We got Callie a little sign for her room that says “Different is beautiful.” It sits right next to her unicorn figurine on her dresser.
We’re at the stage where she doesn’t want to be different. She wants to blend in.
We’ve worked really hard to teach her empathy and that everyone has differences. Mama has a pump. Her friend at school is dyslexic. Her other friend has a speech impediment. Other kids at school have diabetes, ADHD, different abilities, and a million other things that set us apart.
But she’s ten now and more concerned with appearances. Her little social circle is expanding.
That’s hard for any kid. Let alone one with a prosthetic leg like Callie.
I’m not surprised we’re dealing with these issues now, I knew it would happen eventually. I was just kinda hoping it wouldn’t happen so soon! To me she’s still that little pint sized baby with her pink prosthetic and paci in her mouth.
All we can do is keep moving forward and address each hurdle as they come. I know I can’t take it from her, even though I would in a heart beat. All we can do is help her through it. Let her have choices. Listen to her concerns and let her have a say. Keep telling her she’s amazing. Keep reminding her she’s a unicorn in a field of horses. A wildflower among roses….And keep being there for her when she needs me.
I see the her sign every time I leave her room at night. And everytime it tugs at my heart.
It makes me fiercely proud. It makes me sad.
Just like her prosthetic.
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