Since getting my medical clearance and being able to again lift Cora, I have been taking Cora with me to Pickford when I run errands and to encourage her walking skills.
Adventures always motivate!
While walking into the grocery store an older woman pulled up in her car. She got out of her car, the whole time watching Cora, and walked over to us.
"Oh, she is so adorable. How old is she?" She asked me.
"Thank you," I said, "She is almost three years old.".
"Well," the woman replied as her smile faded away and was replaced with a stern look, "She should be walking so much better than that. You shouldn't be holding onto her hand and she should be walking on her own!".
I looked up and smiled at the woman. This beautiful, over seventy year old woman who was my elder and deserved the respect from me that her years demanded. "I think, for a child who has endured two open heart surgeries, she is doing phenomenal. Have a blessed day."
With that I walked away. Cora said "Bye" and blew her a kiss as we walked away. Cora in her adorable snow boots crunching the snow as she worked at walking across the parking lot and into the store.
There continues to be moments on this journey where I long to be able to turn off the sound of another person's voice. To push a button that floats in the air so I won't hear the words spoken in negativity to the progress that Cora has worked so hard for. Often we have to find the next best thing.
While walking away from this woman and trudging through the parking lot as a snail's pace, each step a victory for my Little Button, I had one final thought about the encounter as Cora navigated the step up and through the sliding doors and into the store, Where are Cora's pink earmuffs when I need them!!!
This journey with Down syndrome has taught me many lessons, lately the new ones seem to have a common theme. I am learning to not take on another's comment, to not hold them as personal attacks. I leave the conversation, or situation, with my head held high and my gratitude/peace of mind intact. I refuse to allow another person who is negative to take up residence in my mind, after all they aren't going to pay rent for the space they occupy!
I leave you with that thought today. Increase awareness, defend your child, but do it with gratitude in your heart and a "not for rent" sign posted on your forehead.
((Lately Cora's favorite pasttime has been putting on the pink ear muffs I use in the summer time when I mow the lawn. For an inspirational poster with her picture go to: www.facebook.com/thegiftedchoice))
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