There are always stares
Jordan jumped into a new sport last night. She’s giving basketball a try for the first time. She’s very excited about this new sport and I didn’t really think about how another new environment means new kids, new stares and a whole new group of people to teach how limb differences aren’t a big deal. I think I kind of forgot because one of Jordan’s closest friends from school is on her team.
Jordan jumped into practice without a blink. And when I say jump, I mean when she jumps, it’s like she’s in dance class. Her jump pivot looks like a dance move. We’ll see how it goes when she’s actually playing a game. So far, her basketball moves are quite dramatic. She giggled with her friends and made a new friend.
After practice, she told me a couple of things that brought me back into the reality of her world of stares. First, she decided one girl must know someone else with a limb difference because she never stared or even acted differently. Second, some other kids stared and asked if she was really on the team. (We were out of town for the first practice.) But Jordan told me she’s sure they’ll get past it soon.
I’m glad we talk about stares openly and we aren’t embarrassed by them. It’s a way of life. Yes, Jordan is different. Yes, some kids stare. Yes, most kids move past it. Yes, it is annoying. And sometimes, I have to remember that they will happen in a new situation and be ready to cheer Jordan on as she faces new environments with all the positive energy she needs.
So far, so good.
Way to go Jordan! Dealing with stares was hard as a kid and has gotten easier. I hope she enjoys basketball!
Good for you Jordan and mom 🙂 My daughter was born with ABS on both her hands and it effected all fingers except for pinky and thumb on each hand and I am still learning how to deal with the stares. I think she does much better than I do, so kudos to the both of you again!!
Thanks, Ashley!!
Sweet Uniforms!
Thanks, Lance. I’m glad you approve. 🙂
I am so incredibly proud of Jordan! Emma Kate is very excited to be on the team with her. I had to miss last night’s practice, but can’t wait to see these girls in action.
I’m super excited too, Megan!
Jen….
I have been absent from commenting on this Blog, and for good reason. Why? Six days ago, I fell and strained my right knee. So. Although I have absolutely nothing to complain about, I’m slowly but surely “in recovery” from this crazy injury!! I. Am. Resilient!! 😉
Aw sweet Jordan. She is such an inspiration to me…. 😉
–Raelyn
Raelyn, I’m sorry you’re hurt! I hope you feel better soon! It’s great to see you here again.
Thank you so much I really enjoy reading. I have a 5 month old son is missing his right lower arm. If you could give me any information or how you guys deal with stares and question would really help me.
[…] in 2014,Friends,Running 0stLight.options({publisher:''});emailDigg DiggI had mentioned earlier this week that Jordan was jumping into cross country. She jumped into all kinds of running events in the last year and wants to join in on kid triathlons next year. I’m really excited for her because she’s turning into a great runner and cross country is a fun way to get more involved. What took me off guard was her nervousness during our first evening practice. I don’t know why I am not more prepared. (She started off with some nervousness when she tried basketball for the first time earlier this year.) […]