After 51 days in St Louis the time has come for us to say goodbye. Looking back there has certainly been a range of emotions and times where I thought ‘ What have I done’. We started this journey in the summer and returning to the UK in the autumn, to think we have gone into another season seems crazy.
What I will miss is being able to talk to other SDR parents especially those who have children of a similar age to Dana. That’s where Facebook comes in very handy, chatting with parents and chatting with the therapists/doctors. What did we do before facebook? I shall also miss the security of the therapists, having the daily contact whereby you can ask anything and will be dealt with at that time not weeks later. As an example Dana has had her splints altered 5 times now, each time orthotics corrected the problem either before therapy or during therapy. There are no wasted days waiting for action, the splints were corrected and the physio session continued. Seamless.
Although it’s our last day, we do have PT at 10am with Mike. Following yesterdays limited physio session because of a blister, which looks much better today; hopefully we can get a more productive session. It feels very sad leaving as the security of the therapists is just what I need, or so I think. Dana walks as usual now to the 4th floor even though she says the blister is sore and Darlene greets us. I have a gift of chocolates for her as she has been so friendly and kind to us and will miss her. Darlene then presents me with a box of biscuits as a parting gift. Was not expecting that - so thoughtful.
Blaire is out first collecting her patient, and I sneak in to give her a thank you gift that she opens and we say our goodbyes. Mike and Erica walk out to reception and I hand Erica a thank you gift, which is a pen. Erica has a habit of putting pens in her hair, strange habit. She is after all Hollywood’s personal hair stylist and am going to miss those wonderful creations. We all walk into therapy chatting and Mike mentions he will be videoing Dana for her post op assessment. Really hope this gives a true picture of all the hard work she has put in and the blister will not hold her back. Mike instructs Dana what to do and she follows well. On the treadmill (which has became her best friend, can’t wait for ours to be delivered back home) Mike increases the speed to the maximum Dana can tolerate which is 1.3 and then reduces it down for side and backward walking. After the videoing Dana goes on the biotech machine that tests the strength in each leg, and does really well. She finishes the session with a ride on the bike with weights attached of course, too easy otherwise. While Dana is away I am advised Dr Dobbs is able to see us at lunchtime, which is great as I have a few questions regarding her progress following surgery that are troubling me. Dana arrives back on the bike with Mike as our session is finished. I gave Mike some chocolates as a thank you as I had already bought some very colorful socks, which suited him so well and was wearing them today. We said our goodbyes, hugs all round and left for the very last time. On the way out I gave Darlene a big hug and said will miss her.
We had time to eat some lunch before seeing Dr Dobbs and again for the last time sat in the cafeteria.
The meeting with Dr Dobbs was reassuring and laid my questions to rest. He also said Dana is at the level he would expect her to be, which for me was a great relief. Dr Dobbs agreed he will review Dana when we return next year for our review with Dr Park. So that was it, orthopedics are happy with Dana, the therapists are happy and with all the paperwork in my hand including the PT post op evaluation we call for the hotels shuttle bus, again for the last time.
Back at the hotel the only thing on the agenda for Dana and I this afternoon is packing and clearing the apartment. I bag up the cupboard food for the remaining families who may want any and bag some toys, which the younger children can use and then pass on to other children when they leave.
Later in the evening we have a farewell takeaway and drinks with nearly all the remaining families at the hotel which is a lovely evening.
Sadly this part of the journey is complete, we done what we set out to do and what an achievement. Dana’s life changed on the 4th August and this date will always be special, another birthday for Dana. The months ahead will be hard, there is no denying, yet all achievable as her future is worth every second.
Our thanks to the generosity of the people in the UK who came together and made this journey possible. To all the SDR families for your support in the good times and the bad. Each family is so incredible and each has their own stories to tell and are all united in making a difference for their children. Finally not least to Dr Park and team, Dr Dobbs and team, all the therapists and everyone who was part in Dana achieving what she has to date. You are all very special and will never be forgotten, we both have great lasting memories.
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