Most days when I look at her, I forget. I don’t think about Spina Bifida, her shunt, her cathing, or her legs. I just see her — Brooklyn — and the beautiful spirit that she is. The way she now gives tight-around-the-neck hugs, her silly games of peek-a-boo, her fake “cries” to get attention, how she raises her little finger for “one more” book, and the way she adores every single thing her big sisters do.
But then there are other days when the tears fall fast and quick — and I’m not really sure why. Days like today when I remember what she’s been through and how it just isn’t fair. How another rock star friend of hers has to go in for another surgery, and it just isn’t fair. They are only children.
They are only children.
But what’s amazing about all of this is that it only takes one more look at her — at that little impish grin — and I forget all over again. I have written before about how I don’t know if I could love her without hurting a little, and I think perhaps I was wrong. Yes, I hurt for her, but most of the time I just see all of the joy, the love, and the beauty she has brought into our lives. Part of that is because of her Spina Bifida and all that has taught us, but most of that is because of who she is…something that has nothing to do with her Spina Bifida at all.
Her determination is what is allowing her to succeed far beyond any of our expectations. Her gentle spirit is what has her therapists wrapped around her little finger. Her playful attitude is what captivates her sisters’ attention when they could very easily ignore her.
When people talk about their diagnosis not defining them…I get it. Now I get it. This girl is so much more than the scars on her back, her head, and her feet. She is Brooklyn.
And that is what makes her special.
Making it Work…
dress and legwarmers — Target, Kendall hand-me-downs
shirt — Cherokee, niece hand-me-down
shoes — Pedoodles, Kendall hand-me-downs
headband — Adornemegirl
