Monday, November 5, 2007
The conclusion
Taking small steps seems to always work. After all, it is how we learn to walk, talk, love, and show emotions. I recommend this book to everyone. Every moment in life matters, because despite the many hardships that often come our way, there is always much to be grateful for.
Cherished moments: chapters 16-18
The Christmas pageant was a success. Peg makes it across with much assistance from her partner. As the comroderie with her new sisters at the hospital continues, Peg's wish for returning home for a Christmas visit comes true.
This time, the visit was better, but still not one hundred percent. Peg's brother and Dad find a way to get Peg uptairs to revisit her room. Though her visit went well, she was eager to return to the hospital in hopes that her good, sick friend will still be there. She is delighted to find that all of her sisters are well and enjoyed a memorable Holiday. And soon, Peg finds herself giving in to her Mother's request of donating her toys and books to the youth at her hospital.
With thought and concentration about each step she made, Peg began taking small steps. She still used walking sticks for the most part, but within time and much therapy, she learned to walk again, taking slow small steps.
Her dream finally came true of returning home. She was to continue her excersises and practice walking alone. She experienced mixed emotions about being able to return home to stay, and not wanting to leave her friends behind. Peg said her goodbyes early one morning and felt content knowing that she would return every week for checkups. She promised her friends a full report of the outside world and parted.
Before she returned home, Peg and her Mother payed a visit to Dr. Bevis. Peg walked for Dr. Bevis, head up, heel toe, small steps, as she had promised she would. Dr. Bevis proudly congratulated Peg, as he thanked her for returning to show him. His reaction showed great pride and was described witnessing someone who won the lottery.
In the last chapter of the book, Peg returns home. She continues her exercises, and continues to use walking sticks. Slowly, she keeps in touch with her friends by writing, and visiting. Soon after, she receives permission to return to school. Despite her fear and reluctance of how the school will react to her condition, she returns. It had been seven months since she had been away. It felt like a lifetime.
Much to her surprise, schoolmates greeted her with cheers and eager volunteerism to help. Without knowing it, she had "become a celebrity." She became more confident as her first day passed, and she realized that though she had returned on walking sticks, moving slowly and taking small steps, in many ways, she was stronger than when she had left.
This time, the visit was better, but still not one hundred percent. Peg's brother and Dad find a way to get Peg uptairs to revisit her room. Though her visit went well, she was eager to return to the hospital in hopes that her good, sick friend will still be there. She is delighted to find that all of her sisters are well and enjoyed a memorable Holiday. And soon, Peg finds herself giving in to her Mother's request of donating her toys and books to the youth at her hospital.
With thought and concentration about each step she made, Peg began taking small steps. She still used walking sticks for the most part, but within time and much therapy, she learned to walk again, taking slow small steps.
Her dream finally came true of returning home. She was to continue her excersises and practice walking alone. She experienced mixed emotions about being able to return home to stay, and not wanting to leave her friends behind. Peg said her goodbyes early one morning and felt content knowing that she would return every week for checkups. She promised her friends a full report of the outside world and parted.
Before she returned home, Peg and her Mother payed a visit to Dr. Bevis. Peg walked for Dr. Bevis, head up, heel toe, small steps, as she had promised she would. Dr. Bevis proudly congratulated Peg, as he thanked her for returning to show him. His reaction showed great pride and was described witnessing someone who won the lottery.
In the last chapter of the book, Peg returns home. She continues her exercises, and continues to use walking sticks. Slowly, she keeps in touch with her friends by writing, and visiting. Soon after, she receives permission to return to school. Despite her fear and reluctance of how the school will react to her condition, she returns. It had been seven months since she had been away. It felt like a lifetime.
Much to her surprise, schoolmates greeted her with cheers and eager volunteerism to help. Without knowing it, she had "become a celebrity." She became more confident as her first day passed, and she realized that though she had returned on walking sticks, moving slowly and taking small steps, in many ways, she was stronger than when she had left.
Inspiration and progress continues: chapters 13-15
When her walking sticks arrive, she parts with her wheelchair, surprised that she is fearful of learning to become mobile without it. Learning to walk is harder than she had ever imagined. She quickly found herself thinking about every step, lift, and land of her foot. She continued, slowly, and with deep concentration. She took ten small steps the first day!
With Christmas around the corner, she becomes lonely and homesick at nights. She begs Mrs. Ballard, her nurse, if she can return home for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
In the meantime, the whole hospital is performing a Christmas pageant, in which Peg plays the role of Mary. With the surprising turnout, there is a quick change of plans. Peg finds herself making a decision to walk for the first time since her paralysis, without the use of any walking sticks or mobile device, in front of an entire audience. Her only support will be "Joseph" holding her at the waist.
What a courageous young woman! She has more determination than many adults that I know. Taking small steps is one thing, but in front of an audience of strangers to see is another. I applaud her bravery.
With Christmas around the corner, she becomes lonely and homesick at nights. She begs Mrs. Ballard, her nurse, if she can return home for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
In the meantime, the whole hospital is performing a Christmas pageant, in which Peg plays the role of Mary. With the surprising turnout, there is a quick change of plans. Peg finds herself making a decision to walk for the first time since her paralysis, without the use of any walking sticks or mobile device, in front of an entire audience. Her only support will be "Joseph" holding her at the waist.
What a courageous young woman! She has more determination than many adults that I know. Taking small steps is one thing, but in front of an audience of strangers to see is another. I applaud her bravery.
Sad realizations: chapters 10-12
Peg celebrates her 13th Birthday with her parents and roomates at the hospital. Her wishes are to walk and return home. She misses home, and describes home as being more than four walls and furniture. Home is being with her family and dog. Home is her Grandpa sitting next to her at dinner, her mother singing in the kitchen, and her Dad bringing her a piece of bubble gum. At home, she is safe and cherished.
Peg continues to improve as she begins to stand alone. She learns that she is getting a pair of walking sticks. In the meantime, she is gaining her mobility in a wheelchair. She enjoys her new mobility and she makes her rounds about the hosptial, meeting and greeting with the staff and patients. She becomes notorious for being a "daredevil," popping wheelies and "dancing the hula." In an attempt to show a fellow roomate what the hula dance in Hawaii looks like, Peg attempts the dance and falls. She sadly realizes that although she is making progress, she has many obstacles to overcome and that she is not completely well.
When she gains an opportunity to visit her home, for the first time since she became hospitalized, she again faces dissapointment. During her ride home in the car, she realizes that she is not physically strong enough for the outside world as she had hoped. Her body is still extremely weak, and her wheelchair does not allow her to go to her room upstairs. Her house is not equipped for wheelchair access in any way. She is not ready to return home.
How devastating, to gain a taste of returning home, and realize that you cannot. To realize that home will have to remain a hospital.
Peg continues to improve as she begins to stand alone. She learns that she is getting a pair of walking sticks. In the meantime, she is gaining her mobility in a wheelchair. She enjoys her new mobility and she makes her rounds about the hosptial, meeting and greeting with the staff and patients. She becomes notorious for being a "daredevil," popping wheelies and "dancing the hula." In an attempt to show a fellow roomate what the hula dance in Hawaii looks like, Peg attempts the dance and falls. She sadly realizes that although she is making progress, she has many obstacles to overcome and that she is not completely well.
When she gains an opportunity to visit her home, for the first time since she became hospitalized, she again faces dissapointment. During her ride home in the car, she realizes that she is not physically strong enough for the outside world as she had hoped. Her body is still extremely weak, and her wheelchair does not allow her to go to her room upstairs. Her house is not equipped for wheelchair access in any way. She is not ready to return home.
How devastating, to gain a taste of returning home, and realize that you cannot. To realize that home will have to remain a hospital.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Life in a hospital: chapters 7-9
I have always tried to live life by telling myself not to sweat the small stuff. This book made me realize that most of my concerns are small in comparison to the value of my life. In chapter seven, Peg reads letters and cards from her classmates and realizes that the concerns and important things to her classmates, what used to be of concern to her, did not matter any more. She had faced death. She suddenly realized that she was changed forever. Her new world was the hospital.
When Peg wakes up to find that she could move her hands and arms, she is beyond ecstatic! She could now read and hold her books again, and begins to read aloud to her roomate Tommy until her voice gives out. Her progress continues, and this brings her bitter sweet news that she will be transferred yet again. Although this means that she is getting better, it also means that she will no longer have Dr. Bevis as her doctor.
After she accepts her departure and says her goodbyes, she is transferred. She enters her new room and is greeted by her four new roomates: Dorothy, Shirley, Renee, and Alice. They are all similar in age. Soon Peg is introduced to her new physical therapist, Mrs Ballard. To her astonishment, her new therapist is encouraging and does not ever want her "to feel real pain." She is relieved and learns to cooperate and trust her. She even learns to look forward to daily physical therapy sessions. Peg soon begins to use a wheelchair and her progress continues to show.
Sundays become her favorite days because visitors are allowed, and she gets to see her parents. Her parents are a delight and bring news of the outside world and goodies to Peg, as well as for her roomates. None of her roomates receive visitors because their parents live too far away. And one's parents abandoned her.
This book not only makes me be grateful for my parents and loved ones, but also for life. I get to experience favorite foods, music, shows, movies, and being a woman. I never before realized or began to phathom what life might be like living in a hospital, nearly my whole life, as did Alice, Peg's roomate.
When Peg wakes up to find that she could move her hands and arms, she is beyond ecstatic! She could now read and hold her books again, and begins to read aloud to her roomate Tommy until her voice gives out. Her progress continues, and this brings her bitter sweet news that she will be transferred yet again. Although this means that she is getting better, it also means that she will no longer have Dr. Bevis as her doctor.
After she accepts her departure and says her goodbyes, she is transferred. She enters her new room and is greeted by her four new roomates: Dorothy, Shirley, Renee, and Alice. They are all similar in age. Soon Peg is introduced to her new physical therapist, Mrs Ballard. To her astonishment, her new therapist is encouraging and does not ever want her "to feel real pain." She is relieved and learns to cooperate and trust her. She even learns to look forward to daily physical therapy sessions. Peg soon begins to use a wheelchair and her progress continues to show.
Sundays become her favorite days because visitors are allowed, and she gets to see her parents. Her parents are a delight and bring news of the outside world and goodies to Peg, as well as for her roomates. None of her roomates receive visitors because their parents live too far away. And one's parents abandoned her.
This book not only makes me be grateful for my parents and loved ones, but also for life. I get to experience favorite foods, music, shows, movies, and being a woman. I never before realized or began to phathom what life might be like living in a hospital, nearly my whole life, as did Alice, Peg's roomate.
The torture: chapters 4-6
When Peg learns that moving on means burning her belongings, she is saddened. To prevent polio from being spread to others, the hospital carefully rids Peg's room of contaminated unread books, gifts, cards, and a beloved teddy bear that her brother gave her. Her mother assures her that this has to be done so that someone else does not get polio.
When Peg gets transferred to her new room, she finds out that she has a new roomate named Tommy. She quickly learns that he is in an even worse condition than her. He is using the respirator that was commonly called an "iron lung," that she so feared to ever have to use.
In chapter five, Peg gets a crush on her Dr. Bevis. He inspires her to get better and makes her promise that she'll some day walk again. This crush all starts with a thoughtful gesture of painted toenails! Now, this made me cry, yet again! But, a good cry. Believe me, you'll be glad you read this book!
Through all of the painful treatments of using extremely hot packs to stretch the muscles in her body, she remains strong. Though the yells and groans, made the nurse stretch harder. Peg is put through excruciating pain that she recalls as "torture time." Peg's goals of being a veterinarian or a writer begin to seem out of reach. She sadly realizes that she may not ever be able to carry an animal or use a pencil or typewriter.
I cannot even imagine what her pain must have been like. And, I don't want to. Although it scares me, is saddens me to think of how this young twelve year old girl has endured so much pain in such a short period of time. This is truly tragic. Especially for a child. This book has allowed me to gain an appreciation for all of the people in the world whose lives are affected by a handicap or illness. I can only be all-the-more grateful for what I have in life, and that I have one.
When Peg gets transferred to her new room, she finds out that she has a new roomate named Tommy. She quickly learns that he is in an even worse condition than her. He is using the respirator that was commonly called an "iron lung," that she so feared to ever have to use.
In chapter five, Peg gets a crush on her Dr. Bevis. He inspires her to get better and makes her promise that she'll some day walk again. This crush all starts with a thoughtful gesture of painted toenails! Now, this made me cry, yet again! But, a good cry. Believe me, you'll be glad you read this book!
Through all of the painful treatments of using extremely hot packs to stretch the muscles in her body, she remains strong. Though the yells and groans, made the nurse stretch harder. Peg is put through excruciating pain that she recalls as "torture time." Peg's goals of being a veterinarian or a writer begin to seem out of reach. She sadly realizes that she may not ever be able to carry an animal or use a pencil or typewriter.
I cannot even imagine what her pain must have been like. And, I don't want to. Although it scares me, is saddens me to think of how this young twelve year old girl has endured so much pain in such a short period of time. This is truly tragic. Especially for a child. This book has allowed me to gain an appreciation for all of the people in the world whose lives are affected by a handicap or illness. I can only be all-the-more grateful for what I have in life, and that I have one.
My take so far over chapters 1-3
Imagine how frightening it might be to find out that from one day to the next, you are paralyzed! The signs of polio begin in the second paragraph of the book. The first chapter is extremely powerful. It tempts the reader to continue to read on. I couldn't put the book down. The descriptions of emotions and events are vivid and powerful. The tragic events occur to a young average seventh grade girl. Her case of polio affects her whole family, who dearly loves her.
As if finding out that having polio isn't bad enough, Peg finds out that she has two kinds of polio. Her case is severe, and she is transported to a hospital that can better treat her condition. She is kept in careful isolation, and cannot see her family, so that she won't "contaminate" the outside world. She learns that she will remain hospitalized until...?? It could be days, months, years.
Chapter three really made me cry. Can you possibly imagine how drinking a chocolate milkshake can save your life? I absolutely love this book so far. I can't wait to read the next chapter! I already value my life so much more.
As if finding out that having polio isn't bad enough, Peg finds out that she has two kinds of polio. Her case is severe, and she is transported to a hospital that can better treat her condition. She is kept in careful isolation, and cannot see her family, so that she won't "contaminate" the outside world. She learns that she will remain hospitalized until...?? It could be days, months, years.
Chapter three really made me cry. Can you possibly imagine how drinking a chocolate milkshake can save your life? I absolutely love this book so far. I can't wait to read the next chapter! I already value my life so much more.
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