"Inching forward when we prefer to run"

Dear Ones,

I can't believe I'm nearly halfway through my clinical already! I am really enjoying working with this population and find it really rewarding. Most of my patients find themselves in situations where they feel life as they knew it is over and really it is. They will never be the same physically, emotionally, psychologically following their stroke, accident, illness, amputation, paralysis...some things come back and some things won't. Part of my job working with them is to help them establish a new normal and to help them see there is life left to live. Its amazing to watching them do it!

I have also loved being close to family. My Aunt and Uncle who are housing me are amazing, giving ever giving generously (love yall!)! All my extended family here keep me well fed and well entertained. I spend my weekends with my brothers and friends. I've been getting to re-live some undergrad favorites like intramurals and omelet night.

Omelets!

  Over these last several weeks, as I watch my patients progress and my own progress in my clinical, this phrase keeps coming to mind: "Inching forward when we prefer to run." Sometimes I don't think we fully appreciate our barriers or limitations and maybe sometimes those around us don't recognize our abilities. Whatever it is there is some measure of frustration with progress and growth. The cure, from what I've learned in my limited time here, is perseverance, patience, and celebration of even the smallest of victories. We'll get there eventually or we'll get closer than we are now. I probably won't take the most conventional route and it may take me longer than expected. I may fail 100 times before getting it right but I'll get there, hopefully.

Two of the PTs I work with at an event for adaptive equipment for stroke survivors.

Life continues to be sweet out here, just keep keepin' on. Can't wait for my cousin to come out for her first semester and to catch up with more friends soon.

-E