A couple of years ago my boy was give a therapeutic bike to ride from Ambucs. I couldn't believe at the time that someone would just give us a bike that hopefully would help strengthen my boy and allow him the freedom to ride a bike. It was red and super sturdy and it came with a basket with his name on it. I just knew he was going to love it, what kid wouldn't love a nice bike with his name on it? My boy that is who. The problem with the bike was that it was work for him because he wasn't quite strong enough to get the bike going without putting major amounts of effort into it. He did not have any desire to ride the new bike and for two years of trying I decided to give the bike back so that some other child could benefit from it.
My boys therapist left the bike right in the middle of the room where he had therapy and he never even gave it a second glance during his therapy. My boy had moved on a long time ago and he was to busy showing off for Ms. Rachel. He was awesome by the way, jumping like crazy and running on the treadmill. He is getting stronger and this allows him to do so much stuff, like sliding down a slide sitting up or stepping off a curb without holding my hand. He works hard so that he can do this stuff and we are so proud of him. There are a lot of things my boy is doing now that he didn't do in the past and you grow to appreciate all the little things. So this bike didn't work for my boy but we will try other things. While we are trying other things we take pleasure in all the little things he is currently doing. When you have a child with special needs the little things suddenly become the big things, such as holding a spoon or cup on their own. Sitting when going down the slide because they have the strength to hold themselves up now. It is the little things that create the moments that will last forever in our minds. So stop and smell the roses and take a deep breath, there is a little moment waiting for you.
