I continue to be in awe of my older daughter, Isabel, as she tackles the challenges of recovering from her ACL surgery. This past week marked her return to school, which brought a whole new set of hurdles. With one leg locked in a straight brace and unable to bear weight, her determination has been nothing short of inspiring.
The First Challenge: A School Roadblock to Overcome
Before school started, I reached out to the administration to make arrangements for Isabel—specifically, access to an elevator key and other accommodations. Another mom had mentioned we could pay a $50 deposit for an elevator key, which seemed reasonable since Isabel would be navigating two campuses—one with up to six floors and the other a block away.
We got half of what we hoped for. Transportation between the two campuses via a cart? Check. Elevator access? Not so much. It was out of service due to critical maintenance. My heart sank. How was Isabel supposed to navigate flights of stairs safely? The school’s alternative was to have her remain in the student center and watch classes remotely for those on inaccessible floors.
Isabel’s Determination: Tackling Stairs with a Plan
Isabel wasn’t discouraged for long. “Let’s practice the stairs,” she insisted. Outside our apartment, she attempted the daunting task. Three steps up and she was hyperventilating. Coming down was a bit easier but still risky.
When I suggested remote learning as a fallback, she quickly shot back, “No way. I want to attend my classes.”
Over the next two days, she formed a plan:
- Arrive early: Friends would help her slowly climb the stairs.
- Recruit a support team: Two friends per class would assist her and carry her heavy backpack.
- Stair practice: With each attempt, she grew more confident.
- Backup plan: She had contingencies in case a friend couldn’t show up.
The First Day Back: Rising to the Occasion
Isabel’s spirits were high as we pulled up to school. Her “entourage” of friends was waiting, ready to
help. She tackled her first challenge—two flights of stairs—with grit and determination.
To her surprise, navigating the stairs was easier than expected thanks to her mental and physical preparation. The bigger challenge turned out to be sitting. With a brace running the length of her left quad, discomfort and numbness set in quickly. By the time she came home, the joy of the morning had given way to irritation from the pain of sitting through four 70-minute classes.
Adjusting to School Life: Learning and Thriving
I braced myself for a grumpy morning after her tough first day, but Isabel proved me wrong. She emailed her teachers, requesting an extra chair to elevate her leg during class. They quickly accommodated her, and by Day 2, she returned home with a smile.
She also bonded with the varsity football coach, who doubles as the go-cart driver and campus security leader. He went above and beyond, giving her an extra ride to the other campus after school.
Lessons and Inspiration: Finding Strength in Challenges
Isabel’s story is a powerful reminder that challenges are opportunities in disguise. When life throws roadblocks your way, you have a choice: let them stop you or find a way around them. With determination, planning, and the willingness to ask for help, you can navigate even the steepest stairs—literally and figuratively.
Watching Isabel navigate this challenge has been deeply inspiring for me. Her resilience, creativity, and refusal to give up have reminded me to embrace her spirit when I face difficulties in my own life. She’s shown me that even in tough times, with the right mindset, we can find our way—and maybe even discover unexpected strengths and joys along the journey.
Next time you face a tough situation, take a page from Isabel’s book. Focus on what you can control, lean on those who care about you, and don’t be afraid to reimagine your plan. You might just uncover strengths you didn’t know you had—and come out stronger, just like Isabel. I’m so proud of her and the example she’s set for all of us.
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I am always in your corner.
Lei