She did it!! She walked independently with 2 canes. This is how it happened...she was doing her walking and Przemek decided that she was ready to take a couple of steps, something he didn't expect to try until Friday or next week when she works again with his wife, Sylvia. She took 3 steps. I wasn't there to see it so when I arrived he asked Josie to show me just 2 steps. She agreed even though she was tired from her 3 hour workout. She ended up taking about 15 steps. We couldn't believe that she took so many on the first day she ever walked and especially at the end of her workout. Yeah Jos!!
I videoed the whole thing. Before you watch it let me explain a couple of things. First, don't be alarmed at Przemek's loud and stern voice. He has to do this so she cues fast enough not to fall. It helps the brain think and retrain faster. It took me a while to get over it a couple of years ago. Josie isn't bothered by it at all. She adores him and know that he is just helping her. In fact, what you don't see at the end of the video is them hugging after she walks. I was so excited that I let out a Wow in the middle and you can see him scold me. She can't break concentration because she could fall. Secondly, It looks like he his holding her and helping her but he doesn't ouch her until she begins to fall at the end. You can see him wiggle his hands to show that he isn't touching her. He has to stay close since she can easily fall.
After we left, I called Susan Knight, her PT at Childrens Hospital LA, to tell she and Jen and then I called the family. About half way through she says to me, "are you going to call everyone?" in a tone like it is not that big of deal, it is what is supposed to happen. I love her mindset. Not satisfied until she runs.
We also got to pick up Grandma at the airport last night. She is visiting for a week to see the therapy, the Chickadee performance and be her for her birthday. It is so nice to have her here.
Here is the video. Hope you enjoy it. I know I will for a long time. Love, Jenny and Josie
wow way to go joise
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny & Josie,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear things are going so well in Michigan.
Keep up the great work Josie! I'm glad you'll be able to do 3 months there, such a great opportunity.
Love,
Shannon Meador
Wow! ! You go Girl! Cole & I think that you will probably walk home from Michigan! Way to go...just awesome....
ReplyDeleteCole & Ann
Yea for Josie!!! Keep up the hard work and know that I'm so proud of you! You have come so far and we are all cheering for you. This is so awesome to watch both as a physical therapist and as your friend!! The girls and I send our love!!
ReplyDeleteDear Josie:
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Supergirl!!! I am so proud of you for all the hard work you are doing. Wow, I can't believe you are taking steps with the canes!!! Have lots of fun today in your swim performance. Your amazing!!
Susan
Hi Josie,
ReplyDeleteGreat Job!! We miss you!!! Hope you have a great birthday!!!!
Love,
Lauren, Regan, Tanner and JJ
JOSIE!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWOW - You never stop amazing us! I am in Denver with my family and just showed them your videos, everyone is crying with joy at well you are doing! Keep up the good work love :)
Happy Birthday and good luck at the Chickadee performance! Have fun with Grandma Carol. Miss you guys!!
xo - rach :)