January 27, 2008: Something to Aim For
Now that all of the celebrating is done here in DC, it’s time to roll up the sleeves and dig in. For those taking care of Haley, it means that we all have to keep trying new foods, figuring out new ways to try to make her walk, and ultimately grow. Because she is signed up for school next year, and darn it all if she doesn’t make it.
Of course, being sick with a stimach bug doesn’t help things. Tonight is an experiment. Since she’s lost so much fluid in the past few days, and wont’ eat (not even soup), I have put “Tiger” gatorade into her feeding pump. I figure it’s the best thing to rehydrate and replenish those key electrolytes lost during stomach things, but since she won’t actually imbibe it, this is the next best thing. So far, the pump has only gone off once.
Hokey Pokey (or “Hopkey Popckey” as Haley calls it) is going well, though Hales has problems with the turning part. and standing on her own to put her legs in and out. But we’re getting there.
On another front, since Haley doesn’t have enough doctors who are looking after her, there is a hunt for a pediatric orthopedist. Lucie the PT thinks it’s important at this stage. No need to freak out until it’s necessary.
In the meantime, Haley’s spirits are kept up (whether she likes it or not) by Anna, always willing to give a kiss/hug/play princess.
She’s due for another big round of doctor’s appointments and exams, including her CT scan (to see whether or not there is anything neurological affecting her walking). I wish there was a way Haley could cram for any of those tests.
I’ve constantly wondered how this kid, who has gone through so much, is able to keep such a jolly disposition. Then my mother was telling me she was going to visit her Uncle Joe soon. This man was stricken with Polio when he was a child, and though he didn’t die, developed a severe limp that lasted throughout his life. And yet he has, for nearly 100 years, been able to easily laugh off all that the world has ever thrown at him. So, I’ve stopped wondering how Haley does it. Now I just marvel at it.
It’s funny you mention your mom’s funny uncle Joe with Polio. Totally reminds me of my close “grandpa” Bill (actually my cousins’ grandfather, not mine) who has the exact same Polio situation. He’s never let get him down.
He’s seriously is one of the funniest guys I know! He wears a hat that says “Don’t Eat Yellow Snow.”
And he’s amazingly compassionate as well. He doesn’t tell many people but he and his wife actually marched in several civil rights protests, which is difficult with a cane!
There’s a lot of inspiration to reap from great people who over come their disadvantages.
January 28th, 2009 | #