Cousins

Kache Coltharp 9 months and Caden Coltharp 4 months 

Their expressions in this one cracks me up.

Well I am halfway through my first clinical rotation.  So far it's been a pretty good one.  I started out a little bored because I was just observing more than anything.  Now i'm actually getting to do evaluations and treatments--just under supervision. 

I've seen a lot of patients with vertigo (sense of spinning).  I've enjoyed treating that because vertigo can be such a debilitating state to be in and sometimes can be treated in just one visit with one simple treatment.  Because they come in feeling so awful and leave feeling maybe 85% better--they tend to think I'm amazing when in reality it was just an easy fix. 

Other than that I have been working with some kiddos (19months to 10 years), some spinal cord injuries, strokes, and traumatic brain injuries.  These have been some of the most rewarding cases to work with.  It breaks my heart to see how much lives can change in an unexpected instant.  For example, car accidents, or falls off a porch, horse, or out of the back of a truck.  Everyday I am reminded as to how important it is to appreciate the little things in life.  It's hard to imagine losing your ability to walk, talk, eat, smile, shake a hand, etc. and having to learn it again or learn how to utilize the limited function you do have. I have met some of the most phenomenal people!!!  It occassionally brings me to tears to talk with them and see what they have been through, how far they have come and how strong hearted they are. 

Working with people you hardly know and needing to get so "up close and personal" is not always the most plesant experience.  However, I did figure out I have an incredible ability to hold back from gagging.

Tiny Marine

Caden on Veteran's Day with Cody's dog tags and cami's.  He's so lucky to have such a great daddy to be his hero!  Thinking of all those past/present who have sacrificed so much so that we may have all those things we take for granted.

Unidentified Halloween Infant

So what was Cade man for his first Halloween???  I honestly don't know... maybe a vampire?  maybe a bat?  a few people called him kitty (fyi I would NOT intentionally dress my son up as a "kitty"---something a little more tough like a lion maybe but no kitty for this boy), I even heard he looked like a polar bear with purple ears.  Truth be told, it was the quick, easy, and $15 costume from Target and who really cares what it is... he's still adorable! 

So what do you do in Seymour, America after eating a hamburger with the fire dept and taking the unidentified halloween infant to see family?!?!?!?!? 

Ping pong tournament--of course.