therapy

(Poor kid's neck is so large I don't dare snap the top snap on his outfit!)


Our foster son has physical therapy once a week. Because he was drug exposed his body was really stiff and so milestones that come naturally to most babies are slow for him. Our loving therapist Jill started just by moving his arms. Soon he was reaching out for the toys around him. Then she rolled him back and forth so his body could feel what rolling should feel like. Each time she puts toys around him, above him, in front of him and then makes the lights and sounds flash to encourage him to reach out. Sitting, tummy time, standing are all part of the 'work' he does each week. She runs a tight ship! At times he tolerates all the moving and working, but towards the end he is just down right cranky.

"To much movement, to much stretching! I want to be left alone." He seems to say.

And I reflect on how something so easy for so many is so challenging for him. I saw a program on therapy for returning vets, especially those with head trauma. They had to relearn to do such simple things like eat, tie their shoes and eventually grocery shop (OK that last one can be tricky, but you get the idea). Men and woman who once commanded soldiers into battle now start over again in humble baby steps. I also think about my Brother and Sister-In-Law who are relearning to enjoy life after their daughter died, and another family member who is learning to trust God and try His plan for them.
Keep working guys! Rolling over may be hard but the toys are worth it.