Perfect?

I got into a conversation today with an employee at my favorite local coffee shop. She knows a little bit about what is going on with Kiya and asked how she was doing. I told her she was great of course and she asked me, "don't you wish you could make it all go away, poor thing?"

I didn't really know what to say. I actually think my life is perfect just the way it is. I have a wonderful husband, two adorable dogs, a great family, amazing friends and this perfect little girl and hopefully someday in the future an equally perfect little man. Sure my husband works too much, my dogs are kind of nutty, Kiya has a curvy back and the wait for my son is getting really really long but I wouldn't change a thing.

I can't imagine my life any different. Sure there have been some curve balls thrown at me but I have always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I may not always understand the reasons but if it is meant to be it is meant to be. When I tell someone that they look at me like I am crazy, why wouldn't I want to change the things that aren't perfect in their eyes?  I guess if I could wave a magic wand and make Kiya's scoliosis go away that would be great but that isn't reality. The reality is she has scoliosis and because of that we have met some amazing kids and families that are really like our extended family. So does this casting stink? Sure but it is doable. Kiya is thriving and we know we aren't alone.

We had a follow up appointment yesterday at Shriner's and were fortunate enough to meet 3 more amazing kids and their moms and dads. It was such a blessing to meet them. They have been such big supporters of Kiya and have helped us through our journey. We saw the doctor and all was well with the cast. No sores, skin breakdown, etc. We went and visited with Nurse Gwen and cast tech Robert and they were so thrilled to hear how great Kiya was doing.

And I thought, you know what? Kiya really is great. She is lively, sassy, bossy and well all the things almost 2 year olds are supposed to be. She is way too smart sometimes and she is loud and she is silly. Since her cast, she has become so much more independent. Her balance has improved. She can stand up without holding on to anything. She can stop and pause while she is walking. Heck she is walking. She walks way more than she crawls. In fact the other day I had to stop and think if I saw her crawl. Sure she has good days and bad but she is truly incredible. Why would I want to change that? Watching her, I have learned so much. Sure life has thrown me some curve balls but it has thrown big ol' boulders at Kiya and every time she bounces back with strength, attitude and laughter. It is a remarkable trait and one I know will serve her well in life.

So to life I say, bring it on. I may not like what you bring, but I know it is supposed to happen and I know that it can be managed. Heck I sure don't like scoliosis but I love my extended scoliosis family and I would never have met these amazing kids and parents. So keep on throwing those curve balls, we are getting pretty good at hitting them out of the park.  And with each curve ball comes another amazing revelation or gift.

++Brief update in Kiya's Kare Korner