Therapy

Today, towards the end of the day, I was working away in my room, when our physical therapist and occupational therapist came in to work one-on-one with some of my students. The kids were in electives, so I was just writing out documentation forms (for TAKS-alt...my enemy) at my horseshoe table. At one point I looked up, and the physical therapist was playing catch with one of my girls. My student (who is usually in a wheelchair or walker) was on her hands and knees, shaking and sweating, BUSTING HER TAIL to stay up, keep eye contact, catch the ball, throw it back, and oh yeah, trying to remember to breathe the whole time too. I can't explain in words how HARD she was working. Putting in so much effort, trying her very hardest to do what was asked of her. Breathing hard, sweating, the whole bit. I couldn't look away...my eyes were glued to her. I felt a little lump growing in my throat, and told the tears not to come to my eyes, but they did anyways. See, most days, I don't remember my students have "special needs." They are just teenagers, and they need love and to feel accepted, and so on and so forth, but usually that's all I care or think about. But on some occasions, (like today) I hurt for them. My young students have to work SO HARD, just to do things like walk, or swallow. I guarantee that the other 950 healthy kids in my school don't think "wow...I'm so lucky! I can walk!" Because the truth is, we take our health (among other things!) for granted. Even as someone with a history of health issues, who has sworn to never let a good day go by without thanking God, I take health for granted. But that lump in my throat wasn't just about "life's not fair...why does she have to work so hard just to be able to do the simple things the rest of us do without ever thinking twice!?," but also a "wow...my students are rock stars!!" They never cease to AMAZE me..their strength, courage, positive attitudes, and appreciation for life are truly awe-inspiring. Enough to give this grown-up, busy, stressed-out girl a heartache and attitude adjustment. It was needed. I'm grounded again, and a little more appreciative for the things I am able to do.

Funny story-the occupational therapist saw me writing and asked if my hand hurt. "Yeah!" I said..."I've been hand writing all day!" and she added "it doesn't help you hold the pencil completely wrong! You are worse than some of the kids!" She then preceded to come model, and manipulate my fingers in the "correct" position, to which I made a sour face and said "that's not comfortable!" We laughed a lot. It was a nice release. But yeah, turns out I wrap my thumb around my index finger when I hold a pen or pencil, and that's not right. Oh well, I think I'll survive. :)