When Erin was born with a Hand difference it was a massive shock, I felt so much guilt and so much sorrow, it took some time for me to come to terms with it. She had 3 surgeries to separate her two fingers on her left hand at the age of 7 months old, the first year of her life went so fast and so many wasted tears, because if I knew then what I know now, things would of been so different.
Fast forward to Erin now being a happy, healthy 3 year old, Erin is thriving in every way. She can ride her scooter and do pretty much everything a child with both hands can do. The only hurdle we have faced so far is Erin struggled to get herself dressed and undressed but a few weeks of tough love and perseverance Erin finally cracked it “in her own way”. It’s tough watching your child struggle but the smile on her face after she has achieved it is amazing and I could not be more proud of her! Your new baby will give you more joy then you can ever imagine with every milestone and achievement made, I promise you this!
Erin is becoming aware that she has a different hand to her friends, she asks questions but she isn’t upset about it, she tells children that ask about her hand, “i was made in my mummy’s tummy like this” and when they ask if her fingers will grow back, she says, “it’s always going to be like this”. The first time I heard her say this to her friend was when we was out in the park, my heart burst with pride.
I will Always be her biggest advocate but sometimes I step back and let her handle the world because she is fierce and wonderful.
Jennifer Cooney
