A note to all concerned parents of BPI children:

[Miss Music]

A little over eighteen years ago, I was born with a BPI, among a host of other maladies. My parents were particularly zealous with my physical therapy...until I was old enough to put up a fight, at which point I began to neglect my 'gimp' arm (a term of endearment). Even with a limited range of motion and a serious lack of strength, my arm has never stopped me from anything.

When I was younger, I played soccer and basketball, rode a dirtbike, and learned how to play the piano and the flute. My limited pronation and supenation may have made it more challenging for me to do all of these things, but overcoming such adversity simply prepared me for the world. Nothing ever comes easy; if you're not willing to work for it, and work hard, then it's not just going to fall into your lap. Also, due to my arm, I was very hesitant at first to try any of the above tasks. But thanks to my parents, who never stopped pushing, I learned to love them all.

And now, at eighteen years old, I am in the middle of recording my first album of original songs. I'm playing all instruments myself: drums, bass, electric guitar, keyboard, and vocals.

Remember, nothing is impossible. This injury doesn't mean there are things your child can't do. There are just things that they will have to work harder at, that they will do differently. Make sure you are there to encourage them, to push them all the way.

[Kath]

Miss Music

Your post should be and inspiration to all parents worried about their babies/children with obpi.
OBPI children are strong, persistent and creative. It takes a long time for parents to realize that we won't break, won't give up and can do anything we set our minds to.

I truly enjoyed reading your post and the positive view you have on life.
I'm 70 and was always told, I could do anything I really wanted to do. That positive attitude helped me in life and helped me to be a better more encouraging mother. I never worried about my kids failing at something... only failing to try or giving up to easily.

Kath

[Tuckersmommy]

Thank you so very much!!!What an inspiration.May God keep blessing you!!!

[FullHouseMom]

Wow! Thank you so much!!!! Sometimes I feel like a drill sergeant pushing my son (7yrs) to try things. It's good to know that he will appreciate it one day. The good thing is - he never gives up. He just finds another way to make it work. The downside to that is he applies it to all aspects of his life...which means when he wants something (such as a toy) he never gives up either....

[Kath]

Fullhouse MOM...

Your post made me laugh. My mother was so upset because she raised and encouraged me to be strong, determined, independent and persistent and NEVER to just give up. BUT as a result, she had a problem with it because when I wanted something or wanted to do something I applied all these traits... When I was older/teenager, I once told her she could not have it both ways. She wanted me to be more flexible about things and I just did not have that ability yet! She truly made me the way I am. I am flexible now but my husband would say " Once I make up my mind to do something nothing stops me and I'm still stubborn.

Sorry but that comes with being obpi. We have to be strong minded, determined, creative and persistent or we would never move or accomplish any of life's ordinary tasks. We must be encouraged to be independent or we would sit around allowing other to help us do things we should be doing for ourselves. It is important for our self-esteem to be independent even if we have to be creative and do the ordinary life tasks our own way.

I'm still smiling because I know what you face. My kids were never as strong willed or determined as I am...LOL...
Giving up is not something I can really do. When I start something or really want to do something I just have to finish it. LOL...

[Carolyn J]

Welcome "Miss Music"!!!
Thank YOU for posting.
You inspire us older adults too. Please come back more often; it's good to hear from someone young 1st hand.
HUGS all around,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/72