Going for the Gold

Written on Jan 2, only posted now as I have been traveling, etc.-Phantom

Quick hello to Sarah's Team (from Uncle John):

Spoke to Brigid tonight, she wanted to say hello to everyone. Sounds like she is getting used to CHOP, the new routine, and life in the big city, and so is Sarah - she seems to be well aware of the activity and her surroundings. The days are full of activity, and Sarah is working with the PT (physical therapist), OT ( Occupational Therapist), and ST (Speech Therapist) - with all this work she is going for the gold.

All good, but what we are hearing is that this work is very tiring - and it will be for awhile. The OT or ST (not sure, some of this seems to overlap) will be providing a "communication board" to help Sarah expand communication beyond her present capability of answering yes or no with her fingers. The board will have other images, presumably to add more language to the discussions. The ST gave her some Italian Ice today. (Don't know what flavor but I am told lemon is the only real Italian Ice.) She liked it, and this is another step along the way back, (eating and drinking is important after all) and it will help her get ready to speak.

So, the CHOP program is in high gear, with the "assess, plan, work, and then rest" stuff continuing. Interestingly, she did communicate in a new way today. She decided she reached her limit with the PT, and, while sitting on the edge of her bed, she just turned and rolled back in, deciding that it was time for the "rest" part of the program to begin. Sometimes she just wants to do things her way. Brigid finds this level of obstinance amusing, and for some reason, it reminded her of Sarah's dad, Mark! (Had to work that in...)

But, all kidding aside, Sarah doesn’t exhibit obstinance! It is all good. Brigid also said that she is seeing Sarah smile and laugh more frequently now. You never know when that is coming.- but it is certainly good to hear.

Uncle John.