Emily had her first, full day of therapy in her AFO today. She hasn't once complained that it's uncomfortable and today she stood for 1/2 hour, biked for 1/2 hour, and then did a full hour of PT without complaint. She's moved from the EZ Stand, where she could watch TV, to the stall bars, which require much more balance and control on her part. She's also started reading while she's in the stall bars, which forces her to use that left hand and arm for something other than balance. Em doesn't like the magazine selection at Craig - too much gossip and fashion - so we've started taking in her Fantasy and Science Fiction magazines and she reads the short stories.

There was some concern that going from a cast/cast boot to the AFO might set Emily back in terms of her ability to stand and take steps. We've seen just the opposite. Today, one of my days at Craig, were the easiest car transfers I think I've ever done. She stood on her own and took steps without any problems. When she was walking in the parallel bars with Celeste, she had much less trouble controlling that right knee in the AFO than she ever did in the cast boot. Celeste then had her work on coming to a stand from her wheelchair and maintaining her balance standing. She needed a little help getting up to a stand, but was able to maintain her balance very well - once for over 20 seconds. When she first got to Craig she couldn't sit unassisted for 20 seconds, so that's quite an accomplishment. Celeste is very pleased with how much stronger Emily has gotten.

Tomorrow there's a barbecue for outpatients at Craig, so Emily will get to cook for Ken and introduce him to some of the outpatient friends she's made. I know he's looking forward to it.

All of Emily's therapists were thrilled when I reported that she'd done so well in Philosophy Club last week - following the discussion and contributing. We finish up at Craig at 2:00 on Thursday and are planning to be at DSA by 2:45. Thanks again to all of her friends for participating in Philosophy Club and welcoming her back.