I heard it. The tell-tale thump as Micaela went tumbling into our laminate flooring. Then I waited. A little bit of movement. Then more steps. I let out a breath. No busted nose this time. Micaela is walking! Oh how we waited for this day. Hoped for this day. Prayed for this day. When Micaela was born she sustained an extensive brain injury. We were warned that 97% of children with such damage never walked or talked. Truly my family has a front row seat to God's miracles every day of our lives. She is both walking and beginning to speak in sentences. However, let me level with you, my friends... I honestly believe shelter-in-place helped facilitate this long-expected gift. As we honored the social-distancing rule, the girls fell into a quiet routine. We were at home. Life was less chaotic and busy. It gave Micaela that little bit more space she needed to grow. Truly, God works in mysterious ways. But, it has been bloody. Micaela has always been prone to nose bleeds and it never stops quickly. I usually have to pick her up, strip her down, and put her in the bathtub to wait for the gushing to stop. Each time I wonder if she will hesitate to get back up and walk again. So far, she hasn't stopped. Perhaps she is a little slower and more cautious for a couple hours, but it never last long. It is as if something deep in her soul has a desperate need to go forward. She inspires me. There has been a lot on my plate. Millions of other families have experienced changes and shifts in their responsibities. I have never delt with change well. My need for perfection is frustrated by having the world change. How can I do things right if what I'm asked to do keeps altering? I have been going to bed many nights, frustrated and angry at myself, wishing I had handled my emotions better or got more done. It is hard feeling bruised at the end of the day and still getting up the next morning with enthusiasm to try again. I watched Micaela giggle as she made a round in the kitchen. It hasn't got old yet for her. It has been a couple months now and she is still estatic about working on this new skill. Perhaps I must take a page out of her book. So what if I get some emotional bumps and bruises? I cannot stop. It will get better, the day more fluid, as we learn new steps of life. I pray this for each one of you, my friends, that no matter what blows life has dealt you, that you are able to get back up with hope. Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. How has God blessed you during this crisis?
10 Comments
Denese Runyan
6/2/2020 09:17:28 pm
Wonderful illustration of how to keep on going when the going gets tough.
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Lora
6/3/2020 07:57:03 am
Thank! We love you too!
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Nora Armendáriz
6/2/2020 11:04:54 pm
Me emociona saber de Micaela y me alimenta la forma en que escribes Lora la fe tan grande que tienes y reflejas bendiciones
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Lora
6/3/2020 07:58:27 am
Mucha gracias! Yo se que sin nuestra fe no podemos. Besos y abrazos!
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Robin
6/3/2020 07:26:40 am
Micaela is such and wonderful inspiration to us all. I treasure your beautiful family and the amazing words you share. Keep sharing.
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Lora
6/3/2020 07:58:56 am
Thank you, sweetheart!
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Karen Moseley
6/3/2020 08:03:31 pm
It has given me more time with my son who has not been able to work because he is high risk. I love the joy he brings to our family. His smile is contagious. We have been enjoying old family videos together.
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Lora
6/3/2020 09:02:21 pm
That is so fun! He does make others smile so easily...God is always good!!!!
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Christine Bielecki
6/8/2020 11:10:43 pm
Our world could learn so much from Micaela. She’s always been such an inspiration to me! I can’t wait to hug you all again!
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Gracie Rios
8/4/2020 04:40:36 pm
Thank you for sharing this story with us Lora, and for sharing your strong faith. God has blessed me so much, sometimes we get so busy with life that we fail to notice all the blessings. I have guardianship of my great niece and great nephew and they are both a joy. My nephew has been diagnosed with intellectual disability and autism. Being at home during this COVID has been hard but rewarding if that makes sense. I have noticed Joshua (that is my nephews name) has been coming out of his shell a little more and communicating his needs, that is BIG. He is not that verbal and sometimes its so hard not knowing what is going on with the little guy. He is 7 years old but has the mental capacity of a 2 1/2 year old is what the drs say. I see more. Anyway just being here and learning more with him has been awesome. I truly believe that we learn so much from children, and I pray that when things go back to normal (hopefully not the same normal) that all of us keep looking for those blessings that are upon us every single day. Thank you again Lora for your beautiful blog and stories, they are very inspirational. Don't forget about us here at Monte Vista Elementary ok?
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