It has been a while since we have posted an update, but lots of things have been happening. Since arriving in Pennsylvania, we have established Parker with a primary care provider as well as physical, speech, and vision therapy. The three different kinds of therapy are currently happening weekly at the church since we have not yet gotten into the rectory yet.

Last week Parker and I were waiting in the parking lot for the physical therapist, and when she arrived she opened the trunk to pull out a purple gait trainer! We have been hoping to get one prescribed for her by a doctor and paid through insurance, but this one was provided by Easter Seals. When I think of Easter Seals I think of those stickers and the battle against childhood polio, but they also maintain a huge lending library of assistance devices for children.

While Parker was initially frightened by the gait trainer, as soon as she got over her anxiety and settled in, she was off!

In addition to wanting to explore the entire church on her own, Parker also kept wanting to go outside and see the big wide world! We can keep the trainer for as long as we need it, and Parker wants to be in it all the time.

This a huge step for her and her independence, and the physical therapist said that Parker’s aptitude with the device suggests she will eventually be able to walk without it, which is even better news.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Rob