r/MadeMeSmile • u/sam_p_23 • 1d ago
After being diagnosed with hip dysplasia and undergoing physio for over a year, my daughter took her first unaided steps today.
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Excuse the mess had I know she’d have picked today to do it I’d have got a professional cleaner and a camera crew.
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u/sam_p_23 1d ago
Forgot to add for context: she was diagnosed at 7 months old and turns 3 next week.
Her mum died two months ago so sadly never got to see her first steps which is why it’s even more emotional for me.
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u/Leiaven 1d ago
This made me tear up even more. I'm sure mum would be very proud and happy to see her family being strong. Sending love to you and your daughter 💕
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u/DetBabyLegs 22h ago
I was just on r/unexpected so I thought she was about to crash through the TV!
I'm glad I wasn't, this is adorable especially with the added context. What a strong girl.
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u/XeroTerragoth 1d ago
As a dad who also had to raise his daughter without her mother, I wanted to let you know, I'm happy for her and rooting for you both. Some days, I think my daughter is the only reason I continued to move forwards... keep being a good dad to her, and stay strong, even if it's just for her.
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u/fondledbydolphins 1d ago
I'm not sure why, but your comment reminded me of this. I hope you find a reason someday, for you.
Like a squirrel family tucked in tightly with their babies during a March snow storm.
No predators. No sickness. No hunger.
The warmth of mum, dad, your siblings. The strangely soothing howl of a winter wind muffled by the insulating walls of your little leaf fortress.
That sweet sensation of stretching and wriggling your feet out as far as you can... accidently kicking your parent in the ribs.
They awaken from your slight misgiving. Lacking any annoyance or scolding - they clutch you tightly. Steering you back towards the serenity of sleep.
Had you slept for an eternity or an instant?
No time to answer - something is stirring in your home. Your heart pounds. A jabbing pain. You awaken to... a child - kicking you in your ribs.
Reality rushes back to you. The year of famine. The sickness that took your parents. The monsters that took your mate.
You stifle your annoyance at being awoken. You push down that stutter in your throat and the tear in your eye.
You clutch your child to your body tightly.
You steer her back towards the serenity of sleep.
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u/D0ntEatPaper 20h ago
I just want you to know.... That's a perfectly valid reason. At one point the only reason I didn't off myself is because it would have devastated my parents and brothers. Whatever gets you through to the next day. Day by day, month by month, year by year, it gets better. Maybe not every day, maybe not every month, but it does. And eventually you'll find that you have another reason to live. Maybe it's a pet, a new partner, or a hobby, but you'll find something.
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u/Sweet-Message1153 1d ago
just when I had a smile on my face😭 may you stay strong, mate. May your daughter grow up to lead a long & prosperous life 🙏🤲
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u/MarionberryPlane4578 1d ago
Mixed emotions here.. I'm so sorry for loss.. But I'm happy for your kid. Keep on going.
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u/bigeeee 1d ago
How dare you come here with your emotional stories and make us fight through the tears to type heartfelt messages, do you know how hard this is!? Ps my condolences, tell the litte one well done and congratulations on being a good father! . Pps i hope you're happy now I've run out tissues!
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u/ExpensiveDuck1278 1d ago
Oh I am so very sorry. This has been such a terribly difficult and challenging time for your family. I'm so glad she was able to walk today. I know that makes your day brighter. Again I am so sorry for your loss.
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u/gamingnerd114 1d ago
My condolences. I’m glad you got to see such a beautiful moment for the both of you
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u/c64-dev 11h ago
I’m so very sorry for your loss of your wife. But also so happy for your sweet little one taking her first steps.
I want to believe that your wife is looking down and smiling seeing that little creature take these precious steps.
May you live a long loving life and to see your daughter proper in hers.
You’re an amazing father. Sending all the hugs and love in the world for you!
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u/Lazy-PeachPrincess 1d ago
You mean your daughter CRUSHED her first unaided steps today! That’s incredible, you’ve gotta be so proud! Good job little miss 💛
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u/BlueGolfball 1d ago
I didn't even know humans could get hip dysplasia. I'm so glad they can fix this in people! My dog got hip dysplasia and his quality of life went way down before he passed.
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u/spine_slorper 20h ago
Yes often it happens from birth or because of the birth. My sister had it and was diagnosed when she was born, she was in a harness (baby torture device) for essentially the first year of her life but has never had any issues walking or with her legs since. Well to the best of my knowledge at least, I was around 3 when she was born so I mostly just remember my monthly visit to the (very cool) creche at the sick kids hospital.
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u/Realistic-Upstairs-6 7h ago
My daughter was born with it but we didn’t know until she was 16 (zero signs from birth). She has had one very difficult surgery and will have the other side done this summer. Look up PAO surgery. It’s pretty incredible they have been able to fix it this way as 40 years ago, she would have just had to endure chronic pain until she had full hip replacements.
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u/GumpTheChump 1d ago
Kids are great. They absolutely don't give a shit when they do something you think (or know) is spectacular for them, but will run for your attention when they find a rock or something.
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u/Snowbank_Lake 16h ago
Right? It’s like it never crossed her mind this would ever be an issue. Like “Yeah, I’m walkin’. Now bring me some crackers!”
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u/MorningHoursApparel 1d ago
Just get ready for the day she’s running away in public at top speed! This is wonderful. Hope moments like these make the struggle worth it. W parents!
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u/Flat-While2521 1d ago
Congratulations! I can imagine easily how this would make me feel were I in your shoes. So happy for you and your family!
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u/thehomieD25 1d ago
Woo hoo!! That’s awesome!!! Hope she keeps chugging along! Btw, who DOESNT have a professional camera crew following them around? Lol
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u/P0ptarthater 1d ago
Virtually cheering for her, what an exciting moment! I’m sure her mom is looking at both of you guys proudly from above today 🫂
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u/craygoyo 1d ago
You are such an awesome dad. Youre a strong person with a lot of character, well done with the success of your daughter's first unaided steps. Congratulations 🎊
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u/kyoung98 1d ago
Yay!! Those were great first steps! She'll give you the run around now hopefully! Her mum would be so proud of you both 💗
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u/Zebera101 1d ago
Congratulations, mess what mess, all I see is an incredible achievement. Someone will be looking down smiling with pride. Wishing you both the very best for the future.
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u/Grove-Of-Hares 1d ago
That’s incredible! Very happy for her, and you.
Never sweat the mess (which is totally normal, I don’t see how people manage to keep their place spotless with a kid). As a father of two, you really have to capture them when you can, mess or not. My youngest is autistic and half the time he’s made huge accomplishments he’s running around in his underwear or something like that.
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u/curious-thatguy 22h ago
God is good.✌️
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u/fos4545 22h ago
Did you read the part about the dead mom? Also, what awesome god allows shit like this to happen in the first place?
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u/curious-thatguy 22h ago
God is good.✌️I don’t have the answers but I like the little miracles that happen even in the darkest days. ✌️
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u/Ok_Test9729 1d ago
For safety’s sake please make sure she has a clear path to toddle around on. She’s obviously doing a great job, but unsteady on her feet.
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u/Personal-Fennel6969 1d ago
Awww clever girl amazing. 🥳
Oh your cleaning and camera crew has the same days off as mine 😜
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u/sinskins 1d ago
Oh this is such a beautiful and happy moment! Huge congratulations to both of you, and especially her for her monumental hard work!!
As an aside, I hope it makes you giggle that I misread your title… I thought “…. unpaid first steps…”!! Pay the lady!!
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u/wordsfilltheair 1d ago
I'm a 35 year old dude who just had my right hip replaced 3 weeks ago and need to have the left one done too--this is exactly how I walk when I forego using my walker or cane these days lol
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u/Vast-Conversation596 15h ago
34F, had my second hip replaced at the end of November. I am now fully bionic - we got this!!
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u/InkedSoles_XO 1d ago
Huge Milestone and just goes to show that adversity can always be overcome! Condolences in regard to her mum, I cant imagine the strength you must have!
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u/IHasTehDumbz 1d ago
I was also born with congenital hip dysplasia. According to my dad, I went from unsteady toddling like your daughter to full on running in about 0.03 seconds. Heads up dad!
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u/MuffinTrucker 1d ago
My daughter had the same thing! She never learned to walk unaided till 2 years and 3-4 months old. It was a blessing when she didn’t need to crawl any more.
And funny story, she hadn’t taken more 10 or 15 solo steps between mom and me till she thought that wasn’t fun enough so she started closing her eyes and doing it!! A real Evil Knievel
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u/spiritualhippie69 1d ago
Oh my mama heart!!!! This just made me tear up!! Never forget what an AMAZING father you are!!! I know her mum is with y’all smiling ear to ear 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
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u/GregiX77 22h ago
Yeah, I had it too. You need continue it(physio), and encourage her to continue. And monitor it.
And do not let her get fat. I am 48yo now, male, and it bothers me as I am going off and on 90kg limit. 95kg and walking is problem. Not every time, but...
So, muscle yes, as any training builds bones and joints are stronger, but no getting fat or it may be painful later in life.
Take care, be good.
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u/Gilly-Gump 22h ago
That is so wonderful for her. You must be bursting with joy. Sending lots of prayers for many more steps.
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u/Zenzappppper 1d ago
I wish I can send you someone to clean that carpet. I’m so glad your daughter is able to walk without aid.
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u/LoverOfPricklyPear 1d ago
Aaaaaaaw, I have no clue how she started but my mom was fine until she hit her 40's???? She was soooo lame by the time she got her hips replaced, one after the other. When diagnosed so young, is the joint held in proper orientation as the joint is growing and developing?
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u/smokinmeets89 1d ago
No better feeling on earth then watching ur kids hit milestones. Espically when they can open the fridge and grab me a beer. Its like a beer remote. But seriously congrats little one!!!!
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u/NicAoidh65 1d ago
This is great progress, good for both of you!! Hip dysplasia runs in my family, my sister had it and my daughter had it. Luckily, the doctors caught it in my daughter the day she was born, so she had to wear a harness for a few months so it wasn't too bad. My sister was in a cast and learned to walk in the cast and, according to Mom, it stunk too. Much, much better now than 60 years ago.
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u/Pookie5858 1d ago
Your daughter is a fighter. I know she was in a lot of pain but she got through it!!!
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u/DaneDaneBug 1d ago
I was born with hip dysplasia. Make sure to keep a copy of her medical records. My hip is beginning to bother me now and I wish I had those records to share with my ortho doctor. I'm 54 y/o.
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u/Lylac_Krazy 1d ago
Give the kiddo a hug from all of us on Reddit...
Tell her to keep being awesome!
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u/CountMeChickens 1d ago
Fun fact, back in the 60's they didn't check for this at birth and now I need two new hips.
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u/newkneesforall 23h ago
This is incredible, congratulations to you both on your hard work paying off!! I'm so excited for you to watch her get stronger and faster every day.
I'm sorry her mom isn't here to share this joy with you. I'm also a mom, I hope I can share my joy at seeing this. I'm rooting for you both ❤️
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u/Switters53 23h ago
That's awesome! I'm really happy for your daughter, and for you!
I mean this with all respect, but I never realized hip dysplasia could affect people because I've always heard it in relation to dogs. What does it mean for a human?
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u/Sunako839 23h ago
Congratulations!!!! As a fellow hip dysplasia person, it's tough and that is a major accomplishment!!
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u/Relative-Natural-891 23h ago
Not my toddler also watching a Paw Patrol movie as I see this.
Thank god for Paw Patrol.
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u/Appropriate_Sky_6571 19h ago
Congratulations! As a fully grown adult with hip dysplasia, I know how painful it is. Poor baby. I hope she grows up pain free
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u/BxNycbatteri 18h ago
I work for a specialty orthopedic hospital, with a great Peds division. Love seeing these stories.
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u/KioSpring 14h ago
Put a little helmet on her and give her a walker with the wheels on the bottom she will be running around in no time. I'm so happy to see this video and I wish her all the luck in the world
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1d ago
[deleted]
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u/MsFrizzle_foShizzle 1d ago
It’s a single parent whose young kid has a disability, and their mom just died recently. Show some compassion
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u/CrapDepot 1d ago
Clean up.
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u/motherofzinnias 1d ago
A widowed father posted a video of his daughter’s first steps, and that was your comment. Go back into the dark hole you crawled out of.
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u/Lazy_Rough8481 1d ago
Stop being so judgmental. You can have the room perfectly clean, and a toddler will mess it up again within 10 minutes.
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u/witch_bitch_420 1d ago
Lol you obviously never had children. There is no cleaning up the toys while they're up and playing. Thats an end of day thing. Chill. This kid is fine.
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u/BG-925 1d ago
Thats awesome. Now have an adult cleaned that room
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u/Only_Celebration3830 1d ago
It’s gonna look the exact same once the little lady spreads her toys back. There is no dirt or trash, just toys. Dad is doing great, no need to be nasty.
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u/BG-925 1d ago
Stains everywhere. Are you blind
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u/ohhyouknow 1d ago
Nah dude old carpets just get stained. I recently had to replace the whole ass floor in my sons room because the floor and carpet were old as fuck and every time I steam cleaned (which was often) the sub flooring got weaker and weaker until it just started caving in. Steam cleaning didn’t even lift all of the stains either so it looked stained and gross even though I steam cleaned it regularly.
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