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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Madi's Scar

Tonight I sat rubbing Madi's back as she settled down to sleep.  I was overwhelmed with the feeling of how lucky we are to have her in our lives; of how blessed I am to have her as my child.  When I got to the scar on her back, I could not help but think all that her it represents; the neural tube defect, the nerve damage, the hydrocephalus, the Chiari II malformation, the surgeries, the lack of function, the paralysis.  But at the same time, none of those things define who Madi is.  Madi is smart, funny, determined, loving, kind, curious, analytical, beautiful, a charmer, strong, compassionate, giving, and absolutely amazing.  It makes me sad when people stop and stare.  It makes me sad when they don't look at the person who she is, but instead look at the equipment that she uses.  The equipment is nothing.  Her equipment and her disability do not define her.  My prayer is that Madi will grow up strong and confident, showing the world that you are not your disability.  My prayer is that Madi redefines spina bifida, not only for herself, but for all those that come after her. 

5 comments:

Chuck and Heather said...

I could have written those words myself. Exactly the hopes I have for our Gwenner. I pray every day that others see her for how amazing she is and not for her SB. Love the sleeping baby pic by the way. Nothing sweeter than that!

Jill said...

*tear* So true. I often think that very thing.

Leigh and Andy said...

Such a beautiful post...I'm sure all of us mamas feel the same way and you said it perfectly. Madi is amazing and already such an inspiration to so many. :)

Colleen said...

The equipment is nothing<--I think no one can ever really understand this until it is their child using the equipment. Great post.

Gretchen said...

It is SO TRUE.... SB is NOT who they are, it is just a part of them, and so many do not understand that AT ALL!

Madi will do AWESOME because she has such a strong momma behind her who will NEVER let her forget that she can do ANYTHING she wants to! I jsut know that about you!

Be blessed!