A girl lives with spina bifida--beautifully. Her life is nothing but a series of blessings.
When our daughter, Hayley Lynee' was born six years ago, doctors didn't hold out much hope for her. They basically said she would be a vegetable.
Hayley Lynee' was born with spina bifida, a neural tube defect that's left her lower limbs paralyzed. She can't feel anything from below her waist on down. Yet that's never stopped her. Once she was able to walk on her own (at the age of three), she's been on the go.
She's like a little cheetah. Nobody can keep up with her. Just give her her crutches, and off she goes to points unknown!
Hayley Lynee' has learning difficulties (mostly with being able to read). Teachers think she may have dyslexia or some other learning disabilities; this may be tied in to her having spina bifida. That's not been figured out yet; it's frustrating not being able to help your daughter because you don't know exactly what's wrong.
Despite her problems, Hayley is a very happy, outgoing child. She laughs, loves to sing, loves to play with her older brother Harper and older sisters Hennessi and Hadley, and play with our rambunctious pug puppy, "Snickerdoodles".
Other fun activties that she enjoys include swinging on the swings at the park, traveling, and riding the rides at any given fair or amusement park.
We live in California, where there are plenty of amuisement parks to choose from. We live closest to Knotts Berry Farm. Lots of rides for her to test her youthful mettle on--and for me to stay off of; my stomach can't handle them.
Just watching them is enough to make me sick!!
It is rather funny to watch her after riding a ride: instead of walking forwards, ehe's going sideways, like a little spider, as she fights laborously to keep her balance, to keep from falling down. I know I shouldn't laugh, but I can't help myself at times! Her brother and sisters are laughing, too, right along with her; so I guess I shouldn't get mad at them. Let them be kids, let them enjoy themselves!
You're only young once, as they say!
Having a duaghter like Hayley has its drawbacks (the surgeries, hospital stays, the personal care issues etc.); however, it has its benefits, too. Like not having to wait for a ride (we get special ride passes for Hayley; whoever is with her at the time doesn't have to wait either; it's really a timesaver), or getting the parking space closest to the venue (if they aren't already full, that is). Or we get preferred seating, with no obstruction of our view, like at concerts.
Or even backstage passes.
Because of Hayley, we've been able to go backstage, meet several famous people: Kelly Clarkson, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, others. Hayley has a scrapbook chock full of memorable pictures of herself with the stars, and she loves to look at them even now.
Hayley is a camera bug. Whenever she sees a camera, she's there, mugging, hopefully someone will see her. (Somehow, they always do.) She wants to be a country singer when she grows up, and we think she has a pretty nice voice for a six-year-old.
Her goal in life right now: to sing on the world-renowned Grand Ole Opry. Be like her favorite, Loretta Lynn.
With the drive and determination she has, we don't doubt one bit that Hayley will reach her goal. In fact, she just reach it sooner than you think, at the rate she's going!
Yes, God has blessed us with Hayley Lynee'; we can't imagine our lives without her. She's brought us so much joy and love, it's incredible!
Nice write, Karen. I like it how you spin sad stories so they always end up with hope and a feeling of peacefulness reflected by the one's involved.
Love,
Becca~
Always, during 2007, we have read with some delight and some sadness your stories about the little ones surviving because someone never gives up.
It is horrific the pains that some of them endure, our heart aches and our prayers seems too feeble, but, sometime you reported of little miracles that make all worth to keep on praying.
Georg
Thanks for keeping us in touch with those who has disabilities and how so many learn to deal with challenges. You write beautiful stories. keep up the good work. God bless.
Karen this is excellent I have missed reading your inspiring works these past few days, to state the obvious the damage has been repaired the phone lines are back but more storms due to come in so keep California in your prayers
God Bless
Michelle~
Sounds like a blessing to me my friend...your write captures the heart of a parent with a child who has a disability, as well as the heart and soul of that child! Just because she cant walk like others, and maybe not read as well as others, don't mean that she can't achieve her dream of being a singer...(I love Loretta Lynn too by the way) anxious to see how life turns out for this little camera bug who seems to love and grasp life with both hands...a wonderful write!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
This is a great write, it gives us a view of the way a child can overcome their disability and turn it into the ability to overcome any challenge, and we think we have it bad....
I have written a chapter called I Am That, I Am in this inspirational compilation book by best-selling authors and wonderful people from all walks of life xox :-D (Its sister book is called Adventures In Manifesting - Success and Spirituality)
In "A Touch of Your Presence" are words that would inspire, encourage and strengthen one's soul when faced with challenges and difficulties and to know the awesomeness of God's power.
