Determination

Mylee was adamant today about me not walking her into school today. Because of her wheelchair I have been taking her right in to her class everyday. But today, she was very clear that she did not want me to carry her in or even walk her in. She wanted to be dropped off at the door just like all the other kids. She is still pretty sore, tender, and stiff from her surgery and her casts, but she is making progress every day. When she walks, she limps a little, and her left leg kind of drags behind her. But it doesn't stop her, ore even slow her down.

There are many words that come to mind when I think of Mylee. She is spunky, hilarious, ambitious, adorable, persistent, stubborn, smart, unforgettable, inquisitive, and assertive. She's a risk taker (she scares the you know what out of me). She is motivated. She loves everything pink and girly. She is tough, strong, and most definitely resilient. She is proud of who she is and that she is from China and will tell anyone who will listen about being Chinese. She is confident, energetic, and eager. She gets excited over the smallest things and is eager to try new things. She can be sassy, impatient and naughty at times.



But today as I watched her walk herself into school the one word that I immediately thought of was determination. I don't think I have ever seen a child more determined to succeed than her. As I watched her limp her way through the door, my eyes filled with tears thinking about all that she has gone through in her life. She has endured more medical treatments, casts, surgeries, painful procedures and therapy than most people can even imagine in their lifetimes. And yet, she has done it all with determination. She is determined to anything and everything, so don't tell her she "can't" do something, because she will do everything to prove she CAN.

Right now we don't know what her future is in regards to her legs and feet. At this point, she is done with surgeries. Dr. Loder wants to see how she grows and how she adapts as she grows. We have come to the realization that she will never walk "normal." She will never be able to bend her knees completely. She will stumble and fall. But, we do know, that when she stumbles and falls, she will get right back up. She will get back up with more determination than ever.

One of the other things I thought about as I watched her walk into school this morning with her hair swaying back and forth was the fact that kids can be cruel. There will come a day when someone will mock her, call her names, and make fun of her. There will come a day when she may be picked last because she isn't able to run fast enough, or kick the ball hard enough. I can also tell you that when this day comes, Mylee will not back down. I pity that person because Mylee will call them out in true Mylee fashion. Unlike most people, she won't walk away with her tail between her legs. She will defend herself, and she will most definitely leave an impression.

As a parent it isn't easy watching your child go through such painful and limiting treatments and procedures. It certainly isn't what any parent expects. But I can tell you that Mylee's optimism, determination, and overall attitude sure has made it easier. She is an awesome kid, and we are truly blessed to call her our daughter. I cannot imagine our family without her. She is definitely, one of a kind.