It seems a lot of little girls dream of dancing. Having Cerebral Palsy doesn’t make little girls immune to that desire.
Ellie's Ballerina Dreams from 2008
At least one physical therapist and part-time dance instructor decided to do something about that and started a dance class for little girls that are “differently abled”. It’s an inspired idea, allowing special little girls to go to dance class, fulfill a dream, and get physical therapy at the same time.
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There’s even a book about it called Ballerina Dreams
….. described as:
Five adorable little girls are given the opportunity to learn to dance like ballerinas and eventually perform on stage. This is no small accomplishment since the girls have cerebral palsy and other muscle disorders and several wear leg braces. To inspire them, their teacher, who is a dancer and physical therapist, gives each of them a glittery tiara and a wand. Assistance is provided to them, as needed, by helpers between the ages of 11 and 16 who work with them during each class and at the recital. As the children learn the steps, their confidence improves and their muscles grow stronger. Finally on the day of the recital, the excitement of makeup and lovely costumes combines with the magic of performing to the beautiful music from The Nutcracker and Swan Lake as they realize their dreams. This is an inspiring portrayal of determination and love that will foster empathy among young readers. The colorful photographs of this dancing community working toward a common goal accurately and sensitively capture the struggles and joyful enthusiasm of all of the participants.—Carol Schene
Well, Miss Ellie is going to get her chance too. Her mom has signed her up for dance class! Grandma is already eagerly awaiting pictures!
It’s hard to believe, but Ellie’s four months in Florida for intensive therapy after her SDR surgery is over.
Wow.
I think her Canadian family and friends that haven’t seen her in the past 4 months are going to be surprised at her progress. She didn’t take long to get back to her pre-surgery abilities with her using her walker to get around, and has worked hard learning to walk with her canes.
She and her parents stopped off here to visit on their way back to Canada.
We had a nice visit, but now Ellie is back in Canada, and back to her usual therapy. It will be interesting to see what her usual therapists think of how she’s doing!
My granddaughter has Cerebral Palsy. I love her dearly, and I try to let her know that. But the bottom line is I’m just her grandmother, and I’m not there every day for her.
I’m not in the trenches like her parents are. I see only glimpses of what it takes for her day to day care. I’m not there to help her exercise, or take her to all the therapy and doctor sessions.
When I do get to go to a therapy session, I see her and her friends working hard. I see the therapists working hard to help them. And I surely do admire how hard Ellie works, and her resilient spirit.
But behind Ellie every step of the way is her parents. Parents who watch over her 24/7, parents who research and look for the best ways to help her reach her full potential, parents who love her and want the best for her.
Abby is Ellie's favorite... from a distance!
Being a parent is a hard job. It doesn’t come with a “how-to” manual. Being a parent of a child with a disability is even harder. There’s a whole lot of things most parents take for granted that these parents can’t.
Round and round and round we go!
They learn to rejoice in a lot of those little things most parents take for granted. There are different measurements of success for children with disabilites, because they are starting from a different place. Every child is different, with different problems, needs and ways to cope.
I admire these parents who work so hard to help their children have a full, rewarding life. It amazes me how much they do sometimes. Like Team Hoyt.
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That’s beyond amazing. And while Team Hoyt is quite extraordinary, most parents with disabled children are in their own way, also doing extraordinary things each and every day to help their children.
Just like I know Ellie’s parents footsteps are behind every one of HER footsteps.
I’m sure I don’t tell Ellie’s parents often enough how much I admire them. And love them for themselves, and for the great parents they are.
So to all the parents of disabled children out there, and especially to Ellie’s parents, let me just say that each and everyone of you is a hero.
I salute your love and dedication!
