One shining moment

March 11, 2012

It’s that time of year again. Every year there are upsets, some call them mini-miracles. It’s the time when we all think we have all the answers, can see the future, and have the answers that no one else expects. Most people deal with this 2-3weeks out of the year, but for us, it’s not uncommon to be seen all year long.

The past several weeks, it seems as though Nathan has been just going through the motions. Not a whole lot of energy, below average appetite, erratic sleeping patterns (which the time change never helps,) days when asked to do any work at home he’d crumple over and cry. Then something clicks, the game plan all seems to fall into place. Like David scheduled to face off against Goliath, stay strong in your faith and know amazing things can happen.

Recently, Nathan’s therapists have been working on his reactions, rebalancing himself, and working to build core strength. These are muscles we haven’t been working as diligently on lately, but it’s time to bring everything back to the forefront.

Nathan still has his desire to get off his back and get into the action. Lately we’re making him do the work. He has to grab our thumbs and do the work to get to a sit, then we’ll help him to his feet and start him on his way. He’s been putting a good initial effort and has shown sparks of possibility to do more.

Midweek, I can over to Nathan where he was lounging in the beanbag chair. He grabbed my thumbs and I pulled him forward. He sat a little straighter and enjoyed the opportunity to focus on me up close or cartoons a little farther away. After a little bit, his core would tire out and he’d start to droop. Instantly he’d pull on the corresponding thumb pulling back to the middle. He did the same thing a few more times, sometimes leaning right, other times left, he’s responses we’re really starting to show, and encourage us to keep up the work.

After a little rest for both Nathan and me, I stepped away to grab something in the kitchen. Nathan voiced his displeasure and I headed back to him. I sat down and reached out my hands and very quickly, he wasn’t want satisfied sitting up he wanted to stand. Since he still had my hands by the thumbs, Annette helped him to his feet. I don’t know if he knew it or now, but then she let go.

He looked me square in the eye and dug everything he had in his grip into my thumbs. He was standing…on his own, balancing…on his own, a true endurance test. He lasted 15 seconds, then 30. I was impressed but knew better than to show it. If Nathan thinks he’s accomplished something he stops, he doesn’t want to let on if he could have done more.

Now we faced an interesting predicament. Nathan’s hands were only about shoulder level for him, but mine were up around (my) eye level. With the resistance he was putting onto my thumbs, my arms were the ones getting tired. Now it was my will not to be the weak link. (I wasn’t that I didn’t want to lose to him, but I didn’t want to put the limit on his progress.) He looked me right in the eye, and I stared right back. (If he’s keeping eye contact, he’s keeping his head up, which means another victory.)

After the 5 second staring contest, Nathan added a new dimension. He belted out sound like warrior. It was all I could do to keep from laughing, but it sounded like he was throwing down the gauntlet. I think I dropped my thumbs about an inch, thinking I may lose this battle, but eventually Nathan’s knees caved. I pulled him toward me and gave him a big hug.

I think all said and done, it was probably between 2 ½ - 3 minutes. (once again I made the story longer to read than it took to take place). I won’t call it an upset as it was something we all thought he had within him. Who knows what the next couple weeks have in store for us, on the courts and in the living room. Basketball is just a game, but life can produce enough excitement.

It’s time for the unexpected, go out and do something great this week.

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