Robo Mom is “Now” How I Mom

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“Robo mom! Mommy you are going to be like a robot,” expressed my six year old with excitement.

Those were not exactly the comforting words I was seeking, but coming from my daughter they made me smile and laugh, knowing she understood what was going to happen to mommy. Behind my smile was fear, stress, anxiety, worry, and sadness all wrapped into one bundle of emotions.

What on Earth just happened to me? To my family?

Going from treating sciatic pain, to a herniated disk, then finally to congenital hip dysplasia was not what I had imagined being part of my life. Being at this stage, the diagnosis of hip dysplasia was not good news. To put it simply, I was bone on bone! There was no way of having any type of normal movement with my joint.

How could I be “mom” in this state?

I remember just pacing back and forth in the doctor’s office with no idea of how this was possible. Surgery was the only solution and it scared me to pieces. The only thing I could think of was my girls. How was I going to be there for them? How was I going to take care of them? They depend on mommy. It was just a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Having a hip replacement isn’t as simple as it sounds. It means completely removing a portion of bone and replacing it with a metal stem. Imagine the turmoil that was racing through my mind, my heart, and my soul.  

Fast forward to March 8.

The day I knew it was all real that I had to learn how to dress, bathe, and walk again. It was not easy letting go of my mommy duties but it was for the best. If I wanted to become independent again, I had to become dependent.

Me. Dependent.

Robo Mom is Now How I Mom

 

It wasn’t easy. My now two-year-old would spend most of the time at grandma’s. It practically broke my heart every night not having her with me. My seven-year-old was still in school but once summer came around she was home with me. She was a trooper with helping out as best as she could when I needed it. She amazed me with her noble self to be the one helping mommy. Yes, she still was her silly little self but deep down she understood that mommy needed help. It was a drastic change for her and she pulled through with amazing poise. I, at times, felt as if I was losing it but I had to regain my mommy value and keep moving forward. As the months came and went I endured learning to walk, dress, and bathe on my own. It wasn’t an easy journey but I prevailed. It has been six months since the surgery and I have sustained five months of physical therapy to strengthen and build endurance in my muscles. 

At six months, I can say I’m almost back to normal. I can walk without assistance and do almost everything I did before surgery. The best part of recovery was being able to be Mommy again. That was my goal through recovery. My girls. Natalie and Annie were and still are my inspiration to continue recovery. 

Robo Mom is now how I mom!

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Melissa May Gama Bean
Reflecting on the many blessings I have I can say that I'm fortunate to be in God's favor. I have two beautiful daughters that have brought a change of life to our home. My husband and I have known each other since we met in the fifth grade. We call ourselves elementary sweet hearts. Our lives have brought us together in ways we never imagined. Living life together has made the journey easier and well worth the memories we share. Currently, I am a second grade teacher and I hold a bachelors in sociology and a masters in education administration. As an educator, I have become an advocate for children and teachers. Believing in others that they can achieve anything they set their minds on helps them succeed. People today need to be compassionate about what they do for a living and that's me-I am a compassionate, strong willed woman who will aim high in achieving success and helping others achieve their own goals.

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