If you have life, there is always hope

This week can only be described as a whirlwind. I have been trying to find time to write about my first couple days of work, but it just hadn't happened. Mainly because I'll be honest, this whole real world job thing is EXHAUSTING! I have come home from work Tuesday and Wednesday and had to "rest my eyes" aka nap for an hour before I could even begin to think about anything else. I am a full time college kid, I am used to being sleep deprived. However, this is more being emotionally and mentally drained. I'm so nervous about being up and ready for work, that I wake up every couple hours during the night. I have been 15 minutes early to work every day so far, and I know to my father's surprise I have also left work at least 15 to 30 minutes after 5 o'clock.

I wish there were words to be able to describe how amazing this job has been. I have always been someone that thought I could only find joy in working with children. However, I love the older patients just as much, if not more. While some of the older men in the facility could play each character in the "Grumpy Old Men" movies, they are still so inspirational. I have had the opportunity to experience someone's first steps after their accident that happened well over a year ago. I get to see joy expressed from people that have had their entire lives shaken and devastated. Today I attended a meeting with the whole treatment team, a patient, and the patient's family. In those moments, I fully realized why God gave me the passion and drive to work in this profession. As each team member commented on the patient's progress, the more the family became emotional and overjoyed with hope.

After a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the people that survive their accidents typically have a very long and rough journey back to a functional lifestyle. They are no longer independent or capable of the things before their stroke, fall, or accident. So, when a family can see their child, father, brother, or sister making any sort of progress it is a miracle in itself. The patients are almost beginning a new life, a new journey full of obstacles and goals. Their first words, first steps, ability to do simple math, or remember the date. I get to be a part of that process and hopefully make a positive impact in their lives. It is going to be one of the most amazing and truly inspirational times of my life.

On Wednesday the Therapeutic Recreation department has started implementing Animal Assisted Therapy into the patients' sessions. I was impressed at how much emotion and motivation our patients showed while with the dog. It was like working with completely different people. A patient that would typically only talk when asked simple yes or no questions became very talkative, giving the dog commands to fetch and sit. I couldn't help but to smile the entire time. A couple of times, I have even had to choke back some tears. Also patients that are dealing with hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of their body) tried to use their weaker or non-functioning side to pet or brush the dog. Typically trying to get a patient to use their weaker side is one of the biggest challenges, but petting the dog meant so much more than the pain they experienced. Now I have an even better reason for my next Christmas present to be a puppy. I'll just mention to my dad how therapeutic they are, I mean hello, healthier, happier lifestyle. You can't say no to that! Well I'm sure my father would find it fairly easy to say no, but it never hurts to try.

The more and more I learn and experience in Galveston, the more I realize how thankful I am that God personally planned this journey for me. I have three amazing bosses at TLC that are so nice, understanding, and helpful in my internship. The other staff members have accepted me as part of the team as well. The patients have totally changed my perspective on life. If they can have hope and joy after completely losing their previous way of life than everyone should be so grateful for their lives. I know that we all have our struggles, I'm not trying to discount those, but just know that if you still have life you always have hope.

There are numerous things I have learned about myself so far through this new experience as well. I have learned that I can be independent and survive. I have lived in my apartment all by myself for a total of four days without any big mishaps. No fires, floods, or any other emergencies. I have learned that while peanut butter sandwiches were acceptable in elementary school, they start to get a little old after eating them for lunch and dinner everyday. I unfortunately have discovered that I can survive with only a few pairs of shoes...don't let my dad know that one. So, basically to sum it up, so far so good. I love Galveston, I enjoy my job and coworkers, and I have been immensely blessed!