Movement

I write from a KOA campground in Greybull WY where the pool welcomed us after biking in 90 degree dry heat for days.

After drinking warm water throughout the ride, when the host welcomed us with cold bottled water I could have hugged her. Especially after she helped me back up the RV and connect it to her systems and then said, "Don't tell your family I helped you. You can do it. It just takes practice."

Thats how I feel about most things, especially after biking for miles day after day.

You can do it. It just takes practice.

Like parenting a child with special needs.

Its hard to believe I once felt so scared of the thought of Elias using a walker. I wanted to keep him in his stroller so the world wouldn't know. Wanted to continually call him a preemie and not special or disabled or a visually challenged child with CP.

Felt like a walker would be a blaring signal of difference.

And it is.

But I don't really give a shit anymore.

I mean, I don't see his walker, even if it makes heads turn. Its just a part of him. Just a means for balance and independence that gives him the freedom to explore.

As I sit at the picnic table Elias walkers around the RV with his Dad refusing to listen to his exhausted body. Between the sun and swimming and a full dinner of chicken nuggets, French Fries and apple sauce he should be sacked out by now. But he's still going.

Like all of us. We just keep moving even when all we want to do is rest.

My mom biked over 60 miles today and is now pushing Elias through the gravel in his little umbrella stroller. I tried pushing him in it earlier and it doesn't work very well.

I can hear her: "Uh oh, we're stuck again.'" And now she's walking backwards and dragging him on two of the four stroller wheels.

Still going.

Comments

[JenniferB]

I just love this picture of Elias in his orange shirt and hat, with his walker -- taking on the world! Go Elias! Go Christy! You and your family are doing an awesome thing -- not only the incredible trip, 'cause seriously girl, you are TOUGHER than me! But just taking him along and letting him explore, even when you want to protect,wow -- you are teaching him there are only the limits we place on ourselves. Good for you!

[Vicki Forman]

Amazing. I'm telling you. He's about to ditch it. Just keeping up with his intrepid parents has taught him that wheels are great and life with no wheels is even better. What a lovely post.

[tara]

hey christy,
i write this comment from a hotel room( only because camping with 2 basset hounds is not in the cards) in bozeman, montana, we're traveling on 90 west and if you guys are on the same highway, (I'm watching for bikers) wave if you see a purple cooper loaded down with bike and snowboard attached since that would be us. your trip looks like it's going amazingly and Elias looks great as always, you not only write wonderfuly but take amazing pics too!!! Bike safe all of you!!

[Alexandra Heidinger]

While I realize Mrs. Everett is in terrific shape, I was surprised to hear how much cycling she was doing on this trip. Until I saw your last biking photo. Now I get it--she's in it for the tan. LOL! Have fun guys.

[Christy]

You know my Mom Al!

Tara, we werent on 90 but I love to think of you peering at bikers and wondering...

And Vicki and Jennifer, your words inspire me. Thank you.

[That Girl]

Since I havnt said it lately (even though Ive been reading) - you are the best writer.

Please write a book for all the new moms. I try to think of you as part of my mom chain - a mom who sometimes shows me the way and sometimes needs a hand herself but all of us going in the right direction.

Please write a book.

[Christy]

I love the idea of a mom chain and that we all sometimes need a hand at the same time we stick one out.

And thanks That Girl for the book encouragement, it is in my head and heart to do once I can convince my body to spend more time cloistered away writing...well..and when Elias will let me.

Your words help though.