Saturday Day 5 after surgery

It's been another big day as Haley continued her routine of two physical therapy sessions and today it was with Robin.  Each day we can see a difference in her strength and range of motion.  Today we got to see her take steps for the first time--she had to have a lot of support, but she was moving her legs very well by herself.  It can be alarming for some parents when they see how floppy their child's legs are after this type of surgery--and Haley's legs are floppy, but it's also a joy to know that she's so loose and that now she's been given a second chance of sorts--to learn to walk again while rebuilding the muscles that were meant to be used but couldn't before. 

     She could roll over by herself and she wanted to go on the floor and we could tell she was thinking she could just move around like she did before, but quickly realized that something was very different and she was more cooperative with the therapist after that!

This is the Ronald McDonald House on West Pine Street -- a huge house that can host up to 39 families!  We've met folks from all over the country staying there.

Tomorrow morning Haley will have her last PT session at 8:30 and then we begin the discharge protocol and pack up to go home sometime after lunch.  Jeff and I have felt a little anxiety now about bringing her home--we are glad to go home and be with our other 2 sweet girls and be a family again, but we are feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of ongoing care Haley will need.  She will need someone with her if she moves around and she is required to do as much weight bearing and walking as possible.  Haley will have to miss the next 3 weeks of school as she continues to heal and build more strength.  We'll also begin our home regimen and will take her to PT at the hospital monday and wednesdays and to the school on tuesdays and fridays.

It will definitely be "one day at a time" and fortunately we have some who are willing to volunteer to help us at home for awhile until Haley is back at school.  Thank you for reading and joining us on this special part of the journey with Haley--hopefully your faith in the Lord continues to grow just as ours has.