So sorry to those of you who have been religiously checking the blog, only to be disappointed that there is nothing new posted. It's just tough to get around to it sometimes, but I am finally getting around to it - somehow the weekends are tougher that the weekdays. Anywho...
On Thursday afternoon, Sarah Kate walked into physical therapy on two quad canes and walked out on only one. We had encouraged her to try to take a few steps with just one cane, which she did, although under duress. We then suggested that she try to talk a few more feet to the sucker basket, which she also did. Once she had her sucker in hand, she didn't really want to have to give it to me so that she could take her other cane back, so she walked the rest of the way to the car on just the one cane.
On Friday, we went back to Birmingham and Sarah Kate surprised everyone by walking into the therapy office on just the one cane. She was so proud of herself! She got her new "duck canes" on Friday and they are just straight 3/4" PVC poles with the new duck feet rubber tripod cane bases. They don't even have handles - they are just straight poles about 6" taller than the top of her head. She has done great with them, though! We are encouraging her to try to walk with just one cane at times, although it's still a little tough for her. Her new "boots" finally came in, as well, and actually fit this time! We went and bought her some brand new shoes to wear over the new braces - no Nikes this time - Reeboks in a size 8-1/2 wide.
On Sunday, she practiced standing up from a bench, holding the standing position, and then walking. She wasn't particularly enthuiastic about doing it, but she cooperated, nonetheless. M&M's and jellybeans are becoming a standard reward at our house for working hard and not complaining.
Monday morning saw us back in Birmingham for PT and OT. We were fortunate to have a morning appointment this time, so she was not as tired when we arrived and we didn't have to eat our tacos in the car. She walked in using the duck canes, and then walked across the gym without holding onto anything. At the time, she had a large belt, similar to a weightlifter's belt, around her waist because she was about to use the bungees. The therapist, Corinne, and I both believe that she walked so well because she felt more secure with the belt around her waist, so Corinne gave us an elastic brace to wear around her middle when she is practicing walking.
When I sat down to type tonight, I at first was thinking that I didn't have all that much to say. As I sat here, it seemed at first glance that not much progress had been made since my last post. I kept looking over at Sarah Kate as she sat at her table eating mac & cheese and realized that a LOT has happened in just a week's time. At times I'm so focused on getting her to do this or that and taking her here or there, that the big picture gets lost. Continue to pray for us as we press through the daily grind. The other issue I'm having is that she spends so much time "working" that it seems like she is missing out on some of the carefree joy of childhood. It takes some effort for us to just sit back, relax, and wait on the Lord.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9
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