fate

 
Today was a magical day for me. 

Truett had a great session at rehab.  I spoke to Zachary, his regular physical therapist, about the advantages of walking with a walker vs walking without one. 

For the past couple of rehab sessions, they have been walking Truett without a walker.  They have been simply guiding his hips as he stumbled along. . . uncertain as to where his next step would be. 

But today I spoke to Zachary, his regular rehab therapist, and posed the question, "When Truett does learn to walk, won't it be with a walker?"

"Yes," Zachary answered.

So I suggested we get Truett walking with a walker so he will be proficient at walking at home one day.  After alll, I don't have a rolling stool to guide his hips during training.

So Zachary had Truett walking with a walker around the whole gym today.

And I was so proud of Truett.  He walked around the gym all the way and half way back using a walker.  He did not throw up.  He was not dizzy.  Truett walked using a walker without the "death grip" on the walker.

It was a good day for Truett. 
 Following that, Truett and I visited a long-time resident of Fort White, Betty Koon, at Shands Cancer Center.  Betty is about to undergo a bone marrow transplant at the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center. . . the most wonderful Cancer Center in the whole Universe!

 
This beautiful young lady is Kathy Valentine.

Let me tell you about Kathy:

When I first came to Fort White Elementary School, I was appointed to a fourth grade class.  YEA!  We only had two fourth grade teachers back then.  Kathy Valentine and me!

Kathy was so special.  She taught my children, Merry Jennifer and Clay. 

Why?

Because that was the rule.  "A teacher could not teach her or his own children."

But, in the meantime, Kathy and I became close friends.

Eventually, Kathy moved away from Fort White and it broke my heart.  My best friend had left.

I vowed after that day that I would never get close to another educator like I had with Kathy.

And I didn't.

I came close.

But it was never the same.

 
Sometimes fate takes over.

 

 

 

Comments

[Mary Anne Gilmer]

I loved Kathy a great deal as well. We got through our Masters degrees together and she was a dear friend during the agonizing time when we lost Scott's sister, Kathy. She ended up being asst. Administrator in Palm Bay where my sister teaches.