How Much Longer...

A year seems like an eternity in a Boston brace.  

Dancer Girl has made it through four months of her "about a year" time in her brace.

Four long months.

While her attitude is generally very good, even with bits of humor now and then, she also has her moments of sadness and tears.

We had one of those the other day.  Well, a couple of days in a row really.

It is hard to do this day in and day out - being physically restricted and forced to sit or stand a certain way, unable to do simple things easily.

And the heat of the summer is looming.

The tears often come at night with "how long do I have to wear this" or "I am so sick of this stupid thing" or "I wish this would all just go away"...

Me too.  

I wish I could do it for her.  Take the frustration and pain in her place.  But I can't.

And, I can't really answer her question about how much longer with any degree of certainty.  There are too many variables.  Maybe it will be a year.  Maybe less, but maybe more...

So, sometimes we cry together.  And give each other hugs.  And pray together. And figure out how to get her the most time out of her brace while still maintaining her 18 hour goal.

We are a third of the way through "about a year" and soon it will be halfway, then almost there.  I pray that the doctor is right in his estimates about the year and that Dancer Girl will know she has the support of so many who love her as she works her way through this difficult time.

She has already grown up so much as a result and it is inspiring to see her face this challenge head-on, even as there are tears.

I know there are many in this world who are going through a lot worse than Dancer Girl is facing, but when this is right now day after day it is naturally what consumes our thoughts and our family plans. We are thankful for so much that she can still do - especially dance - and know she will come out on the other side with grace.