Not a Straight Line

In the past week I have seen Sam in many different moods and states of clarity. We had a very emotional Sunday (last week), where Sam was expressing some very deep thoughts and crying and laughing at the same time. The last couple of nights Sam was in a much lighter mood , but not making much sense in what she was trying to talk with me about. I always need to remind myself that the healing process does not happen in a straight line, nor will Sam always appear to be moving forward. Her progress also needs to be seen from some distance, and I am not always able to step far enough away have that clarity. However, I was thrilled last night to see that the nurses no longer are using the "lift" to put Sam in/out of bed. Sam can now transfer from her wheelchair to the bed with an assistant, and so I watched in amazement as this occurred for the first time. Sam was a little wobbly, but it was fantastic to see her on her feet, even for just a moment. I was also informed earlier this week, that in physical therapy, using what is called a tabletop walker, Sam is able to now walk 30 feet. This is fantastic news. She is walking for the first time in 6-months! Also, Sam is itching to get outside of the facility, and I am trying to plan some "day" trips for her. In befriending some of the other family members at the facility, I have been told about a beautiful aviary and petting zoo, with nature walks and waterfalls nearby. Apparently, if I receive the right doctors permissions, and wheel chair training, I can take Sam over to the avairy for a rejuveniating afternoon. I can't wait.