Halloween this year was ridiculously fun. Maybe it was the party atmosphere and the horde of family members trick or treating with us this year, but it was full of laughter and fun. I am pretty sure there were more adult family members in our group than their were children. There was at least 3o of us!
As usual, Pork Chop and I had coordinating costumes while Pea sashayed alongside us in all her Princess finery. I used to worry that she would feel left out or slighted because I clearly prefer to dress up in less regal costumes. Now I am certain that she prefers to be the only “Royal Highness” in the family. Whew!
The annual Florida Georgia football festivities fell on Halloween. This worked out well. We met at my cousin’s house for the annual Florida Georgia barbecue, stayed for the trick or treating, then celebrated my niece’s birthday. It was a three for one family gathering. When I was a teen and young adult I was less than enthused about being a part of such a humongous family but as I grow older I feel inordinately blessed to have been born to this big, boiseterous, and insanely creative bunch.
I was worried about trick or treating this year. Pea’s rheumatologist took her off of her twice daily NSAID dosage because she exhibited no active Juvenile Arthritis at her appointment a few weeks ago.
She did not complain of any pain in the days leading up to Halloween so I did not bring up using her stroller as an option this year. The boots I chose to wear were not nearly as comfortable as the Brooks Ghosts that I run/live in. I did not relish the prospect of having to carry her on my back after an hour or so of walking. She is six–at the age when being called “a baby” by classmates who see her in a stroller bothers her.
Imagine my surprise when for the first time ever, she walked the entire time we trick or treated. Not only did she hoof it like everyone else, she was the last kid standing! Every other child, Pork Chop included, gave up in weariness while Pea was determined to walk through her sore feet.
When you have a child with chronic pain, these little victories are a big deal and warrant documentation! What little victories are you celebrating this week?
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