Independence

As I supported Reed at the kitchen sink the other night because he wanted to play washing the dishes, I couldn't help but think of how I wish some parent would experience a child that lacks the ability to have some independence. Don't take this the wrong way I am not saying they are lucky and we are not, besides the obvious I would never change a thing about Reed.  But it is a hard thing for him to do much of anything without some form of help because he lacks the ability to walk and get around, this is when I think other parents probably take their child independence for guaranteed.  All he wanted to do was stand on a step stool and play in the water but he doesn't have the ability to stand so I stood behind him and supported him so he could "stand" there and play in the water.  I could have modified the activity and got a tub and put water in it for him, but that was not what he wanted to play.  He likes to clean and he wanted to pretend to wash the dishes like mom and dad do.   It just got me thinking about how I cherish this time with him because outside of the given situation of this disease this would be something he could do on his own most likely and I might be off doing something else and not having this one on one time with Reed.  Yes it would be nice at times to be able to be off doing something else while he plays but Reed has never been one to play by himself and is always close in tow, crawling or asking for us to hold him.  So independence its a double edge sword at times I crave it for him and wish for it and at other times I have to sit back and remind myself to relish in the play time with him.  Obviously outside of the disease I would wish for his ability to walk/stand and have play independence if it wasn't for the diereses.