Meeting and exceeding goals!

     This past Tuesday we had another physical therapy session. Our regular therapist had to see other patients so we saw a new guy.  He had seen Amaya around but had never worked with her directly. Before he began the therapy session he looked over her chart to see what she's been working on and what her goals are.  When Amaya first had her physical therapy evaluation back in February they set several goals for her.  One was to have a range of motion in her knee up to 130 degrees. He said "well, let's just see how close we are." He checked her knee and not only did she make it to 130 degrees but she passed it!  She was able to get to 150 degrees with no problem at all!  I was happy, and so was she. I remember where she was two months ago and where she is now.  He was happy and excited and decided to push her some more during the session.  Lately she's been riding a bike with 20lbs. strapped on it. Not only does she ride it, but she goes up two small hills as well. Well this time he decided to see if she could do it with 30 lbs strapped on, and she did!
    She is resilient, and determined! Without complaint, she does what's asked of her.  Not only did she go up the hills with the extra weight, but she also rode around the entire facility (about a block or so). She also pulled Lidie ( who weighs about 40 lbs.) on her belly board. This one she does with both legs forward and backward. First she does it with both legs and then with just the left leg.  Later he took her into the "machines" and had her work on leg lifts, when she had no problem doing some of the stuff, he would add weights to her legs.  And still she didn't complain or give up.  She told him that she'd like to be a physical therapist when she grows up, which made his day.
     Watching her run, and maneuver around, and do the exercises is wonderful. I smile as I watch her, because I remember all those times when she would fall after her knee would give out. And I remember how much pain she was in after her surgery and during her first therapy sessions. I remember her pain and am relieved that it has passed. She still has some goals to reach; build strength in her ankle, knee, and leg muscles. But I am confident that she will reach them!