Days til brace off - 2???
Days til move - 0.4
I type “fd” every time I spasm. I’m tempted to leave them in there for a blog just to show how many times I spasm. So annoying.
Long day…
8am - Try to head downtown with dad only to find out the cab service I reserved is nowhere to be seen.
8:05am - Dad panics and enlists several staff to help us locate a car.
8:25am - After no success by the RIC staff, our cab finally arrives.
8:30-9:30am - Cook County court. Jake and Erik were cool enough to be there. I kind of felt bad since I knew it would probably be uneventful.
The prosecutor came over and said hi as she had already been communicating with us. Once we approved the plan of action, she went to talk with the defendant. I wasn’t sure how it would feel to see the man that did this to me. He came back in from talking with the prosecutor, our eyes met, and I immediately knew he was in anguish about this ordeal.
The policeman that arrived at the accident site was there, as well. He apparently has been concerned about my recovery and told me he couldn’t explain what it is like to be with me close up like that. He was really happy to see me kick a leg.
My dad, the policeman, and I walked up when the driver’s docket was read and as planned, he pleaded guilty to one traffic violation while the other two were excused. After it was settled, he turned to me and grabbed my hand. I didn’t think he spoke english since he had an interpreter, so I just kind of nodded an “okay”.
We left the courtroom and in the hallway talked about how it went. The driver then came out and came straight up to me and said in his best english, “I’m sorry. I pray for you every day. I have trouble sleeping at night.” Etc., etc. I told him I had nothing against him and that it’s okay - people make mistakes. I told him I was a terrible driver for years and am lucky I didn’t hurt anyone. I told him I hoped he got better sleep. It was really a big moment for both of us, I think. I hope he feels better. It seemed like he was relieved by my reaction, at least. It was honestly a very powerful moment. I only wish I had said the actual words, “I forgive you.” Because I do.
I talked a little more with the policeman and we got this photo, since Jake insisted:
As Jake pointed out, my dad looks like it’s his first day of school. Regardless, my impression of the Chicago PD is hugely improved, which I made clear.
9:30am - We jumped in a cab and headed back to RIC for PT with Sara. I got my new loaner wheelchair which I’ll have until my custom chair comes in a couple months.
I tested some wheelies with the ever-cautious Sara. This loaner is a vast improvement over the tank I had before. And it’s more compact so hopefully will work better in the apartment. I’m happy!
After that we attempted standing without my braces. I used the parallel bars at first and then a walker. I think I got up with about 50% arm strength and 50% my right leg. But once I was up I could stay standing. My left leg was 90% spasm and who knows how much in my right leg, but I was standing. I lifted my arms and all was well. So that felt great. Sara had me do that for a while - just stand there - which turned out to be the hardest workout I’ve had in a while. I’m already sore in my lower back. But it was so great to stand! Did I say that already? The best part is that I can do it so easily at home using only the walker. She showed my dad how to stand guard. I’m sure Rebecca can easily do it, too. Good stuff!
Then I just had enough time to do half a lap walking around in the braces. It seemed way easier than just standing on my own. I told Sara I’m sure I’d see her soon and that this was not farewell.
We had my last group session and everyone was in a good mood. Jake even hopped into the wheelchair I’ve used the last 2 months and joined in.
Another intense game of balloon volleyball there. I’m gonna try and recreate this as an indoor party game, I’ve decided. Also as you can see Sara suggested I leave on the KAFOs for a couple hours and get used to wearing them.
We had a good lunch and then afternoon OT was pretty simple. I just practiced wheelies for a while, did a timed lap around the floor (0:55), and then finished off by playing some Wii. Nothing fancy, really. The fact that I have nothing urgent to do in OT is why I’m going to be an outpatient instead of day rehab. I won’t have OT as an outpatient because they’ve classified me as fairly independent.
We had what turned out to be a hilarious group psychology session, where the topics shifted from thermoregulation to leaving RIC and those stresses to eating yogurt to hot chocolate to I don’t even remember what else. Dr. Sweet said she had no control over us but I insisted that it was an extremely successful psych session since we were all happy and laughing (isn’t that the goal of psychology sessions???). A couple said some nice things since I am leaving tomorrow. So that was nice. Thanks, Jimmy and Dr. Sweet.
Rebecca and I went and saw Iliana and her kids Miela and Henry outside the Hancock tower. The weather today created this intense fog everywhere and they were playing with bubbles and running around. The whole effect was pretty cool. Really cute kids. I did a 360 wheelie for them which I guess they liked. Then they checked out the fountain while Rebecca and I got some awesome mexican hot chocolate (hint of spice… real good).
Jayme came by and said goodbye later, just after my roommate Tim’s friend gave me some awesome ribs. They were for time but after discovering that Tim couldn’t really eat them, he gave them to me. His hands aren’t working that great right now. Rebecca hung out a bit and that was my night.
Tony and I were catching up over text while I typed this… It turns out his right leg is improving while his left leg is slacking, just like mine. So I said we might be pimping it with some canes at some point. I told him if he can walk with just a cane, I’ll buy him a velvet suit from the Salvation Army. Naturally, he said I’d have to do the same. Deal! Compared to what we’ve gone through, the thought of walking with a cane and clad in a velvet suit sounds pretty sweet right now!
Okay I’ll shut up. Much love. Tomorrow is a new day.
G’night -
Chip
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