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Warrior: a person who fights in battles and is known for having courage and skill
I often refer to Iris as my little warrior. She has experienced a level of physical trauma that at once rocked my core .. but ultimately took me on a spiritual journey that strengthened my faith, adjusted my outlook, and forged my purpose.
We spent the past week on the Big Island for spring break. It has been one of the best vacations of my life. To watch Solana and Iris explore nature, take in the rich and colorful history of Hawaii, and push their physical boundaries, has been pure joy.
Physical activity does not come easy for Iris. She spent the first four years of her life in a crib. The muscle atrophy she developed, combined with her heart defect and tracheal stenosis, left her little body underdeveloped and weak. When we were first united, her breathing was labored .. at rest. She had no muscle strength for anything beyond a slow walk. She couldn’t climb steps, skip, hop, kick a ball, or run.
She now does all of those things, and, as of this afternoon .. swims! She has been swimming regularly as part of physical therapy, but she always wears a life jacket or water wings due to her muscle weakness and respiratory limitations. She has longed to swim without them. She frequently tells me that she dreams of being a great swimmer. And if there’s one thing I know about my little warrior .. her body may not be the strongest, but her determination is.
This afternoon she decided to give it a shot, and that moment turned into two hours of swimming. Solana was cheering for her and offering high-fives .. and Iris was beaming with pride. Iris doesn’t believe in playing small in life .. because she now has a choice. She doesn’t remember much about the first four years of her life, but she remembers being weak. Her surgery not only strengthened her heart, but it opened the world up to her. She now has a body that wants to be tested. She’s acutely aware of her limitations, but, at six years of age, she also knows that life is best experienced by challenging those limitations .. or better yet, proving they don’t exist.
Here we are in front of Kilauea:
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… and my little warrior swimming!
Tomorrow we head back to the NW, feeling rejuvenated, and incredibly blessed.
Aloha,
The Hickey Girls
Iris Upon A Star 
I agree. You are so eloquent, and I am moved by how your love for your daughters shines through every word. Yes, you definitely need to write a book.
Aloha Hickey girls! What a lovely, lovely entry Linda! Little Warrior is a perfect name for Iris….and Solana is the best big sister she could ask for! You continue to amaze us Linda. Your writing has Love and pride from the first sentence to the last. We’ll see you soon. Thank you for sharing Iris’ progress. xo Lori
Linda, You such sweetie, to keep us (but I am talking about myself mostly) updated about Iris. Your updates give such courage to people Linda, to walk with a good heart to help others, and to embrace others and bring them into your soul.. Wishing you and your family a joyous and wondrous Easter…Jeannie Jeannie M. Hix beanieh1@aol.com
YAY, Iris, (and Solana too) !!!!!!!!! I have tears running down my face and a smile I will wear all day.
I will think of the fabulous bonding vacation, the making of memories for a lifetime, and 3 girls who can and will do the impossible…
Safe travels home our sweet dear friends..
Love,
The Rudds
Besides my love for Solana and Iris and my pride in your ability to be the best Mom I know, you are an amazing writer and someday you should author a book.