Better Late Then Never

Five years ago I had a lot of questions. I wondered what Matthew's life would be like. I wondered how his little foot would impede him, where it would take him, if it would even change his life. We had so many questions, so few answers.

Now, I have met a mom online who has a little boy who is almost two who has a neuromuscular clubfoot like Matthew. She has many questions as to what her son will be able to do and so few answers.

With so few kids with the unique problem of clubfoot and nerve damage, it is hard to know what will be, but today, I can give her one answer. See, she and her family love to snowboard and have been wondering if her son will be able to enjoy the sport as they do. We also wondered about skiing with Matthew.

Here is what happened yesterday at Canada Olympic Park. Finally, for the first ski season, Matthew was not in a cast, not awaiting surgery, and the bones in his foot were perfectly aligned so he could use it pain free. So, I signed them up for their first ski lesson.


Matthew caught on quick, Ryan took a bit longer but they are both hooked and want to go back.



And the absolute best part...

Despite the rental boots being rear entry, I was able (with some finesse and some force) get his AFO into the boot AND it felt comfortable!

After their lesson and their begging for one more run (even though the temperature was -18 C/-0.4 F) we celebrated with a hotdog and fries. I asked what they thought of skiing. This says it all.


Where will this little foot take him? As of yesterday, to the ski hill. And tomorrow is full of possibilities.