Thursday, January 7, 2010

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.

10 comments:

Mrs. Bird said...

Yay for Matthew! I'm so happy for you guys :)

Jennifer said...

That's awesome!!

Anonymous said...

Aw, Jo-Ann, I am in tears! I have photos like that of my older two kids from last weekend, but as you know, Levi is almost 2years, and I hope soooooo much that he can follow in Matthew's footsteps and succeed in all these wonderful gross motor skills and family memories! Wow! I'm surprised that you got the AFO in the boot. I never would have thought that would work...I was even telling myself, well, hopefully a ski boot will hold Levi's foot in the same position as a stiff AFO! I bet you I could get his foot and AFO in a snowboard boot though...they are much more comfy! :) Thanks so much for thinking of us...really words can't say how much Matt inspires me. Hoping June works out so we can finally meet in person!!! Love ya, Jamie

Allie said...

That is soooo awesome! I remember last winter how much you wanted to enroll him in lessons! I'm so glad he got to go skiing this year and that he liked it! :)

Sue said...

Glad you're back -- missed reading your posts! And what a high for all of you ... On the surface, yes you had a GREAT time. But when you factor in all that Matthew is going through ... well, I'd say this one was one big victory. I'm so happy for all of you!!

Love the rosy cheeks on the boys ... Here's to more great adventures!

Unknown said...

Glad to see you posting again Joanne - I've missed you.

Wow what a wonderful experience for everyone.

Amber said...

Woohoo!! That is fantastic, Jo-Ann! :D

Karla said...

That's so awesome! I can't wait until we can all hit the slopes some Christmas!

Sara said...

That is wonderful Jo-Ann. xoxo

Michelle said...

That is so great. It really makes me look forward to getting my guy out of his casts and into the snow!