Abelina update

When I visited Abelina on Tuesday, she was able to go to the gym for the first time. So I was there to witness her exercise regiment in a new enviroment. She was accompanied by her good buddy Jackson. Whom has the exact spinal cord injury at the C-5 vertebrae that she has. He was also shot, but that had to do with a drug deal gone bad. Nevertheless the two of them are good buddies, swapping stories of recipes, hospital food and how they came to be were they are today. Jackson is quite the character and his personality complements Abelina's sharp whit.



So, Ericka and another assistant physical therapist wheeled the two of them down to level A where people of different ages and physical abilities went about their vigorous routine. First they lifted Abelina out of her chair by using a Hoyer lift, then carefully lowered her onto what looks like a large wooden bed with two mats about a foot apart. One for her and one for Jackson. Then after her transfer, it was Jackson 's turn. He commented a few times,"your my girlfriend Abelina you just don't know it yet." She chuckled and said, "Okay". As the therapist manipulated their bodies they discovered they both had nick names, his being Poppy hers Nena. So they joked about how they would never be Abelina and Jackson again. The amazing thing was how happy they seemed. Laughing and telling jokes while other patients struggled to smile. There were several moments were I caught the eyes of other patients . They watched the two of them very carefully, i'm sure wondering what their secret was. All the while they lay flat on their backs smiling and carrying on. It just goes to show you what a positive attitude and a lot of faith can get you.



I then was able to maneuver the wheel chair back up to the 3rd floor and get Abelina settled before my (never easy) departure. Before I left , she wanted me to read her Psalms from the Bible. So I read from Psalms 13 to 23 I believe. But the most important Psalms (which she had highlighted was) Yeah, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil... I't struck me as odd for a millisecond. But then realized this is a mantra for her, due to the fact she is constantly fighting for survival, life will never be the same. She will have to watch what she eats, make sure shes hydrated, avoid getting sick and constantly monitor her blood pressure. Not to mention being in a wheelchair. So, as we complain about our daily woes remember what her positive outlook has done for her thus far.



Diana