Gold Medal

One year ago today was one of the most difficult days in our life.  One year ago today, Daddy and I awoke with much dread and hardly choked back our tears through the day.  One year ago today... Hip Chick was placed into traction for the onset of her DDH treatment.

Yes, it was the beginning of a very challenging year... and look where Hip Chick is today!

With this anniversary in mind, it may seem odd timing to bring sports into discussion, but I cannot think of a more appropriate topic.  Big Sis, Hip Chick, Daddy and I welcomed the recent winter olympic opening ceremonies (hosted in Sochi) with a bit of festive cheer.  We snuggled together in our living room, drinking sbiten, a popular Russian mulled honey (or wine) drink, recipe here:

Sbiten Recipe

And indulged in a little chocolate babka.

As we watched the parade of nations, we cheered the world's greatest athletes.  Undoubtedly, each of them has overcome great odds to reach this competition... yet the question begged itself:  "Which olympians overcame even greater physical odds than their typical counterparts?"

Today's post is dedicated to some of these athletes, who I discovered in my oh-so-humble scientific method of internet surfing.

1. Natalie Du Toit, link here:  Amputee Swimmer
    Ms. Du Toit was the first female amputee in able-bodied olympics.

2. Kieren Perkens, link here:  Swimhero
    Mr. Perkens began swimming at age eight, as rehabilitation for a serious leg injury.  He later became one of the world's greatest long-distance swimmers.

3. Greg Barton, link here:  Gold Medal Kayaker
    Mr. Barton became a double gold olympic winner despite being born with two club feet.

Those featured above are a just a short list- there are many more athletes who have overcome remarkable physical hindrances to excel their full-bodied counterparts.  A popular commercial playing during the current Olympic games recognizes the parents behind today's Olympians.  I think the parents of the Olympians listed above (and those like them) are the true heroes.

This is appropriate timing, as I have recently come to a level of acceptance regarding Hip Chick's physical condition.  As you watch her play, it is obvious that her left leg does not match her right leg's fully mobility.  She obviously favors her right leg.  But it does not slow her down.  She can twirl, climb, and "run" to her own content.  She is happy.  She is capable of achieving what she sets her sights on.

 I have often remarked to people that Hip Chick has the personality and drive to compete despite a physical disability, if that were to be here calling.  As mentioned before, the day she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, her classmates held a race.  Hip Chick was inconsolable that she did not finish first... and she did not finish last.  Exactly what will a little girl who outran her classmates with a dislocated hip achieve? 

Still, it is too early to tell whether she will ever truly "run."  She may never compete for her high school team.  I am confident, however, that she will achieve happiness.  And that is worth cheering for each day.