Ohhh, We're halfway there.

As of tomorrow I am halfway through this clinical.

I have grown a lot in my skills, especially my confidence in them.

Some good stories that stand out:

The day after discussing the patient's performance during therapy with her husband:

Patient: "You sure settled him down last night.  I told him, 'See, I told you I liked her.' We were a little unsure when they switched me to someone new."

      Glad to hear it worked out well. :)

Patient's 83 year old wife: "You look more professional with your hair pulled back like that than when it is down.  I don't know if that is the look you are going for or not."

      As a matter of fact that is the look I shoot for on a daily basis. Apparently missing that target.

Patient's "girlfriend": "You know, when I first met you I thought you were a little Miss Know It All, but then we got to know you." 

      Well that's promising. HA.

While the patient took a break I tried to do a trick with a bouncy ball.

I kicked the ball square in my face.

I told my mom that two patients guessed me to be in my thirties.

Mom: "Was it the bags under your eyes or did they have brain injuries?'

       In my defense, they did have brain injuries.  (Working full time is tiring!)

After asking my patient to stand up.

Patient: "Katelyn, I think you believe in me way too much."

       Why yes I do.  That day my patient stood for the first time since her accident.

While transferring different patients.

"Honey, do you need me to call someone to help you?"

"Should I call a nurse?"

"That's a mighty big job for such a little girl."

       Apparently I scare people. I'm stronger than I look & trained for this people!

A TBI patient in pain refuses therapy constantly.

Patient: "I'm tired of your silly games."

"I'm not doing this."

"I hate this place."

"I want to go home."

"I don't like your rules."

"I don't need therapy."

I spend more billable time "educating" this patient on their need for therapy, than they spend performing said therapy.

But today I found a fishing pole and we took a long walk outside over uneven surfaces and worked on  balance by casting.  

And he smiled. A lot. 

We're halfway there. 

How you ever gonna reach the stars
If you never get off the ground
And you're always here where you are,
If you let life knock you down.