I've been hearing the Happy Birthday song, but they tell me it's 'Not today, but soon!".
I'm a bit excited!
Today's #turningfive birthday countdown is a collection of big moments.
My wheelchair:
At first, we hated the thought of me needing a wheelchair. This is very common with families like ours. For us, it took years to stop being so afraid of a wheelchair. We couldn't even say the word 'wheelchair'. We weren't in denial, we just weren't ready, yet.
Then, we saw my determination and we learned that we really could have a go at most things and that I was more than a wheelchair.
And, we saw that my pram was not good. What four year old goes to the park in a pram? I was getting lots of weird looks. A lot of people didn't like it when we pushed my pram in to a small space... I guess they thought a boy my size shouldn't be in a pram any more.
And, so... we came to accept the idea of the wheelchair. By the time it arrived, we were excited and so, so ready for it. Getting the wheelchair was a great day!
Now, when we are out and about, we get different looks. We still get some of pity. We get comments on how cool my wheelchair is. And, it's the kids who look at me now. The grown ups don't notice it, as much, or they look away quicker.
Also, with the wheelchair, people are happy to help us fit into smaller spaces and they often smile... Well, it does have cool colours!
I loved the noise of the bikes and the trucks. I'm such a stereotypical boy, in that way.
I even turned my head to the 'bad' side, to better see and hear them. Mum helped me wave, and I started to wave a little it, on my own. This was sneaky therapy... but I loved it!
We were amazed at how many people knew me, and how many people called out to me during the drive.
We were so well looked after by Scott and Kathy. This was a great day!
My bed still has cool stuff. Hamish is there, with Batman! I have some awesome vision lights and paintings. I have my name banner and some awesome animal cut outs... But, my bed is a hospital bed. It can be raised and lowered. It can be changed so my feet and head can be lowered.
(We don't let my sisters play with the remote!)
That month kick-started us and developed some new routines for us.
It's hard to fit in all the daily therapies I need, because they take hours and my sisters need time for them, too. Some days are excellent therapy days for me. Some days are filled with pride and hope and excitement at what I can do.
Some days are filled with the sad reality that my disabilities are severe and that not every day is a success. But, we will never give up!
That was a great memory.
I went on my very first plane trip! I was able to get close to a dolphin. She sat on my foot! I liked her.
At Movie World, the characters were so good with me! They all said hello. They all gave cuddles and high fives to my sisters. They were very friendly to my Mum and Dad. And, many of the characters rubbed my arm or held my hand while they were talking to me. We loved being there.
And, I held a super huge snake at Australia Zoo! It was very heavy. Mum helped me to open my fingers, so I could feel the awesome scales. That was fun.
At the motel, there was a swimming pool. We went in it, every day. I was so happy, in the water! I never stopped movie, and it was always Mum who would get too tired, or too cold and decide we had to get out.
That was an amazing holiday and a great memory!
My First Plane Trip!
I FED A DOLPHIN!!
Movie World Characters
Australia Zoo
I'm getting pretty good at it! I reach out my hands and put them on people's backs. I bend my arms, so I can hug.
I press hard, to give some pressure, so they know I'm hugging them.
(My family love that mushy stuff!)
I run my fingers along arms and I hold on to wrists. I reach out to touch people all the time, now. This was a huge thing to learn.
I love being able to hug people and show them that I love them.
(I was still learning how to hold on in this photo... see Mum helping me?)
I have always had uncanny timing when responding to funny things my family have said. That's how they first knew I understood what they are saying to me.
I can say some words; mum, more, off, hung(ry), dad and ou(ch).
I have said 'Carol' three times, too. She makes me say that! She moves my mouth and everything! I maker her work for it, though... I try not to say it too often! #cheeky
I mimic sounds and my family can sometimes hear words. They look at each other and see whether anyone else heard the word, too. They like it when I make a new sound, because that might mean more words.
My family have heard me mimic them when they say 'Love you'. They like that.
Learning my words is a great memory. Every new word means new hope.
Considering everything... we know I am very lucky to still be here!
We need to celebrate!
**If you see a blurry photo... chances are, I wouldn't stop moving for the photo! xx