Moving Forward

I received a phone call from Layla's physio therapist the other day. She asked if I'd be interested in taking Layla to power mobility day at the development centre. They are showing off a few different children's power mobility chairs for potential kids. At first I questioned if she had called the right parent. How could my low toned, underdeveloped daughter be able to move herself in one of those? I couldn't imagine it. But she assured me that from what she is seeing in Layla, that she would be a perfect candidate. She has been showing the beginning signs of enjoying cause and effect. For example; we have a small piano that has four large keys to play notes. When I pick up Layla's hands to press a key and the noise is made, she smiles.  She is doing something, then seeing a result and enjoying it. This is slow but good progress. The therapist said we likely won't see it right away but believes that over time Layla would hopefully realize that her hands can push the joystick and move herself towards where she wants to go. The occupational therapist that is putting this event on is doing a research project on having children in wheelchairs as young as one year olds to monitor their development. It's amazing, really. That people would believe, put so much time, energy and money into helping these children. That someone would believe in my sweet girl. It feels good to know that others have so much faith in her even when I struggle. She is not meant to just exist in society but to thrive.
This got me thinking about the years in the past when special needs children were separated from their families and community when placed in institutions for their whole lives. It breaks my heart. Not too many years ago there wouldn't have been so much put in to a child like my own. We are so fortunate to live in a country that values each and every life. I am so fortunately to have amazing men and women doctors and therapists that value my daughter so much and want to see her succeed.
I often forget really how far we have come. I'm so thankful for the photos and videos I took of Layla to compare with how much stronger she is now. We no longer are daily scared for her life. That's the biggest joy. We get to actually discus with people the excitement of her (at least) short term future. I'm setting goals for her mentally, physically and visually. It's so exciting, and yet scary. If I've learned anything over Layla's life it's that nothing is set in stone. There are no guarantees in this life. That can be both in a positive and negative sense. Currently we are seeing it in a positive light. Who's to say that my sweet girl won't hold up her neck, or be able to say some words one day? These are starting to feel like more real possibilities. When only months ago doctors said she wouldn't develop any further. I have no idea what things will look like in years to come but in the next six months I'm predicting falling more in love and being more amazed by the gorgeous Layla.