Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Giving Thanks 2

Today we took Ben to his weekly out-patient therapy appointment. Every Tuesday within a span of an hour & a half he gets physical, occupational, and speech therapies. We call it his "work out time" and indeed the room we typically use is called the "gym." If you are not familiar with these kinds of therapies, particularly for non-typical children, then you might not think a whole lot could be accomplished in just 90 minutes each week. You would be wrong!

For those of you who've endured rehab for a sports injury you know exactly how important this is for recovery. For a child like Ben keeping up with PT, OT, and ST can be a matter of life and death. And it's not just been those Tuesday visits the past two years that have made a significant difference in our son's well-being - it includes a whole slew of therapists who have met with us in hospitals, in schools, in clinics, and even in our own home.

Our family takes this part of caring for Ben very seriously. Even Jessie knows how to stretch Ben properly and include challenges that will improve her brother's quality of life. It is no coincidence that Ben's hospital visits, even illnesses, have dramatically decreased every year of his life because of the gain in strength and endurance.

So on Day 2 of Thanksgiving Week I'd like recognize the blessing of all of those folks who have made (and continue to make) a tremendous impact upon our family. I know I will forget some but thank you Barbara S., Dawn, Mark, Lisa, Beth, Cheryl, Jennifer, Theresa, Barbara R., KP, Ashley, Vance, Gene, and Michelle!

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to thank with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." Albert Schweitzer

2 comments:

Kyla said...

Hooray for them!

Redneck Mommy said...

Amen. Therapy is such an important part of our kids health. Jumby's life will be significantly lengthened with bone growth due to increased muscle matter and he'll be in less pain the strong he gets.

So here's to all the therapists who help our kids thrive.

Smooches friend.