Vroooooom

I chose orange racing flames as the pattern for Elias's ankle braces.

The physical therapist who did the fitting handed me a key ring with over thirty sample patterns and told me to pick one. Elias wasn't any help. He just threw the samples on the floor.

Or tried to eat them.

After about ten minutes, I narrowed my selection down to an earth-toned pattern with geometric trees or the orange flames on a black background.

I passed over the skate boarders and puppies. Skipped the rainbow stripes and bubbles. And though I easily narrowed it down to three, then two, it felt like a difficult decision.

As if the decorative pattern on his orthosis would speak louder than the braces themselves.

During the hour that Elias sat relatively patiently, while three therapists measured his feet, blew bubbles, wrapped him in plaster, sang songs, and held his legs still, I fed him pumpkin bread, sang off key, and debated between the subtle trees and the bold flames.

One of the therapists said the flames were more "boy" and the trees were probably something I would pick for me-- but the truth is I've always loved the color orange, ever since Kraft Macaroni and Cheese was my favorite babysitter meal.

And I can't tell you how many times I've sat by a fire mesmerized by the flames.  Flames that aren't really orange but a kaleidescope of colors with a primal edge.

Flames that transport me to that space between thinking and dreaming where who I am and what I do disapear into a canyon of breathe, swept away by a collective sigh.

But the reason why I chose the orange flames is because there's something I instantly liked about a pattern most often found painted on the side of a race car, a machine built to carry humans great distances at defying speeds, stitched on Elias's new ankle braces.

Carry you Mama: Great distances at defying speeds.

Comments

[Ellie]

Ready. Steady. Go, Elias and Christy!

[jill]

Zoom on, Elias!

[That Girl]

You are a wonderful mother and a brilliant person. You shine.

[Mom and Dad]

Go Elias!!!! Try and catch him! Good choice Christy!

[Robbin]

I used to have a pair of black Airwalk sneakers with red, orange, and yellow flames stitched on them. They were my favorite shoes ever, but the boy at the shoe store could not believe I was buying them for 30-something female self.

So I say, good choice!

[ballerinamommy]

I can't wait to see pictures!

[jess]

I can't wait to race. . .

[Kyla]

Go Elias Go!

[stephanie f scudder]

Hey christy - it's one of your roommates from colby college - i'm sooooo glad i landed on your page - hope all is well and that you keep posting pages about happenings in your life - your son is gorgeous and obviously a blessing in your life - you are very lucky, Elias will always love you and will keep that smile going strong! Lots of love - colby scudder

[Christy]

We all have to endure the sluggish insurance process before there can be any races or pictures--not sure how long it will take but I've been warned by other moms in Alaska that it could take months.

Robbin, I would have liked those Airwalk sneakers too!

And Colby what a surprise to hear from you, I'm glad you found my page and will be in touch when things slow down a bit, Christy

[Tess]

You should consider getting padding on his little feet the next time you get him fitted. My boyfriend says the unpadded braces make it difficult for him to stand for long periods of time (think about how you would feel standing on hard plastic all day). Just a suggestion! I hope your little unit is doing well!

[paige]

Flames are cool. I love that. A few years ago one of the kids in my preschool class had a leg brace with aliens and spaceships on it.

The mom was a little worried about what the other kids would say about the brace. Only one kid ever commented. He looked hard at the brace, then up at the other little boy "Hey. Are those SPACESHIPS on your leg thing?"

"Yes."

"COOOL!"

And that was that.

Here's to mobility, full speed ahead and all flags flying. Go Elias!