Pep Talk

Two days ago, Kevin was exhausted for the entire day because he got off to a tiring start. First thing in the morning, he had to do the procedure that tested the mechanisms of his swallowing. He sat up in a wheelchair for about an hour and a half, which really tired him out. For the remainder of the day, Kevin didn’t have much energy, so he couldn’t participate much during therapy sessions.

Kevin’s attending physician spoke with the therapists about that day, and they had reported on his low energy and little participation. True, there was a good reason for Kevin’s exhaustion, but it provided a good teaching moment. Armed with the therapists’ reports, the doctor gave Kevin a threatening, but helpful, pep talk yesterday morning. Kevin’s doctor told him that if he’s not able to participate, there’s no point in him being here. Also, if he stops progressing, the doctors and therapists will decide that he has reached his potential for improvement, and they’ll send him home.

This talk succeeded in getting Kevin’s attention and motivating him. He knows that if he works for it, he will be able to improve great amounts. He wants to prove that he hasn’t plateaued in recovering his abilities. His long-term goals are to be able to walk unassisted and to be as independent as possible. Kevin believes he can eventually accomplish these goals, but he needs to make the therapists believe in him as well.

Yesterday, all his therapists were blown away by what he could do. He worked extremely hard in physical and occupational therapy, and he was able to eat most of a Wendy’s Frosty during speech therapy. He tapped into a deep source of energy to prove that he is willing to do the work it takes to be here. Plus, Kevin's stubbornness comes in handy; he won't let anyone tell him what he is or is not capable of! Kevin showed he has the strength and motivation to work towards goals he sets for himself, and every day more people believe in his potential.