All of you that know me well, know that pediatric therapy is my jam, my passion, my comfort level…adults, not so much. My confidence level in my skills as a therapist decreases about 100% when an adult patient is placed in front of me. It is like I forget everything therapy when a large person is staring back at me. Even though I tend to freeze and panic and forget my left arm from my right when it comes to adult patients, I am here to tell you that the adult stroke group is by far one of my favorite things in life currently. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning a group of 10-15 adults join together and participate in stroke group. They start each group with singing and prayer. Then they participate in group exercises as well as complete individual exercise stations that are set up around the clinic. The most fun activity is definitely dancing. We turn the music way up and they dance away - a modified Zumba class in a way. And every participant definitely has way better dance moves than I do!
The group started in January 2018 and has only flourished. The participants encourage each other cheering each on. They rejoice together when an achievement is made. They support each other when hardships strike. They have developed their own community and have become more like family than just another therapy patient. Many come early and hang out in the clinic together before group. They even lecture each other sometimes when a blood pressure is too high. The laughter that echos in the hallway during group hits a chord deep in my heart. It is such a peaceful noise to hear. The joy is felt deep in my soul and I just picture Jesus hanging with the group during each session, dancing alongside them and holding their weak arm up when needed or lifting their weak leg just right to clear the step or cone.
I look forward to this amazing group every week!
I look forward to this amazing group every week!
