A few times each year, I receive emails from families that have found my blog while researching Symbrachydactyly. My eldest daughter was born with it and while I don't discuss it much on the blog, I'm always open to discussing it. In fact, at any time you can click on the "Symbrachydactyly" link on the top of my blog to learn more or of course you can email me.
Why don't I mention it much? Honestly, it just doesn't come up much in our lives. The first year of Kiddo's life was dotted with visits to hand surgeons and specialists. I joined every limb different group I could find and researched a ton. I grieved, I questioned my actions while pregnant and then I came to terms with it. After that year, well yeah life went on.
I could write pages on the all things my Kiddo can do, but it would be easier to maybe highlight the few challenges. She can't do monkey bars (I never could either and I have 10 full fingers). She has some trouble carrying very large objects. And that about wraps it up..seriously. She is at the very top of her class and has reached milestones beyond her 5 years. Am I worried about her? When I have worries or struggles in regards to Kiddo, they are the very same I have for her siblings.
On Kiddo's 5th birthday she received a *pink* BB gun and real archery set (no suction cup arrows here!) My husband is a hunter - born and raised.. and so will my children. That's the start and end of my words on that matter. Rather, I'm incredibly proud of watching my daughter wield both her gun and bow without any issues in regards to her special hand. My husband is training her now to use both, but once she turns 6 she will be taking professional classes as well. The pride she exudes is contagious and whips the breath right out of me. She is truly in her element and is so very comfortable in her skin. It is quite simply magical to watch my husband and daughter when they are practicing.
How does symbrachydactyly look at age 5?
It looks beautiful, confident and inspiring!
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteOur son Will was born with syndactyly (fused fingers), of the pinky, ring, and middle fingers on both hands. The first reaction was shock, with acceptance and love following quickly thereafter. Our biggest concern was how to help/fix things for him. The hand surgeon was great and began surgeries when Will was 18 months, one finger & one hand at a time. Every 6 months until ALL fingers were separated.
Today our 15 year old, active (runner) son is funny and smart and only bares scars on his fingers and groin from where skin grafts were taken. He didn't lose any fingers, has some funky fingernails and honestly it's just part of his history and physical characteristics. From 5 to 15 flies and your daughter is very fortunate to have such loving and compassionate parents.
After all those surgeries, Will was quite a clingy guy, but now he is and independent, active (track and cross country teams), intelligent teenager who is looking forward to driving soon. Yikes. While symbrachydactyly and syndactyly are not the same, they are unique and challenging.
Don't know why I shared this but felt a bit of kinship with your sharing.
Hope you are feeling well.
Peace,
Donna
Hi Jennifer, my best friend in grade school had syndactyly of both hands. There was nothing that Patty couldn't do. We had special penmanship classes (this *was* 50 some years ago, lol) and she had the most beautiful handwriting in the class. She never thought about it, we didn't either. In our typing classes (yes, it was typing back then not keyboarding) her words per minute were among the highest in the class. She was a great ball player - tether ball, dodge ball, volleyball, softball. The hands didn't stop Patty from doing anything that we could do. Loved that girl.
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