Yesterday being such a full day, I slept hard and struggled to get out of bed this morning. However, I was eager to get back to work with Kandice and see what else she might teach me. I certainly wasn’t disappointed as about a quarter into our session Kandice matter of factly said, “I wouldn’t call you a paraplegic.” I had been able to do all of the exercises she asked though some with great difficulty. “You’re just really, really weak, but this isn’t what I would call paraplegic. I know some able bodied people who have never had an injury who can’t do what you’re doing right now.” She got a couple other therapists in the room to confirm what I was doing was a difficult task for someone without any prior injury. She stepped away for a moment while I continued doing exercises with another therapist, and when she returned told me a colleague had asked doubtfully if I was actually a spinal cord patient.
Those were incredibly encouraging words to hear at the start of my session, and I still had over an hour to go.
The first hour was primarily focused on my hips, and the second half of my session today was spent mostly on my feet practicing standing and walking forwards and backwards. Kandice and Bekah, an assisting therapist, were both impressed with how little I used my arms when walking. When they asked me what my goal was, I was quick to say I hope to someday walk without the sticks. Both agreed that’s a completely reasonable goal. In fact, they were convinced I’m ready to move on from the sticks sooner than I might think. We tried a few steps with two poles that required more balance on my part.
“You’re still putting too much weight on them. It’s all in your head,” Kandice told me and sent Bekah to get their walker. This facility has a rigged walking frame that functions like an adult version of a baby walker. They strapped me in the harness, and I could set my hands on the sides and walk with my weight over my legs rather than my arms. If I put my weight too far forward, the frame has brakes to keep me from moving. Kandice stood in front of me and asked me to lift one hand while I took small steps; when I could I lifted the second.
I took five steps without any weight on my hands.
Go back and read that last sentence again and celebrate with me. No weight on my hands – no sticks, no crutches, no frame. Five steps completely free. We tried it a couple times before an emotional cool down. As we celebrated, Kandice commented we’d set the bar high for the rest of the week. I can’t wait to see what the next three days will hold.
I’m still riding that high late into the evening and was excited to celebrate my new accomplishment with three of my former students who took me out to McMenamins where I was able to satisfy my two year craving for Cajun tater tots. I’m so grateful for this week of new physical discoveries and reunions with my precious kiddos who are all grown up. Today was still full and exhausting, but I wouldn’t trade a second of it.
