Yesterday,
Cliff was able to show Dr. Park how awesome he is doing!
Dr. Park was happy with Cliff’s progress!
He evaluated Cliff thoroughly and Cliff was so excited to show Dr. Park how much progress he made since we saw him last year.
Dr. Park told us that he thinks Cliff’s hamstrings are a little tight and they are the reason he is walking on his toes.
(Which is exactly what his Special Needs Pediatrician and PT said at home)
Then we asked THE BIG question…
“Do you still think Cliff will walk independently?!”
After Cliff passed the “raising both feet to get his badge test” aka flexed both feet,
Dr. Park said “Cliff still has a chance to walk independently!”
He stressed to us that Cliff will still have the ability to develop his gross motor skills for 4 or 5 more years.
Having the ability to walk totally on his own may take a little more time.
Overall, Dr. Park was pleased with Cliff’s progress and we will come back in one year to visit him again!
Oh yea…
He also said that Cliff relies WAAAAAY too much on his walker.
That Cliff has mastered using his walker, it is no longer challenging him and is ready to move onto canes so that he can be challenged!
So starting today, Operation CLIFF WALK WITH CANES is underway!
After meeting with Dr. Park,
Cliff had a PT evaluation!
All of the things he was unable to do or scored a 1 on before the SDR,
Cliff mastered this time!
The Physical Therapist was thrilled with Cliff’s progress!
He did things like walk up steps…
… and back down again!
He even showed Ms. Erica how he can stand up from sitting on a bench for a few seconds!
Erica says that she thinks Cliff will walk independently!
(Those words mean SOOOOO much to Ross and I)
I am not too sure what Cliff scored on the evaluation today,
but I do know that Cliff blew that evaluation out of the water!
We are so thankful that Cliff is able to have access to these wonderful resources here in St. Louis. Ross and I thank the Lord for providing such wonderful Doctors and Physical Therapists for Cliff.
Cliff still has a long way to go,
but we KNOW he will walk independently one day!
God is so wonderful.
We are so thankful!
Thank you all for your prayers, messages and sweet comments.
They mean more to us than you will ever know.
Having YOU support us and praying for us keep us going through the tough times!
We are so thankful for you!
Today,
we are sharing this Bible Verse with Cliff:
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
what wonderful news! continued prayers sent your way!
Could he be any cuter in that little bow-tie?!? What a great post! Go Cliff!
What a beautiful story! My prayers are with Cliff and his continued progress.
I think if any little guy can learn to walk independently it will be your Cliff!
Hugs, prayers and love from Virginia.
As humans we tend to take so much for granted. Especially the fact that we get up each morning and put our feet on the floor and walk without even giving it a second thought. I have been following your blog for sometime now and I am so pleased to see the progress that Cliff has made and continues to make. He makes me smile and gives me such strength through his progress and courage. I feel very blessed to have met him if only through your blog. Big hugs to all of you.
What a great trip!!! Great news for Mr. Cliff! He looks awesome during his PT session!
WOW what happy news…and such a blessing. Cliff is such a strong boy, he will do with your support and his positive attitude I am sure of it…Wow was that the sped teacher in me or what…
Seriously, no doubt,…its gonna happen he will walk independently!!
What amazing news!! So happy for you and Cliff! What progress he has made. Praying for a successful surgery this week.
Wow! What super news. What a handsome little fighter you have on your hands!
Prayers are continuing for your family and Mr. Cliff. Praying specifically for his surgery tomorrow!