Big News!

October 26th 2015
Today Maria Jose, my PT for the last three years turned in her letter of resignation to my parents. This came as a surprise to our family. We did not know that Maria had plans on leaving us but then we all knew that at some point time it was bound to happen. Maria travelled every weekend to her home town of Cartago. This journey by bus took sometimes 7 to 8 hours. She made the trip every weekend as she saw other patients back in Cartago on the weekends, and of course her boyfriend of many years.

Maria Jose had been working with a patient giving water therapy at a clinic in the city for a few weeks. The administrator of the clinic was eye balling her and ended up stealing her from us. She took the job, and gave us a month notice. It was a hard blow to all. We understood we did, but how do you say goodbye? How do you let go? THREE YEARS of taking care of me, loving me, hugging me, bathing me, playing with me????? I was out of breath…. My MJ won’t be mine anymore. 🙁

Needless to say there were a lot of sad faces around the house. The month seemed to fly by. We interviewed four different girls for the position. We weren’t impressed. We kept looking. It was difficult too as I was still on oxygen and having to do respiratory therapy everyday so MJ was showing them how not only do you have to do PT work with me but respiratory as well. It really wasnt the greatest situation. I was tired too from being sick. Maria Jose was receiving all the resumes and many many people applied for the job. However once explained exactly what my physical therapist does with me on a daily basis the number of people interested began to dwindle. It takes a very special person you see to be able to work with me. You may ask what does my PT do? Well let me tell you……

MJ would come to work Mon thru Thursday from 10 to 6pm. She bathed me and got me ready for the day, then we would do therapy for a while or arts and crafts, and then it would be lunch time and she would feed me which takes almost 1.5 hours.. After that it was relax time or nap time. Once I woke up we were back at therapy again for another hour. Then it would be time for a sunset stroll or a ride on my horse! After that it is pajamas,and teeth brushing. That is what my PT is supposed to do with me everyday but on some occasions it is respiratory therapy, poop therapy, massage therapy and more. My therapist ends up learning much from me. Maria Jose, came here three years ago as a physical therapist, but she left as a equine therapist, swim therapist,Bobath therapist, respiratory therapist, and much more….. Will she be prepared for anything when she has her own child? Yes she will. She will know how to face trying and stressful circumstances with strength and patience. It makes me happy knowing that I gave her insight and knowledge while working with me.

I will always hold a special place in my heart for her and I wish her only the very very best. Thanks MJ for loving me the way you do, for believing in me and for always treating me like any other kid. You have no idea how much that meant to me.

Malia

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