Enzo and I after 38 long laps!
I am truly amazed and blessed. Today was the longest day I have had in a long time. It was Walk-a-thon at the kid's school. We were all looking forward to today, well at least I thought we were. Enzo last night told me that he did not want to go to school and he did not want to do the walk-a-thon. I asked him why and he replied "I am going to be the slowest one!" My heart sank. I have tried to make life as "typical" as possible. Since his diagnosis with Cerebral Palsy , this is our first real obstacle that I was not ready for. I comforted him and let him know that I would walk EVERY lap with him. He smiled and said "Okay".
This morning was good, we had cuddles and snuggles, a yummy breakfast and off to school on time. I got there early and pulled him aside to stretch more and prep his left leg. We got to the field and did some of the stretches with the rest of the school and then it began. He started getting upset and acting out. I quickly comforted him and prayed for him.
The walk-a-thon started. The next hour and a half would be the most trying I have had to deal with in a very long time. Until we found our groove it was hit and miss. He would get frustrated (rightfully so) and start crying or whining. I must have started to cry three or four times feeling his frustration too. No mother EVER wants to see their child be in pain or hurting. I knew this not a tantrum but true frustration from his disability.
His physical challenges are so minimal that I often forget to even think about them. What do you mean? He is your typical five year old, right?. Then I remember, oh wait, that is right, there are things that are harder for him. I want so badly for him to not worry or think it might be difficult.
As we made our way around the course every teacher and parent cheered him on. Whether they knew his disability or not, they encouraged him. I felt so encouraged and supported by everyone. Thank you Jesus for your covering and love in this very difficult time!
His original goal was 55 laps. My goal for him was 20 laps. I was nervous that we would not reach his goal and he would be devastated. About an hour into the the hour and a half event, I think he realized he might have set too high of a goal. He decided that 35 laps would be better. I was relieved. We hit 35 laps with a half hour to go. He was exhausted and so was I. I carried him 75% of the time, man, I should have been sponsored!! We celebrated and collapsed in the middle of the field. Then when the five minute warning came Enzo jumped up and started laps again. Okay, I thought, sounds good, let's go!
He walked another four laps all by himself!
We did it! We finished!
GF pizza and Jamba Juice as rewards.
I am emotionally drained and physically drained.
I never thought something so simple as a walk-a-thon would prove to be difficult. But then again I do not lead an ordinary life.
I am so proud of my sweet boy and thankful for his wonderful school!
