A long time ago I saw a really funny comedian do a bit about a woman out on a date who needed to fart. This woman was wearing pantyhose which allowed her to fart discretely and keep her secret inside the hose so her date wouldn't suspect her flatulence. When she got home she was able to let the trapped air out of her hose and blow all around her house. This. Is. Mackenzie. I've figured it out. She farts in her pantyhose.
Most people who know Mackenzie, don't even know Mackenzie. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me what is "wrong" with Mackenzie because she seems so normal, I would be a rich woman. We just got her report card and it shows her progressing nicely, even mastering areas that are so challenging for her here at home. Don't get me wrong here, I'm so happy to know that she is able to go out in the world and be successful. I am happy to know that she feels safe to cut loose when she gets home. I know that is normal for most kids. It just makes it so hard for us to get help for her because no one can tell that she needs help!
For those of you who don't know Mack...here is a very brief description of the last 3 years. Born premature with brain injuries affecting her motor cortex. "Diagnosed" with Cerebral Palsy due to gross motor delays. Diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder very early in life based on oral aversions, self regulation problems, and self injurious behaviors. The outside of her is incredibly perfect and beautiful. The inside of her is tumultuous. She is full of volcanic energy. In the past she has gone through oral issues that caused her to stop eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom. She has pulled out almost all of the hair on the sides of her head. At one point she was hitting her head 20+ times a day on walls, sidewalks, doors, you name it. She had wear a helmet to protect her because she would drop from standing onto asphalt because she felt out of control. Very hard for a mama to watch.
As a teacher, I hear parents say all the time that they are so glad their child behaves at school because they are so rotten at home. I have said the same thing about Fiona. With Mack, I feel so opposite. I wish this girl would rock her teacher's world a couple times so her school would know what we were dealing with and would be able to help us begin to help her. So far...it hasn't happened. That's because she farts in her pantyhose all day and comes home to share the wind with us. I can weather the storm but it gets really tiring. Our neighbor told me the other day that I sure have my hands full with Mackenzie. Ordinarily a parent would take offense to such a comment. I felt validated.
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