Today the kids and I toured a farm where Tsega may do hippotherapy. It was pristine. It was the kind of place where you want to handcuff yourself to the barn door and tell the owners Sorry, folks, I don't mean to intrude, but you can't make me leave ever. I felt a little like Matt Foley in the SNL skit where he claims he is leaving his van down by the river and bunking with his new family. I swear, their gorgeous barn, indoor heated ring, paddocks, stables, and pure bred icelandic ponies for the therapy had me and all the kids drooling. There are a hundred reasons hippotherapy is good for people, and the tip of the iceberg is that just being around the horses and their gentle hugeness is humbling and calming. It was so peaceful there.
But even more distinct about our hour there, was the woman giving us a tour. I had a moment, there at the farm. An eye opening, mind blowing moment. Tsega wanted to climb a fence to get higher to pet one of the ponies. No one freaked out. She reached for him to support his back, and I reassured her that he wouldn't fall, and she immediately backed away and said OK.
She never told him to get down or made him feel like he was doing a bad thing. She actually said Wow, great balance, what a strong kid! I was thunderstruck. She saw his eager attitude, climbing and balance and strength as positives. It took me aback, I am used to taking Tsega places and his demeanor, his coordination, his lightening fast climbing is seen as disruptive, dangerous, inconvenient, or irritating. I have sometimes been convinced by others to view him that way too. But here, his skills were noted and appreciated. It made him feel good. Heck, it made me feel good. They helped me see Tsega in the light he deserves: as a truly gifted kid. We've been so neck deep in therapy and dysregulation I am used to thinking about all his special, high needs. At this place, the short time we were there, I was so proud of him, and simultaneously ashamed of not being as proud as I should have been.
I had the chills thinking If these people can help give my son confidence and nurture his natural love of animals and use his strengths to work on his weaknesses, this is officially the Happiest Place on Earth.
We have one more farm to tour and a few more calls in to insurance to make sure we are good to proceed. But I feel like prayers are being answered.
I truly hope for all of you who have kids who struggle for any reason, you can find a place for them to be and learn where the teachers or instructors genuinely see your child as wonderful and strong. Because we parents need support for these kiddos who need extra help. And sometimes we need the reminder to see those strengths for what they really are.
But even more distinct about our hour there, was the woman giving us a tour. I had a moment, there at the farm. An eye opening, mind blowing moment. Tsega wanted to climb a fence to get higher to pet one of the ponies. No one freaked out. She reached for him to support his back, and I reassured her that he wouldn't fall, and she immediately backed away and said OK.
She never told him to get down or made him feel like he was doing a bad thing. She actually said Wow, great balance, what a strong kid! I was thunderstruck. She saw his eager attitude, climbing and balance and strength as positives. It took me aback, I am used to taking Tsega places and his demeanor, his coordination, his lightening fast climbing is seen as disruptive, dangerous, inconvenient, or irritating. I have sometimes been convinced by others to view him that way too. But here, his skills were noted and appreciated. It made him feel good. Heck, it made me feel good. They helped me see Tsega in the light he deserves: as a truly gifted kid. We've been so neck deep in therapy and dysregulation I am used to thinking about all his special, high needs. At this place, the short time we were there, I was so proud of him, and simultaneously ashamed of not being as proud as I should have been.
I had the chills thinking If these people can help give my son confidence and nurture his natural love of animals and use his strengths to work on his weaknesses, this is officially the Happiest Place on Earth.
We have one more farm to tour and a few more calls in to insurance to make sure we are good to proceed. But I feel like prayers are being answered.
I truly hope for all of you who have kids who struggle for any reason, you can find a place for them to be and learn where the teachers or instructors genuinely see your child as wonderful and strong. Because we parents need support for these kiddos who need extra help. And sometimes we need the reminder to see those strengths for what they really are.
This is an old picture. Our family's horse obsession was firmly rooted over a year ago. #TheBlackStallionChangedTheirLives
Happy, peaceful weekend to you all.
3 comments:
Whew, I needed that reminder today. So glad that the visit went so very well and it is such a good match for you all.
OK- I have to admit something: when I first started reading and you said "hippotherapy" I was like...hippos? hippos? like hippopotamus? Her kid is going to ride a hippo for therapy? But then.....ahhhhh! horses! Yes! Horse therapy! Of course!
But if you know anywhere where my kid could ride a hippopotomus let me know. Pretty sure my insurance company would laugh at me, but working with hippos would be right up my girl's alley (she's a wild thing.)
that's great! is there a rock-climbing gym in your area he could go to as well? seems like he'd be a fantastic boulderer.
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