A First

Today we had the meeting for Ilse's first wheelchair.  We chose this one.  We're happy with it.  Ilse chose two colors (sparkly pink and sparkly dark blue) for the frame and the seat will be pink also.

It was bittersweet having to choose a chair.  First getting to the point where we realize we need one, and secondly realizing that it might be the first of many.  We don't know for sure, obviously, but I guess I've come to a point where I'm no longer quite as optimistic, just more realistic.  I know Ilse will walk, but I know she won't marry or live on her own and *it doesn't upset me at all anymore*.  I've completely accepted it and I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my sweet daughter.  She and I are going to buy a red convertible and jet around town laughing our heads off.  And we are going to eat out and go to the mall.  I'm going to love my life with her.

Others are surprised, though, when I say the above about Ilse.  They still think she might live alone or get married.  I feel bad for these people because they are living in a delusion.  And the longer you live in the clouds the harder it is to come down.

Anyway, Ilse's chair will take a while to get here... maybe three plus months.  I'm excited about the possibilities.  I'm going to buy a princess license plate for the back of Ilse's chair, and some kind of cool sticker for the back of the car, too.  

So we've entered a new chapter in the life of a special needs family.  I'm just thankful I still have my daughter to love and buy wheelchairs for.