Thursday, February 18, 2010

A Story Of Falls And Smiles

Another first that is a long time coming.

The boys had their first skating lesson today. They were so excited. After trying to find skates to fit Matthew's brace, we decided to try without it (but had his foot taped by Steve to help). It took a few tries to get his foot in without the toes rolling under, but we managed and I sent them out onto the ice for the first time.

There was a lot of this.



And a lot of smiles

and some more falls.

I like to call this one "my foot has a mind of it's own"



It didn't seem to matter how many times they fell, they always got right back up with a smile on their faces.

Eventually, they started to get it...and of course had to be faster and farther then the class.




They had a great time and I was so proud.

Now, onto the scrutinizing side.

If you look at every video of Matthew falling (green and grey jacket), you will see his left foot drift forward, knocking him off balance. He fell. A lot. More then any other kid on the ice. But each and every time, he smiled, got up, and worked harder, jumped higher and went faster. Because, that is Matthew.

I asked him after if he wanted me to find a pair of skates that his brace fit into. He thought about it and said no. I think that is a wise decision. Brace free in skates can only strengthen that little foot. Makes me even more proud that he decided that on his own.

Will leave you with Ryan's first jump combination. Double axel double toe I believe...

5 comments:

Jennifer said...

Oh my! I love those videos. Too sweet. The smiles are the best. Glad to hear Matthew is doing well, how often are the lessons?

"The Leengrams" said...

That is absolutely adorable!!!!!

Anonymous said...

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Sara said...

The boys are doing great!! J started lessons in January... we'll have to get them all together for a skate date someday.

Sue said...

Hey Jo-Ann --

I couldn't find your email on the clubfoot board, but if you wouldn't mind, take a look on a recent post from a friend of mine named Linda K. Her son Jonathan (age 6) is relapsing and is being recasted (they are also seeing Dr. VB, after seeing Dr. M for years) ... but Dr. VB is recommending Jonathan wear a "dorsiflexion AFO" instead of the brace. She's confused ... I'm confused ...

I just thought of Matthew and your AFO situation. Does he even still wear a brace at night? I thought perhaps you might be able to help Linda a bit, with your experiences with AFO's. Dr. VB asserts that it WILL hold the abduction but ... HOW the heck can it do THAT??!!

Thanks! Hope you're all well!