An Ode to SMOs- orthotics getting Zack one step closer to walking!

Zack’s world has changed yet again…and so has ours.

On the advice of our amazing PT Sarah, we went to OrthoProActive in Newmarket to see Krista and have Zack fit for SMOs (Supramaleolar Orthosis) to help straighten his feet out and give him some more support to get him closer to walking independently…

To be honest, I always thought that Zack would need some type of insert to help him walk. I had always looked at other kids wearing them and come to terms with the fact that Zack would likely need something up to the knee- and that would be ok. We were pleasantly surprised that his inserts only go just above the ankle and offer him all the support he needs.

The minute our gorgeous proud son got on his new SMOs (a few tears putting the hard plastic on), he smiled and proceeded to walk around the building with his walker grinning ear to ear!

Imagine the feeling of that first taste of freedom?

As we watched our son walking up and down the hall, exploring the rooms and looking out the glass door, tears came to our eyes as we saw the joy in his. He was free to walk on his own (with the walker) without waiting for our hands to lead him around.

Life with our SMOs has been amazing! Zack now wants to walk everywhere. He knows that when his cute little blue orthotics come out, he gets major walking time. Inside the house with his nurse, Sue or along the sidewalk to the cheers of the neighbours, our Zack walks with more confidence and stability than ever! It will be a matter of time before he lets go and walks on his own.

During a family night at Chuck E. Cheese, our precious boy had the run of the restaurant with his SMOs and walker! Its amazing to bring out the walker in public and we are doing it more and more. Rather than wanting to shelter him from the stares of other people, I actually love to let him show off for the world.
Other families do look and smile when they see the excitement on our little boy’s face.

This past weekend we had another “SMO moment” when we were at the lake. My parents watched from behind while Paul and I each took Zack’s hand to walk to the car. I don’t take these small moments for granted- my heart blushes each time I hold my littlest son’s hand and realize that I’ve been waiting for almost 3 years for the privilege of holding his tiny hand to walk.