Pigeon Pose

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Back to School

It is back to school season for everyone, including Kathy. Her first day even reminded me of when my parents saw me off to the first day of school. I stood in the driveway as she drove away, returning to one of her favorite places. (Kathy teaches Health and Physical Education for K-4 students)

For months Kathy's goal has been to go back to teaching this September. Her doctor's and therapists were very non committal about this goal, almost as if they did not believe that she would make it. Of course, she made it and has already comfortably completed her first classes of the year. In turn her therapists are impressed by her determination and how far she has come in the past months. There is still much improvement for Kathy to make and she will be continuing therapy in West Orange three days a week after school.

The return to teaching was a positive and emotional event for Kathy. She had the first opportunity to see kids, parents, other teachers and friends that she had missed since March 27th. This seemed to open up some feelings and emotions that she was not necessarily prepared for but were all positive. Ultimately, Kathy was warmly welcomed back with open arms by the entire SPF school district and McGinn School and is excited for the 2010 - 2011 school year.

New Developments

Strength gains for Kathy are continuing on a weekly if not daily basis. The coolest thing that I have seen in the past week is downward dog, upward dog, childs pose, and some cat cows from table pose. It was very exciting to see Kathy begin to do some of things that brought her tremendous joy prior to GBS.

In addition to these new physical developments Kathy has also continued to develop her independence. Yesterday was Kathy's first fully independent trip outside the house, driving the car and getting into her sister's hair salon for a color and trim. Additionally, today Kathy did some grocery shopping and ran a couple of errands!!

She is still planning on returning to teaching in the fall and is very comfortable that she will be ready to do so.

First trip behind the wheel!!

This was a big one!! Look out for a Blue Jeep Cherokee!

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Friday Pizza Night

Home made pizza courtesy of Kathy. It is great having a wife who loves to cook, and can!!
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Off the walker and on to the Cane!

It is official - as of today Kathy is off the walker and onto the cane only! She got this news today from her PT therapist at Kessler. Progress continues for Kathy everyday. It seems as if it is exponential and progress compounds on progress. We have been really happy about this for the past 3-4 weeks. The next major milestone will be driving the car. This should help her regain a large part of the independence that she has lost. Right now the steering wheel is no problem as the strength and dexterity in Kathy's upper body is very good. Her legs are still lagging behind a bit and she is not able to move from gas pedal to brake (important item!).

Kathy wanted to try the bike on the trainer

She looks good on the bike!!