Thursday, March 7, 2013

Day 7

We made it through the first week! Yesterday was a great day... almost. Em and I went to PT and I was optimistic that this was going to be a breeze from here on out. We got there and Em decided she didn't want to go today. I tried the usual bribing method that fell short so I relied on the physical approach of peeling her fingers off the car seat and giving her the loving bear hug, telling her its Play Time. We got into the office and within a minute Don had worked his magic and had her anticipating the fun! He came out with a bucket full of animals and told her they were playing hide and seek today and to close her eyes as the animals went to hide. It's amazing to watch him work and get Emmy to participate without force. Don returned and told Em the animals were ready so she got up to find them starting with her walker, then moved to holding both of Don's hands, to one of his hands to her own new feet (bad joke- meaning new sneaker and new Hello Kitty Duct tape on her fixator after the latest repair). No kidding- she walked all over finding the animals, bending down to pick them up and even walked up a few stairs holding a railing! How could she not love PT- she plays hide and seek, plays with ballons, blows bubbles- well Don blows the bubbles, kicks Don, squishes his hands, gets a massage and plays soccer. All these games get Em to do exactly what she needs to be doing to have her full range of motion back when she gets out of her fixator.
Then comes the "almost" part... pin cleaning. That went over like a fart in church. I spent 45 minutes making my little girl cry and feel like I got nothing accomplished. I now know why Mandy told us when whoever does the pin cleaning is done, they get 1/2 hour to go have some ME time. Of course that didn't happen last night and I was a bear to anyone that crossed my path. I don't think one can imagine how mentally tough this is without physically doing it. I felt like a failure last night for sure but I'm getting back on that horse tonight...with a helmet on!





4 comments:

  1. So proud of Emma & Daddy too! Sending hugs, kisses and prayers your way each and every day! love you guys!

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  2. So proud of you and EMMA. Hang in there Eric you are doing everything for that little girl you can possibly do with lots of love and devotion. You need to step up and tell everyone or anyone that will listen that "YOU" need some down time tooooooo. Don is a very special person in your life as well as Emma's. Hug & kisses - love you!

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  3. Always remember that you made the decision to wait for this moment in time instead of the alternative. You made that decision because you and Amanda love Emma and wanted to give her the most out of life. It TOUGH, but I know you can make it through and what joy it will be for you as parents when Emma's leg is as close to 'normal' as possible and she has added physical opportunities. You are strong, you make good decisions, trust in them and know that as you go through the tough times. Always thinking of you. Luv, Auntie Pat

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  4. I so admire your strength through all that has gone on..and will go on. While it is very hard(heart wrenching) to read some of the things...that Emma(and You and Amanda)have to deal with...I find myself cheering her on with every little accomplishment..and even smiling at some of the ways you describe what and how things are being done. I am writing this with tears..because as a Mom..and Grandmother...I put myself in your shoes...I don't know I would deal with all this. I keep thinking of your Mom..and how strong and supportive she is...for your whole Family. It has to be even more difficult to not be able to give Madison and Teagan all the attention they would like..and deserve. I agree with everything that your Aunt Pat said. Please give my Love to your Mom..and let her know that I am riding this storm with all of you. Your little Emma is my Hero(ine)...and..I know that everything will be alright. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. CF <3

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