We took a walk today.
He was excited to use “his legs”’.
He likes to choose which direction to go and the speed at which we go it. Do you know this is the first year in his life he has ever been able to breathe through a stroll around the block, using his legs? No stroller or adaptive bikes today. The time we set aside to walk together is treasured. He chooses a special toy to carry as he will have to tell them details about the surroundings and brag on his hard work, walking with Mom.
Smaller, but filled with much more courage, those little old legs of his are heavier than mine with braces up to the knee and ankle supports attached. His steps more difficult without the ease of bending. His need to impress his Daddy outweighing any physical challenge ahead. My heart wells with excitement for him. He is so amazing.
The gradual incline of the hill around the first corner makes him sigh. He doesn’t like hills. We have discussed the beauty of climbing them and how refreshing it is once the top is reached. We slow down. We lift our hands over our head and take deep breathes.
I look away because my eyes are flooded with the heaviest of emotions and pride as we reach the stop sign that has been our guiding light from the bottom of that hill. He smiles. Did you see that? He says. I applaud. I shout! Down hill from here big guy. He is beaming.
Down hill brings a new accomplished attitude as he tells me to race. His delight speeding up as we close in on the sight of our house. I beat you! He yells.
He did it.
My legs are wobbly Mom.
His spirit not.
I feel my chest heave with the greatest sensation of joy.
Remarkable strides. Remarkable drive. Remarkable…those legs.