This past summer, we had a countdown until swimming and water play was safe for Gage. He had to abstain for six weeks after surgery. Pretty much the second we could, we hit up our favorite splash pad. I was thrilled to have scored a second hand adaptive stroller with a mesh seat from Facebook for $25 (the retail price being close to $700!) that was perfect for getting wet without worrying about it.
The weekend that Gage got the all clear, we had a visit from my nieces. The splash pad was a great energy burning activity for the whole crew. Thankfully, Gage’s caretaker Madison was also able to accompany us. I would never have braved the park on my own, outnumbered by kids five to one.
After a quick picnic lunch the kids were ready to go for it. They took off with Madison wheeling Gage behind while I picked up leftover PB&Js and stray veggie straws. On a trip to the trash can, a group of ladies at the shelter house watching their grandkids play in the water stopped me to ask about our group. They confirmed their suspicions that my younger nieces were twins, and the five kids must be from more than one family. We discussed how great it was to have help from Madison. And then, my favorite part, they looked me in the eye and told me with heartfelt sincerity how blessed I was to be mom to Gage. They said this without an ounce pity in their voices. They were truly just delighted to watch his pure joy splashing in the fountains.
What an accurate assessment of our situation. Those ladies knew what they were talking about. As they sipped their cans of Pepsi from a well-stocked cooler, without a rushed pace or a million photo snaps (guilty!) they just enjoyed their leisurely afternoon and shared their good spirit and perspective with me too. They didn’t say things like “maybe next summer he’ll be walking on his own through the fountains!” Or “May I ask what’s wrong with him?” Or “God never gives us more than we can handle.” They just observed the good things we have and spoke life and love to it, with no judgement or sympathy whatsoever. May these women be an example to all of us. And may we all have at least one thing in our lives that brings as much joy as a trip to the splash pad does for Gage!
