PT with Stacey!

As Summer Programs Coordinator at GPS, I meet  a lot of parents each summer.  The first time I met Stacey was at camp registration in 2008.   At the time, she was just one of the many moms that I would see that summer.   She was a familiar face and I knew she was Addie's mom, but otherwise it was just cordial talk.  For the next two years, Addie returned to camp and I would see Stacey now and then at drop-off, aftercare or the finale festival.  But last summer in 2010, it was different.

I vividly remember seeing Stacey in the gym and we had one thing in common:  We were both VERY pregnant.  Once again, small talk occurred.   My baby was due in July, hers in June.  Little did I know at the time, Laik would also arrive (4 1/2 weeks premature) in June.  Ironically, just two days after Stacey delivered her daughter,  Emery.

Emery was born on June 23 and Laik on June 25.  Wow, our babies were two days apart!

Now, how did I know all that if we were just casual acquaintances?  Once again, here's how our glorious God works in His most miraculous ways!

Stacey is a physical therapist with pediatric specialist certification. And I might add, she is exemplary at doing what she does for children!  She is one of only 24 in the state of Tennessee and Laik is blessed to have her as his therapist.  How did I get so lucky?

As mentioned before, God knows the right people to put in your path.  Once learning Laik had Trisomy 12p, connecting with TEIS, and having numerous discussions with a long time family friend that is a nurse practitioner in the NICU at Children's here in Chattanooga, she recommended having a PT evaluation.  Of course, my friend had already discussed Laik with her chosen PT recommendation.

Put 2 and 2 together and Stacey is our therapist!

All the sudden, the new parent at summer registration from years ago becomes an intrigal player in the development of my son's life.  And boy was I thankful.  Stacey welcomed us into her "playroom" with open arms.  Immediately, I felt like I had known her forever.  I had the feeling that I was visiting an old friend and introducing her to Laik for the first time.  She took him into her arms, starting to talk and "gaga" with him like he was her own.  That made me happy!  I knew this was going to be a good match for us.

Now, Laik might not have thought so after spending an hour with her.  She made him work and work hard.  As a coach, I have little sympathy for weakness when it comes to training.  Now, now, I know what you are thinking, "he's just a baby" and you're right. BUT....we have to learn how to do things and do it right to make Laik stronger.  So, through our hourly sessions with Stacey, I sit back and watch my son go through his workout to get stronger.  It's not always easy to do, but I know that Stacey realizes his limits and she ALWAYS does what is best for Laik.

Since our first evaluation with Stacey in November 2010, Laik has progressed beautifully.  Stacey even invited Laik to an upper level PT class at UTC to be a model "non-typically" developing baby for future PT's to observe and evaluate!  Stacey has also given me terrific insight to what toys are best for Laik.  The most unlikely toys are often the best for children with special needs.  But what Stacey has done for me the most is:  She has given me hope!

Stacey is always honest with me and doesn't sugar coat details.  When I ask questions or have concerns, she either sets me straight or gives me a better understanding of what is going on.  She teaches me exactly what I need to do with Laik to help him defy the odds of what he could be up against in the future with his development.  Todd and I both respect and appreciate her guidance. And, it works!

When you have a child with special needs it requires having special people in your life to help. First and foremost when we enter the PT sessions, Stacey is Laik's physical therapist. But ultimately, during the one hour workouts for Laik, Stacey has become my friend.

I couldn't ask for any better than that!