First Waltz

Had such a surreal moment last night - Tara was hopping around without her prosthetic on, and came hurtling into my room to get something, and almost knocked me over...but before I could yell at her, she saw my face (annoyed!) and quickly said "fancy a waltz?". So then she grabs my hands and starts confidently waltzing me around the room...and in the middle of all of us laughing at the cheek of it (Cas and Jadie cheering her on from the side) - I suddenly thought "wow, this is sooooooo sweet - my one-legged daughter teaching me so beautifully how to waltz".

Shame man, all she wants - desperately - is a puppy...but we're not allowed pets here. Here's a little pic she did today when the girls (six of them) were playing 'schools' (as you do when you're on holiday!) of her sitting in her dream bedroom with her little dog. Breaks our heart...but Tone and I just aren't in a rush to sell - LOVE our facilities, the beach etc...argh!

Also saw Kung Fu Panda today - love that bit where Dustin's character says "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift...that's why they call it 'the present'." The girls spent most of the afternoon swimming and playing 'Kung Fu Shoe' - where you do a power kick and your shoe (waterproof croc) goes flying sky high before descending into the pool/ground/someone's head.

Interesting - saw a movie tonight on Austar ('Music Within') which is all about the true story of the Vietnam Vet in America who brought about the change from 'The Ugly Law' (where disabled people had no rights to be seen in public...and could be removed from public places for being 'offensive' for other people to see). It's incredible to think that the Disabilities Act - which was then followed thro' in about 21 countries - only came about in 1990! Wow - what a relief! We're soooo lucky - that others fought before for us to have ramps and better access AND more acceptance etc.

You know of course tho' that Tara has never heard the word 'disabled' and still has no idea that the 'wheelchair' sticker we've had for years on the car is because of her. It's just been so fab for her to not have to limit herself by labels, especially other people's interpretation of what those labels mean. In fact today it was quite funny because she was walking with Lou Lou and one crutch (which she has to use while she's breaking Lou Lou in) and she caught a glimpse of herself in a shop window and said 'oooh, I look like a Granny with a crutcher' (she means 'crutch') - which is her first observation of how she may look to other people. Her 'one crutch' theory is that young people always have two crutches (coz they've broken legs) and only Grannies have one crutch to help them with walking.

Actually can't wait for the next prosthetic. This one's not that comfortable - it's attached with a velcro band at the top so isn't a snug fit. Will be fab when she gets the leg that hooks into a pin thing...

Happy Weekend everyone! Can't wait for Sunday when we all go running in the UK and here!