Thursday, July 21, 2011

Little Swimmer

Though it's not the focus of this blog, I've written before about my children's special needs, and how incredible it is when they reach a particular developmental milestone (such as S. taking his first steps or R. buttoning her PJs for the first time). It can take my kids months (or years) in therapy to achieve things that come naturally and effortlessly to other children. So when my children reach a hard-earned milestone, my pride in them (which is present at all times) is pretty much indescribable. I might burst with joy.

I had one of those moments yesterday with S., who is almost 5 years old. He has had motor delays since infancy. At age 6 months, his motor skills were like those of a newborn. He could not support himself in tummy time, could not roll over, could not hold his head up, and could not bat at toys. He has received physical therapy ever since he was 7 months old, and he is doing great now, even though he still lags in certain areas.

This summer, he's been attending a wonderful day camp with the help of his SEIT (special ed itinerant teacher) a few hours per week. The camp known for its instructional swimming. Since S. has never been crazy about the water, I thought this might help him get more acclimated, even if he didn't learn how to swim (yet).

Yesterday, parents were invited to come see the kids go swimming. S. had been telling me, "I swim by my own self!" but I wasn't sure how accurate this was.

But, lo and behold:





Almost his entire group at camp (mostly older four-year-olds), in fact, has learned to swim in the past several weeks. And every parent was snapping away with photos and videocameras (myself included). But I was also tearing up as I filmed him, because, again, this is a milestone that used to seem very, very far away.


And you know what's even better than the fact that he can swim now? The look of pride and happiness on his own face:

It was one of the best moments of the summer for me.

S. will turn five years old in early August. I'll tell you more about his progress (and share some more photos) then.

10 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    I love this post! And of course, it recalls our own days of traumatized yore in the pool ... with Yoli ... who then had her own come-uppance on the Slip 'n' Slide ...

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  2. mymomshopsJuly 21, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    T.- thanks for this!! OMG- Yoli. Must tell R. about her. She loves Riverbend stories from the "olden days." What happened to her on the Slip n Slide??!!

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  3. twinmomJuly 21, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    What wonderful news!! Congrats to you and S

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  4. TKJuly 21, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    he looks so proud! way to go!

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  5. The Kingrea'sJuly 21, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    I have to tell you I love your blog and follow it every day! But this post I just showed to my husband and I am tearing up! It makes me so happy!! God Bless you, your and your sweet precious boy! Wonderful and sweet post!

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  6. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    What a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing your precious news. Such an achievement. -from an anonymous follower and fan in MN with a son who is almost 4 and loves the pool too

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  7. Talya T.July 22, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    I teared up while reading this. Way to go, S! Keep up your model parenting, J. Putative "delays" or no -- your kids seem to be amongst the happiest in the world.

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  8. mymomshopsJuly 25, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Thanks so much everyone.

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  9. AnonymousJuly 27, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Lots of nachas!!!!

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  10. Ellen SeidmanJanuary 6, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    OK, that last photo just made my whole week. Month.

    You KNOW I know exactly how you feel. I take plenty of pride in Sabrina's achievements but, I have to admit, Max's are just out-of-the-ballpark thrilling.

    Here's to lots more progress in 2012! For us, too!!!

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