A New Normal . . . For Now

On Thursday Steven and I took Madeleine to see an orthopedic specialist.  He briefly looked at her knee and said that when children her age dislocate their knee surgery is not usually necessary, but as they get older it is.  So, if there is a good age to dislocate you knee, I guess 8 is it.  He did a few exercises with her leg and showed Steven and I how to as well.  Although we are unsure how long she will be in a brace, he wrote a doctor's note excusing her from PE indefinitely and explained that she will not be able to dance until at least October.  She was very disappointed to hear this, especially because she was looking forward to starting Jazz this year.  I talked to her teacher and even though she can't dance, she will still attend class to watch and learn.  We are hoping that the time between now and October flies by so she can start showing us some jazzy moves!  Her next appointment with the orthopedic specialist is on August 16th, which also happens to be the first day of school. 

It has been four days since Madeleine's accident and she has adjusted well to her new normal.  She has learned to maneuver in her brace and never complains about her condition.  Instead of fretting she has learned to make the best of it.  She has enjoyed lots of attention including a play date with her best friend.  Abby came over the day after the accident bearing presents, including squinkies , a tattoo, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. 

So, what does one do when their leg is being held captive in a brace? 

Play games.  Lots and lots of games.

Compensate for the lack of leg by getting a tattoo.

Take short walks to breathe in some fresh air and stretch out your legs.

I told her to hike up her dress to show off her big ole' brace.

I told Audrey to smile.

In addition to the things mentioned above she has also almost completed an entire coloring book, done puzzles, read, and watched movies.  She has always been good at finding things to do and being injured has made no exception. 

Before I end this post I want to take a moment to document some things Madeleine has said that I don't want to forget. 

On the day of the accident, she proved to not only be courageous, but selfless. Shortly after returning home from the hospital, I wheeled her to the bathroom in Steven's computer chair.  On the way there, I had to dodge various obstacles that were strewn on the floor.  As I did, with concern in her voice, she told me to be careful.  At first I assumed she was afraid I would whack her protruding leg on the wall.  Instead, she was concerned for MY safety.  "I don't want you to fall and pop your knee out".  At that point I told her that I wished it had happened to me instead of her to which she replied, "Oh I am glad it happened to me and not you.  I don't want you to feel pain like that".

I couldn't believe it!  After the excruciating pain she experienced, she would rather endure it than me.  I thought it was profoundly selfless, especially coming from an 8 year old, and I think it speaks volumes about her character.

That night when I tucked her into bed she said, "thank you for shading me".  After the accident, other than holding her and stroking her forehead, all I could do was protect her face from the blaring sun with the T-shirt she had taken off moments earlier, revealing her swimsuit.  Something that felt like a small gesture at the time meant a lot to her and I thought it was sweet for her to tell me so.