Mallory loves it!
She begs to go for a ride every evening.

It's a good workout as well with pulling the extra 100 lbs.

A few more modifications are in the works.
Mallory wants the bike painted YELLOW.  Her favorite color.
We are also going to replace the velcro straps with a seatbelt.

We did it!

Mallory's school had their 2-mile Run/Walk/Roll today.
Mallory wanted me to partcipate with her while she rode her bike.
It's a fun event that is hyped around activity and wellness.
We completed 1.4 of the 2-mile route which I felt was quite the accomplishment.  I ran alongside Mallory most of the time.

Mallory got a kick out of squeezing the hand-brake every time we would hit a good stride. 
She thought it was funny.
I didn't.

Afterwards, Mallory enjoyed handing water out to all the participants. Especially to her buddy, Noah.

Horse Lessons.

Since the weather has warmed up, Jackie has started horse lessons again.  Mallory got to spend little time with the group and learn horse anatomy.

She has alot of fun participating.

She even wanted to be the teacher.

The best part was when Tonya would get Specks to jump.
The kids loved it.

Tonya even let Mallory jump in and lead Specks.

Back in the saddle........Again.

Sessions at Independence Farms are back in full swing but at a new location.  The riders get to be outdoors versus contained in a barn.  Weather will be a factor but this setting allows for so many possibilities.  It's exciting.