Jennifer's Awesome Gift

Jennifer had a walker in the orphanage.  When she received it (autumn of 2011) it opened a whole new world for her - one with a little bit of independence.  Until then she was so much more limited because of her lack of mobility.  Also, our Jen is a pretty determined little gal and she loves to do things for herself.  Alas, she came to us in her wheelchair (which was a blessing to us since we had to walk so much in China) but she really dislikes the thing.

The Little Princesses arrived home on May 4, and I began working on getting Jen a new walker that following week never imagining it was going to be a problem.  I've spent literally hours on the telephone calling pharmacies and home health care places, doctors, even SEEING numerous physicians and specialists since we've been home.  It appears that no one is willing to prescribe a walker to enable us to GET a walker without a physical therapy evaluation.  Even with begging and pleading and finally getting an appointment (that became open only due to a cancellation) it was going to be August before this evaluation!

There is more to the story than a little girl who desperately wanted some independence back in her life.  She NEEDS the walker.  She has fallen numerous times around the house, and the top side of her little feet are actually bruised from the way she walks.  New tennis shoes have helped a little, but the situation is so severe that she has actually worn holes through the toes of these shoes after wearing them for only a week and a half!

So it was after spending yet another hour on the phone today that I expressed my frustration (ok, so maybe I whined...) on Facebook.  About an hour later a friend from our homeschool co-op called to say she had something that I might be interested in.  AND HOW!!!!

This beautiful piece of equipment had been hiding out in her garage for about three years, and my Facebook whine post made her think of it!  Jennifer was one very, very happy little girl when she saw it!

I bought her a bike basket and handlebar tassels so the walker looks more worthy of this little princess.  She LOVES being able to take things from one room to the next in her basket.  Up to this point that has just not been possible as her concentration has had to be totally on keeping her balance.

After dinner we took all three of the girls to cut flowers.  Jennifer literally RAN through the (empty) parking lot squealing and laughing like she was having the best day of her life.  Abigail joined in the fun, and while Tikvah cut flowers the Two Little Princesses RAN through the parking lot giggling their little heads off.  Yeah.  Good day!  Isn't it just like our God to orchestrate such a wonderful gift?