Thursday, March 1, 2012

It finally happened

This blog is hard to write.

There are two moments in Evan's life that I have always known would come.  The question was when would they happen and how would he feel about them.

1) When Evan truly understands what being adopted means.
2) When Evan truly understands what it means to have SMA.

We have always taken a very honest approach with our children.  I never want to lie to them.  If they ask me a question I'm going to give them an honest answer (age appropriate, but honest).

Three days ago Evan's teachers called me at home to tell me what happened at school.  For two days Evan had been telling people that he was excited for his birthday because he would be able to walk.  After a couple times of hearing this the teachers asked him why he thought that.  His answer was that you are a baby when you are four, but when you turn five you are a big boy and big boys walk.  It was his birthday wish to walk on his birthday, so he knew that he would be able to walk.

At this point the occupational therapist stepped in.  She asked him how he came up with this.  Evan told her that he had just figured it out and wasn't that so exciting?  Kaylie just said to him, "well you know Evan, your legs might not be ready to walk when you turn five.  His teacher said that at that point he sat and thought about it for a second and said "don't worry, I will still be a happy boy, even if I can't walk."

Though I was in tears on the phone I was grateful for the heads up and decided that I would be aware but not bring it up unless Evan wanted to talk to me about it.  I wanted him to be able to process things on his own time frame.  Little did I know it would be so soon.

The next day, out of the blue, Evan asked me if he would be able to walk on his birthday.  I asked him why he was thinking about it and he said that he wanted to walk.  I told him that he probably wouldn't be able to walk, and asked him how he felt about that.  He thought about it and said that it made him sad and he didn't want to have SMA anymore.  I told Evan that I felt the same way but that it was alright.  I reminded him about his friends, whom he ADORES!!  I reminded him that Ishan was 10 and couldn't walk but that he is still pretty darn cool.  He is a master at sword fighting, and loves video games just like Evan.  I reminded Evan how much he loves Ishan and told him that he is just like him.  Then I reminded Evan that he was made exactly the way God needed him to be.  I told him that he is perfect because God made him.  I asked him if he would be able to remember that and he said that he would try, but he might forget sometimes, but not to worry because he would still be a happy boy.

Fast forward to that afternoon.  While sitting on the toilet Evan told his teacher that he had really sad news to tell her.  He said that he wouldn't be able to walk on his birthday, but it was alright because he has some friends just like him and they can't walk either.

Now today at lunch we are eating our food and Evan tells me a story.  He says, "Mom, do you remember how there was a man who couldn't see and Jesus put mud on his eyes and healed him? I like that story."  I told him that I liked that story too.  Then I asked him if we got to see Jesus come again would he like to ask Jesus to heal him.  He said yes and then says, "I know!!!  Lets pray for Jesus to come and visit us.  Everyone fold your arms."  All I could say was beautiful prayer, and it was.

I just want him to know that he can still do whatever he wants to do.  I want him to know how much he is loved, and I want him to know he is of value.


14 comments:

Team K-L said...

you are such an awesome mom. The word I think of when I read this is "gentle." I think God made you just the way you are so that you could be his mom.

Erin said...

You are a great mom Kira!

Lisa said...

Well I'm sitting here in tears. You are an amazing Mom!

Fred ... said...

Your son is a very brave boy. I guess he reflects his parents. What a touching story.

Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party) said...

Oh how I love Evan. Beautiful post kira!

Jlowryjr said...

That was a great post Kira. You and Justin are the perfect parents for your sons, and Evan and Landon are lucky to have you. Evan is a special boy!

We love you all.

Sarah Christine Leavitt Taylor said...

Evan is the happiest bravest most incredible little boy i have ever met and you Kira are the same! You are brave strong gentle sweet kind incredible mommy. Evan is so blessed and so lucky to have you... i love you both so much and thank you for sharing this with us :) LOVE YOU!

Claudia said...

This post had me in tears! I love your son so much and admire his courage and outlook on life. Very reminiscent of his adoring parents. Little does Evan know what an example he is to me and I am sure to many others. I know some days are tough but man does your little guy make my heart swell with gratitude that we are all sons and daugters of a loving Heavenly Father. Thank you for sharing!

Maren Romney said...

Thanks for sharing. Those are some lovely thoughts.

Peter and Mandy said...

You indeed are a great mom. What a blessed little boy you have.

Linz said...

What a touching story! And I agree: you are an awesome mom!

G Pa said...

Hi Seetheart, you were put on this earth for a very special reason. You and Justin have been presented with a very challenging mission which the two of you have confronted with an inner strength, love and faith.

Anna said...

I'm gonna second all these posts and add that he's gotta be the most loved boy ever :) I am so thankful. You're awesome, Kira, I love you and your family so much. come visit soon :)

lori lester said...

I can't imagine a better response, from you or Evan. What a gift that you were put together as a family to share this journey.