Chairs

So, as it turns out, "wheelchairs" are less scary than I thought. We are getting two kinds for Sam, pending approval from insurance. We have loaners for a week to try them out.

(1) The Power Chair: This is an electric wheelchair that sam can move herself. She definitely gets the concept! She is borrowing one to try out, and there is no doubt she will be able to be independently mobile in no time! It is hard to have to have ramps and such, but alas, that is the price we pay. It is nice to see her be able to get around herself and gain some independence. And research shows that kids with power chairs actually walk SOONER because they get the taste for freedom. So this is a huge step. It is pink, too.

(2) The Adapted Stroller: This is the version of a wheelchair that looks and acts more like a stroller, and can be used to get sam around. It is lightweight and is a nice stroller. It provides more support for her than a regular stroller. Plus, it has the benefit of being allowed at places that don't allow strollers...like the butterfly museum.

So we went to the butterfly museum today. It was our first outing with "the chair" At first it was hard, and felt weird, but then a little girl was so intrigued by it and Sam and was trying to kiss sam. It was so cute. Kids don't care, only grownups do. So it made it a novelty for her, not a stigma. I liked that. But part of it was still hard. It is nice to have something that supports her better and also that has nice steering action! I like that part!

So, we are in the realm of wheelchairs now. It is ok, because she is walking a lot too. That makes it ok. I guess you can get used to anything, if you have to...

Well, let's hope school isn't cancelled tomorrow. She was quite upset on Friday when she didn't get to go to school (there is no school on Fridays!) But she got to go to School on Sat. for a pancake breakfast, and that was pretty nice!

OK, good night!