I’ve had almost two weeks back home now, and I’m almost settled into a routine – just in time for school to start and change my schedule. I’m so ready for it though; I miss my kids.
However, I’m excited about the progress I’m seeing here in the weeks between arrival and school. Since returning, I’ve practiced using my walker more frequently; this is a huge deal because it allows me new independence that I didn’t have last year. Even with my unstable balance, I’m now able to walk alone with the walker all the way to school which means I can put my school supplies in the cute little basket and independently take myself to school. Previously, I needed to take my wheelchair in order to carry my bag, and I had to have someone walk the wheelchair beside me so I could practice using my legs and my sticks.
I also went back to my German physical therapists last week, and I was excited to share about the progress I made while in America. Anja was just as excited, and we talked about the next steps in how we’ll work to keep improving.
Friday I returned to my horse therapy, and although it was hard work after so many weeks off, it felt great to be using those different muscles again and discovering which ones had gotten stronger from my new exercises. I held my torso high and felt my abs working hard to keep my balance as the horse’s gait gently rocked me. These small victories are a huge encouragement as I get ready to return to work, and they help me prepare for the long road still ahead of me.
