He May Be too Modest...

But I am not above bragging for him. Ben has a lot to boast about these days. For starters, one of his OT therapists told him that his progress is truly astounding. She said she has been doing this for 7 years and has not seen anyone recover so much so fast. She credited his determination and 'can do' attitude, saying Malaysians are lazy and could learn a thing or two from him. She also pointed him out to another patient as an example to follow. I think she may hire Ben to give motivational talks to all her patients. While this is awesome to hear, it is really just a vocal expression of what I see in all of his therapists eyes - pride. Though some are more reserved about saying it than others, they are all so proud and everyone in that rehabilitation center marvels at his progress. I even think that some therapists are jealous he is not their patient, no joke. I catch them staring longingly his way all the time.

As for just what that progress looks like. Well, Ben showers, dresses himself, and makes the long journey to the taxi and through the hospital on foot everyday.

Though this may not sound that amazing, these are not small feats. The energy it takes to sustain these activities is really like running a marathon and he does it all before his intensive therapy. And it is worth noting that when he started the 'walking only' challenge last Friday, he needed to take a break three times in the course of his journey. Today, he walked down to breakfast which includes a hefty set of stairs, back up to the room and then all the way to therapy without batting an eye. He really barely needs my assistance anymore. Though I should note that I am still doing all the cooking and cleaning. Selective motivation maybe?! No worries though, I like being useful.

He also wants you all to know that he can now bench press 3kg. From zero to 3kg in a few weeks. Trust me it is more than impressive.

And now drum roll please, the big feat of the week - He walked about the length of a football field yesterday without a cane or anything. It was so amazing. Before this I had only seen him take a few tentative steps on his own and so when I suggested he practice walking without his cane in physio I expected five steps tops. But Ben was determined to wow us all and he started strolling as if he had been doing it all his life (haha). The whole room was beaming! I was ecstatic! He was ecstatic and proud!

Everyday, I swear EVERYDAY, Ben amazes me. From the big feats like walking to the smaller ones like the increasing ease with which he accomplishes a task that was near impossible the day before or the increasing coordination and control of small individual and complex movements, he wows me all the time. If ever anyone deserved to brag or be bragged about it is Ben. He is truly killing it!