It is around this time of year that I tend to get excited, competitive and become the parent to avoid in the playground.
It is Sports Day…
On previous years I have been known to hunt for my spikes, practise my sprints in the garden and have even purchased whistles to show my support.
But not this year.
This year I am dreading it, not for fears of my own fitness for the parents race, not for fear of seeing the kids reaction if they lose. I am filled with dread because Molly simply can’t take part.
I was flicking through some old photos last night, of the summer previous. Each image captures a happy moment. A tumble in the park, a race along the beach, a trip to a theme park, a day in the zoo.
In each of them my eight year old (then seven) stands tall, skipping from spot to space. Laughing as she throws cartwheels at will, giggling as she races with her siblings.
She used to fly rather walk, she used to smile when she did it.
Now she stumbles around, clumsily on two crutches, wincing with each terribly painful step.
Six months ago she could walk normally, like any other seven year old girl. At Easter she developed a persistent limp which by May half term had turned into a drag like John Wayne had shot her in the thigh.
And now she is in so much pain daily that she cries if she walks without her silver sticks.
It is obscene what is happening to my child. I am hating every living second.
Last year she won every race at Sports Day, this year she will be sitting on the rug next to me cheering on her brother.
It is simply not fair.
I can’t say anything helpful, but I didn’t want to ignore. I am just so sorry to read this, what a nightmarish thing to be going through. I hope that they find a way to help Molly soon and that she can get back to her flying x
No words Jane but thinking of you. It’s really not fair how this much crap can befall your family.
Love ya xxx
My cousin had this (which I can’t remember the name of now!) really severely, and he had great big boot casts on both feet. He was also really sporty so he turned his hand to… wheelchair basketball. Although he’s now outgrown the condition he still plays wheelchair basketball at a national level and is friends with almost every member of team GB. Not the same as running and skipping and jumping but if she’s feeling adventurous and it’s available in your area, wheelchair basketball (or any other wheelchair sport) might be ones to try.
It’s rubbish, the girl deserves a break.
Life can be so unfair, hard for you to watch aswell as her to suffer. Best of luck to little brother.
I’m so gutted and sorry to read this Jane. I am so sorry to read this is happening to her again. Big love. X
Oh this is sad to read. Sending hugs and positive vibes to you all, and gin to just you. x
thanks rosie
Hey lovely face.
I’m so sorry to read this – I hope they find out the problem.
Without wanting this to turn into a ‘this happened to me once’ comment, I really wanted to share something with you rather than reading and leaving.
My nephew (now an 18 year old super tall, super fit, sporty dude) went through a really scary time when he was 12.
He had terrible pain in one leg. Scans, tests, physio everything was done possible and yet they never found a cause.
Time went by and he just got better, and stronger.
He’s now rather a talented ballet dancer and rugby player and it’s like the time on crutches never happened.
I know that doesn’t help you right now. I know it’s not the same but I know from experience, often hearing something positive, makes it all a little more bearable.
Thinking of you x