Yesterday Larkin was in a good mood and it was nice outside so I took her out front to walk on the sidewalk.
I leave her barefoot so that her skin comes into the abrupt contact of concrete. Cold, grating, smooth, cracks and all the things that a child who craves sensory input needs.
We walked up and down the sidewalk in front of the house. She in her white tights and pink top and me in flip-flops with my hair tied back.
I was using my feet to brush leaves and sticks out of the way and for some unknown reason this sent her into fits of uncontrolled laughter. She screamed with laughter until she couldn’t catch her breath.
So there we were. I am walking in front holding her hands and urging her to walk, kicking my feet up with a little more animation to get her to laugh and her using her Frankenbaby (that is a medical term HA!) walk to come toward me. I in a loud voice saying “GO GO GO” which only made us laugh more.
People were smiling and waving, some laughing. People passing by and I wondered after a bit what a site we must be. Does it show? Do they know the pain and scars we bare?
If only they knew the story of Larkin. They would know the gift it is to be able to have her stand, look at me, giggle/laugh and interact with me on any level. They would stop and share the moment with me. No thoughts of school, seizures, Down syndrome, ketogenic diet, therapy, politics, gas prices, the economy. They would stop and inhale the essence of a child who has fought so bravely and a mother who for this moment kicked up her feet and only thought of giggles.
What a life lesson. we should all be so lucky to have a moment like this and realize how special it is. thanks for sharing.
Love this post! We haven’t gone through near what you have but I have a good idea what a happy miracle these joyous moments are. I know I’d do about anything for those giggles! And then wondering… do they know what we have done to get to this moment?
Oh Amy what a special moment that must have been!!! I bet her giggles made you “Laugh as if you were a child yourself!” Does that sound familiar? What a joyous memorable moment. I am so glad you were able to find some peace in your day yesterday and I am believing that you will find many more moments like that. Your words are absolutely beautiful and you have such a gift of knowing how to put those words, thoughts, and feelings together. You seriously need to write a book to help other’s who walk in shoes similar to yours understand that they are not alone. Hugs always from the Bates family.
Oh Amy you just gave me the goosebumps… you know, in the really good way! I could just picture it the whole time. Her giggles are so contagious, she would have had me rolling on the sidewalk! Way to embrace the moment to write such a beautiful piece. Sending my love xoxo
Beautifully written by a beautiful mom for her beautiful daughter- thanks for the reminder to find the happy points in life, no matter when/where they ‘pop’ up. Give your sweetheart a hug from us!
ahhhh….those pure moments MUST be savored….
Keep kicking Amy!And giggling and rejoicing, in these magical moments.THIS is what it’s all about.All Larkin’s determination and fight….for moments like this!
Yes, to actually be present in the moment. That is a gift of childhood that most adults would love to get back. What a blessing to have a sweet little girl to help you get there! Another great post- you make my day!
I loved reading this, you paint the mot beautiful pictures to share.
Sending my love to the whole Armstrong lot!
Ahhhhhhh. Sometimes I grin from ear to ear just because John’s alive!!!!! His giggles are like fine wine and I can’t get enough.