A Letter to the Physical Therapist I Picked to Help My Daughter… and Me Ali Cummins Dear Sarah, I met you before we ever met in person. On a faded piece of copier paper in a binder filled with names and qualifications and past experiences, I met you for the first time. And amongst all of those people and all of those choices, I picked you. You came into my life at my lowest moment — after disheartening doctor appointments, after a false diagnosis, after countless blood draws, after genetic testing. You entered my world when it consisted of tears and grief and heartbreak and doubt. And I picked you, and you helped me through it. When I was grieving the loss of the child I had imagined, you sat and listened without judgement. You were the first person I voiced my many concerns and numerous fears to. Will my Ceci ever walk? Will we ever know what is causing her hypotonia? Will it ever stop hurting to watch her struggle? Will there come a time when my days are filled with more smiles than tears? And I picked you, and with warmth and compassion, you encouraged me. As I was learning to be a mom to my daughter and trying to meet her needs, you were always there to answer my questions. From SMO‘s to de-rotation straps… from tummy time to “W” sitting… from ankle pronation to advocating for my child, you provided me with guidance. And I picked you, and you taught me how to be the best mom I could be for Ceci. Rolling over and tripod sitting, army crawling and pulling to standing, walking and running, you have been there every step of the way. There has not been one inchstone in Ceci’s life that you haven’t been present for. You are one of her biggest cheerleaders. And I picked you, and you celebrated each accomplishment with us, no matter how small. I watched you with her the other day, Sarah. I watched her smile when you entered the room. I noted how her blue eyes lit up when she looked at you. The two of you giggled together and played dolls. You asked her to work, and she worked so hard for you, because she loves you. And before the session ended, she walked over to you and hugged you so very tightly, and tears welled up in my eyes. I realized in that moment just how much you mean to Ceci and to me. And I picked you to be Ceci’s physical therapist, but you have become so much more. You are our family. Do you want to thank someone who’s helped you through a hard time? Email a submission to community@themighty. Live Mighty. Like us on Facebook. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Email Tags: Ali Cummins, disability, hypertonia, november thank you notes, occupational therapy, physical therapists, physical therapy, special needs, special needs parenting, thank you note, thanksgiving, therapy
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 17:29:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015