All of this before she's one?!

She had already endured more in her first 6 months than most have in their entire lifetime.

Valencia as a girl's name is of Latin origin meaning "strong or healthy". It derives from Valentinus, a saint's name. It is also a place name for the city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, known for its oranges.

    I named her correctly. She is strong, stronger than many people I've met. Within her first six months of life, she has already endured more than most have and will endure in their entire lifespan. I am in awe of her spirit whenever we are faced with a challenge. She not only takes it head on but also does it with a smile.    

    So, just to recap we have had six weeks of casts on both legs, six weeks of a Ponseti brace with a bar keeping legs separated, a NCV test and multiple blood tests as well as multiple other tests to check all areas of Valencia's body. Whew! And we are still enduring more. 

    I wanted to take a break from the procedures though to tell about the victories too. V is for Valencia and is V for victory. (Yes, I'm an educator at heart). 

    I remember this day as if it was yesterday cliché to say I know but it's true, because it's one of the happy days. One of the days, we got good news from the doctors and not more procedures or test to do. We got to take the casts and braces off, her little legs would get a break *no pun intended. 

    This was her first car ride home without a brace, a cast, or a wrap. Based off her look I don't even think she believed it! We were excited on this day, it gave a sense of "normalcy" little did we know that our normal would always look a little different from others. It is a life we have learned to love and continue to learn from each day. Things may look different for us but we have embraced it and share the victories as well as the setbacks with all. 

To ask or not to ask, is that even a question?

Valencia was once asked by a fellow student "what's wrong with you?" without hesitation she responded with a "nothing, what's wrong with you?" I turned my face and giggled, I was both amused and proud of her response. 👏 We never discussed how to handle situations like this so her response was genuine and funny. If you know my daughter then you know that her heart is sincere. 

It did raise an interesting point however, how should one ask about her journey? 🤔 Whats the proper way and how do we welcome the conversation. We have no trouble discussing her journey but the way it is asked can be critical in the return response. 

Here are the best ways to ask should you wonder about anyone's health/ life/condition.

• Would you tell me about your journey? 

• What happened?

• Was she born this way or was there an injury?

Here is how NOT to ask unless you want the south side of where G and I come from to come out!  

• What's wrong with her? (Side note: nothing)

• Did she fall or something? (Yes, this has been asked)

• She can walk why does she need a wheelchair. ( insert eyeroll here) 

Remember that with most disabilities or families with disabilities, we are more than willing to share and discuss our stories (ie. Our blog). What we are NOT willing to accept is the fact that someone may think that there is anything wrong with them, because there isn't. They were made special, beautiful and different BUT not weaker! Ask away.