A person’s a person, no matter how small

When Gabby was born there were so many worries. In my mind one of the biggest was would she ever walk. It took her longer than the average baby to start walking but eventually in the tiny kitchen of the tiny trailer we lived in she took her first steps. I remember staying so quiet not wanting to startle her, she was around 19 months old. This story comes to mind today because it’s World Spina Bifida day. October 25th has been designated to bring awareness to this birth defect. Some people look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them Gabby has spina bifida. Most people assume that all people born when SB are wheelchair bound. I read earlier today that SB is sometimes called the snowflake disease because it comes in so many different varieties. Gabby was born with a closed spina bifida defect that they call a tethered cord. Her tethered cord can cause numerous problems from headaches to abnormal gait to urinary incontinence. Gabrielle suffers from all of those symptoms. Dr. Alam has given us permission to bring Gabby to a local neurologist. She hasn’t seen neurologist since before she started walking. It’s strange my biggest worry when pregnant with her turned into my least worry as the years have passed. Currently, I have her scheduled for an appointment in January. Gabby has been having a few headaches and her feet are starting to turn and give her more trouble when walking. I’m anxious for this appointment and to learn more about this part of her birth defect. Gabby has so much determination when she decides to put her mind to it she can accomplish it. Her confidence needs some building, that we are working on. 

Gabby has continued to heal beautifully since her surgery this summer. She is handling the cathetering well. She has jumped right back into school making honor roll her first 9 weeks of 4th grade and joining both 4H and Beta club. Girl Scouts is back in full swing and our social calendar stays full all the time. We are so blessed to have Gabby in our life. She teaches our family so much on a daily basis. Tolerance, strength, acceptance, sensitivity and list grows by the day. The picture below is Gabby and two of her best friends after their honor roll assembly today. I’m so thankful her group of friends that she has made over the last year. It definitely has helped with her self confidence having them on her side.