Being almost totally incapacitated has given me a clear picture of how independent Sammy is. She can do so many things for herself! And what’s even better is that this is forcing me to teach her even more ways to be independent. It’s so much easier to be able to say, “I am unable to help you,” rather than, “I’m not going to help you because I know you can do this.” But more than anything, it is just my awareness that has changed. I never thought to ask her to empty her own trash can, but now there is no way I can empty it, so of course she should. I never thought to teach her how to turn on the shower without burning herself, but now there is no way I can do it for her, so of course she should. I do think she’s pretty independent for her age, but there are just some little items that I’ve been blind to.
And once I’m out of this cast, boy, she’s in trouble! First up: washing dishes!
