… of dance class that is.
It sounds so dramatic. I guess maybe its not such a big deal. But today it feels like one more thing on a list Cowden’s Syndrome has robbed her of.
Meghan was never going to be a performance dancer. She wasn’t going to do ballet for hours. But, for the last 3 years, she has taken one dance class a week.
Hip Hop.
Not because she knows the music, but rather because they dance in sneakers – and that is better for her joints.
I can’t say enough good things about the studio. The owner is a compassionate, kind, professional, lovely woman who strives to make every child feel like a million bucks. She revels in their accomplishments. She celebrates every ability level. She truly loves children, and dance.
This place is the perfect fit for Meghan.
Her joints acted up in the fall. She missed a month before she could get it back together. No worries – no sweat.
A few weeks ago she twisted an ankle at dance. Xrays, a sprain. A week or two off.
Then there was the shoulder thing. Not dance related – but it still cost her some time.
And then tonight. I picked her up from class and her flushed face told the story before her teacher had to.
“She hurt her hand, but we don’t know how.”
I do.
EFF YOU COWDENS!
So, I took her home. There was a shower, and some ice. Nothing more than a light sprain I am sure. But her back hurt too. So we put her to bed very gently. And we spoke about maybe finding ways to increase swimming instead of maintaining dance.
The recital though is such a rush. She loves it. She loves being on stage – the energy. The celebration.
Physical Therapy tomorrow morning. We will let Dr. Jill input her thoughts – although I already know them.
She is pretty good when she dances. She is a quick study. She has made so much progress. And she has some moves. (Those are NOT from me!)
She will ultimately get to decide. Although its probably for the best to back out now – before she really gets hurt. The final decision will be hers. So I say.
In reality the final decision has been made by Cowden’s Syndrome, and its ruthless attack on her joints and muscles, and connective tissue.
She is resting peacefully – for now. But I am cranky.
Things tend to work out as they should, but I am still waiting for this little girl…(young woman…AAAKK!) to catch a break…
beatingcowdens 
I hope she can keep dancing. I imagine the rush is a huge benefit to her both mentally and physically? Lots of love to you and her and finger’s crossed she can keep those dancing shoes on x
Thanks so much… She will still dance, at parties and such, but her performance days are numbered. Cowden’s is doing a number on her body… she is a walking injury of late. Now I need to find an awesome swim instructor to fine tune her skills and lesson the sting.
Bless her. Hope you find a good instructor x
Hopefully she will return to dance class one day. I don’t know you, but I feel as though when I read your blog that I’m reading many of the same thoughts I’ve had in my head. Thanks for personalizing your daily struggle and your AMAZING daughter’s struggle. “Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” (I had to share this because of your icon…I use to have a picture of Nemo with those exact words captioned at the bottom. It hung inside my file cabinet in a place only I could see for “inspiration” to get me through the day when I taught 2nd grade!)