Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Brag Sheet - Look What Jessie Can Do !!!

http://www.hemifoundation.org/

Jessie has been working really hard for the past few weeks in Physical Therapy, and we wanted to show off the really cool things that she can do !! These do not seem like a big deal on first inspection, but remember that just 2 1/2 months ago, she was COMPLETELY hemiplegic (she couldn't move ANYTHING on her left side)

This is Jessie catching a ball. She is beginning to use her left arm to help catch a ball. Isn't that cool ! The left side of her brain is starting to learn how to move her left arm to do things like this.

This next video is important, because kids play on the floor. To be a kid, you have to be able to get down on the floor. Jessie has only been able to do this for about 2 weeks.

2 weeks ago, she would have fallen flat on her face. This is progress, because now she can get on the floor at school and criss-cross applesauce and listen to the teacher like the rest of the kids. Play games on the mat, and walk around on all floors and play games like "pretend your a doggy". Which is the next video.

She is actually putting some weight on her left hand here, and bending at the wrist. All again controlled by the left-hand side of the brain. Listen to her say "This is boring!" :-)

OK, this last one is my favorite, because once you get down on the floor, you HAVE to be able to get back up, and sometimes there is nothing around to pull-up on. She has only been able to do this for a couple of days.

Being able to get down on the floor, and get back up again is part of being a kid....this is huge!!!! Next to learning how to walk, in my opinion, this is the next most important step in rehab.

Praise to God for each and everything that Jessie learns to do!! Thanks to Him for all the wonderful medical people and rehab people that help Jessie move forward!

Cris

13 comments:

Kelly said...

OHHHHH Abby used to HATE the whole "doggy" thing. It took forever for her to get over her fear of falling on her face while crawling. Way to go Jessie!

Anonymous said...

I loved the videos. It is great to see Jessie progressing so well. Thanks for the videos and updates. I love seeing Jessie smile and be herself. Keep of the good work Jessie!!!!! Love always from Maryland.

Jo Ann

Carla said...

Hall Family,
I want to thank you for sharing your experiences with me however unknowingly. I stumbled across your story while googling Baltimore weather in preparation for a trip to see my husband who was there training with the Army. I have been truly humbled by your tenacity and that of your family. Prayers from my family have been added to the thousands of others and I can only hope that they helped in lifting you all up. It is a miracle how well your little girl is progressing and conquering over things that I am sure would best me. Once again thank you for showing what true courage, spirit and belief can bring.

Blessings for you and all that you hold precious,

C. January

Anonymous said...

You are doing awesome, Jessie!! Love seeing the videos.

Dee Dee

Rachel said...

How wonderful, it is hard to believe ALL the progress in such a short time (I am sure it hasn't seemed short to you). Your family is truly amazing for taking the rest of us on this journey with yall.

Best Regards~
Rachel

Anonymous said...

i just heard about Jessie's story and i will pray for her.

Anonymous said...

i just heard about Jessie's story and i will pray for her.

Unknown said...

Go JESSIE!!!!

Joey Alward

Anonymous said...

YEAH JESSIE!!!

Sharon C. in Dallas

Anonymous said...

It is SO EXCITING to see that you have worked so hard in OT and PT. As a speech-language pathologist I have work with some great OT's and PT's. It seems long and hard and BORING at times, but keep up the good work. You are doing a fantastic job!! I love to see and hear about your progress.

The Arizona Jones

LeeAnn said...

Jessie, you are doing fantastic! And to think I complain about walking for exercise. You have inspired and humbled me. God bless you, lovebug!
LeeAnn Horn
Richardson, TX

Anonymous said...

Dear Jessie, (& family!)
Wow Jessie! You have worked so hard. I am so proud of you. I still read your blog & pray for you and your family daily. It is great to see how much you have accomplished since having your surgery. Keep up the hard work. It does my heart good to see you smile and enjoy being a little girl. Yeah for loosing your tooth (awesome picture!) and for your first sleepover. God bless you and your family.
Love,
Vicky

Unknown said...

Wow, the videos were cool!!! I loved it when Jessie anounced, with authority, I might add, "This is boring!" Her speech was very clear. God is working through her and the physical therapists to bring such wonderful progress.

Blessings to everyone, and as usual, I'll be back from tim eto time after catching up on blogs.

Vanessa, Seeing Eye dog, Griffin, and Kitkat the fuzzy one