Welcome Home!

After enjoying a relaxing evening on friday, I woke up to a very busy and exciting day on Saturday. That morning I woke up early to have plenty of time to get ready and pack my things. After saying goodbye to Uncle Ron, Aunt Julie and I headed to Branson for some last-minute shopping. Since I usually only go to Branson with my family, I've never really experience the outlet mall due to my dad's refusal to shop! SO, I was determined to experience the outlet malls on my trip to Missouri. We found some really good deals!

After shopping and saying goodbye to Aunt Julie, I headed south to Conway. I had mixed feelings about coming back since I really enjoyed my time in Springfield, but I was also ready to get back to normal and be around my sister and friends. After enjoying the beautiful drive home through north Arkansas (the trees are starting to turn), I finally made it to Conway and was welcomed home in just the first glance!

Leah and Tasha had all the fall decor out and everything looked so great!

As I made my way into the house, I noticed that there were signs EVERYWHERE! I only included a few of my favorites on here, but there were over 20 signs!!! On the ceiling, on the mirror, on the shower, in EVERY drawer, in the closet, on the floor, and last but not least, IN my bed! They went over the top to say the least! I felt very loved and could tell that I was missed. It was very sweet and I am very glad to be home!

This one was ON the fire alarm!

on my bathroom mirror...

my bedroom mirror

This one is sweet, because I know how much Leah dislikes cleaning!

And this is the BEST!

If all my clinicals go by as fast and are as wonderful as this clinical, this is going to be a VERY fun year! And "almost PT" makes me very, very, very excited!!!! Stay tuned! =)

The End of a Chapter

Self-portrait on my new computer, purchased during my time here

Though it seems like yesterday I was preparing to move to Springfield, now I sit here wondering where the past 8 weeks have gone. I am all packed up, ready to head back to Conway tomorrow, and just want to reflect on these past 2 months.

Coming to Springfield for my 2nd clinical rotation has been in the plans for a while now, over a year to be exact. I had anticipated it for a while and looked forward to a nice break from classes. Never did I expect to have a new "home away from home", but that is exactly how it's been. From day one, my Aunt Julie and Uncle Ron accepted me into their home and made me feel very welcome. I have greatly enjoyed our talks, the free advice, yummy dinners, football saturdays, piano lessons, craft time, long walks, comedy wednesdays, and learning how to relax. =) It is amazing how time flies when you're having fun! I can never thank these two enough for making me feel right at home.

As far as my clinical, it was also the ideal experience. I immediately felt welcome in the therapy department and had an amazing CI (clinical instructor), Amy. The "lunch crew" called me over on day 1, and from there on out I enjoyed our daily lunches in the cafeteria! Sweet potato fries are my new favorite. =) Outside of my regular work, I enjoyed observing with some of the other therapists. Byron, a PT, took me in when Amy was out of town for a week and I enjoyed his laid-back therapy style. Maggie, a speech therapist, let me observe 2 different occasions, both of which I will remember forever. First was to watch a feeding with a precious angel in the NICU that had a cleft palate. She had to be fed at just the right angle and speed so that the liquid didn't go through the holes in the palate to the brain. This reminded me of the incredible design God planned out in creation. The second time was with one of my PT patients in ICU that was recovering from a motorcycle accident, from which he was expected to do. He had been intubated and sedated, so still has a trach. Maggie was introducing him to the speaking valve that would cover his trach and allow him to talk for the first time in weeks. I got to witness his first words, and after he realized it really worked, he teared up and kept saying, "Thank you God, my prayers were answered". All his nurses and family were so excited and touched by this medical miracle. Necollette, another PT, let me follow her around in the neonatal ICU a couple of different times to see PT for the babies. Once, I was able to hold a 33-week-old infant and do some therapy. Another time, I assisted her with making a brace for a spina bifada infant with clubfoot. Dennis, another PT and Paul's (classmate) CI, let me help out with a baclofen trial. This was a neat experience since I have learned about these and seen patient's with the pump, but never at this stage of the process.

As I've said, I had a wonderful clinical experience, thanks mostly to my CI, Amy. I was her first student, but I would never have guessed this by the way she handled things. In the beginning, she eased me into each situation, giving me more and more freedom as I felt comfortable. Throughout the clinical, she pointed out areas I could improve in, and I was greatful for her constructive criticism. Never once did she belittle me or make me feel dumb for not knowing what or how to do something. I can really look back and see how I've grown and my physical therapy abilities over this short 8-week period. I could never thank Amy enough for all the knowledge she has shared and instilled in me. Also, for whipping me into shape with those 8-flights of stairs multiple times during the day. She is a perfect example of how to model the importance of health and fitness throughout the lifespan. Now looking back, there are countless patients and experiences from the past 8 weeks that I will never forget. I only hope that in some way I was able to make a small, positive impact on their lives.

Today for lunch, Amy, Anna, and Dennis took Paul and I out to lunch at Red Robin. We enjoyed the bottomless fries and having good PT conversation over lunch. After a few more patients and lots of computer and paperwork, my time at Coxhealth in Springfield is complete. It feels like my time here has flown. I will never forget the things I have learned, both at work and at home. I'm not sure where life will take me, but I know I will always be welcome here.

The Best Things in Life are Free

Well, to say that I have neglected my blog updates is the understatement of the century. I just returned back to Springfield after a very memorable weekend at home. Tomorrow I will begin my last week here at Coxhealth in Springfield. On the one hand, my time here has flown, while on the other, I really miss my friends and am ready to return to normal in Conway. I will reflect on my clinical in a later blog, but for now I will give a summary of my busy weekend.

Now that it's all said and done, I can't believe I even considered missing out on such a wonderful weekend. After spending last weekend completely alone, I am realizing that having family and friends that love you and are there for you is truly a blessing. So, without much consideration of the 10 hours of driving, I decided to make a surprise roadtrip home to be with family for our annual reunions.

On Friday, I went in early and worked 7-3:30 so that I could head out as soon as possible. My CI is very thoughtful and sweet and sent me out the door at 3:00. Due to the excitement and anxiety of getting home, I made it home in only 4.5 hours! First stop was mamaw and papaw's for a short visit and to change clothes before the football game. The plan was to surprise them, and just show up at the door, but I didn't want to cause any heart attacks. ;-) So, I called them when I was a couple hours out and let them know. They were very happy and still very surprised. After a short visit and wardrobe change, I headed farther south to the Woodlawn homecoming game. I hadn't been back for a few years, so it was crazy to see how much everything had changed. The best part at the game was the look on my dad and sister's face when I walked up in the stands! My mom wasn't surprised as I had accidentally let the surprise slip the night before without thinking..silly me. At the game I got to visit with some friends from high school AND watch the bears win the homecoming game! It was great to be back!

On Saturday I was able to sleep in while Dad and Leah hit the woods for bow season. After going for a run, it was time to get ready for the day's festivities. We headed to the fire department for the McCoskey family reunion at lunch. I really enjoyed getting to be there with my family and visiting with others that we don't get to see very often.

The McCoskey Brothers and Sister

Uncle Donnie, Mamaw, Uncle Jimmy, and Uncle Jerry at the McCoskey reunion

After lunch, we headed back home to prepare for the arrival of the Jacks side of the family. I guess I should explain that much of the family is inter-connected...it is Arkansas right?! ha. So, my mamaw and her brother married my papaw and his sister, which leads to lots of double first-cousins! For this reason, when the family comes in for the family reunion, we might as well celebrate both sides on the same day!

Leah and I at the Jacks' reunion

The Jacks' Brothers and Sisters

Uncle Bennie, Aunt Zelma Rita, Aunt Carolyn, Aunt Mary, and Papaw at the Jacks' reunion

Everyone starting arriving around 5, loaded down with dishes and kiddos. It was such a beautiful day and thankfully we were able to spend lots of time outside. Mom had a very cute photo-op area decorated for family pictures, so we were able to capture the day.

My family. I like how you can see all the decorations in this picture.

My family

Also, we took this time to celebrate the upcoming 40th birthday of the twins, Merry and Sherry, my dad's double first-cousins. Merry's husband provided the cake and picture, and we all sang them a happy birthday.

Sherry and Merry

The twins' baby picture and 40th birthday cake

We all enjoyed eating supper together, and the kiddos especially enjoyed watching the deer come out to the feeder in the field. After supper, mom had bought a pinatta, and the kids enjoyed taking turns swinging until it finally burst and they all ran after the candy.

After all the family left, I headed to Monticello to see my friends Ashley, Chris, and Ben. We went to see the movie, EasyA, which was a total flop, but it doesn't matter with this crew. After the movie, we played cards and caught up on what has been going on...

On Sunday, it was good to be back at my home church. After church, we headed home for dad to open his birthday present. His birthday was last wednesday, but due to all the craziness, this was the first opportunity we had. Leah picked out a foot-massaging machine, a perfectly fitting gift for him!

After loading my car and saying goodbyes to dad and Leah, mom and I headed to Star City to have lunch with Bo, Uncle John Hugh, and Aunt Kay. It was good to visit over a delicious lunch. As you can see, family and food were a huge theme of my weekend! After lunch and a quick visit, I said my goodbyes and headed north for a looooooong drive. I was able to visit with several friends on the phone and this really helps to pass the time. Overall, I think you can see I had quite a busy weekend, but one that I wouldn't have missed for the world. If there is only one thing i've learned during this clinical experience in Springfield, it's the importance of being around the ones you love.....It's really true that the best things in life are free.