We are "WALKING" and "ROLLING"

Fast forward to when she is 2 years old and she still isn't' walking, crawling sure but walking no. She would get around however she found a way and she was still small enough to be carried around or put into one of those little umbrella strollers when necessary. Until one day...

My mom and I used to love to go to garage sales, so we would do that on pretty Saturdays whenever we could. Well we came across a little dinosaur walker that doubled as a seat scooter exactly like the one pictured below, she bought it for like $5.00. When we got it home we cleaned it up and put it front of V. We showed her how she could scoot on it and then showed her how she could use it to push it, (she used to knee walk so we thought she could push it instead of use it as a "walker" since she wasn't doin that yet) or so we thought. She stood up using the dinosaur walking and took off walking, just like that. No walking behind so she wouldn't fall, no stumbling, nothing. She stood up and walked with that little dinosaur everywhere around the house. My mom and I just stood their in disbelief tears rolling down our cheeks because this was the first time we saw Valencia using her legs to walk. We were stunned and completely happy. 

That little 5 dollar dinosaur became such a blessing to us that day. Valencia was walking, with a walker (per se) sure but she was still up moving those little legs they way God intended. It was a beautiful day and one we do not forget or take for granted. One thing to remember when dealing with a disability is that you always need to focus on the abilities. The little points of movement that otherwise weren't there, the smiles that can come unexpectedly, just the small victories that most can take for granted. Yes, we've been walking and rolling through our abilities ever since. 

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.