WHO NEEDS 10 FINGERS?





This site is for information, support and questions for any parent of a child missing digits.


Welcome to the wonderful world of being a parent to a child born not whole, but still so very perfect. The life of a child born or with an aquired limb difference is a path that is full of ups and downs.

I am a very fortunate Mom to a son born in 2003 with bilateral symbractydactyly (his right thumb is his only complete digit). He also has clinodactyly of both pinkies. He was diagnosed while I was still pregnant, but that didn't make the journey any more easy.



Thursday, June 17, 2010

Mikey's graduation is tomorrow!!! There are no words to express my sheer delight and overflowing love for this most amazing little man.

Mikey, you've fought since the day you were conceived. We knew at only 9 weeks gestation that something wasn't right. Scans, scans and more scans. They became a weekly event for us. We still had no answers, but we had YOU. With all the uncertains we were to face, you FOUGHT. Your movement, kicks, hiccups, resting with your butt in the air pressing so hard on me, but I didn't care. I loved those moments and I will treasure them until my very last day. Baby, you will never realize the love & pride I have for you.

At 20w3d, you decided it would be a good idea to get out of your swimming pool--not a good thing little boy! When my waters broke, I was terrified. After all the tests, this was not supposed to be in the game plan! You and I got right comfy for 3.5 months worth of vacation on hospital bedrest. I will cherish those moments with you too. Little man, you fought-changed your mind-this outside world wasn't ready for you yet. Who'd ever have thought that our waters would reseal & we'd have to get induced!! you play by your own rules Mr Man!!

The moment Dr Mayo put you on my belly I grabbed you. I turned each of your little hands over in my hands. I kissed each little digit you had. I kissed your lips.your hair.your eyes. My baby, before that moment we still didn't know what to expect. You were so very perfect. I kissed each little pea you had, looked you in your barely open newborn blue eyes and told you your were PERFECT.

You've given me insight to a world I never knew before. I am so honored to be in the world I am now. You've opened my eyes to the world of being disabled, but able just the same :) You've shown me, and the whole world "WHO NEEDS 10 FINGERS"? I appreciate life and the little things in life with much more appreciation and love moreso now--thanks to you.

My son, here we are on the eve of your Kindergarten graduation. It's hard to believe that you've already done 2 years of preschool and now this. Baby, so many people-including your whole family-didn't know what to expect from you with school. How many adjustments we'd need to make. You've proven to all of us, that you can do anything and everything!!! Baby, last year I was so heartbroken when you brought home a form that you would be learning sign language in class. I literally heard my heart shatter and I called the school and lost emotions on them. I was so heartbroken that they would give this "insult" to us. At the time there wasn't a hearing impaired child in class (or the school)-it was just to learn--which is absolutley fantastic, but for a child with Mikey's limb difference, was this really nessessary?

Well my precious miracle, you proved Mom wrong again. And the doctors. And all your therapists. Mikey, you signed and spoke me the Hail Mary. My tears were tears of joy, pride, wonder. I love you Mikey--you keep reaffirming to me that life is good and to never take anything for granted. More importantly, you've made me the Mom I am today.

Liam and I are so very proud of you sweetheart. I can not wait to see you in your cap and gown tomorrow. xoxox

5 comments:

  1. Congrats Mikey!! Here's to many more years of showing everyone how to do it!

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  2. Congrats Mikey!! Next year you'll be a big 1st grader. And you'll be able to show them how it's really done then too.

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  3. Congratulations, Mikey!!! You're an amazing kid!

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  4. Way to go Mikey!!!!! Hope you have a great summer and then on to the first grade. :)
    Missy (scrapangel)

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  5. Congratulations to your little Mikey! He sounds like a capable and determined guy! Best wishes for grade 1!

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