The development of what we now know about the brain regarding how it operates, its patterns and capabilities to show flexibility has increased exponentially in recent years. Neurons in the brain fire, make connections and create pathways adapting to its environment in remarkable ways. This ability to create new trails, and sever ones that aren't as useful is the realm of neuroplasticity.
Ali and I have been learning about the many pathways the brain creates in order to perform tasks such as movement ever since James was born. One early morning, looking out a window from the Ronald McDonald House I began drawing comparisons between neuroplasticity and the way that trees grow.
They send out branches, reaching for further ways to progress and develop towards the sun. A tree is a network of trails and paths, above and below ground, that intersect and make connections in creative ways. If a certain branch of area of a tree is damaged or is not producing like it should, the tree can creatively work around that area, self-prune, and continue its network of pathways to find success in its environment. This is precisely the hope and prayer that Ali and I have as parents over James. That his brain would creatively make new connections and ways to accomplish movement through the possibilities of neuroplasticity. Every human learns and develops through the brain making these connections and realizing what it can manipulate around them, and this is so important for James in his development.
Movements that come naturally with time for most children such as bending, sitting, rolling, crawling, balancing, bracing, standing, and walking will take many hours/years of intentional training through daily physiotherapy for James to allow these neurological connections to take hold. The goal is that in time, they happen without thinking. The spasticity and stiffness that is common in CP can be shifted, because of neuroplasticity. This road is a long road to travel with many hills and valleys along the way. No parent wishes these difficulties for their child. It will be painful. It will require a summoning of resiliency, patience, grit and stamina to continue on. The journey James and other children like James will experience will bring them face to face with grappling the unfairness of the world in ways that the majority does not have to.
I have found the current Sick Kids marketing theme so moving. It speaks to the fighter in every child that encounters medical issues. It's called Sick Kids "VS". It promotes the strength of the child, not the weakness of the disease/disorder.
When Ali and I were unexpectedly told that James was being transferred to Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital in Scarborough in a few hours, we quickly packed up our things and prepared to leave. One of the nurses pulled me aside and described that they have been preparing a necklace for James that symbolizes all of the moments of bravery he had to undergo during his stay at Sick Kids. Each bead represents a specific part of his medical journey from various procedures to events (NG tubes, CPAP, blood work, MRI's etc.) This is such an empowering source of internal strength that James can look back to later on.
So, earlier than expected, James was transferred to Scarborough. He stayed 3 and a half weeks at Sick Kids. He would stay at Centenary for a further 3 weeks before his homecoming.
The support that Ali, James and I experienced through prayer, gifts and encouragement while at Sick Kids was immense. I wasn't always thinking to take pictures in these moments at Sick Kids but I do have a few shots of friends and family that came to visit. If you're reading this blog and you have some pictures of us together at this time, please forward it to me. Here's a sampling of the amazing family and community that surrounds us and James.
Comments