Monday Ramblings

Therapy

Last week, my kiddo started therapy, the first three therapies, to help him with the damage the stroke did. He handled them well, but the first two days were rough on him. First day was four hours. The second day was three hours. The third day he went in the morning and he did better partly because it was a morning appointment, partly because he’d been there twice before.

I want him to be well, now. I think he feels that way, too. We are not patient people, but I know it takes time.
I am reminded of the Bible verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Millie and the Outing

Keep in mind that Millie doesn’t like:
  • Her collar (puts her in a wide-eyed coma)
  • Grass (it's for the cows, in her opinion)       
  • Outside world (too big)        
  • Vacuum cleaners (has nothing to do with this story)
Early Saturday morning, Millie and I venture outside to my fenced in backyard, for her first time. I figured she wouldn’t like the dewy grass any better than dry grass, but it was cool and shady there and we (meaning her) need to become more accustom to the outdoors. Since hot and humid weather are not her friends, I chose that time of day on purpose. Before we go out, I put her collar on and pick her up before she has time to go into collar-coma.

Outside, I sit in my camp chair, and Millie sits on my lap. She snuggles close, but does not go into her Chihuahua shivers. On the ground (now don’t laugh), I have placed a carpet remnant rug for her. Millie relaxes on my lap and watches the cars in the distance go by and birds squawking overhead. Fifteen minutes later, I look upward to the sky to see if there are any eagles or daytime owls that might swoop down (to do you know what) and place Millie on the rug. When I see that I’m losing her to collar-coma, I walk away and say things like, “You’re a good girl, Millie,” and “Come here, Millie.”
Millie ignores me and lies down on the rug and sucks water off the clover and eats at least one tip of a grass blade. I sigh and decide to take off her collar hoping to cut off its magic power of paralysis. She likes the freedom and sits up. Somehow I coax her off the rug. She runs to me acting like she’s going to be one of those leap in your arms dogs, but I move away. She sits, I coax, and on it goes.

After a few minutes, I go back to my chair to sit, and she’s interested in following me. I call her and she begins her run through the wet grass again. Then something happens. Millie realizes her large furry paws (that don’t match her tiny body) are sopping wet and she collapses to the ground. When her body touches the wet grass, she jumps up and tries running on three legs, because the fourth leg is nonfunctioning due to soak-itis. She falls again, because she’s not an accomplished three-legged-dog and hobbles the rest of the way to the rug. Thank goodness the rug was there. Right?
My camera was inside the house.

Comments

Hi Teresa .. so pleased your son is already getting therapy .. patience is where this counts as a very big virtue ... patience all round and at all times ... frustration is a thing of the past, or well hidden.

Now Millie - frustration - yes well that's allowed! Just don't stamp too hard ... poor soul - I hope she can become acclimatised before it starts getting cold ...

Lovely post and all the best to one and all - your son and his family in particular ... cheers Hilary
Mason Canyon said…
I can see Millie will give you endless hours of entertainment. When I use to take Little One (the cat I use as my avatar) outside, she didn't appreciate getting her paws wet either. And as for the vacuum cleaner, try operating one in a room with three (70-pound) dogs who do not like it and try to attack it. Needless to say, they have to go in their crates when it's time to vacuum and you still have to contend with their barking. Maybe someone should (or already has) do a story about a monster vacuum cleaner. Take care, my friend and give a hug to your son for all his hard work. He'll get there.
Hope your son keeps going to therapy and continues to improve.
Don't forget the camera next time. I'm sure it was both sad and funny to watch Millie.
JoJo said…
What a silly dog!!! I enjoyed that story. One of my friends had a shih tzu who also hated wet grass (a liability when you live in Washington State). My dogs dislike the vacuum although Pepper seems to have made her peace with it. My German shepherd is also terrified of flies.

I hope your son continues to improve with therapy...I know he will work hard!
Pat Hatt said…
Does take a while indeed to get better.

Lmao sure Millie isn't part cat? Hating collars and wet grass.
Hart Johnson said…
I really wish your son a speedy and complete recovery, and your Millie story is fabulous. What a funny little dog.
I didn't know your son had a stroke! So sorry I missed that. Glad he's placed in therapy and adapting well...but wow--I bet those first sessions were tough. I'm an impatient person, too...that would be so hard.

Millie is wonderful! I think you were kind to give her the carpet fragment. :) And to look out for birds of prey...
Carol Kilgore said…
Not only do I think this is a great story, I LOVE the last line! Perfect.

Wishing your son well. I'm sending him lots of 'never, ever give up' vibes.
cleemckenzie said…
My son has done so well with his physical therapy that I'm now an advocate. I know yours will do well, too. They're both so young that, at least with mine, he's impatient to be back to doing everything he did before and not feel tired. I patiently counsel patience. :-)

Millie has her issues, but she seems to want to adapt. There are going to be many more stories you'll have to share.
Unknown said…
I'm glad your son is doing well. Yes, I'm sure it takes time and I'm like you, I'm not a patient person, I would want to be better immediately if I was in your son's place. I hope he gets well fast.

Your dog and its reactions to life is so funny!
Cheryl @ TFD said…
I'm praying that your son has a complete recovery but I know the therapy will take time. Love your Millie story and hope you have the camera handy next time!
John Holton said…
Did your son get any therapy while he was in the hospital? I started there, and when I learned to walk on a cane they had me continue with outpatient therapy.

Wanting everything to be back to normal is something every stroke survivor (and his family) wants. It's a slow and occasionally frustrating process, and it will try your patience. The Serenity Prayer becomes a key part of your life at this point, because there will be things you can't change, but many more things that you can. Don't give up hope! My prayers and thoughts are with both of you.
Stephanie Faris said…
So glad your son is on the way to recovery. You guys are in my thoughts. I know it takes time, but each day will get better.
Jaime said…
I'll continue praying for your son.
Jaime said…
I'll continue praying for your son.

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