Koala Days

"A Diary Day Reflection - 11th August 2010

So today is going to be tough;yes sireee, no doubt about it...

There is no getting away from is: there is nothing and no one to hide behind.

SMA will head us square between the eyes, but I guess that today is another day on our journey to acceptance.

Permobil are coming today to demonstrate a couple of (power) chairs - the K450 and the Koala (I bet there is nothing cute, cuddly or even docile about this piece of equipment...).  A stranger will enter into our home, where I should feel safe and secure, with an object which confirms the reality that Eilidh has SMA, that she is unable to walk, and that she is wheelchair dependent.

I know that I have to think positively - somehow! - about today.  Today is a positive day, a positive step.  We are reaching out for Eilidh and her independence.  Her mobility and escape from learned helplessness - as she is unable to explore her environment - is paramount.  She needs to feel challenged and stimulated.  She needs to move forwards - and backwards - and round and round and round and round in her whizzy wheels. She needs to be a toddler.

Today is a small step into our future and our journey with SMA..."

It was a small step and we were brave, but that step brought as closer to today and I am grateful for the independence Eilidh now has.  It might not be a Permobil but they helped us find Snappie.