Not Who He's Not

We continue to evolve as a family. As mentioned elsewhere, Felix has been a bit lonely. He wants to hang out with his friends. He's like a ten year old boy who misses being with kids his own age. That's a beautiful thing.

We're evolving to remember to see Felix for Who He Is, rather than Who He's Not. It's at times more difficult than it seems, but we're getting batter.

Where a month or so ago he was obedient to a T, now he's expressing his own will more and more. It's a great unfurling, but challenges how we've come to surviving this five months since the fall. We've tried so hard to imbue Felix with our will, and now the time is coming where we have to let go a bit. All parents have to do this with their ten year olds. It's inevitable, and how blessed for us to be dealing with "age-appropriate" issues.

Look at it from his perspective. He's the only kid he knows who almost died. He goes to therapy two or three times a week, he goes to acupuncture, he can't ride a bike, is not allowed to do aikido or kung fu. He could do Tai Chi, but what ten year old wants to hang out with old people and move in slow motion!

When i was ten, i didn't want to do what other people told me to do, no matter how "important" his morning exercises are. I seem to recall wanting to PLAY when i got home from school in fifth grade; homework was the last thing on my list, and only huge doses or parental cajoling got me seated and working.

Felix has been so ready to accede to all our "suggestions" about what is best for him, that now that he's making his own mind up more and more again, we're off balance.

So we adapt. Felix will be starting school again in January, at least one day a week. We hope to get him cleared for non-contact kung fu, and by spring, hope to be on bikes again!

Life goes on. What a blessing to be in it, to simply be alive and have these challenges to deal with, rather than some of the ones that seemed more likely a few months ago.

Be well,
blessings,
m