I have to say that this last week was a hard one. All I did was study and when I wasn't studying I was worrying about failing this exam. How can I possibly remember everything I have learned AND know things that I haven't learned. Luckily, it's over! This morning at 7:30 am I went to the Prometric Testing Center on the U of U campus and after a short technical glitch and in just under 5 hours I finished the test of all tests in my career. My brain is fried and I have no clue if I passed, but at this moment I don't care; I did it; I took the test and came out without feeling, "Oh my goodness I failed that, there is no way I passed."
To celebrate I went to Crown Burger, got a gyro and sweet potato fries and brought it to Matthew's work where I had a late lunch with him. Even though I left the testing center with a headache from thinking so hard, I am so grateful it is done. I know the Lord helped me through it and I am even more grateful for that.
For dinner Matthew and I went out with the Branch Presidency to Coachman's Dinner and Pancake House on State Street. It was fun. I would say it was good food, but I didn't eat much because I had such a late, filling lunch. I felt bad because I didn't feel like I contributed much to any of the conversations, but it was fun to talk about different things and laugh at the memories we have shared at Friendship Manor thus far.
So, today was the last day of my last internship in PT school! I can't believe I am already done. It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it. Now all I have to do is pass my boards exam next week, graduate and get a job!
My experience at DDI Vantage has been great. I have loved the newness of the setting and it has helped me to realize how much more there is to learn about physical therapy and what I can do to truly help my patients regain function. I think that this experience has taught me that no matter the setting I work in, if I am looking for it, I can always learn more. I really enjoyed doing my in-service on a topic that isn’t directly related to PT, but at least in the early intervention setting, is important to the overall treatment of our patients with Autism. If we aren’t willing to look for and treat or refer as appropriate, then our patients won’t receive the best possible treatment and may not be able to progress in ways they would if they did.
Another amazing experience that stands out to me was with a child that was born without feet. It was amazing to me to see all the things this child could do. Going into the experience I had some expectations and what I did not expect to see was a child pop up onto his “nubbins” and walk around like it was no big deal. Now I realize that this didn’t just happen easily, it took a great deal of work and trial and error on the child’s part, but it does not make it any less amazing to me. What we as humans can endure and live around/with astounds me. A boy, born without feet can walk! It helps me to remember not to set limits on my patients. Yes, I must be realistic, but in some ways I have to believe that anything is possible. I shouldn’t set limitations on individuals, but encourage them to focus on what they are doing and to try and help them to get the most out of it. Instead of focusing on what they can’t do, I should help them focus on what they can do and help them to enjoy it.
Mama Bowen's birthday is this week and we got together today to celebrate. We all wanted to make this day special for her, so we were all trying to think of something we could do or get for her. Liz came up with the wonderful idea of giving her 60 happy thoughts for her 60th birthday. There are 6 kids in the Bowen clan so it meant that each family needed to come up with 10 happy thoughts. They could be pictures or quotes, anything you could think of that would bring happiness to Cynda. It was fun to do. What was even better was gathering around and watching Cynda as she opened up her happy thoughts. We have had many a gathering at the Bowen home and I always enjoy them, but this gathering for me has so far been the best of them all. We normally break off into small groups having conversations about this and that and so we don't always get a chance to talk to everyone. This time, every 5 to 10 minutes or so, we would gather around to watch Cynda open up another thought and inevitably it would turn into everyone talking about it and then someone sharing an experience or memory or funny thing that that particular happy thought reminded them of. This wasn't the intention of the happy thoughts, but it was a great bonus. It was very natural and I felt closer to this family. They really have become an extension of my family. I don't know what I would do without them.
We played a game that asked random questions about the Church.
It was surprisingly hard, but fun and educational.
Cynda with Maddy. Maddy just got this swim outfit and
although it is not yet swimming season she insists on wearing it.
She definitely has a mind of her own!
The awesome cake Liz made
The birthday girl and her awesome cake
Cole and his "fork" lift
The following pictures are a montage of photos by James:
The video below is an example of the Bowen spirit and talent when it comes to singing!
