The joy of learning

Education has always been a big part of life for most of us, from the moment of birth. And sometimes before birth. I've seen ultrasounds of babies learning to comfort themselves by sucking their thumbs while they are still residing in high humidity.

But for the most part we start learning from the moment of birth when we learn to nurse. The small things we take for granted now ,we had to learn then. We learned to cry when we felt hunger, was cold, wet, or just needed comfort. Before we learned to verbalize our needs with words we cried. We learned to trust our needs would be met.

As we got older we learned to roll over, crawl, walk and verbalize our needs. Each goal met was celebrated, a new lesson learned each day. We learned by imitating our peers, siblings and parents before any formal education.

Our parents and siblings were our first teachers. We learned by example, some earlier than others but we learned. My generation and those before me didn't spend hours playing video games or sitting in front of a tv. We learned to use our imagination during playtime, we played outdoors. I think Mr Rogers and Sesame Street was the only programs I watched before attending School. Even today if something interest me I learn as much about it as I can. Why not?

Each day we learn something new, I know I do. At the age of 27 I had to learn better body mechanics to keep from injuring myself further. Even getting out of bed required me doing things differently. When I was 31 I had back surgery, so I had to learn to do things differently yet again. The new way of doing things is forever implanted in my mind, the old way is a distant memory.

Working in nursing it always amazed me to see our residents relearn the simplest things after strokes or back injuries. Or seeing someone who recently lost their sight learn to function and regain independence again. The mind is a wonderful thing.

I think our willingness to learn plays a big part in rehabilitation and how we cope with the loss of abilities. The loss I faced was minimal compared to other illnesses such as MND, MS, MD and Huntingtons disease. Each of these illnesses is devastating, rehab is important to teach the person how to deal with each new limitation as they occur. When an ability is lost we are taught a new way to do things. Adaptive equipment is sometimes needed.

After my back surgery I was sent home with a lot of adaptive equipment, I didn't have to wait. I had a raised toilet seat, a grabber, items to help with bathing and dressing & a walker which I used for a month. (Nothing like being 31 and needing a walker).

It's a real shame that others have to wait because of national health insurance for the items to make life easier. Or waiting for approval for therapies to cope with each loss by learning new ways of doing things.  I never had to wait for the things I needed or therapy.

Keep striving to overcome limitations by learning something new everyday.....