Sam’s best friend invited us to go skating at the local rink during their open skate hours. We haven’t been ice skating since 2018! Sam was excited to go, but I warned his hockey-obsessed friend to be patient with him.

Sam did so great! He started by hugging the wall with both hands, following my instructions to march with baby steps. Slowly he learned to push like a scooter on one foot. He didn’t like the A-frame assistant, and went back to using the wall. He would do a lap, then get a drink at the fountain, then do another lap, etc.

Eventually he was only using one hand. I stayed close, but stopped to take pictures or video when he could move solo. At one point I was helping him go around a stopped group, and he pushed off me to get to the wall by himself. He didn’t even realize what he had done! I challenged him to go along his favorite part (without the plexiglass) and see how far he could go without touching the wall. He did it! Our families cheered for him. By the end of the hour he had done two laps with only occasional help from the wall. What a champ!

Enjoy some photos and a montage video where you can see his progress.

We had so much fun. Sam has asked a few times when we can go skate again. We better not wait 3 years again!