Today I went to visit Walter Reed Hospital with a group of Vietnam Vets I am associated with. Walter Reed is on the list to be closed, but for now it is still getting many of the new wounded military men and women. We went down to drop off items we had collected for them, plus to tour the facility and meet some of the people there.
Two of the spaces we spent extended time in were the occupational therapy lab and the physical therapy lab. We saw the equipment used to help them get used to their new arms and legs, and we saw how they are aided in learning how to do things they will need to do, everything from climbing ladders to using the bathroom to cooking to running and so on. We got to talk to therapists who explained the different choice of limbs the patients how, how each works, how long each lasts, and such. And we go to talk to some of the soldiers going through rehab, and their families. The ones we met were all upbeat and motivated. I know they are all not like that, but the ones we met were. The families are encouraged to be a part of the therapy every step of the way.
The most moving thing was seeing the Vietnam Vets who had been wounded talking to those newly wounded in the same way. It was very emotional for them, and for me to see. I was reminded once again how strong the human spirit can be that folks can take such a beating, and then get up going again. I was very humbled by the experience.
Two of the spaces we spent extended time in were the occupational therapy lab and the physical therapy lab. We saw the equipment used to help them get used to their new arms and legs, and we saw how they are aided in learning how to do things they will need to do, everything from climbing ladders to using the bathroom to cooking to running and so on. We got to talk to therapists who explained the different choice of limbs the patients how, how each works, how long each lasts, and such. And we go to talk to some of the soldiers going through rehab, and their families. The ones we met were all upbeat and motivated. I know they are all not like that, but the ones we met were. The families are encouraged to be a part of the therapy every step of the way.
The most moving thing was seeing the Vietnam Vets who had been wounded talking to those newly wounded in the same way. It was very emotional for them, and for me to see. I was reminded once again how strong the human spirit can be that folks can take such a beating, and then get up going again. I was very humbled by the experience.
