You will never believe what Sydney did today! She walked 200 feet just holding Lance's hand! She looked like a beauty queen strolling across a stage! So composed! I caught her first walk of 100 feet on camera and will try to get it to Carin to post on the blog (maybe this weekend?)
To work up to this amazing feat, in the morning session Lance had her practice standing up and sitting down from her wheelchair without a walker in front of her for support. She did well with this; so next he had her stand and balance while he nudged her to see if she could regain her balance. She did well; so next he asked his assistant Brad to throw a big ball to her to catch. This forced her to maintain balance while reaching outside of her comfort zone to catch the ball. After these exercises, Lance gave her canes and she walked 350 feet! We were quite amazed by this! Little did we know that Lance was planning to have her walk without canes! In her second PT session, he and Brad walked on each side of her holding her hands and holding the safety belt around her waist. She was so excited to do this! After a little rest, she did the beauty queen walk – holding just one hand! Wow! And this was without a brace on her left leg! Unbelievable! This has been such a memorable day!
In OT, Sydney learned how to navigate around the hospital kitchen to prepare her spaghetti dinner. It takes so much planning to do this! Getting into the right position to open the refrigerator door, reaching to get the food out without losing balance, carrying food to the counter and setting it down without losing balance... She started chopping the vegetables standing up, but after awhile was pretty tired so she sat down in the wheelchair to finish. She didn't have a chance to actually cook the dinner, as another patient was using the kitchen in the afternoon. If you are hungry tomorrow – come to the hospital for lunch! She is going to prepare a great meal!
Since the kitchen was occupied, Ron put her to use wheeling up ramps and opening doors. It is SOO hard to open those big, heavy hospital doors from a wheelchair! You will have to try it sometime! I have a new appreciation for the buildings with a button you can push to open the door!
Today was another miraculous, stupendous day! Every day we think it can't get any more exciting, and then the next day we are surprised by something amazing! Thanks for your prayers and support! It is so fun to watch this miracle unfold!
4 comments:
Sydney, I am so excited for you, you are a real trooper. I know you don't know me well, but I went through almost the exact things you are going through. It makes me tear up to hear about your accident and the injury's you sustained. But on the other hand, I am tearing up with joy to hear of your continuing progress. Life is good. We need only look for the positives and we can find joy. I am proud of you and hope that someday you will come and sing with my band agin. I hope you are still singing, you have a wonderful voice and are capable of doing anything you desire. If there is anything I can do for you, just ask your dad to let me know. I'm rooting and praying for you. Keep up the good work, be strong and never give up. Bill (the slow guitarist) Bailey
Yay Sydney! We are all so proud of you! You continue to be the subject of prayers in our household. What an amazing woman you are.
Wow! What an amazing accomplishment! Such great news. I get chills every time I read your blog, Denine. Please give Sydney my love - even though we don't know each other, my family and I are rooting for her with every step!
Are you kidding me? I leave town for four days and Sydney learned these new skills - in just four days? Incredible! Awesome job, Syd!
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