Monday, September 27, 2010
Today was such an amazing day! After working with Sydney in the morning, her Physical Therapist said (I will paraphrase) “I shouldn't say anything because I hate to get people's hopes up, but I don't see any reason why you couldn't learn how to walk.” What a great way to start out the day! We were on a high the rest of the day!
True to his aspirations, for the 2nd session the PT brought out a walker and assisted Sydney to stand up in the walker. We found that it takes a lot of muscles to stand and balance without tipping over (even when you are holding onto something!) He has assigned Sydney some glut and other exercises to practice in her room to help her with balance (she will be the next J Lo!) During the 3rd session, he put Sydney in a harness and assisted her with leg and other support as she walked across the room! Wow! Next, he had her walk across the room with assistance, but without the harness! We were so excited!
We talked to the Rehab Director, and she let us know that they decided in their staff meeting to extend Sydney's stay so she can work on walking skills! This is great news! We are so grateful for the support of the staff. It seems like rehab would be such a rewarding place to work! They are just as excited as we are.
Ron, the OT, put Sydney to work on the weight machine to build her strength with extensions (lifting the weight of her torso with her arms), which will help her lift to get into and out of a wheelchair or bed, and to lift to get into a walker.
The next great news came from Sydney's nurse; she took out Sydney's staples! No more zipper back! And even more exciting – now she can have a shower!
Rhonda, the Nurse Manager, dropped off a list of quotes to each patient on the floor. Here is one I will share tonight:
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” - Helen Keller
I am grateful to Sydney for looking forward to the newly opened door and being an inspiration for all of us. Thank you for your prayers and support. The posted comments and notes are wonderful morale boosters!
9 comments:
Everyday brings such great strides that it is hard to keep up with it! It is like new technology - everyday they invent something new. I could just look back at the dial telephone, but then I would miss the joy of the push-button telephone. Same with you, Sydney - everyday you astound us with your progress! Keep your eyes on the goal! You are winning!
Sydney, and family:
What wonderful news to hear, and I am sure it brings a sense of relief. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers and look forward to you coming home when the time is right. May the Lord bless you all,
The Hadleys
HI SYDNEY, I,M SO HAPPY I CAN WRITE TO YOU AGAIN, AND THAT I WILL GET TO SEE YOU TOMORROW ON TUES.YEA.... I LOOK SO FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR BEAUTIFUL FACE... YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING US ALL SYDNEY....WHAT AN INSPIRATION YOU ARE ..I SO ENJOY READING YOUR PROGRESS EVERY NIGHT...
LOVE,
YOUR VOICE TEACHER
PAT PYMM
Syd, that's awesome cruising across the room like that. I'm so proud of you. This is taking awhile to write because me and spellcheckers aren't the best of friends. I just wanted you to know Syd, how much I love you, and I am so looking forward to you and me going to see a concert, may not be KISS, but we will go go see a good one. Your choice, as long as its not country western. It makes me melt. :) I love you girl. See you soon.
Uncle John
Sydney, you truly are doing such a fabulous job! To hear that the PT said he thinks you'll walk again is huge! I know, as a nurse, that we don't say things to get people's hopes up unless we're pretty confident about what we're saying! So, you definitely must be showing great promise!!! I'm sooo excited for you!!! It's a true miracle, and, a lot of hard work on your part! Keep it up!!!! You amaze me, as you always have!!!
Much love,
Cyndy Woodman
Hey Sweet Sydney,
It was so great to see you tonight and spend time with you! You truly are AMAZING! We are so proud of you and your remarkable attitude. The progress you are making is miraculous and we know you can do anything you set your mind to in life. You are an inspiration to us all. I know that you make me want to be better person. Chris says he misses you and cannot wait to see you Friday or Saturday. :) Happy Early Birthday! We will be thinking about you. Much love... Kerry XOXO
Sydney,
Thats great news. We very much wanted to hear that the folks at the hospital were serious about helping you to walk again. Now that they are fully invested it will happen. It will still be a process, but think of how much progress you have made in 10 days. Keep up the good work.
Dave and Kris
Hi Sweet Girl!
I say go ahead and get your hopes up! What's the point of keeping them down? Expect miracles, be faithful and they will happen. I'm so glad to hear about your progress and strength. I love seeing your smile and hope to see you soon.
Barry "Pa" Watts
P.S. Sis Watts sends her love too.
Sydney! I am not going to college right now because I'm leaving on my mission before I can finish a semester, so I have a ton of free time right now. I'm talking to Makenzie about coming in to visit you; so as soon as I get the green light I'll stop by. Congrats on walking, although I can't say I'm surprised. This car accident obviously didn't know who it was dealing with :D
Good luck tomorrow (and every day after that) and hope to see you sometime soon!
Andrew Broekhuijsen
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