|
Starting School
Great News
How You Can Help
I-CAN Book Club
| |
Kaylee
©2003
all rights reserved
This is my little pumpkin, Kaylee! She is my
life and my best friend. After losing several pregnancies, I was losing all hope
on having a baby of my own. But it finally  happened
and I couldn't of been happier. My pregnancy finally lasted past the 4th
month. We found out in the ultrasound about her arm. It was very shocking at
first. I remember going home laying on the floor of the room that was going to
be hers and just crying and crying. Society has us all picture this
"normal" little baby and how everything is just going to be so easy.
And when you find out that everything isn't what you picture, you become so hurt
and a little mad. Not that I would wish a disability on anyone but you do stop
and think (selfishly) "Why my daughter?...Why my baby?" It took about
a week for me to realize what I was actually going to have!
I then realized that I was going to have a child that I only usually read about.
One of those children who are going to be able to accomplish anything despite
what they may go through to get it. One of those children that everybody talks
about when they complete a major task. That's when I realized I was in for
something spectacular! I started becoming more and more excited about her arm. I
just knew that I was lucky to have God pick me for such a unique child.
Kaylee was born in 2000. Her due date was February 7th but she was a little early.
She weighed 4lbs. 15oz.
She did great from the beginning. Her lungs were fine and she was perfectly
healthy.
We got her first prosthesis when she was about 13 months old. I really didn't
think she needed it but everyone kept yelling at me to take her. I am not too
educated on prosthesis so I'm not sure what this one was called (when she would
reach, the hand would close). She hated it from the beginning. And I never
wanted to push her to wear it! That was something that bothered me from the
beginning. This is the way she was born. I am NOT going to be the one to give
her the impression that the way she is isn't right. I am not going to make her
feel that she HAS to have something there. I think the world is so caught up on
being and looking "perfect" they don't stop and look at individuals
feelings. (Remember: this is just my personal opinion!) She says the her
"extra hand" is too heavy. She loves her arm and has done everything
she ever thinks about. I have never seen her have a problem with anything.
Just the other day while painting her fingernails (cause you know, she is a
princess ... ha ha). She said "let me do it" and held out her little arm
to hold the applicator. I put it in the little crease of her elbow and she
painted like there was no tomorrow. She even did all her toes. Although being 3
years old, I did have to clean her skin up a bit....ha ha. My and my husband got
a little teary eyed at that. Of course I called the whole family to share the
news! People must think I am soooo silly to call and be so excited that their
daughter can paint her own nails but it was so NEAT! She is amazing!
Never in a million years would I wish that she were any different. Don't get me
wrong, if there was a way, I would give up my arm in a heartbeat so my baby
wouldn't have to deal with the "being perfect" issue in this world
today. And I know I am going to be crushed that first time she comes home from
school crying that someone hurt her feelings or crying because she doesn't have
another hand. Hopefully I am doing the right thing by raising her with the
outlook that everyone is different in some form or another and that these
differences are not because the person chose to look this way...it is the way
God wants us to be and although it may not be easily understood, there is
usually a very good reason why each individual has their differences.
Maybe God knows who can handle them and who can't. Sometimes I go off of
that a little and when other little kids ask what happened, I tell them that God
thought she was so special that he kept a little bit of her up there for
himself...he he. They get a kick out of that.
There are no words to describe how much she means to me. She is and always will
be my best friend forever!
Jody, Kaylees Mommy
|
