I remember the days leading up to BB’s official diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia with a clarity that is often remiss in my memory bank. Google had already spelled out our daughters condition before we even saw the specialist. With her clear leg length difference, her inability to flex, and uneven creases in her buttocks, it was clear she was a toddler with all the symptoms of DDH.
I recall walking around with a poker face, sharing what I had read online, tasting new words like spica and osteotomy on my tongue. I remember inside burning with worry, fear and sparks of anger.
My anguish was selfish as well. One day the facade broke and I stumbled into the arms of my oldest brother and sobbed out…
“How will I cope if she is in cast for months.”
God, I was terrified.
Looking back I remember crying every time she did her wobbly walk before the surgeon corrected her stance. I remember trying to be strong but being so flipping furious inside.
But this was all a long time ago, and time has changed things.
We survived cast, she learnt to walk again and we no longer take anything physical for granted. DDH, although an unwanted house guest, has left an unexpected legacy in our home. It makes us relish the little things. Every step she takes imprints on my heart, every leap with her little legs lights up an otherwise ordinary day.
And when she runs, my eyes threaten to betray me as they shine with tears.
This weekend we went bike riding.
Two years and one month post surgery.
She is not quick (we were lapped by a toddler ambling), but she is doing it. Forcing a stiff old hip made up of alien bits of bone to circle up, then down, and round again.
We rode for half an hour, stopping only to feed the insistent ducks. It felt like an eternity; the best eternity money can buy.
Thanks to DDH, I don’t take anything for granted and I can find bliss in some of the simplest things.
Funny how things change with time.
I am so excited to be shortlisted in the Mad Blog Awards 2014 in two categories,
thanks to everyone who voted in the first stage
Best Writer and Most Entertaining,
if you would like Northernmum to win, please take a moment to vote here.
The second round of voting opens Monday 24th March at 9am
Must be amazing to see after everything she (and you) has gone through.
Author
It is and makes me stupidly happy x
You know you have my vote. I cried when I read this post, tears of happiness. Erin walked for all of three minutes today before telling me her legs hurt and she clamboured into the buggy. I am going to be that mum pushing her to school!!!
Author
I’m sorry lovely, trust me, it isnt forever – erin is a strong little girl it will come x
A beautiful post Jane 🙂 So glad she is doing so well.
Congratulations on getting through i 2 categories that’s amazing.
Will look forward to saying hi on the night x
Great post for your strong little girl. Congrats on your double category, I never doubted you would be there, a vote in from me.
A lovely post. My daughter has Aspergers and I remember the period of diagnosis as a dark and dreary one. This weekend she was in a dance show, and watching her socialise and perform made my heart swell in the same way I think yours did on this bike ride.
Congrats on the MADs – see you there!! x
Oh Jane, I have followed your journey and seen you grow – I love this post so much and it has me in tears of joy. That photo is just perfect. Congratulations too on your Mads finalist status, very well deserved! xxx
You had my nomination and you have my vote.
Love reading this x
Oh how wonderful to see her able to tackle new challenges.
And congrats on your MADS votes too x
your daughter looks just like you Jane!
It must be just the best feeling ever to see your gilr riding her bike, doing what a normal child does and should have the right to do. she sounds like an amazing little girl x
How fantastic is that she is riding her bike!
Well done in the MADs.
Absolutely hearty warming ( and well done you on yuou mads nomination)
Wow she is amazing! I completely get what you mean though we look at things so much differently
Lovely, lovely post Jane. Funny how being a mum helps you discover deep reservoirs of strength you never knew you had, but also funny how the little people seem even stronger than we are, sometimes. xx
So wonderful to hear that you are “getting on with things”, she looks so happy!
Well done to BB – and to you for getting through it. Sure she’ll get stronger and faster as she grows.
It’s incredible how far you have both come…. and you so have my vote for the MADS. X
This is wonderful Jane. I think I have something in my eye too.
H x