Thursday, January 26, 2012

Special

Most days when I look at her, I forget. I don't think about Spina Bifida, her shunt, her cathing, or her legs. I just see her -- Brooklyn -- and the beautiful spirit that she is. The way she now gives tight-around-the-neck hugs, her silly games of peek-a-boo, her fake "cries" to get attention, how she raises her little finger for "one more" book, and the way she adores every single thing her big sisters do.

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But then there are other days when the tears fall fast and quick -- and I'm not really sure why. Days like today when I remember what she's been through and how it just isn't fair. How another rock star friend of hers has to go in for another surgery, and it just isn't fair. They are only children.

They are only children. 

But what's amazing about all of this is that it only takes one more look at her -- at that little impish grin -- and I forget all over again. I have written before about how I don't know if I could love her without hurting a little, and I think perhaps I was wrong. Yes, I hurt for her, but most of the time I just see all of the joy, the love, and the beauty she has brought into our lives. Part of that is because of her Spina Bifida and all that has taught us, but most of that is because of who she is...something that has nothing to do with her Spina Bifida at all.

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Her determination is what is allowing her to succeed far beyond any of our expectations. Her gentle spirit is what has her therapists wrapped around her little finger. Her playful attitude is what captivates her sisters' attention when they could very easily ignore her.

When people talk about their diagnosis not defining them...I get it. Now I get it. This girl is so much more than the scars on her back, her head, and her feet. She is Brooklyn.

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And that is what makes her special.

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Making it Work...
dress and legwarmers -- Target, Kendall hand-me-downs
shirt -- Cherokee, niece hand-me-down
shoes -- Pedoodles, Kendall hand-me-downs
headband -- Adornemegirl

2 comments:

grandma b said...

It's kinda funny - that is right along the lines I was thinking the other day, when she was teasing at the dinner table - of course I could NEVER say it so eloquently! Also, when I read this, the first thing that popped into my head was Psalm 139:13-14, which is beautiful in so very many ways. But, I for the first time the words INMOST BEING literally jumped out at me. That is what makes us who we are and Whose we are.

13For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Jodi said...

Oh those baby blues! BEAUTIFUL windows to that precious soul. I just melt when I see you. Brooklyn Hope, here in Texas we have a saying.... you are "somethin' else!" I am thankful I found you and your Mommy so I can watch your journey unfold. God has BIG BIG BIG plans, sweet girl! In my heart, I hope that someday you can give one of those big neck-squeeze hugs to my Brooklyn Hope... she's also a pro at those. :) She sees your picture and thinks it is really fun you have the same name. Love to y'all!!!