"People always remember me," Dan said on Saturday night as we sat in a circle in Audrey and T.J's bedroom. "I'm the blind guy or the one with a dog. Its helps that I'm six foot four but it's different. It didn't happen before."
And I understand.
When we drove down the Alcan that summer with Elias
and his walker,
people stopped us at gas stations:
"Hey we saw you in White Horse!"
"How'd you like Liard Hot Springs?"
"We saw you at the last gas station!!!!!!"
And I'd look at them like who the hell are you?
Ah.
You remember Elias.
The boy with wheels.
I'm so happy to have found your blog. My son was born at 26 weeks so your feelings are my feellings - only better put! My son is now 2 and he's little 21 pounds - everyone remembers us, too. We see many doctors and the doctors and nurses always say 'i remember you' and as much as I love all of his doctors, i sometimes want to blend in with the crowd rather than always be remembered....my son is special and unforgettable, for all he's been through, he's happy, well adjusted and really the light of my life. His smile lights up any room and everyone that meets him, falls in love....even before they know his struggles. So, i just wanted to say thank you for making me feel like someone understands!
Posted by: Marci | 09/01/2010 at 04:02 AM
I gosh he is so little in those pics. Look at the progress he has made. He is no longer the boy with wheels. He is the FIRST grader who can do it all!
Posted by: Jessica | 09/01/2010 at 07:59 AM
I have the Ahas too! People will stop me at the Farmers' market (in Maryland) and say, "wow, Ellianna's walking has really come a long way." I will ask my husband if they knew who they were and he doesn't know either. Of course, we don't know a lot of the people who know us as "Ellianna's parents" aha! I like how there is a glow upon Elias in his photo, he is radiant in so many ways; in wheels, and more importantly, in perseverence, resiliance, and spirit that inspires. Ellianna inspires many as well and sometimes I revel in it and sometimes I just don't want others' inspiration to be at her expense anymore. I think the dichotomy of it is the most emotionally perplexing part.
Posted by: Kimberly | 09/01/2010 at 05:21 PM
Thanks for introducing yourself Marci I'm glad you found us too!
Jessica, he has grown so much, it almost makes me sad to see his little cheeks in these older pictures.
Kimberly, your last two sentences ring so true with me too; there are times I love the attention Elias receives and times I wish we could hide... so yes emotionally perplexing indeed!
Posted by: Christy | 09/02/2010 at 09:25 AM
The last picture of Elias looks so much like Santino right now, it's scary! I had to do a double take. He is one good looking boy, even when it's hard to be a good looking, smiling parent...
Posted by: massageon | 09/07/2010 at 05:35 AM