Yet another reason that lifelong family friends are FANTASTIC...they let you use their pool.

• Look who not only got out of bed, but gave up his wheelchair for a little summer fun......

Amazing, I know. Yep. It's official, modern medicine has advanced far beyond my realm of thinking. Not that it had a very hard time surpassing that point. But swimming? Less than two weeks after surgery for a broken femur? Seriously?

When we were discharged two weeks ago from the hospital, the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Doyle, stated that our little broke leg boy could go swimming within a week or two. I doubted him.

Even when he further explained that the rods inside his leg are what causes the stabilization, therefore no cast is necessary, and the immobolizer brace can be removed during the day. Necessary still to sleep in at night, for safety, but the brace can come off.

He could only get in chest high water, but obviously, the water provides the buoyancy, so he still won't be putting weight on his leg, a win-win situation. So, I set out to try this theory out.

Broke leg boy was a bit nervous about me carrying him into the water....but mama is strong....inside and out. And he was impressed we were able to pull it off, just the two of us. We are ever so thankful to be allowed to use the pool of some good friends. And we may be needing it even more for therapy this summer. Thanks again y'all!!

You can see in the photos it was a bit of a struggle for him. He did well. I think. It was yet another small step in the right direction. It got him out of the house. It made him feel somewhat "normal". It's summer, he's in a pool, that's "normal". He was able to swim underwater a couple of feet. He didn't feel comfortable enough to kick with his good leg, so he mostly just used his arms.

You can see in this photo below, his "broke leg" just kind of floated along behind him, like a dead log. Bless his heart.


He wasn't able to stay in too long. His energy levels just aren't very high yet. He only lasted about 20 minutes in the pool, and asked for me to get him out. Just that little bit of exertion was enough to really tire him and his little body out. He's weak, but getting stronger every day. So, we dried off, braced back up, and headed home.
I was very proud of his efforts. And maybe we'll try it again soon. Just wait til the end of the summer.....he may be doing half gainers off the high dive....but don't hold your breath.