The view from the back seat

Dec. 18, 2011

It’s often said that if you’re not the lead dog, the view never changes. Following the pack mile after mile with the same old view day after day, mile after mile. For the past seven weeks Nathan has been nothing less than a true trooper. He’s had to pull more than his own weight, but still stares at the same seat day after day. He’s been 5-point strapped into his car seat for no less than 82 hours over the past 7 weeks.

82 hours, that’s almost 3½ days; half a week; confined in a position watching one mile roll on after another. For anyone who works out let’s put it in this perspective, you go to the gym (remember this gym is a minimum of 1-2 hours away), work out for 2-3 solid hours, take 10-15 minutes to cool down and regroup then, drive all that way back home, letting those sore muscles tighten up, and then get set to do it all over again.

Still there’s barely a peep that comes from back there, except the occasional giggle if one of us turns around to see how he’s doing. The other day Annette sent me a picture of Nathan playing peek with his bib. He’s learning how to make the most of his time, and still working hard every step of the way.

There’s one more week to go and we’re still very optimistic and looking forward for Friday to get here. Many kids look forward to Christmas, I think Nathan will be happy for the end of this round of therapy.

I have to admit I’ve hind of felt like being in the back seat myself. This is the first time I have been hands-on, intensely active every step of the way. Annette has done a good job of giving me updates, but still having to be on the sidelines is a new role for me, and I’m still adapting.

I’m grateful that with my new position, I will have Friday off allowing me to attend the last day with Nathan and Annette. It’s the day that Nathan’s home program will be announced and the therapists will go over their goals and what Nathan did to reach them. I’ll be able to do the driving one last day, with an even longer drive to follow heading straight to Annette’s mom’s once the day at Leap Beyond is complete.

We have so much to be thankful for this year, and Nathan has come so far. That makes all of the driving, the fast-food meals, daily trips to the gas station and barely seeing each other worth the extra effort. Thank you to everyone who’s said extra prayers for us, helped keep us encouraged, and given support through meals, money and everything else.

I know over the last several years, I haven’t done as good of a job as I’ve should have in recognizing everyone for things done for us. We know that our success goes well beyond our walls and please know not one gift has gone unnoticed. We wish everyone the very best that Christmas can bring of all the wonderful gifts under the tree, our favorits the gift of hope.

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