The paradox which is Isaac

My silly boy always keeps me guessing. This past Tuesday was the cast removal. To hear James tell it, and I doubt he was exaggerating, Isaac screamed the entire time as if he was having a limb removed, instead of just the cast. I've witnessed the same behavior before, over other things that really frightened him, so am not surprised, and just hate that he is that afraid of the process. That evening, he was even nervous to the point of crying about getting the boot off so he could take a bath. However, after the bath, he put the sock and boot back on, with no drama, just being very careful to avoid his toes. He did all right Wednesday, getting around at VBS with the boot, and rarely complained, though he hopped a good bit, and didn't want to put any weight on that foot. Then, Thursday he seemed all right overall, but still didn't want us near his toes. After VBS, we decided to go to the Y pool and he removed his boot himself, before leaving the house, and did it with relatively little complaining or worrying about pain. We went to the pool (his first time since last year) and though he's typically hesitant about the water, he got in to the baby pool with Elijah quickly, and did great even with his sensitive sore foot/leg. That is a huge milestone. We've always said how Isaac just takes a while to warm up to things, and once he does, he's usually o.k. It didn't take him long at all this time though, to get warmed up to the pool, and he played around in the shallow end independently for almost the whole time.

When we returned home, he asked if he could ride his bike. I was surprised, and told him he'd need to wear the boot to support his leg, and he said he'd put it on. Then, I tried to encourage him to not push it, and take things slowly, because the muscles in his left leg were really weak. He got ready, asked me to hold the bike steady, and then sat on it. His first words were, "Aahhhh. That's more like it." He took off down the driveway, like he hadn't been off the bike for 8 weeks. Here's Elijah watching his big brother go! As I realized Isaac was really going to ride for a little bit, I got his helmet for him, and he rode up and down our street numerous times. I was so proud and excited for him, and shook my head in amazement. I know Granddaddy and Uncle Jacob, the cyclists in the family, are so happy that he's already comfortable again on wheels.Of course, later that night, he was really tired, and cried when we had to bathe and clean those stinky toes, but we're making progress. How he can push and demonstrate such strength of will and tolerance to pain at times, and then freak out over his toes being touched is so confusing to me. I'm just glad that he's getting more used to moving and resuming normal activities. God is awesome to give us that hope tonight, that it won't be long till he's back to his old self in all areas!