The Wrong Way

In my previous life I taught first grade. I was insistent that my students only go down the slides on the playground. It was a simple rule made and enforced to keep my little darlings safe. You could guarantee I'd shoot the infamous teacher "stink eye" to any daring child who challenged my rule. And believe me, many did.

But, funny how time and circumstances change us. For a kiddo like Oia, climbing up a slide is a therapeutic challenge, practiced in PT sessions, and now suddenly acceptable in my mind. Even encouraged. My heart feels great delight to witness Oia tackling a slide the wrong way. She prefers the challenge of climbing up instead of sliding down which never ceases to amaze me. I never thought this would be a rule I'd gladly let my child break nor did I ever imagine that sometimes I actually have to remind myself that yes, this is a child with cerebral palsy... just look at her go.