Why My Daughter is My Hero

Elizabeth returned to school full time last week.  This might not seem like a big deal in the world, but I think it huge.  It was not just amazing for Elizabeth in her conquering her pain and fear with unbelievable faith and joy.  But it was big for everyone around her.

When she entered that classroom for the first time she was showing her classmates, teachers, family and friends that it is never okay to give up.  She showed that nothing is so big that cannot be overcome with God's help.

Think of all she had to deal with in coming back.  You all might have to overcome obstacles at some point, but I challenge you to do them all at once like Elizabeth.  

First, she had unbelievable pain.  She still suffers from hip pain and her leg gives out because it is so unstable.  Her neck is still sore from her fall.  The rest of her joints (shoulders, elbows knee, ankle, etc) continue to dislocate and cause pain. 

Next, she had to overcome the unknown about her own body.  Still doctors cannot decide if her head is safely attached her spine.  She went through puberty at this time.  Her body has changed quite a bit in the last 6 months.  She went from looking like a little girl to looking like a young woman.  She grew almost 3 inches since September. 

To go along with the physical changes during puberty, she also had the emotional side to deal with, but alone.  She has two great friends that supported her during her stay at home, but little other contact.  She had to go into class dealing with many people with many questions and sit next to BOYS!  She was not even used to being with big groups of people

When she returned, she went into a different class.  She knew only a few people.  Being 12 and going to school every day with the people you know is hard enough.  But coming back with your body different, in a wheelchair and with an adult (a very nice one) is just crazy.

The wheelchair issue alone would have thrown me into a tailspin, let alone everything else.  She does not seem to care much about it.  She is very practical and sees it as something that helps her do what she wants.

Now, she did all of this with a smile and loved going back.  She said that her reception from her friends at school was wonderful.  We are so blessed to have a daughter like her!