A Joyful Moment

So yesterday I took "Papaya" to her OT evaluation. It went well and I'm glad that she will be getting the help she needs to overcome some of the challenges that she faces.

However, something absolutely wonderful happened while we were there.

First let me say that we love "Papaya" for the person she is, quirkiness and all. She is a child who "overthinks" situations and has always become scared to try many things - which then would lead to a crying meltdown, b/c deep down she WANTS to do these things, but she would be upset b/c she was just too scared to try.

Enter the Occupational Therapy ball pit.

In the past, "Papaya" would have been too scared to even climb into the ball pit. She has a fear of being trapped and a fear of falling (which, interestingly the OT therapist confirmed reasearch is showing the children that are stuck during childbirth often have fear of falling and claustraphobia) - which are definitely feelings you can feel when in a ball pit that makes you feel like you are sinking.

Well, I climbed in first, and "Papaya" followed.....she, at first, wanted to panic, but I had her sit on my leg for a little bit. Then she started moving into the rest of the pit by herself, a big smile on her face.....instead of panicking, she starting asking me about all the scary scenarios that were going on in her head, "Where is the bottom?" "What happens if someone goes under the balls?" etc, etc. Then what happened next was nothing short of amazing. She stood up, climbed on the edge of the ball pit and jumped. SHE JUMPED!

To many moms, this is not a big deal. To this Mom, it was everything. I've waited 5.5 years for my daughter to not be afraid. To not miss out on something fun b/c of fear. For her, for a moment, to be like most other children, and just enjoy herself.

Then, "Papaya" went to the other side of the room. Ran top speed across the floor, up the foam ramp and jumped right back into the ball pit!! She did this over and over and over - the biggest smile spread across her face, squeals of joy as she is shouting "This is the best day ever in my life!" :-)

Does it really get better than that?!!

Now I have to give a shout out to Martial Arts class, because I truly believe that "Papaya's" teacher and class are a blessing from God. Through Martial Arts, "Papaya" has been gaining the confidence to try new things, like the ball pit. I honestly believe it is because of Martial Arts "Papaya" had the breakthrough of jumping into the ball pit, with no fear, no hesitation. Many of the things may be more challenging for her in class, including working through her intense emotions. However, thank you Mr. Hicks, for having the patience to deal with her emotions, the wisdom on knowing when to really push and when to back off, and for helping my daughter learn not to give up!! Every class she is making better choices, and it is awesome for her to have the opportunity to work through it, because, that is something she really needs to grow as an individual.