The way we often celebrate firsts, today we celebrated lasts. It is Brady’s last day of therapies on the ward.
His physical therapy session began with a final bout of sensitivity tests, to see how much his sensation and strength have improved. Both have indeed improved, thank the Lord! We talked to his therapist about items we need to acquire still, things that are funded and things that aren’t. She made a list of information to still get us before Brady goes. And her last move was to show Brady how to get up stairs with a railing when he needs to hold both of his crutches. A very good skill to learn on his very last day. Everything else is done.
Occupational therapy was next, and it was actually quite productive. He trialled a cool motorized attachment for his chair that would make life SO much easier in a lot of ways. While he was talking to the rep about it, he was able to be honest about being a bit disappointed with the chair thats on order for him. Its a whole long story, but he’s been waiting a long time for his chair, rather than the loaner from the hospital, and he’s since learned that he would vastly prefer a different model. As it turned out, there had been a hold-up on his chair, and thanks to that, they are going to work towards reordering him a chair he truly wants. They had one that was almost perfect just freshly brought to the ward, and they signed it out to him to use until his arrives. This sounds insignificant, but its actually a pretty huge deal! It was immediately clear, upon getting into it, that it was a WAY better style for him. So the ball is rolling with that, finally.
So he rode his new loaner chair back to the ward, and I was given the motorized one to drive 😳It was hilarious and fun and I love that they trusted me enough to drive it through the hallways.
We hit up radiation in the afternoon, where I learned his new wheelchair on the spot, having to disassemble it to get it in and out of the van. I always feel pretty accomplished when I can do those things with some semblance of confidence. I walked with Brady to the front doors of the cancer centre and then let him go in alone, as the rules state. It felt really weird not to go together. We’re not people who care to do a whole lot separate. But, we can do it, if need be.
I took some of Brady’s things home today, and I think I’ll bring a suitcase for the rest of it tomorrow, just so its only one trip down to the van.
Today is bittersweet. I am desperate to have Brady home, and I know he feels so ready to get here, too. But there is some safety and security in his team here. They are beautiful people, and I will dearly miss seeing them on a daily basis. We trust them a lot, and I’m nervous to go forward without them being fully involved.
As inpatient rehab ends for Brady, home can begin again.
A local man (you know who you are ❤️) donated his efforts to gift Brady freedom to come and go out of his house as he pleases. This was a GIGANTIC gift, and we are beyond grateful!! It may look like a sidewalk to random passers-by, but it is greatly more.
A hand-built ramp will be built atop this beautiful level surface over the weekend, all on gifted time.
Extra railings are being added in the house this evening, also with labour donated to our family.
Everything is coming together. Everything is in order. We’re just missing that one key piece.
Tomorrow. Less than 24 hours now. Lord, protect us.