Monday, August 22, 2011

Three steps

With three quick steps, you can reach the porch to the main entrance of our house or descend to the yard. Three steps with no hand rail. Rich and I very much dislike that porch. The commonness of it. The inexpensive route of the builder. Allie and Em mastered those steps what seems like ages ago but was probably only within the past year. Anna, on the other hand, lacks the balance and muscle strength for tasks that appear to be easy for a four year old.

The norm in our house is to find Anna standing at the top or bottom of those stairs, her little hand held out waiting for assistance. She speaks one word. "Help." Lately, both Rich and I have been pushing her outside of her comfort zone. Physical therapy ended with the school year and will resume in a few short weeks but that doesn't mean that physical activity has been lacking.

Last week, I suggested to Anna that she try to come down the steps without any assistance. I told her that I would spot her as I held my arms out in front of and next to her, providing her with an invisible safe cocoon.

One step.

Two.

Soft landing in the grass.

"You did it, Anna! You did that all by yourself!!! Mommy is so proud of you!!!"

Maggie's birthday party was this past Saturday. We were in a bit of a scramble (as usual) to leave our house so Rich, on his way out to pack up necessities and the gift in the van, propped open the screen door so that little munchkins could exit on their own. As I searched for my flip flops, Anna sat on the floor in the front hallway patiently threading the straps of her sandals through the metal rings. I disappeared into the family room to grab my camera bag.

"Anna, don't forgot to-"

I returned to the front hall expecting to see Anna standing by the door or on the porch, waiting for my hand. That has been our routine. She wasn't there. I glanced into the front part of the family room. She wasn't there either.

"Anna?"

And then I spotted her. She had stopped at the sound of her name and was looking back up at the house from the front yard. She had conquered those steps all by herself without hesitation and was following the flagstone path to the driveway.

We're getting there, Anna. We're getting there.

aug21j

29 comments:

Elyssa said...

oh sarah.....that was beautiful. i think it should be printed in a spina bifida magazine....really, really great writing. i love reading about anna's progress.

Sally said...

I love hearing about all the triumphs of your sweet girls. Thank you for sharing.

Wendy said...

Oh, Anna ::crying:: So proud and happy.

Rgarnett said...

Beautiful story!

Miss Megan said...

YAY Anna!!! Thanks for sharing!

Jen said...

Awww, yay! That's wonderful!

Unknown said...

That made my heart melt. Yay Anna!

Unknown said...

How wonderful, great job, Anna!

Brenda Lee said...

Go Anna! As a therapist, it is so wonderful to read about you celebrating these milestones. So many parents just look at the big picture (having their child keep up with their peers), but you really appreciate the small steps along the way. That is so wonderful!

Jennifer said...

GOOOOOO ANNA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meg said...

Awesome!! I agree with Alice; this post should definitely be printed. :) Happy for you all!

Hope's Mama said...

Yay, Anna! You little star.
xo

mommytocutiepie said...

Go Anna!

Marcia (123 blog) said...

Yay Anna!

Such a proud moment for you, Sarah :)

Patty said...

Lovely! No matter what kind of child you have, watching them conquer something that before seemed impossible - always a thrill.

I never comment, but I do enjoy your blog as a sewing mom of girls who fancies herself a photographer.

Erin said...

Go Anna!!!

Jacki said...

I've been reading for a while, but don't usually comment. This post made me so happy that I just had to. Congratulations Anna!

Dad to Triplets said...

As Anna's dad nothing brings me more joy than to hear her say "Daddy, I did it!" If only you could see the excitement on her face...

Kayla said...

Rock it Anna! So proud of you!
And Sarah - way to go for pushing Anna a little - it must be difficult to do that but what achievements this beauty is capable of. I would have freaked (in a great way) when I saw her walking down the path. Way to go Anna!

Katie said...

Go, Anna! I actually applauded her out loud when I read this.

Your kids are all amazing!

Kari said...

Amazing! I love reading about your girls!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Anna! This brought tears to my eyes....remembering the day that Madelyn finally did the stairs at my parents house. It's the little things that are so huge!

Michelle said...

That's awesome Sarah!!

Jessica White said...

How absolutely wonderful for her!

Sarah said...

Thanks everyone for your kind words!

JourneyWithTheCrosiers said...

Way to go Anna!!!! What a beautifully written story of those moments in life that simply take your breath away.

Alicia said...

Go Anna!! :-D

This made my morning. What an awesome triumph!

Teresa said...

Yay Anna!!! I had tears in my eyes reading this. Thanks for sharing those little milestones with us!

aimee81008 said...

I read your blog regularly because your girls are so cute and I enjoy reading about their lives but I have never posted. I am crying tears of joy for both you and for Anna. You both must be so proud! I know I am, of a little girl, I don't know but I am rooting for! Go Anna!