Every week Josh does something new and unexpected during his work out session with Abby. This week was no different.
Josh’s session always starts out with stretching and range of motion exercises. His left leg seemed fine but his right leg was very tight. Rather than risk injuring a hamstring, Abby moved to the upper body. A few weeks ago she started talking to him about getting his hands to meet in a mid line position.
Josh was able to get his left shoulder to elbow in the correct position but then he’d get stuck. Yesterday, he got half-way there. He was able to get his elbow up into the correct position, and he was able to open up the elbow and move his hand upward. He got halfway before getting stuck. It’s progress and I’ll continue to document this journey weekly.
From the floor Josh moves to the ball. I think this may be his favorite part. He surprised us last week by putting his left arm in the push up position without any help from me or Abby. This week, he did something that surprised him.
The last few weeks, we’ve been noticing that he is positioning his knees closer to the ball and more under his center of gravity. This week, while Abby was getting into position behind him to prevent him from being able to go backwards, Josh brought himself upright.
He has been practicing raising his head straight up, and his head came up, and his body followed. He was straight, and midline from the top of his head to his knees and he did it all by himself.
I wish I’d taken a better photo but this gives you an idea of what he did. Look how straight and firm his back looks. Josh continues to amaze me.
Josh does lots of controlled head turning when he’s on the ball but this move is one he thought up all by himself. He’s looking at the ceiling and nothing Abby and I said was going to change his mind. I think he’s enthralled with having control of his head and his eyes. We just sit back and let him enjoy the movements.
Every week I see Josh do something new. My best memory of this week isn’t an exercise. When Josh went from the ball work, to the floor one big, crystal clear tear, ran down Josh’s cheek. I realized, in that moment, what these workout sessions do for him.
I don’t often step into Josh’s shoes. But for one brief moment in time, when that single tear ran down his cheek, I felt something wonderful move through me. I got so emotional, I couldn’t speak.
I don’t know where these work outs will take Josh but I’m realizing that it’s more than physical. Josh is gaining a sense of purpose, and accomplishment, and strength. It might very well be a guy thing, another aspect of his life that I don’t often think about.
I do know that when his body does something that completely surprises him…when he moves in a way he’s never felt before…it rocks his world. We should all be so lucky.
Such and amazing journey for him.
Jody, I know the process looks slow and the gains small but they are so huge for us. I love sharing his journey with everybody. I hope he inspires others to go after their dreams.
I think he tries to do something special so he can see the smile his trainer gives him in reaction to the feat. I’m impressed to how much control he has of his head. Also how he uses his arms to support himself on the ball. You can see how straight his back is and it looks natural not ridgid….. the strides he’s making in strengthening his body core and the use of his arms and legs is amazing…. We can see how wonderful your wednsdays are around your house. both of you…….. love you both……byl
Bill, you may be right. He loves to surprise Abbey. But I think he also truly loves to be in control of his own body.
Way to go, Josh!!!!! And way to go, Carol! What an exciting day for both of you!
This is so inspiring, Carol. When I think of the parents that Josh could have gotten instead of you–well, he’s a lucky kid. And you kind of like him, too, don’t you?
You guessed it, Texanne. Josh is a blessing and I’m very lucky to get to know him.
Josh you continue to surprise me. I am so proud of you. I noticed when we went to Colorado that you had more control of your head. Now you are using your r arms more. Way to go. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing. Sharon
Sharon, thank you for stopping by and reading Josh’s updates. I think we’re going to have to go ahead and schedule a wheel chair fitting. Josh is outgrowing his at a rapid rate.
I love it! So exciting to watch from here…I can’t even imagine live and in person…Did I say VIDEO 😉 Love it and thanks for sharing!
Penny, I think I’ve figured out how to put video on the website. I’ll experiment with it today and see if I can get it working. Thank you for stopping by.
Thanks for sharing! Amazing and wonderful!
Thank you for stopping by and reading the update.
You are one amazing young man. Your inner strength is now showing on the outside for everyone to see 🙂 Love you to pieces.