Fretless

I volunteered for a three week CIMT Camp (constraint induced movement therapy) at a pediatric therapy clinic. I want to pursue a career in physical therapy, and pediatrics is a very possible avenue. All fourteen kids, aged two to ten, were affected by hemiparesis. This neuromuscular disorder can occur from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. It results in a severe weakness in one side of the body.  Depending on the side of the brain affected, speech and cognition can be impaired. What makes this camp special was that each kid received a hard cast on their "good" arm, forcing them to use the weaker side.  The result was children with increased range of motion, strength, and confidence in their impaired limb.  During the 72 hours of camp, I witnessed kids overcoming low self-esteem, shyness, and the hindrances of their own bodies.

Fourteen "campers" may sound like small number (under normal conditions it would be), but it was extremely exhausting. Ideally, each child needed one-on-one attention. Lunch was especially chaotic. I have never had so much food on my hands and arms, not to mention lovely culinary designs on my pants and shirt. Multi-tasking was a necessity - close that door, grab a runaway, adjust her seat, take his head out of the ranch dressing, get him a drink and straw, guide his hand to his mouth, pick up that half-eaten banana, wipe her mouth, take him to the bathroom - all the while trying to encourage specific muscles with as little passive movement as possible.

What made this worth it? ...

Hugs from kids who cried at my presence only a week earlier. Seeing a 2-year old Christopher Robin pick up a fork and use it properly. Having a little girl eagerly ask me if I am going to play guitar and sing again.  Being asked multiple times which therapist I was married too (I was the only adult male in the clinic). Receiving nicknames such as "Philadelphia Philly", "Philgo", "Dr. Phil", "Pheel", and "Optimus Prime."  Making kids laugh for no apparent reason. Hearing knock knock jokes that make absolutely no sense, but are still hilarious. Being a human bean-bag during story time. Reading story books with ridiculous voices. Answering the question "why?" as creatively as I could. Being put on the spot by therapists. Putting therapists on the spot. Having parents come up to me I have never met and thank me.

I can only pray that one day I have the privilege of becoming a father.