Today was an exciting day š I’ve been looking forward to it since last week when it was still waiting for official approval. When approval went through, we confirmed schedules, and all was set.
This morning, I was cleared to be Brady’s “assistance” when he’s on crutches, and transferring to and from the van. His physical therapist watched him do a few things, and advised me how she would brace him in what setting, all the while saying “less is more,” saying that Brady is so stable and capable, and its more about being on than hands on, if that makes sense.
Today, I got to take Brady out! JUST THE TWO OF US!!!
Going out meant Brady getting in and out of the van, using his crutches and chair out and about, without his physical therapist. It also meant me getting acquainted with his wheelchair, taking it apart and reassembled properly. I assume that’ll get quicker and easier and more fluid as time goes on, but it wasn’t complicated, so I already feel pretty comfortable with that.
Brady has been wearing shoes from the rehab ward this entire time, as they’ve been sending his AFO (ankle brace) back and forth to Saskabilities for tweaks and modifications. Now that its almost exactly how they want it, we booked a field trip to Brainsport to get Brady some shoes that are actually his, that fit how they should, that he likes. We went in with some ideas, with plans to buy two pairs with the gift card someone anonymously gifted us earlier on. One pair that he was hoping for fit perfectly, and they offered to ordered them for him in the color he preferred. The other pair he had his eye on was a bit of a bust because they didn’t come in wide. So, while it wasn’t his very first choice, we left Brainsport with a pair of shoes that fit beautifully, but aren’t his favorite style. Still, they are SO stable, and he is truly happy with this choice.
When we got back to the van, we just happened to notice the early time, and a Subway directly beside Brainsport. So we decided to take gentle advantage of our time away, and we grabbed some subs and went to eat them by the river. It was SO calm and nice out. I think it did Brady good to just smell the fresh air.
It felt like a day of accomplishments! Now, Brady and I can go for walks together over the long, long weekend, and practice walking with crutches without a therapist or a nurse. It frees him up in a lot of ways, and brings him closer to being able to walk with his crutches unassisted! Thats the direction he’s moving in, and he is excited about it.
Another milestone from today has left me with a mix of emotions. At first, it was a little comical, but then I cried on the drive home about it, so there’s that.
While we were at Brainsport, the man helping us was grabbing a size of a shoe, and other employees were helping other customers. Suddenly, someone was right next to us. All they said was “What the hell, guys?” And as you know, in masks, its harder to recognize people immediately. But it came within just a few seconds. It was our chiropractor. Dr. Mike. And we haven’t seen him in a LONG time. It was the first time we ran into someone who knows us pretty well, but has no knowledge of whats been happening. He just stood beside us, eyes wide with genuine concern. he finally uttered “Whats going on?!” Brady kind of chuckled and told him he had a spinal tumor removed in February. Dr. Mike asked the height of injury. T7-T11. They had a very brief discussion of details. But then his salesman resurfaced, as did ours, and we got back to our fittings. We ended up leaving before he did. As we walked past him, he just looked at us and offered up a feeble “Good luck, guys. I hope you’re ok.” I thanked him and we kept walking. I looked back a couple of seconds later, and he was completely slumped forward, shaking his head. Dr. Mike is a very upbeat, boisterous guy. I have never seen him so solemn. That felt like a shakedown. It was a first, and it won’t be the last time, either. Thats going to be a hard part of all of this, I think. More for Brady, of course, but we’ll all feel it.
Today was a strong day together. I truly enjoyed our outing. We did great. Nothing was ruined or wounded. Only one really zinger moment, but we can get past that easily. Brady got shoes that he can walk so much more confidently in, and now he has more confidence and independence. It was a great day.