I Am Hot

No, not like you're thinking, I haven't been "hot" since I was 21!

I'm hot as in, livid, but I've actually let myself calm down just a bit. For those of you who don't like to read updates that include complaints or bitterness, be warned, you may want to stop reading here.

So here's how our PT session went yesterday. Let me start by saying the PT walked in on DH and I kissing, although she didn't see anything. Don't worry it was completely PG as we were dogpiled on the bed with dear Chelsea, she won't let anyone kiss or hug without being part of it! :) I was just getting ready to leave for the weekend.

Here's our conversation from there:
My thoughts are in italics...

PT: So we were going over Chelsea's progress and my evaluation from last week and we think she's doing great. Her skills are in the 18-20 month range with a few in the 24 month range. (Chelsea is 26 months.)

ME: Great

PT: So I think we're going to step back for a while and just check in every other week to see if there's anything you need help with.

ME: HMMM, you know she's not getting any therapy when we go home right? This is all she gets right now until we're done with treatment.

PT: Yes.

ME: Well, the reason she's doing so well is because we've stayed on top of her therapy and make sure she gets what she needs. If we stop now, she'll fall behind, don't you think?

PT: We can give you handouts on things you can work on with her.

ME: No thanks, I've got plenty of handouts
... I've gotten so many handouts you would think I'm a PT, OT and Speech Therapist.

Then she directs her attention to Chelsea.

PT: Come here Chelsea, do you want to play? Show me how your Ernie doll works.

She fiddles with the foot looking for the on button as Ryan directs her.

PT: What am I retarded?

Can you see my eyes popping out of my head? Ryan and I look at each other in shock and disbelief. Did our physical therapist who works at a CHILDREN'S hospital with kids with special needs just say the R - WORD???

ME: WELL, I THINK I BETTER GO NOW.

Ryan: To be honest, that word kind of offends us.

double take, did my husband just say what I think he did?

PT: Oh no, I wasn't calling her that, I was saying that about myself.

duh? ... she doesn't get it.

ME: I know, but Chelsea is considered (insert R word here) and when you use it in that manner, you're implying that something is undesirable or unwanted...

PT: Well no, I don't think of her like that. She's just a little toddler, a little girl with Down syndrome. I'm sorry. I love working with special needs kids ... then she goes on and on about how saintly she is to work with special needs kids and how some people ask her why she would want to work with (insert R word here) kids ... and apologizing over and over.

seriously, is she getting it?

ME: Well we don't mean to make you feel bad, we just feel like we need to educate when the opportunity arises.

PT: Well thank you, I'm sorry ... yada yada ...

That's about where I left. In all fairness, she was very apologetic. And I have to tell you I left the hospital with a big smile on my face. You're probably wondering why ... because I just heard our therapist use the nastiest word on the face of the Earth ... NO ... because my dear husband just stood up and advocated for our daughter!!!!! Not that he hasn't advocated for her the past two years, but he generally doesn't let that stuff get to him. He's generally pretty passive and just blows those things off, but something has changed about him (more on that later). I was so proud of him, I was beaming. At the same time I was sad that I was really going to walk away. I was going to leave and abandon the opportunity to educate someone who plays a large part in the lives of many children with special needs. Thank you Ryan. I am proud to be your wife.

I suppose now would be an appropriate time to add this to my blog.