Today is an important day for me and my fellow OI-ers.  Wishbone Day celebrates increasing awareness and acceptance of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI, also known as Brittle Bones).  This condition is evidenced in collogen abnormality in our bodies that frequently result in fragility of our skeletons, particularly in childhood, and other growth abnormalities.  Wow, that sounds so medical and scary – and it certainly can be, for parents of newly diagnosed children.  What the doc’s don’t often tell parents is the great attributes that seem to be a result as well:  that OI-ers are more than likely bright, articulate, charming people (not bragging here, just my personal observation) and that they are just as likely as the non-affected population to be successful in their chosen life field, to manage their living conditions independently, to marry, to have families, to give back to their communities.  Yes, our childhoods are frequently interrupted by breaks, pain, disappointment and trauma, but we keep on ticking and moving forward.  There is a lot to look forward to for OI-ers in the years to come.

Today should also be a day of thanks to the parents who so loving raise us OI-ers – who suffer through each break with us (and relive them in their minds in ways we kids can’t), who set similar expectations of academic performance, independence and social skills as our siblings/peers and generally soldier on when the world doesn’t understand why their child is back in a cast again.  It is to them that I pay tribute today, knowing that I am in a happy place in my life due to my parents who made me KNOW that I would find a way.

The Wishbone Day website says this about raising awareness of OI:

Why is Wishbone Day important?

  • Because knowing that life with OI can still be all that you dreamed, is sometimes just what mums and dads need to hear. Awareness makes a difference.
  • Because assumptions about what OI is and what OI isn’t often creates more challenges and difficulties than the Osteogenesis Imperfecta itself. Awareness makes a difference.
  • Because we want the world to know that OI is no show stopper. It just adds to the adventure!

Happy Wishbone Day to you all!    www.wishboneday.com