Reunion

Today, Gabi was invited to a going-away party for one of her old physical therapists at the hospital's inpatient rehab ctr. Everyone was so sad that she was leaving to work at a hospital in Dallas, and we were both glad to be able to go say goodbye. Gabi, walking down the long hallways without a walker or any support, was greeted by all of the staff with loud cheers and hugs. (She demonstrated her control over her left arm by using it to hug, too. She doesn't give one-armed hugs anymore!) Gabi enjoyed catching up with them, too. It was strange to return to the center where she lived for five weeks. However, all of the various therapists (speech, physical and occupational) were all very excited to see the progress she's made in the last month. Today marks exactly one month since she's been at home. She was told that her smile is looking great (ie, her left-side facial muscles are working very well- almost back to normal). Everyone was thrilled, of course, at how great she was walking. At outpatient therapy, Gabi has been dilligently practicing the heel-to-toe technique with her left foot, and it's obvious she's improved enormously. Of course, her OT (who believes in a tough love philosophy) joked that she should be walking around and negotiating the crowd while carrying her own plate of food. On second thought, he realized, she's not his patient (to boss around) any more! It was lots of fun to go and visit, and lots of fun to be able to walk out and go home.