Miracles

Last night our family attended a Christmas gathering at a friend’s home. It was a small party for dinner, and we brought our children along. Leaving our home to go anywhere with the kids is no small task- we have a 17-month-old son and our daughter, almost 5, has many special needs due to Shaken Baby Syndrome. Any outing takes careful planning and packing- plenty of toys, food, and Riley’s special seating and equipment. As we were preparing to leave, Riley had one of her little “meltdowns”…we have no idea why, but when she does this it is always stressful for us all, as she cannot communicate at this time what is bothering her, or why she is so upset. But, we plugged away, put the children in the car and left. As we drove to the Sypniewski’s home, we hoped for the best, Riley calmed herself and we all went on to have a great evening…

I encountered inspiration for my blog last night. As I sat among friends and enjoyed the evening, I watched Riley and remembered how far she has come in such a short time. I remember trying to coax her to open her mouth to take food, and last night she enjoyed plenty of dinner and dessert. I remember car rides to therapy when she would scream from start to finish…now the car rides seem to calm her. I remember her need to be held at all times, and only by mommy, but now she comfortably sits in her seat and “socializes” with everyone, full of smiles. Two-years ago we could have never dreamed of a night like this, but here we were…

In this, the Christmas season, I think that it is appropriate to write about miracles and hope. I believe that miracles exist, and I fully believe that my own daughter is living proof. She was not expected to pull through her attack, but she did just that. Riley has gone on to defy the odds, and through perseverance is still working toward recovery 2-1/2 years later. We have never given up hope that she will continue to progress. She makes strides, slowly, and even though she encounters some setbacks along the way, we embrace each day we have with her, both the good and bad, and continue to move forward…

Being the parent of an SBS survivor can be very hectic. Days are filled with highs and lows, and life is always unpredictable. Aside from dealing with your effected child, and the other “normalcies” of life, there are numerous appointments, therapies, paperwork, and professionals to manage. But, at the end of the day, all the craziness is worth it because you are the parent of a miracle. You have not only been given this gift once, but again when your child became a SBS survivor…a true miracle!!!

Lots of Love and Merry Christmas,

Lisa