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
I’ve had one of those groundhog days where it’s been all work and no smiles really. Then I wandered on in to see how things were over there in the land of the long white cloud, more specifically in Darryl’s world and here I found plenty to smile about.
Congratulations, as always. It reads like you had a stunning Monday.
Well done Darryl another huge step forward! Awesome.
Enjoy the spa treatments, everyday needs to start that way!
It must be a great boost for you all Mike to see Darryl back on his feet.
Of course Brenna is the best sister in the world, who could ask for a better one. Good luck at your new school Brenna, lets hope Darryl has new surprise to show you each day, I’m sure he will do his best.
Kia Kaha
Oh Yeah,
Spa’s and pampering all round
Dazzla you will be lapping that up!!
Certainly something you never recieved working on any farm
Spa’s and hanging out with your dad has always been special moments for you…Glad you get plenty more!
Huge day, we hope everyday will bring this much movement and
more and more upstanding delight
You are doing so amazingly well
Cant wait for you to start talking and texting
Very happy for you cus
Bring it on
Brenna,
Wow first days of school are very special and mark a real
journey. Congratulations. Glad Darryl can show you how much
he loves you its lovely to read…
Keep up the awesome work, your time with Darryl will be very very important. Well done Brenna
Love
The Tubbs Family
Unbelievable!!!!!!
Mike, you must remember that you are the driving force behind Darryl,s recovery and i applaud you for your efforts!!!!
Having said that i must remind you of the need for you to look after yourself and rest when you feel that you need to!!!
You are an integral part of Darryl,s recovery and he needs you!!!
Can you hear what i am saying!!!!
Kia kaha guys!!!
Love, Bill Thurston x x x
WOW, what great news.
So pleased for you all.
Great work Darryl, keep it up.
ox
Laura
Hi Brenna Hope you had a great day at school yesterday.
I bet you look pretty cool in your new uniform. You will have lots of new friends now wont’t you – see you when you next come up – Love Baba x
Well Darry – what great progress – won’t be too long and you will be up and away. Keep up the good work Mike – you are doing a fantastic job with that boy of yours. I guess Catherine, you will be a bit lonely with your little darling at school all day – just think of all the little jobs you will be able to do. Take care all of you and remember that the parents need to rest as well!
Lots of Love x
Mike & Kathryn,
I was overjoyed that Darryl was “upright” today. I know it must seem slow but all the steps so far have been progress. I have no doubt that the support you and the rest of the family,especially nurse Brenna,are contributing a great deal to Darryl’s recovery. Without a doubt you are all “cowboying up” as we say and not sitting in the dust not giving it all you got.
I knew you were good people and your actions are an affirmation of that. Be Proud.
Love to all,
Max
Great news Mike,
Keep up with the daily reports, they are amazing to read.Makes my aches and pains seem very trivial.
Wow!…. Darryl upright and Brenna to school – two momentous and “never-forget” events. Awesome Darryl and Brenna but well done also to both you (Mike) and Catherine.
I am sure Brenna will have the entire class briefed on her ‘best brother’ and rallied to the support team before you can say Barbie backwards.
Sadly gone will be the days of family secrets now you have a 5 year old in school – much to the amusement of those first year teachers.
Darryl, we are so proud of you – stay strong.
Jude T
What an amazing day for you all!!! Absolutely thrilled to read todays blog… Things are at the HECTIC stage with the new house, and stopping to read this each day is putting things back into perspective for me… what fantastic achievements are going on down there in your new flat!
Standing up is remarkable – you really are flying along in leaps and bounds… am just so totally in awe of all that you have done.
Great work guys, you are an exceptional family…
All our love, support and respect.
Soundds like a awesome day there Darryl. Keep up the hard work man, light at the end of the tunnel