Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Magical Shoes!

"Life isn't a matter of milestones but of moments." -Rose Kennedy


Today was the day. Today was the day I've longed for. It was a day that prayers were answered and tears were to hard to hold back. Today was the day that our little Landon took his first steps - one...two...three...four...and five. As I stood in awe, my emotions were filled with amazement, relief, and thankfulness. Today was the day that God filled me with a gift of tiny toes walking in step.
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It's been a long journey. At a young age, Landon showed signs of muscle weakness (particularly in his lower back). Our little Landon has had his share of doctor's appointments, tests, and treatments. After seeing several specialists, Landon was diagnosed with benign hypotonia.
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Basically, this condition means a child has low tone with no known reason of acquiring it. They can have it anywhere and/or everywhere along with a series of other aliments. We were lucky though. Landon was diagnosed with low tone only in a couple of places, including his lower back and mouth muscles. This "benign" hypotonia will get better in time with a little help from therapy.
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For 6 months now (wow time has flown), we've been going to physical therapy with our amazing therapist Dr. Kristen. She decided to order Landon shoe inserts a few weeks back in order to stabilize his balance and give him more support. They now fit perfectly in a "magical" pair of Adidas shoes that were a gift from Papa Raftery.
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Today was an average Monday afternoon. Landon went to his weekly 30 minute therapy session with Dr. Kristen, while Kennedy and I played in the waiting room. It wasn't long before Dr. Kristin called me back to her office. (This never happens so I knew it had to be good.) She sat me down a few feet in front of Landon while she held on to his hips from behind. As she released her hands, I watched as our Landon took five beautiful steps towards me - it was a moment I'll never forget!
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It's been a long road to this point and I'm sure some challenges still are ahead. However, the road thus far has been filled with knowledge, understanding, patience, and most of all faith. Landon is a beautiful, smart, and healthy child that has given me an amazing opportunity to walk along side him in this journey of life.
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Video to follow!

8 comments:

Lauren Smith said...

C O N G R A D U L A T I O N S L A N D O N
GRANNY AND GRANPY ARE SOOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU.
Samantha, WOW, what a time to celebrate!!!!!
REALLY looking forward to the Video.
I guess when Jared comes home from deployment he'll organize and coach a WeeWee Soccer club and Landon Raftery will be the Star player.
LOVE YOU ALL,
GRANNY AND GRANPY SMITH

Megs said...

Oh Sam- what a wonderful moment you had! I know how much time, love and patience you have poured into Landon these past months- and always having that fear of the unknown.... what a wonderful mom you are to both Landon and Kennedy!
We can't wait to see Landon walking!!

erin said...

That's wonderful! He is so blessed with such a supportive, loving mommy. Yay for little Landon!

Anonymous said...

Yeah Landon!! I am so happy for such a wonderful milestone, that is for sure one of the GREAT ones! Just hang in there Sam and everything is going to be fine, Kennedy and Landon are blessed to have you as their Mother. Love Ya girl!

Beth said...

WooHoo! That is wonderful! Can't wait to see him in action! I can actually "feel" your emotion through the words you wrote...you are an amazing mom Sam, and the way that you "love" your kids is evident even from a thousand miles away! Love you! P.S. Just got the PJ's and Carter is sleeping in them as we speak (I'd been eyeing those at good ol' TarGet for quite some time :) Ya'll are so SWEET!

Unknown said...

Even tho I talked to you Monday and heard the excitement in your voice, reading your words brought tears to my eyes.I know how much you and Jared have waited for this moment-the time any energy you spent and the prayers you have said have been capseled in that one step.I could hardly keep up with him when he crawls-He will be like a little tornado once he gets going. Love Nana

Erin Teplin said...

Way to go Landon! I can't wait to see you so proud of yourself! I just love how children melt our hearts in ways we never dreamed were possible. CONGRATULATIONS.

Anonymous said...

Finally Tom and I can join in the fun of visiting your site. And what great timing to share with you and Jared this moment & can't wait to see the video. I knew there was only one reason to buy this laptop - for u guys!!!!
Love ZOOM/TOM