Since we were in the Keys last week, Cliff pretty much refused to walk. I guess it was the only thing he could really control – he was not going to walk and that was that. So when Ross and I got home, we were concerned because Cliff was sooo weak and was still refusing to walk. After TWO whole days of trying everything in the book (bribing, threatening, ignoring, time-out, praising, pleading, begging and lots of praying…) Cliff FINALLY decided he wanted to walk and just like that he was off! – although he is still a little weak…
The boy is a total ham. He knows exactly how to distract us in order to get out of anything he does not want to do.
So this past week we focused to strengthening, walking, basic exercises (and lots of praying). We are amazed at how fast Cliff regained his strength and endurance. He is amazing. We did not realize that 10 days of not walking to him is like three months of doing nothing to us as far as muscle loss is concerned and it is more important than ever for Cliff to continue to make progress.
One of the most difficult things Ross and I struggle with is knowing when to push Cliff and when to back off. It is so hard when you little boy is screaming, crying alligator tears, pleading for us to allow him to ”take a break” because he doesn’t want to walk or it hurts him to stretch or do exercises, but YOU have to MAKE him do them. We have to decide when Cliff just doesn’t want to do something and when he is actually hurting. It breaks our hearts and although he doesn’t know it Ross and I do a little switch off so we can walk out of Cliff’s sight and cry with him without Cliff knowing – we know when one of us needs a moment, but we also know that Cliff needs us to be strong. So the delicate dance we do with one another of smoothly switching off while pushing Cliff to keep going is our way of coping. It is our little system and right now, it works.
Please continue to pray for Cliff. He needs strength, endurance and we want to make sure that he understands as best as he can that Ross and I are helping him when we push him. Cliff is one awesome little boy. We are so blessed!
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Reminds me of how often I scream and cry alligator tears when God is trying to make me grow. Sometimes I just don't want to! Know that later his tears and cries will become thank yous as he appreciates what his mother and father sacrificed to do for him.
Bless you, its horrid as a parent thinking we are doing something that might be causing our child pain or distress. But its only ever for the best, he will know just how much you've done for and be will be so thankful!
I am a new follower to your blog. As inspiring as you are to all of us, just imagine the impact you are having on your beautiful son. God is smiling on all of you! My prayer list now has you and your family added to it. Please know God is loving you and hugging you and pouring His strength to help get you to the next level. And I am sending you all a ((BIG HUG)) too! xoxo
THANK YOU ALL! I read EVERY comment to Ross and Cliff on our way to the lake today and we are soooo blessed to have such wonderful support! You all are amazing and we are so grateful for each one of you! THANK YOU!
Cliff is PRECIOUS!! Look at that smile!!! He looks like he just loves life so much! He's one handsome little boy and so very blessed to have parents like you and Ross who are there to help him everyday.
LOVE the teapot of course! Can you use it once it's spraypainted?
Jenny
Oh, he looks so proud of himself in those pictures! And adorable! All of the things you have mentioned are all things that my husband and I struggle with too. I don't have the answers either but I do understand!