Brooke's "official" birthday present was a new bike! I found out about an organization called Ambucs from the RettNet and thought - what do we have to lose, let's apply! Ambucs has both a manufacturing side and a charitable side. So they make the bikes (anyone can purchase them) and then fund donations of the bikes through the charitable arm. You just need to fill out the paperwork to get yourself onto the waiting list and when it's your turn - voila, a bike! You can also let people make donations specifically to your child - which we never really got figured out - but we just collected donations from family for Brooke's gift and will send along the donations now to help fund another persons turn. They also have a program where you can agree to turn in your bike when it is outgrown and they will provide you with a new one. At the rate Brooke grows this will most definitely come in handy!
As anyone with a special needs child knows - slap the term "special needs" or "adapted" onto anything and the price will be huge! So it's tough enough finding money to pay for all of the things you need - let alone something that will be fun! One of Brooke's classmates has a similar bike that her family generously lets the school borrow during the winter months. So Brooke has a little bike experience and we knew it was something she would enjoy. So I was thrilled to find a way to get one for her.
We had a nice little break in the cold weather on Sunday so we took her for a spin around the block. And I'm not ashamed to say there were more than a few moments I found myself with tears in my eyes. I can remember not that long ago seeing kids riding their bikes around our neighborhood and thinking it was just another thing Brooke wouldn't be able to experience. I was amazed at how well she kept herself positioned on the bike (we still have a little adjusting to do so things are just right) and that she actually was able to peddle the darn thing by herself! Jeff or I would help her get started and those skinny little legs would just keep it going. I'm sure by the end of summer she'll be a pro!
(And yes mom, I know the helmet isn't on right. We're not exactly travelling at breakneck speed yet so try not to worry!)
