Busy Day

Thursday at Jim Thorpe was a very busy and productive day. Speech therapy began with breathing and speaking exercises which were probably hidden in all the questions Ashley asked Beverly about all the pictures in her room and the places she has been. Then she went to the gym on the first floor for exercises on the big blue mat. Even though she felt very unsteady, Paul helped her with sitting exercises and balance and she was very proud that she was able do to this for a few seconds with no help! Then Paul introduced her to an electric wheelchair. After the transfer to the new chair and a few simple instructions, she drove the chair unassisted around the gym! Even though she has no grip in her hands, she was able to move the joystick in the right directions to avoid people and objects! She even backed up and "parallel parked"!

Beverly stayed in the gym to work with Jocelyn on occupational therapy. By the way, I had to be told the difference in occupational therapy and physical therapy. Very basically, physical therapy works the large muscles and occupational therapy works the smaller muscles and movements that help with personal care and daily living. Her first activity was attempting to put a "scrub shirt" on her arms and then over her head. She did it on the first try! And Jocelyn said she is the first person she's worked with who could do this on the second day of therapy! She also worked on other dexterity exercises which were difficult but she did all of them with determination and tremendous effort.

She was definitely tired after this busy morning, and after lunch and a nap, continued with even more therapy. The highlight of the day was a sitting shower! With real water flowing all over her body! Can you just imagine how this would feel after 84 days of only bed baths!?

You might enjoy going to the pictures link on the first page where we've added some new pictures of Beverly taken over the last few days. She appreciates hearing from you with your encouraging words and love.