Pure Determination

Despite the fact that it is Summer, which means rest and relaxation, Angie is back in Occupational Therapy working hard every week.  She has always worked hard in therapy but this Angie is showing persistence and determination unlike anything I have seen before.  Her long-time therapist, Laura, agrees.  The girl is on fire!

Since starting therapy last month, Angie has mastered undressing independently.  This may seem like something to take for granted at age 7, but if you think so, try doing it with one hand and a shoulder with minimal mobility.  One day, Laura led Angie through the steps of taking her shirt off, and one week later, she was doing all of her undressing without help.  Angie is so stoic and brave about tackling new, challenging tasks.  She simply decides she will do it and then she does.  I admire her so much, it is hard to put into words.

Today, Laura brought out a pair of adapted scissors for Angie to try with her weak hand, affectionately named "Righty".  First, Angie struggled to get "Righty" onto the scissors but she kept trying and after having to replace her arm on the scissors many, many times, she was able to cut through the paper.  As I watched her, I knew what I would do in her place.  I would say, "This arm doesn't work" and I would get up and leave the table.  Wouldn't you?  In fact, as I watched I wanted to rescue her and tell Laura it was too hard.  But I sat.  And I knew she would overcome the obstacle, as she always does.

What happens to us as we get older that makes us forget our power? Why do we assume we will fail instead of doing as Angie does and assume we will succeed? Or is it her?  I think most kids have a certain resilience and strength that somehow recedes as they age.  But I also believe Angie has something special.  She does not see herself as weaker or less important than her peers.  She does not consider the reasons she might fail, only seeing how she can overcome.

Angie is a gift to me, and to our family.  She has given me hope and courage beyond what I had before I met her.  Every day, I am excited to see what she will teach me, what new skill she will learn.  And I watch her to try to absorb what I might do to embrace her can't-fail attitude.  I am not there yet, but tomorrow is another day.