From Wobbly First Steps to Finish Lines

I've talked before about myTEAM TRIUMPH (MTT) and our experiences with the amazing organization. Today was Teddy's 8th race with the group, if I'm counting correctly. As much as I would have loved to be running the half marathon ... or even running as one of Teddy's angels in the 5k ... healing my stress fracture allowed me to fully soak up the spectator experience cheering for Teddy.

Teddy in this picture is as large as he feels all the time.

It's awesome at the start of the race, as the Oshkosh 5k introduces each MTT captain by name. But it's absolutely incredible at the finish line to watch Teddy walk down the chute to cross the line with his angels holding his hands (because otherwise who knows where Teddy would end up). Everyone is cheering, people rooting for Teddy yelling things like "You're almost there!" or "Great job!"

There's two reasons that struck me today about why this is so dang special. The first is that I know some people in life will see Teddy as somehow less than other people. People will say mean things about him and to him. When he races with MTT, he's a celebrity with people cheering for him and rooting for him! He's an inspiration, not an invalid. I heard one other parent tell his son before the race, "This is all for you, buddy." As parents, we want our children to be loved, accepted and embraced for who they are. MTT gives us that opportunity.

The second is ironically it was two years ago today that we captured Teddy's first independent wobbly steps on camera. He managed to walk three steps, looking like he was completely drunk. We celebrated those steps because they confirmed what we'd always hoped but never could assume ... that Teddy would learn to walk independently. I watched that video today in amazement of how far he's come. He may still resemble a bull in a china shop most of the time and occasionally a belligerent drunk when he is tired and uncooperative. But he can walk anywhere he pleases and navigate uneven surfaces, ramps and hills. He can stop, start, fall down and get himself back up without assistance. He can even run. He's learned to jump. It's incredible the progress he's made and continues to make.

Oh, and he sat on a (fake) cow today. He was quite pleased with himself and Ms. Christina, who is his partner in those types of shenanigans.

Kids were not supposed to be on this cow. Teddy's a rebel.