New opportunities for therapy are opening for Lindsey. That is a wonderful thing, but it also means that there will be two more extraordinary therapists that we will not be seeing on a regular basis (see "NEW" photos toward the end of the photos section). I had considered editing the photo gallery, deleting some of the older photos. But in some ways it serves as a chronological reminder of how far Lindsey has come since her accident nearly two years ago, plus it serves as a tribute to the host of excellent, caring therapists that Lindsey has been priviliagd to have assist her in this journey toward recovery. The photos stay.
In a recent journal entry I expressed concern that Lindsey would not likely be able to enter the more intensive therapy program that was supposed to begin last March due to the cut in state funding for assistance with such programs. I need to remind myself every day that God always has a better plan than my own. A door has opened for Lindsey to have speech and physical therapy through Scottsdale Healthcare Outpatient Rehab. She began that a couple weeks ago. Next week will also hold an in-take meeting for occupation therapy to be added to the palette, plus there may be an opportunity for all of that to expand into what they term their neuro program, which is probably not unlike the program we were waiting for back in March. More details to come, but in the meantime they are working Lindsey hard twice weekly, and two of the physical therapists working with her are as tall as Lindsey is.......a rare occurance and a great advantage!
In the past year+ a couple people have suggested that Hippotherapy (hippo=Greek for horse, not a Hippopotomus) could greatly benefit Lindsey. I remember thinking at that point, "How in the world would Lindsey be able to stay atop a horse???" The timing didn't seem right. But the opportunity has presented itself once again and now it seems to be right. Out of the blue came Horses Help, a theraputic riding program designed to help people with impairments. Everything has fallen into place. In Lindsey's case the goal, among other things, is to build core strength, and for the rhythm of the horse's movement to help her compensate for her balance issues. At this point they use no saddle, forcing Lindsey to use her own muscular system to stay atop the horse. There are walkers on both sides for her safety and an instructor to help Lindsey obtain the maximum benefit from the sessions. She started this week (see "NEW" photos). I think this is going to be a good thing!
Lindsey had a recent re-check appointment with the Opthamologist who follows her double vision issues. When the field of vision in the right eye does not align with the field of vision in the left eye, double vision results. They measure those differences in diopters. When Lindsey began seeing this physician nearly a year ago the measure ment was 5. Today it is 1, a level that most people can compensate for and not a reason for surgical correction. I asked the physician if he felt the improvement was due to natural healing of the brain or if her PRK refractive surgery had impacted the difference. He just shook his head and said it was likely both had contributed to the change, but was astounded at the level of improvement, and dismissed Lindsey from his care unless she develops any problems. I look on this as just another addition to the chain of miracles that keeps us encouraged. An answer to prayer.
Next week we leave for Ryan & Natasha's wedding in California. I pray that it will be an occasion of celebration and love for everyone involved. Lindsey and Chris will only be home from the wedding about 10 days before they leave again for Chris's family reunion in West Virginia. Then it will be time to hit the therapies hard for the summer.
There has been so much change in the past few weeks....a new caregiver, therapy programs, travel preparation, etc. that sometimes it is disconcerting to digest all of it. I have to resist the temptation to buy into the negative stories that our press dishes out every day. I have seen the global economic situation bring out the worst and the best in people. Yet I know that "my God will meet all your (our) needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" Phillipians 4:19. It is a humbling experience to watch God's provision unfold before my eyes.
