Darryl saw the world from a view point he hasn’t had for over seven weeks – standing on his own feet. Today at physio, based on his good progress late last week and over the weekend, Darryl was placed in a standing harness and hoisted up into a standing position. From there he stood, supported from the waist and legs but in the main, supporting his own position and stance.
He seemed to stand a little taller than I remember, possibly an indication that he has grown an inch or two, metaphorically more so than literally, but nonetheless I was a proud Dad to see him upright and ’standing tall’. It was great to see also as it indicates he has good strength through his core and trunk region, which is essential in getting moving.
Also during physio some work was done with his sitting and he made real advances in getting his shoulderblades back, putting his chest out and lifting his head so it wasn’t falling forward onto his chest. He seemed to master that quite well and for the rest of the day he was lifting his own head back with relative ease. So in all this was another big step forward in terms of physio.
It could be that he was prepared for a big day given how his morning started. He was off first thing for a bath (which is more of a lying down shower in a rectangle paddling pool), but very enjoyable for him all the same, not the least because he has two caregivers tending to his every whim. From the bath he was returned to bed where he had his toenails clipped. He then had a foot massage, while I was giving him a shoulder, neck and facial massage. No wonder he drifted off into a blissful sleep – who wouldn’t having had a day spa experience like that!?
He was seen by the speech therapist after his pampering and was able to brush his teeth with real dexterity and showed some positive signs that his potential to start speaking was not too far from surfacing. This of course will make a significant difference in understanding his wants and needs, given most of communication at the moment is either my instinct, a few finger signals or process of elimination.
This afternoon Darryl woke to see his sister wearing her new school uniform after her first day at school. She hopped up on the bed with him and he promptly wrapped his arm around her and gave her a big cuddle and as she lay there he began to play with her hair as he has done so many times before. Brenna began to giggle with reassured delight at such a familiar feeling of sibling bonding. She looked up adoringly at Darryl and said “Darryl, you’re the best brother in the whole world”. A special moment, followed closely by a moment of hilarity when she said “am I the best sister in the world too?” He didn’t answer, but I’d stake the house on what he was thinking.
United we stand, divided we fall….. Darryl, you are healing us all as you heal yourself.
Love you mate.
Dad
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