PedalingBackwards… I remember riding a bike as a kid and when I would push the pedal only slightly backwards it wouldn’t trigger the brakes. I could coast in a relaxed way.
Then I got a 10-speed and pedaling backwards was more an expression of freedom and power! I could pedal up to a speed I liked and then coast and almost dance with my feet as I pedaled backwards, listening to that clicking sound. Very relaxing!
Here in adult-land, I have found pedaling backwards is a survival skill. I have 5 kids, one of whom requires chronic complex care. I have to slow down from my “get there now” approach to life and coast a lot more than I used to!
So from time to time (daily), I have to be reminded to pedal backwards. To slow down, quit staring at the horizon, turn off my motor and enjoy the moments. PedalingBackwards is about enjoying the moments.
It is also about g-tubes – everything g-tube! Feeding, unclogging, mixing, storing, washing, food, healing, etc. Stop back often. I usually post something somewhere on this blog every day. Glad you’re here! If I can help you in any way leave a comment, or email me at PedalingBackwards@gmail.com.
Pedaling Backwards is about caregiving my child with chronic complex needs. I continue to learn about being the mother/advocate/planner who manages the care and well-being of my child. She is the youngest of 5 and, barring a miracle, will never live independent of supportive care. She is delightful, wonderful, funny, bossy, complex, and loving. Her health is unpredictable. Her daily care requirements are significant. En (N, short for Natalie) is 10 years old, delightful, loving, mostly happy, curious, and talkative. We have made dozens of trips to the hospital(s).
Before I knew there was a problem with En’s well-being, I was zipping through life pretty quickly. Now I’m on a bicycle which seems to have exactly two speeds, forward and backward. Just when I think we can start coasting, I have to brake. Pedaling backwards sometimes means slow down, and sometimes means actually losing ground on our journey. It is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. Join me as I navigate the curves in the road, the ongoing story of care.
About the Author: Lynn Rickert, former paramedic, former insurance investigator, published writer, is the mother of five children. She has experienced many ups and downs, learning and growing in various ways. Contact with parents of complex kids has been a source of great comfort and strength. This blog is an attempt to provide that comfort and strength to others. You can email Lynn at PedalingBackwards@gmail.com
Lynn can also be found at EzineArticles. Here are a few of Lynn’s likes:
laughter music friends my kids coffee books
the beach!!!! Health God Love Freedom
Hello again Lynn – I am a mom of 3 boys and my youngest, Tim, is 23 and has been a gastrostomy tube user now for 3 years… I saw pictures of your daughter and she looks delightful. Let’s keep in touch. Pam
Hi Lynn…
I was so lucky today to have my friend send me a link to your blog. WOW is your blog perfect for me!! I am a blessed Mother of a 2 1/2yr old son w/Down Syndrome. Dillon happens to also have a GTube & I’m still geting used to this new “world”…it’s been a nerve racking journey, but yet it’s also been a life saver!! I’ve only been able to read a few parts of your story & I’m looking forward to reading so much more…THANK YOU so much for sharing so much with us! You have no idea how important it is to me to be able to find more info such as this…
God Speed!
http://www.masterdillon.blogspot.com
Melissa:)
Hi Melissa, Thanks for visiting. This isn’t easy, but it is possible. Hang in there! If you ever have a specific question, don’t hesitate to ask it here, or send me an email at PedalingBackwards@gmail.com. I’m so happy to be of help to others. It is encouraging to me!
Lynn
Lynn,
Thank you for your site! I have 3 boys the oldest is 25 and my baby is 3, Nickle is G-tube dependent and has been since his first birthday. Now that he is getting older we are encountering many more bumps in the road. I am learning as I go along there are many times when I need to just stop and look back. Nickolas has come along way he has been hospitalized 15 times in the past 3 years. You blog is great and helps me realize I am not the only mother going through this, being able to share bits and peices of my Nickle’s story and hearing how others are getting through is uplifting. Thank you and God Bless
Lisa
Lisa, Thanks so much for visiting and sharing a bit of your story. There is no other life like this one, I think. Here’s one of my favorite quotes about it:
“You’ve developed the strength of a draft horse while holding onto the delicacy of a daffodil … you are the mother, advocate and protector of a child with a disability.” -Lori Borgman
God’s blessings to you…
Lynn
Your blog is a wonderful resource. Thank you!
Thank you Deidra, I appreciate the encouragement!
Lynn, you inspire me. I love this: “turn off my motor and enjoy the moments. PedalingBackwards is about enjoying the moments”.
I need to remember to do that more often. You are an amazing, strong, beautiful woman. Thanks for sharing your story and journey!
oh my gosh, THAT’S what i said?! I forgot. Just kidding. Thanks Sandra! You are an inspiration!
Hi Lynn, I am excited to explore your site more. My 14month old son Kai has a gtube due to weight loss and poor appetite caused by an inoperable brain tumor/chemo. I have always been a pretty ‘natural’ type mom, still breastfeeding and I made all his baby food myself before he was diagnosed. I have struggled a LOT with the g-tube and formula. I am now determined to switch over to a real food blended diet for him. we have started slow and in only a few weeks I am seeing a great difference in his digestion and overall well being. It is moms like you that give me the hope that there is a better way! Thanks for sharing your experiences and information. I look forward to following your site!
if you’d like to know more about Kai’s story: keikikai.wordpress.com
thanks, Kerri
Hi Kerri! Thanks for visiting and commenting. I will definitely visit your blog. Keep me posted on how you are doing with feeding Kai real food and be sure to email me with questions if you have any!
Lynn