She sat at the bottom of the basement stairs, waiting for me to come and bring her upstairs. As I walk each step the thoughts of what needs to be done always runs through my mind---what is she wearing, is her feed running, is her TSLO on, are her AFO's on, does she have pants, shorts, dress, what angle is she positioned in as she waits?? All these questions help prepare me for lifting her as safely, gently, and effectively as possible.
I reach the end of the stairs and she did her little "jumpy dance" in anticipation of being whisked away. I answered all the questions in my mind and feeling prepared and ready for the lift-off I commenced in the routine. I squatted next to her chair and made the necessary movements to be able to scoop her up out of the wheelchair. This "scooping" approach to moving her is basically getting my two arms under her legs at the knee and supporting her back, neck and head with the other arm as I lift. Sometimes she'll put her arm around my neck; other times she won't. In the end she is in a seated position in my arms...almost like a cradle position.
She stopped me, though, before I even slipped my arm under her legs. "Pick me up like you used to. You know, from the front." she said.
"Mmmmm...I'm not so sure about that yet. I'd hate to hurt you." I replied. Up until this point and since the first surgery some 9 months ago, we have been doing the "scoop".
"Mommy did it today and it was fine." she told me.
"Oh," I said, "well then let's try!"
I repositioned myself in front of her and squatted down, grabbing her around the sides. I squeezed gently yet forcefully enough to get a good grip and counted, "One, two, three", and on three I lifted.
I held her tightly as I brought her to me and readjusted my hands and arms to give her the proper support. I had her body right up against mine. Letting out the breath I used to pick her up smoothly I began walking up the stairs. Lovingly her head drew toward my face and she rested her cheek on mine.
I stopped mid-staircase. The warmth and softness of her cheek on mine sent a wave of emotion throughout my body leaving me no choice but to hold her body even closer to mine. She moved slightly and I could smell her hair. I pulled her closer to me and let out a sigh of contentment. I was holding her like I used to so many months ago. I couldn't get enough of the feeling.
I let out an "Awww" and she said, without moving her head, "What?"
"It feel so good to have you so close" is all I could say.
She snuggled. I took in a deep breath and thanked the Lord that I was able to hold her this way again. The trek up the stairs continued and by the time we got to where were going a tear invaded one eye and quickly made the other eye follow suit.
Sometimes when you least expect it there comes a moment that reminds you of how blessed you are; there comes a moment that can only occur once yet last a lifetime; there comes a moment when the moment itself is all there is.
