Spaulding Rehab Hospital, Boston: Where I learned to risk falling again…

The other day I took a trip back to Spaulding Rehab for a follow up appointment with Dr. Herman, one of the many dedicated and gifted professionals who treated me there three years ago. After our visit (I continue to do very well I’m happy to report) I took a walk outside the hospital and enjoyed the spectacular views of Boston Harbor on a bright September day.

I was instantly transported back three years to the “walks” I’d take outside when I was being treated there. The walking was done by my wife, Donna, as she pushed me in my wheelchair; my broken bones and lack of balance were still keeping me off my feet. I was still wearing my FALL RISK bracelet to warn me of my limitations! Eventually, with much patience and encouragement, I got back on my feet again.

I watched as current patients were out getting fresh air, escorted by friends, family and often by physical therapists. I saw a man with badly damaged legs being taught how to ride a hand powered bicycle. I watched a woman patiently encouraged to take steps without her crutches.  And I cheered and waved to a group of patients rowing a colorful Hawaiian style rowboat through the harbor, encouraged by a young woman in the bow calling out each stroke.

It was along this path, encouraged by the view, and by my fantastic therapists, that I learned to walk again.

“Parents, teachers, bosses, physicians. Allow, no, encourage, those in your charge to risk falling. It is key to growth”

I was struck once again by the power of encouragement to continue to live as fully as possible. To take on life again, perhaps in a more limited way but with no less enthusiasm and spirit. I’m sure many of these folks were sporting FALL RISK bracelets. And it would have been unwise for them to venture out alone for sure. But they were not being prepared for a cautious life to be observed through the window. They were being encouraged to live life as fully as possible. Differently, perhaps, but still finding ways to get the most out of it.

A good lesson for all of us. Parents, teachers, bosses, physicians. Allow, no, encourage, those in your charge to risk falling. It is key to growth, self-reliance and fulfillment. Of course, within reasonable limits, and, where necessary, give them a supporting hand, AND a helmet. But always be ready to let go of the back of the bicycle and see the look on their face as they ride.